BGISD Receives National Recognition for Music Education Support
For the fifth consecutive year, Bowling Green Independent Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. Now in its 25th year, this designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students. Only five Kentucky districts earned this recognition for 2024: BGISD, Boyd County Public Schools, Jessamine County Schools, Owensboro Public Schools, and Paducah Public Schools.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, districts 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.
All BGISD students are taught music education by a certified music teacher. The district employs two teachers to work with K-5 students each week: Becca Major and Michele Steiner. Kelley Wiggins is both the Teranga Academy music teacher and Sounds of Purple (4th and 5th grades) Choir Director. The district has three orchestra teachers serving students in grades 4-12: Patrick O’Rourke, Landon Case, and Aleka Chau. BGJHS and BGHS share three band instructors: Anjali Sivaainkaran, Christi Shores, and Lucas Allen. And finally, Stephanie Berec is the BGHS Choir Director and Haley Cuzick is the BGJHS Choir Director.
Approximately 49% of Bowling Green Junior High students are enrolled in at least one music class, and 21% of High School students participate in either band, choir, guitar, or orchestra courses.
Through music education, students develop discipline, patience, and perseverance as they refine their skills. Plus, learning music fosters creativity, self-expression, teamwork, and leadership skills. Ultimately, these opportunities nurture a lifelong appreciation for the arts, and well-rounded individuals prepared for their future.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 15,000 global member companies and individual professionals worldwide. 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.
- Bowling Green Independent School District
- Bowling Green Independent Schools