D70 Music Dept Wins National Award for First Time

Libertyville School District 70 has been honored for the first time with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. 

“Music is something that is heard, felt and experienced by almost everyone on a daily basis,” said Butterfield music teacher Jonathan Weppler when asked why music is important. “It has the power to alter one's mood and focus. I believe that a deeper understanding and musical experiences strengthens the impact music can leave on people from young to old.”

Now in its 24th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. 

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, District 70 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 by school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

For more information, read the media release.