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Canfield wins music distinction
By Elise Franco
Canfield
A national survey ranks Canfield schools as one of the top districts for music education in the country.
Canfield Local School District was honored Friday by the National Association for Music Merchants — a distinction given to only 14 Ohio communities and 174 communities in the country.
Dennis Biviano, NAMM member and owner of Motter’s Music in Canfield, said the selection process was thorough.
Biviano said he’s pleased a community in the Mahoning Valley was honored.
“It’s important to identify those communities that stand out above the rest,” he said. “They’re measured on curriculum and the music programs, as well as the community’s support for those programs.”
Superintendent Dante Zambrini said the district works hard to ensure music education is instilled in students beginning in kindergarten.
“In a district with 3,070 students, a large percentage are involved in music programs,” he said. “We find that our music students do well academically.”
Zambrini said the honor reflects that dedication to music education.
“It’s very special because it’s very rare,” he said. “[It] reflects the investment we’ve made in music over the years in talent, time and resources.”
The superintendent said the district will strive for musical excellence for years to come.
“Our goal is to continue the music program in both strength and diversity,” he said. “The award reflects well because the students are so engaged.”
Canfield City Mayor William Kay also presented the district with a proclamation from the city council.
In reading the proclamation, Kay declared June 11, 2010, “Best Community for Music Day” in Canfield. “You can say you’re good, and you can say you have pride, but you have to demonstrate it. You people do,” he said.