Marriottsville, MD - May 21, 2018 – Mount View Middle School has been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. 

The SupportMusic Merit Award recognizes individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

To qualify for the SupportMusic Merit Award, Mount View Middle School 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.

With over sixty percent of Mount View students participating in the music program at Mount View, the impact on the school is tremendously positive.  All of our directors do a fantastic job working with students to build musical competence, foster individual confidence and help children appreciate the achievement that is a product of their hard work and dedication.   The recognition by NAMM is an honor and it validates the years of sustained excellence of the music programs at Mount View Middle School. – Allen Cosentino, Principal of Mount View Middle School

This award recognizes that Mount View Middle School is leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The legislation guides policy implementation in the states and  replaces the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) which was often criticized for an overemphasis on testing - while leaving behind subjects such as music. ESSA recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.  

Music education is important at Mount View Middle School because it allows each and every student to contribute in some way to the overall success of the program. Every single student can take part ownership and it teaches tremendous life skills, not to mention the curricular connection to every other content in the building. – Jonathan Sindler, Director of Bands at Mount View Middle School 

Music Education gives us the basic foundation to be successful in life.  – Mason N., 6th Grade

Music Education is important to me because between all of the stress in life, music provides an outlet to express myself. – Grace H. 8th Grade

Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music. A series of landmark studies by scientists and researchers at Northwestern University found a link between students in community music programs and life-long academic success, including higher high school graduation rates and college attendance. In another study from the University, it was discovered that the benefits of early exposure to music education improves how the brain processes and assimilates sounds, a trait that lasts well into adulthood. 

Beyond the Northwestern research, other studies have indicated that music education lays the foundation for individual excellence in group settings, creative problem solving and flexibility in work situations, as well as learning how to give and receive constructive criticism to excel. 

A 2015 study supported by The NAMM Foundation, “Striking A Chord,” also outlines the overwhelming desire by teachers and parents for music education opportunities for all children as part of the school curriculum. 

Mount View Middle School is located in Marriottsville, Maryland and opened in the Fall of 1993. The school is a part of the Howard County Public School System. Of the over 800 students attending Mount View Middle School, around 600 students are enrolled in a music class. The music department is comprised of a 2 concert bands, a jazz band, 3 choirs, 3 orchestras, and a comprehensive general music program. The music program consistently earns awards and accolades at various music festivals around the area and the students have been lauded for their ability to perform and comprehend music well beyond their years. The staff includes Jonathan Sindler, Director of Bands; Matthew DeBeal, Director of Orchestras; Samantha Bramm, Director of Choirs; and Katherine Bateman, General Music Teacher. The school is led by Allen Cosentino, Principal and Kimberly Hess, Assistant Principal. The Music Department of the Howard County Public School System is led by Terry Eberhardt, Coordinator of Music and Megan Hartten, Music Resource Teacher. 

About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 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.