Gates Chili Central School District

For the second year in a row, Gates Chili Central School District has been named as one of the Best Communities for Music Education!  

The district earned the designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education and efforts to provide music access and education to all students.  

“We are incredibly proud that our commitment to supporting music education and the arts at Gates Chili has been recognized for a second time with this award,” said Superintendent Christopher J. Dailey. “We understand how beneficial music education is for our students and strive to give them the best possible experience.” 

Gates Chili’s music education offerings include state-of-the-art music and art classrooms to provide students with the space to further develop and explore the arts, a partnership with the Rochester Broadway Theatre League (RBTL) to integrate music education into the classroom and the creation of the Gates Chili Performing Arts Center to give students the space needed to learn and grow musically.  

“Music education plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded students,” said Katie Coon, director of secondary education. “Participation in music education helps students develop cognitive skills like concentration and problem solving, and social skills like teamwork and public speaking.” 

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Gates Chili answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs.