Bethel-Tate Middle School Receives National Recognition for Music Education Program
Bethel, Ohio – April 25, 2023 – Bethel-Tate Middle School (BTMS) has been honored with the
SupportMusic Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music
education. The SupportMusic Merit Award recognizes individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. BTMS is one of the 78 schools recognized in 2023 in the United States of America and one of two in the state of Ohio.
“The music program at Bethel-Tate Middle School has taken off. Our students are succeeding and
excelling locally, in the Greater Cincinnati area, and the program has received recognition at the state level. Our participation rates are high for an elective and are building consistency. The support from the administration is significant not only through their presence at programs but also through their advocacy for ESSER funds in 2022 for the BTMS music program.” said Paul Glader (music teacher at Bethel-Tate Middle School). “This SupportMusic Merit Award affirms my belief that we have a meaningful program at BTMS that can be a model for other small school districts.” To qualify for the SupportMusic Merit Award, Bethel-Tate Middle School answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas. Specific aspects of the BTMS music program factored into this award include:
● Support from the Superintendent, Principals, Board of Education, Teachers/Staff, Parents, and Community Members
● The high percentage of students in honor band and honor choir
● 2021 Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference Student Achievement Fair Selection
● Commitment to meeting high music standards within the Ohio State standards
● High percentage rate of students taking music as an elective at BTMS (1⁄3 of the total student population)
● ESSER Funds designated for the BTMS music program in 2022
● Successful after-school band program offered to students
● 2022 Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Teacher of the Year - Paul Glader
● Cross-curricular collaboration with other teachers
The Bethel-Tate Local School District is located in Clermont County about 30 miles east of downtown Cincinnati. The district includes the Village of Bethel and Tate Township. The district has an enrollment of more than 1,500 students in four different schools.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 15,000 member companies and individual professionals. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.