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De Soto School District No. 73 Receives National Recognition for Music Education Support for the Second Year in a Row!
De Soto, MO - 5/12/25– De Soto School District No. 73 has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education for the second year in a row. Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.
De Soto School District No. 73 is one of only 11 Missouri schools to make the list for Best Communities for Music Education!
Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase awareness and support for music programs. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.
“This is awesome but not surprising! Each note our students sing or play is a reflection of the encouragement they receive each and every day! We are deeply grateful for our community and school’s continued support. We are so thankful for a school that nurtures not only academics but also the creative spirit of each student!” - Beverly Wilson- De Soto School Board President
“Congratulations this is a great honor for the music department. I am glad De Soto is a district that strives for academic excellence but also supports the development of fine arts in our schools. Congratulations again to the music department.” - Mark Ferrell De Soto School Board Vice President
“Music is the lifeblood of every culture. It soothes, inspires, excites and heals. We are so fortunate to have tremendous Music Educators here at De Soto #73 that teach students not only the fundamentals of music, but a love of music. They teach students how to create, how to communicate, and how to give audible life to emotion. Daily our students are composing, performing, listening and appreciating music, taking these skills well outside the Music classroom. We are proud to support Music Education in our schools and are lucky to have such an outstanding team leading that charge.” - Ron Farrow, De Soto #73 Superintendent
“Music education increases cognitive functioning, inspires and motivates students, and helps them connect with their own culture in deeper ways while expanding their horizons and understanding of other cultures all around the world.” - Mr. Josh Phipps, De Soto #73 Assistant Superintendent
“Music education plays a crucial role in the De Soto #73 School District, offering students invaluable opportunities to enhance their creativity, cognitive development, and it give students an opportunity to show their Dragon pride! Our music program is not only rich with history, but it continues to support academic achievements across other content areas. Moreover, our music programs help students build essential life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience, contributing significantly to the overall educational experience and personal growth of our students.” - Mr. Jon Roop, DHS Principal
“Parents, students, teachers, administrators, school board members, community members and local businesses share in and are integral to the success of the music programs at De Soto. It really is no surprise that we have earned the Best Community for Music Education, as we have an OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY that supports all of our students!” - Mr. Darrell Boyer, Director of Bands
To qualify for the Best Communities designation band director Mrs. Samantha Boyer 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 by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.
About Music at D73
At De Soto #73, we recognize the profound impact of music on our students' lives. Led by our dedicated team of music educators, our music program goes beyond teaching mere notes and rhythms; it instills a lifelong love of music and empowers students to create, communicate, and breathe life into emotion through sound.
Under the guidance of our music educators, our students embark on a journey of musical discovery that extends beyond the confines of the classroom. Through daily engagement in composing, performing, listening, and appreciating music, our students develop skills that reach far beyond the music room, enriching their lives and shaping their futures.
From the earliest grades, our elementary music staff provide engaging opportunities for students to explore the fundamentals of music through dynamic lessons, captivating performances, and enriching extracurricular experiences. Using a diverse curriculum that incorporates Orff, Kodaly, and Dalcroze techniques within project-based learning, students develop a strong foundation in musical literacy and expression.
As students progress to our secondary campus, our music program continues to flourish, building upon the groundwork laid by our elementary educators. Our comprehensive course offerings encompass a wide array of musical formats, including electronic, vocal, and instrumental music. Students have the opportunity to further develop their musical abilities through curricular ensemble courses and participation in extracurricular activities such as the DHS Rock Band, Fountain City Composition Contest, and Tri-M Music Honor Society. These extracurricular opportunities provide students with invaluable experiences, allowing them to perform alongside professionals, receive feedback from acclaimed composers and Grammy artists, and showcase their talents on a larger stage.
At De Soto #73, we are proud to support music education in our schools, and we are grateful to have such an outstanding team of educators leading the charge. Together, we nurture a thriving musical community where every student has the opportunity to discover their passion for music and unlock their full potential.
De Soto #73 School District Music Faculty
Darrell Boyer-DHS Director of Bands
Chris Howard-DJHS Assistant Director of Bands
Suzanne Harris- DHS Director of Choirs
Seth Harris- DJHS Choir Director
Samantha Boyer- Athena & Vineland Elementary Band and Music
Denise Wallach- Athena Elementary Music Educator
Dietrich Plyler- Vineland Elementary Music Educator
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.
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