A survey conducted by a partnership of leading music and educational organizations has identified the “Best 100 Communities for Music Education in America,” and the 2007 list includes Pasadena Independent School District for its unwavering commitment to school-based music programs.

The survey was sponsored by the NAMM Foundation and its American Music Conference (AMC) division that work to promote the benefits of active participation in music and music education.

According to the results of the ‘Best 100’ survey, repeat recipients of this prestigious distinction cite increased enrollment in and funding for school music programs. While music education has been linked to higher SAT scores, math grades and future success in life, the survey also found that many students hailing from a ‘Best 100’ community have continued their musical pursuits professionally as educators, or playing for renowned symphonies, opera houses, orchestras and on Broadway. Several former students have even become acclaimed recording artists, including Outkast, Bob Seeger, Iggy Pop, Tanya Tucker and Isaac Hayes.

Thousands of teachers, school and district administrators, school board members, parents and community leaders, representing communities in all 50 states, participated in the Web-based survey.

Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, enrollment, student-teacher ratios, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, private music lesson participation, and other factors in their communities’ music education program. The responses were verified with district officials, and the sponsoring organizations reviewed the data.

Other districts have reported that becoming a ‘Best 100 Community’ has helped to foster additional partnerships with local businesses and colleges; energize teachers to make further enhancements to the programs; and raise community and school pride.