ITEM FILE PHOTO
supervisor of fine arts Joseph Picano
LYNN — Local school music programs have struck a chord with a national association that named Lynn a best community for music education.
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) included Lynn Public Schools in a list of 476 districts demonstrating commitment to music education.
The Best Communities Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
In a statement, NAMM said Lynn’s recognition was awarded after Joseph Picano, supervisor of fine arts, answered questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.
The responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
The statement said the award recognizes that Lynn is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), signed into law in 2015.
“We are very fortunate in Lynn to have a thriving fine arts program, with music education as a
centerpiece” said Catherine C. Latham, superintendent of schools. “Being recognized as one of the Best Communities in Music Education validates the outstanding work of Mr. Picano and our music educators throughout the district.”
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 10,300 members worldwide. The foundation advances participation in music making by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service.
The ESSA law draws attention to the importance of keeping music education part of the school’s core education for all students, according to the NAMM.
In its statement, NAMM credited Lynn schools and Picano with reviving Lynn’s school-based music programs since 1998.
Students have performed at Boston Symphony Hall and many students have received scholarship awards from the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Handel and Haydn Society.
