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VAPA Music Program

Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Recognized Nationally As One of the Best Communities for Music Education; District Heralded for Support of Music Education

NAMM Music Award for Best Communities for Music Education
The NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation has recognized the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) for its outstanding commitment to music education with the prestigious Best Communities for Music Education designation for 2025.

Best Communities for Music Education affirms school districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of the school's core curriculum. The recognition rests on school district funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for the music program and community music-making programs.

"Music education is a valuable component in the school curriculum. Music provides students with a way to uniquely express themselves, develop strong interpersonal skills, and learn skills necessary for success in the 21st Century. SMMUSD is proud of the many accomplishments of its music program, faculty, and students," said Tom Whaley, former Coordinator of the Visual and Performing Arts with the District. "The Best Communities for Music Education designation affirms the District's belief that all children should have access to quality music education. Our students receive a first-class education!"
 
Elementary Music Start of School Packet

> Parent Letter
> Instrument Vendor Information

SMMUSD Play it Forward Instrument Donation Program

How to Schedule Music as an Elective
Families have a choice of which elective they can take, and navigating the complex world of required classes to graduate and position a student for the best chance to move onto a 4-year college or university can be daunting. Click here for advice on how to take advantage of the incredible music program in the SMMUSD.


Instrument Maintenance -Woodwinds & Brass
Clarinet:
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yxsdRCuSyQ
PDF: ClarinetMaintenance.pdf

Flute
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_84WTExiy3U
PDF: FluteMaintenance.pdf

Saxophone
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1jfvQ-ke6A
PDF: SaxophoneMaintenance.pdf

Trombone
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHkjYU976Ew
PDF: TromboneMaintenance.pdf

Trumpet
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s73r-pXgWzg
PDF: TrumpetMaintenance.pdf

Brass Mouthpiece
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7haTc8lHSMc

Violin & Viola
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4aRJeXjpuY

Cello
VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hwC_zEAEZU