Quaker Valley music teachers are tooting their own horns.

For the fourth consecutive year, Quaker Valley School District was named to the list of "Best Communities in Music Education in America" by the National Association of Music Makers.

Matthew Boice couldn't be prouder.

"We're really pleased that we were nominated for this honor again," said Boice, the co-chairman of the district's music department and high school vocal director.

"This honor shows the commitment that the community and the district put towards the arts."

Districts are selected for the honor based on surveys received from school administrators, parents and other community members. The information then is ranked and schools are named.

Of the 110 district named, only Quaker Valley and North Allegheny received the honors locally. Five other Pennsyl-vania districts also were honored.

"It is certainly an honor to be one of two districts in the region to be named to the list," Boice said.

With eight music teachers in the district, Quaker Valley students are introduced to music early on, he said.

When students enter middle school, they choose band, chorus or orchestra. Students also take a general music course, in which they have the chance to write their own music and to learn to play guitars and drums.

While no music class is required at the high school level, Boice said about 220 students of the high school's 600 participate in one of the many bands, orchestras or choirs.

Boice said many of the high school's music groups meet after school hours to learn their music.

Along with the community offering various programs, Boice credits the district's music teachers with helping to create a curriculum that enhances the students' minds.

"All of the music teachers here are go-getters," he said. "They go above and beyond what is expected."