Farmington Recognized for Commitment to Music Education

There are many opportunities for students in the Farmington Public Schools to enjoy music, perform in ensembles and explore individual artistry, according to Leslie Imse, Music Department chairman for the schools.

The Farmington school district has been acknowledged for its commitment to music education with the recent announcement that the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation (NAMM) has named the Town of Farmington one of the “Best Communities for Music Education.”

 In its 12th annual Best Communities for Music Education survey, which is a nationwide search for school districts which, according to NAAM, “exemplify a strong commitment to music education,” Farmington was one of the districts that scored in the 80th percentile or higher in the survey’s grading process. This included detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and other factors.

“This award celebrates the exemplary music programs in our schools, a high percentage of students who participate in the music program, outstanding music educators, dedicated parents, and a supportive community,” said Imse.

She explained that the music program begins in kindergarten and first grade, and in the second grade, string instruments are introduced. In fifth grade, many students decide to study a band instrument, she said, adding that recently, the school music program sponsored the annual district-wide concert series with nearly 800 band students.

In addition, students participate in the choruses at each school and often are in both a choral and instrumental group.

Imse said that the percentage of students who participate in the music program is a large one, citing the fact that at , more than 45 percent of the student body chooses to take a music elective each year.

Stephen Zaskewicz, cellist in the FHS Symphony Strings and tenor in the Chamber Singers says, “Music has become my passion. During a long day at school, I enjoy entering the music classroom where we focus on creating beautiful music.”

“The music program has been a safe haven for me,” adds Lisa Petricca, an alto vocalist in Chamber Singers, bass guitarist in Jazz Band and flutist in Wind Ensemble. “I am able to express myself through music, reach new potential, and develop a confidence that has carried over into all of my other studies.”

Rose Mastrioanni, a senior flutist in the Wind Ensemble, sings the praises of her music teachers.

“The music teachers have inspired all students to reach higher and push the limits of our individual potential.”

Each year, the Farmington School District is proud to send students to the Northern Conference Regional Music Festival and the Connecticut All State Music Ensembles, and Imse said the Farmington district has one of the highest number of students selected for these elite groups.

In other news, Imse said that four students will perform at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for the National Honors Ensembles and the FHS Chamber Singers have been selected to perform with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra at the Talcott Music Festival. Farmington High School band director, Thomas Johnston, has been named Outstanding Music Educator of the Year by the CT Music Educators Association. Johnston has been teaching in Farmington for 25 years.

Recognition of Farmington's musical excellence is not a surprise to Pam Fisher, president of the nonprofit group, Friends of Music, which supports the music program in the Farmington Public Schools.

The NAMM recognition "demonstrates the commitment by our music educators and our students to excel in music production and education," she said.