THE “SHOWCASE OF BANDS” event highlights the GGUSD’s music program (GGUSD photo).

Garden Grove Unified School District has received the “2019 Best Communities for Music Education Award,” a distinction presented to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students. GGUSD is one of only four districts in Orange County and one of 18 districts across California to receive this national recognition.

The 2019 Best Communities for Music Education award from NAMM (the National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation recognizes that GGUSD is leading the way with best practices in music education learning opportunities as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).  The legislation recommends music and the arts as essential elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

GGUSD’s VAPA (Visual and Performing Arts) program is led by Coordinator Stacy Harris and is supported by 25 elementary vocal music teachers, 12 intermediate and high school vocal music teachers, 25 elementary through high school instrumental music teachers, 10 intermediate school visual art teachers, 27 high school visual art teachers, 12 intermediate and high school theatre arts/drama teachers, five high school dance teachers, and one intermediate school dance teacher.

To qualify for the designation, GGUSD met criteria around music education funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

The GGUSD serves most of Garden Grove and portions of Santa Ana, Anaheim, Westminster, Cypress, Stanton, and Fountain Valley.