From participation in widely known parades across the country and beyond to performances at major events and a host of honors for students and staff, there is no doubt Cobb Schools has earned a reputation for a commitment to music  education. In fact, this year marks the 20th year the NAMM Foundation has designated Cobb Schools among the Best Communities for Music Education in the nation.

That honor is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students. 

“We are so proud of the students and teachers for being recognized by the NAMM Foundation for the 20th  time. This achievement speaks to the  commitment, quality, and support of  our music educators, students, parents, and community stakeholders in the Cobb County  School District. Music education is an essential part of  a complete education for students, and we thank the  Cobb County School District for making it a priority each  and every day,” said Chris Ferrell, the Cobb Schools  Supervisor of Instrumental Music. 

This year’s awards program for the Best Communities  for Music Education was designed to celebrate schools  and districts adapting, innovating, and persevering in  the face of change. Researchers at The Music Research  Institute at the University of Kansas, in conjunction with The  NAMM Foundation, created a new way for districts and  schools to address the inroads and setbacks impacted by  the pandemic, as well as goals for equity and access to  music education for all students and national standards  for music education in a short, qualitative survey. 

“Music educators, administrators, and communi ties truly rallied to support and sustain music education  through a period of intense change and adaptation.  These districts and schools persevered in serving their  students and communities and assured that music edu cation was part of curriculum offerings,” shares Mary  Luehrsen, Executive Director of The NAMM Foundation.  “We applaud the commitment and efforts of all music  educators, school administrators, and community mem bers in providing students the opportunity to explore their  creativity through music.” 

Here are recent accolades and honors for East  Cobb Schools: 

  • 80 Cobb students represented the District in the  GMEA All-State Bands  
  • 52 Cobb students represented the District in the  GMEA All-State Orchestras  
  • John Philip Sousa Foundation Bandworld Legion of  Honor – Andy Esserwein, Sprayberry High School 
  • John Philip Sousa Foundation Bandworld Legion of  Honor – John Palmer, Walton High School 
  • National Band Association Citation of Excellence –  John Palmer, Walton High School 
  • National Band Association Citation of Excellence –  Chris Johns, Walton High School 
  • Walton High School Marching Raider Band per formed in the 2022 National Cherry Blossom Festival  Parade. 
  • Wheeler High School performed in the National  Vietnam Veterans Day Parade in Hawaii. 

Although nearing the end of the school year, school  music programs still provide opportunities for their students  to demonstrate musical talents. East Cobb’s Rocky Mount  Elementary School chorus are singing “The Star-Spangled  Banner” at an Atlanta Braves game on May 15.