LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the Warwick Valley Central School
District upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of a 2013
Best Community for Music Education Award by the National Association of
Music Merchants

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend institutions of true purpose and high achievement whose exem-
plary programs and accomplishments clearly demonstrate the pursuit of
excellence in education and service to the community; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
congratulate the Warwick Valley Central School District upon the occa-
sion of its designation as recipient of a 2013 Best Community for Music
Education Award by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM);
and
WHEREAS, The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization with the
mission of advancing active participation in music making across the
lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and
public service programs from the international music products industry;
and
WHEREAS, The Best Communities designation is also an important part of
the NAMM Foundation's efforts to advocate for school-based music educa-
tion; numerous studies have demonstrated that learning to play music can
boost other academic and social skills, such as math and learning to
cooperate in a group; the skills gained through sequential music
instruction, including discipline and the ability to analyze, solve
problems, communicate and work cooperatively, are vital for success in
the 21st century workplace; and
WHEREAS, In its 14th year, Best Communities for Music Education recog-
nizes school districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward
maintaining music education as part of the schools' core curriculum; and
WHEREAS, The NAMM Foundation has recognized the Warwick Valley Central
School District for its outstanding commitment to music education with a
2013 Best Communities for Music Education designation; the District
joins 307 districts across the country in receiving the prestigious
distinction in 2013; and
WHEREAS, The Warwick Valley Central School District offers comprehen-
sive, sequential music instruction for grades K-12; general music
(classroom music) is offered at every grade level and students have the
opportunity to learn to play or sing in the band, chorus and orchestra;
many students compete and perform with county and state honors ensembles
and continue their studies after high school, many choosing to major in
music in college; and
WHEREAS, The dedicated music teachers of the Warwick Valley Central
School District deserve special recognition for this award; they are:
Melinda Kessler, Alison Henry, Tamara Moser, Ashley Head, Peter Van De
Water, Elissa Jones-Leonard, Nicole Redeker, Katherine Terry, Paul
Myruski, Ryan Muehlbauer, Christy Brown, Noreen Hanson, Kelly McGinn,
Chris Persad and Keely Gould Blaikner; and
WHEREAS, Under the able leadership of its Superintendent of Schools,
Dr. Raymond W. Bryant, the Warwick Valley Central School District has
demonstrated the success of its music education program over many years;
and
WHEREAS, The outstanding music programs of the Warwick Valley Central
School District have reflected favorably on all who participate in them,
and have clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which
is the tradition of the District; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the Warwick Valley Central School District upon the occa-
sion of its designation as recipient of a 2013 Best Community for Music
Education Award by the National Association of Music Merchants; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Warwick Valley Central School District.