Port Clinton High School Band Director (far left), Superintendent Patrick Adkins and Middle School Band Director Jennifer Barringer (far right) celebrate with the Port Clinton Concert Band as the Port Clinton School District received the national designation of BEST Communities for Music Education from the NAMM Foundation for the fifth year in a row.

For the fifth year in a row the Port Clinton School District has received a Best Communities for Music Education Award from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM).

“The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music a part of a well-rounded education,” said NAMM Foundation officials. “Designations are made for districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.”

The Port Clinton School District and its board of education are committed to fine arts education and are extremely proud of their music programs. Even with restrictions due to the pandemic, Port Clinton City Schools kept the music playing last year and is pleased to welcome back audiences to the Port Clinton Performing Arts Center.

Music education is immersed in the Port Clinton School District curriculum starting in kindergarten and counting through grade 12. It is successful due to sequencing at each level, with each faculty member having ownership of their role.

The elementary music teachers are the “fire starters” to peak interest and teach music foundations of music to prepare for middle school. That is when middle school students select instruments and faculty prepares them for high school music classes.

Bell choir and Show Choir start at the elementary level. Port Clinton is the only school district in Ottawa County to offer all three music programs: Band, choir and orchestra.

This award could not have been possible without the supportive Port Clinton community. Port Clinton City School District is also very proud of music educators Kathy Miller, Toby Farrell, Jennifer Barringer, Sean DeLong, Adam Murray, Bruno Bush and the Port Clinton community for making this award possible.  See more about the Port Clinton City School District music programs and look for our upcoming concerts and events at www.pccsd.net.