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The NAMM Foundation launches its annual effort to recognize and support schools across the United States that support music education as part of a complete and quality education for all children. The Best Communities for Music Education recognition program celebrates the positive impact of music education on schools, students and communities. As school districts face mounting financial pressure, arts and music programs are often the first to face cutbacks.

This year marks the Foundation's 13th annual Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Survey, a nationwide search for communities whose programs exemplify a strong commitment to music education. Established in 1998, BCME recognizes and celebrates schools, their administrators, teachers, board members, parents and students for their support and commitment to music education. The program also recognizes communities and schools that have diverse offerings for music learning that include music technology and innovative music education curricula.

The 2012 survey begins on Friday, January 20, 2012 and will remain open through Friday, March 9, 2012. The survey can be completed by visiting the NAMM Foundation Web site at www.nammfoundation.org. Each school district or community is allowed to fill out one survey, which must be completed by a school administrator and/or teacher who has access to school and district demographic and budgetary information. Participants in the survey answer detailed questions about enrollment, student/teacher ratios, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, private music lesson participation and other relevant factors in their communities' music education programs. The responses are verified with district officials and program advisors review submission. As in the previous years, the 2012 survey will be conducted in collaboration with The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service (www.ku.edu/~ierps/cgi-bin) of Lawrence, Kansas, an affiliate of the University of Kansas. The BCME final roster will be announced on April 16, 2011.