Riverhead schools honored for music education excellence for third year in a row

For the third consecutive year, the Riverhead Central School District has been recognized as one of the best communities in the nation for music education by a leading music industry trade group. 

Riverhead was one of 935 school districts nationwide honored by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, the charitable arm of one of the music industry’s largest trade associations. The designations are made to districts “that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment to and access to music education.” according to the NAMM Foundation website.

“The Riverhead Central School District is proud to support a wide range of outstanding music programming that invigorates our students’ passions, develops their talents, and enhances their educational experiences,” Superintendent Robert Hagan said in a press release. “The district’s continued recognition is a testament to the magnificent efforts by our students, faculty, staff, administrators, and community.”

The district has a comprehensive music program that includes an array of engaging courses and extracurriculars, ranging from bands, orchestras and choirs, to classes on music theory, guitar and the use of music and sound in cinema. 

Riverhead music students have earned recognition from several prestigious organizations and events, including the New York State School Music Association, the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education, the Suffolk County Music Educators Association, the Hampton Music Educators Association, the Music in the Parks festival, and the Virginia Beach Festivals of Music.

Other nearby school districts that received recognition from the NAMM Foundations include Shoreham-Wading River, Southampton, William Floyd, Hampton Bays, Rocky Point, Port Jefferson and Miller Place.