Pottsgrove honored by NAMM; district approved to host PMEA District 11 choir festival

Pottsgrove School District was recognized at Monday's board meeting with a "Best Communities for Music Education" award from the NAMM Foundation, and the school board approved a separate request to host the PMEA District 11 Choir Festival in February 2025.

Tom Kelly, the education representative from Sesewitz Music and a NAMM Association representative, presented the award and described the application process as extensive and externally evaluated by the University of Kansas. Kelly praised district music teachers and programming and said the honor reflected strong administrative and parental support. "Music makes you smarter," he told the board, summarizing research linking music participation to higher student test scores.

Board members then heard from Amy McMahon, Pottsgrove High School choir director, who outlined plans to host the three-day PMEA District 11 Choir Festival, which would bring about 160 auditioned students from Bucks and Montgomery counties for rehearsals with a guest conductor and a culminating concert. McMahon said the festival offers advanced learning opportunities and community outreach, and she thanked the district for recent investments in music facilities.

The board voted to approve Pottsgrove Middle School as the host site for the festival, set for Feb. 6'8, 2025, after a motion and second. Administrators also signaled planned audio improvements to support the event.

The music award and the festival hosting decision were presented as complementary recognition of the district's commitment to performing arts and as an opportunity to showcase students across the region. The board took the actions by voice vote; no substantive opposition was recorded.

The district will finalize event logistics, including facilities and technical upgrades, before the festival.