Stow Schools Recognized for Music Education

They've already won awards for their musical prowess, and now students — and educators — in the Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools are being recognized again.

The NAMM Foundation, a non-profit geared toward musical advancement, named the district among 307 across the country this year to earn the Best Communities for Music Education distinction.

The foundation surveys districts on a variety of topics from funding to graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and general support of musical arts before choosing those that earn the BCME title, according to the district.

Brian Monroe, director of the Stow-Munroe Falls High School band, said it's an honor to again receive the distinction for Stow's musical efforts.

"It reinforces the great work that the music staff does in developing lifelong learners and supporters of music," Monroe said. "The programs at the high school are just an extension of the groundwork that was begun at the elementary level. That love of performing also extends past high school into our local churches and our Community Orchestra."

According to the district, more than 1,100 students in grades 4-12 in the Stow-Munroe Falls District are involved in before and after school music choir, orchestra and band programs led by teachers Nick Campagna, Emily Engle, Gloria Gasser, Fran Hamilton, Chris Lemay, Brian Monroe, Greg Newman and Sandra Sandman.

Stow will celebrate the recognition during the American Celebration Concert set for April 27 to honor local military members.