Managing to keep music programs in tact during a depressed economy and generous community bond support for new musical instruments has caught the attention of the nonprofit NAMM Foundation. Newberg is one of three Oregon school districts designated as Best Communities for Music Education, setting the bar in offering students access to comprehensive music education.

“We are honored and excited to receive this award,” said CVMS music teacher Dave Sanders. We’re proud to be in a community that supports a full music education program and proud of our students who work hard each day to have a program of excellence.”

The Best Communities for Music Education award is based on funding, staffing of highly qualified teachers, commitment to standards and access to music instruction.

Here's what high school music students have to say about the award:

To me, this award is a validation of what all of us in the music program already knew: that we are uniquely blessed to be part of a community that so eagerly supports us and enables us to pursue our passion and learn and grow through the medium of music.
~ Matt Staples

I thank our community so much for the amazing opportunity that they have given us. The music teachers that I have had throughout my school career have made such a huge impact on my life.
~Jesse Groat

We band kids are monumentally grateful for the support of our music programs by the surrounding community. We could’ve focused financially on more by-the-book educational tools, but nothing, for this amount of money, is as engaging, valuable, and as lifelong as the love of music we’ve been given. Mr. Clark was a pretty flippin’ sweet dude. I guess I could say that it’s because of him that I can play trumpet better than other people.
~Joseph Holtan

My family has never really been all that wealthy, so the fact that one community has decided that it values music education has given me opportunities I could never have received without it.
~Angel Nunez

Fun, challenging, and rewarding is the best combination of words. The Newberg community has been wonderful for me and all of the students going through all the Performing Arts programs. It’s tremendous being involved in music and theater. I have been grateful for this program. Thank you Mr. Tanner, Mr. Sanders, Mrs. Ferguson, and Mr. Hawthorn
~Cole Aldred

Music has helped me to grow as a person, and helps the community grow. Music is an essential part of the community, and helps to bring it closer.
~Jacob Redding

Music is a gift that stays with you for the rest of your life, and I thank Newberg Schools for giving me the amazing opportunity to grow as a musician.
~

Thank you, Newberg, for supporting our music program. You have opened many doors for us, and we appreciate all of your help.
~Thomas Gaumer

The opportunities that band and music have given me have been wonderful, as have the friends I have made in these programs. I am so thankful that the Newberg community supports these endeavors. A community that supports music is a community I am grateful to be a part of.
~Meg Hinson

With these new high quality instruments at hand, the field for musical advancement and progression is tremendously broadened. We appreciate how much the arts are pushed in this community.
~Liam Hathaway

The wonderful thing about Newberg’s programs is that there is an option for just about every musical interest, whether it be the technicalities of music theory, the classical melodies of string orchestra, or the vibrant tunes of jazz ensemble. It’s nice to be able to find your perfect fit.
~Marthadina

The community’s support for our students enables kids to explore their talents and fully develop their musical skills. This is an awesome opportunity for us all, those who have grown up through the program, and those who are new to it. We’re a really lucky district to have such great community support.
~Margaret Halstead

Music lets me express myself in a way that nothing else can, and it means so much to know that the community I am in supports this every day.
~Anonymous

Band is such a great opportunity for pretty much anybody in town. I have played with groups of elementary and middle school students, some of the band groups in high school, and with a group of adults in the big brass band at Newberg Friends Church. What I am saying is that the city has a great appreciation for music. Thank you.
~Devin Lyda

I would have never become the jazz musician I am today without the equipment and community that I was surrounded by. Mr. Tanner has helped me immensely along my journey into becoming a proficient jazz musician, and I attribute him with a lot of my success.
~Shaniko