Albert Lea Area Schools was recognized as One of the Best in the Nation for Music Education.

According to a press release, the award recognizes the commitment and dedication of Albert Lea Area Schools to music and the arts as innovative learning opportunities for a well-rounded education.

Albert Lea Area Schools has been named one of 623 districts across the nation to be a Best Communities for Music Education recipient by The NAMM Foundation. The press release states District 241 demonstrates an unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive music education for all students.

“On behalf of our district, it is my pleasure to inform you that Albert Lea Area Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education,” said Albert Lea Area Schools Superintendent Mike Funk.

“Now in its 20th 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, our music educators 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 with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. This year it is a special honor to receive this recognition for Albert Lea, as we will be hosting the Big Nine Music Festival on Friday, May 3. Congratulations to all our educators who support music in our schools, and special thanks to Diane Heaney in leading this effort for our community.”

The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about the NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.