The Clarke County School District (CCSD), in association with AthFest Educates, has been named one of the 2013 Best Communities in Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants, thanks to CCSD's commitment to arts education.

In addition to a $500,000 increase in arts education funding over the past several years, the CCSD was awarded the honor because of numerous arts-related achievements, including the addition of after-school music classes, the purchase of new instruments for school bands and orchestras and high retention rates for art and music teachers.

Cool stuff, indeed. Says the press release:

The NAMM Best Communities designation recognizes collaborative, from-the-ground-up efforts of teachers, administrators, students and parents who continually work to keep comprehensive music education as an integral part of the core curriculum. This year, nearly 2000 schools and school districts participated in the survey, and 307 school districts made the final list.