By Lookout News

April 30, 2020 -- The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) has been recognized with a “Best Communities for Music Education” designation for the 19th straight year -- a State record.

The annual award from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) honors districts "that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students," officials said.

SMMUSD was one of three Los Angeles County school districts and one of 686 districts nationwide to receive the prestigious award this year, District officials said.

“This award recognizes the outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who work together to ensure access to music learning for all students as part of the school curriculum, including during this challenging year,” said District Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati.

“We would not have received this recognition without the hard work and dedication of many people providing equity and access to all our students in Malibu and Santa Monica.”

To qualify for the designation, District officials answered detailed questions about "funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs."

Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas, officials said.

“During the most challenging time our music teachers have stepped up and continued to deliver an outstanding music education for students,” said Tom Whaley, the District's coordinator of Visual and Performing Arts.

“SMMUSD has received this award consecutively longer than any school district in California and that is due to the commitment and hard work of all our stakeholders, but especially our fantastic music teachers!”

Funding for many SMMUSD visual and performing arts programs comes from the Santa Monica Education Foundation, Arts Angels, Shark Fund and the Malibu PTA.