Fargo Public Schools receives national recognition for music education program

(Fargo, ND) -- Fargo Public Schools is announcing a national award they are receiving for the 20th time. 

The National Association of Music Merchants is recognizing Fargo Public Schools with the Best Communities for Music Education designation for the 20th time in the 24 years the award has been given. The district joins 830 others across the country who provide high quality access to music and education to all students. 

 “Music has the comprehensive power to develop students cognitively, socially, and emotionally, as well as enhance critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills while eliciting and encouraging creativity, " said FPS Performing Arts Facilitator Patrick Thiel, "An award such as this doesn’t happen by accident. Every stakeholder in this community has played a vital role in earning this distinction.”

To receive the award, the district answered several questions regarding how the district funds the program, graduation requirements, instruction time, music class participation, support for the program, and various other categories. The answers are then reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas

You can learn more about the National Association of Music Merchants by clicking here.