For the 11th time, our community has been officially recognized by The NAMM Foundation as one of the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME).
The 2026 designation is awarded to school districts and schools across the country that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to providing music access and education to all students. This year’s recognition is particularly special as it underscores over a decade of sustained excellence and investment in the arts.
Why This Award Matters
The BCME program, now in its 27th year, evaluates districts based on rigorous criteria including funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for the music program.
Earning this title for 11 consecutive years isn't just a badge of honor; it is a testament to the fact that our community views music not as an "extra," but as a core pillar of student development. Research consistently shows that students in high-quality music programs perform better academically and develop stronger social-emotional skills.
A Team Effort
This achievement belongs to the entire community:
Our Educators: Whose passion and tireless work in the classroom inspire the next generation of performers and patrons.
Our Students: Whose dedication to their craft—from early morning rehearsals to evening performances—is the heartbeat of our program.
Our Leadership & Parents: Whose advocacy and budgetary support ensure that instruments remain in hands and music remains in the curriculum.
As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to continuing our mission of ensuring every student has the opportunity to find their voice through music.
For more information about the NAMM Foundation and the Best Communities for Music Education program, visit nammfoundation.org.