Musicians Thrive in Seaford’s Nationally Recognized Program

For the fifth straight year, the Seaford School District has earned national accolades for its music program. It was among 935 school districts nationwide to be recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation.

Coordinator for Fine and Applied Arts Dr. Patrick Kennedy said the application process for the award is extensive as it analyzes every aspect of the music program from the number of certified teachers to student enrollment to the content of music education classes. The work is worth it, he said, to get the deserved recognition for Seaford’s program.

“We put a big emphasis on the arts and on our music program,” he said. “This is validation for all of the hard work that everyone puts in.”

Dr. Kennedy explained that the district is filled with passionate music teachers and students, whose work often stretches well beyond school hours. Seaford is also a community that values the arts, with a supportive board of education and administration.

General music instruction begins in kindergarten, and students can join the band and chorus in fourth grade. Students looking to hone their craft beyond concert groups can join other ensembles. The elementary schools offer a jazz band, and the middle school has jazz band, a woodwind ensemble and musical theater. The offerings are even more extensive at the high school with vocal ensembles such as Sweet Adelines, Treble Choir and Viking Voices, instrumental groups like chamber ensemble, jazz band and marching band, and the annual spring musical. There are also a variety of music electives including Advanced Placement Music Theory and guitar and ukelele classes. 

Dr. Kennedy said enrollment in the music program has grown steadily over the last few years. An example, he noted, is that the sixth grade band at Seaford Middle School has about 100 students, more than half of the grade. 

The Best Communities for Music Education Award, which has been presented for more than a quarter century, recognizes districts that demonstrate a high standard of excellence as well as a commitment to providing access to quality music education.