The unveiling of the survey results was part of "Music in Our Schools Month." The survey was conducted jointly by the country's top organizations devoted to music and learning. The American Music Conference joined Music Educators National Conference, the Music for All Foundation, the National School Boards Association, Yamaha Corporation of America and VH1 Save the Music Foundation in creating the survey and interpreting the results.

More than anything, the key to quality music education appears to be a matter of will. Where people value music and resolve that their children won't be denied its benefits, parents and educators find a way to succeed.

"Successful music programs result from the cooperative efforts of teachers, parents, administrators - everyone who's in a position to influence students. A quality musical environment is something a community must want for its young people and work together to achieve," said Gary Ingle, executive director of the Music Teachers National Association.

Anne L. Bryant, executive director of the National School Boards Association, commented that quality music programs "recognize the relationship between academic achievement and active participation in a music program. This kind of community engagement creates a climate in which student achievement rises to new levels."

Congratulations to the parents, teachers, administrators and students of Island Trees on the honor of being selected to the Best 100 Communities for Music Education in America, 2004.