NAMM Foundation Recognizes Over 1,000 Schools Committed to Music Education Excellence

NAMM Foundation Awards Over 1,000 Schools and Districts for Excellence in Music Education



In a remarkable celebration of commitment to music education, the NAMM Foundation has announced the recipients of the 2025 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Awards, recognizing over 1,000 school districts and individual schools across the United States. Now in its 26th year, the BCME program highlights the tireless efforts of educators and communities aimed at maintaining high-quality music education for all students.

The BCME Awards, considered a hallmark recognition, classify awardees into two categories: the Best Communities for Music Education for districts and the SupportMusic Merit Award for individual school sites. These awards not only acknowledge public, private, charter, and parochial institutions, but they also create new opportunities for increasing support and accessibility to enrich music programs in K-12 education. A total of 103 schools have been honored for the first time this year, showcasing a growing recognition of music education's importance.

Among the distinguished winners for the 26th consecutive year are Fulton County and Henrico County, while organizations like Berea City School District and Torrington Public Schools have also received honors for an impressive 25 years running. Each award reflects a community’s commitment to cultivating educational environments where music thrives, linking artistic education to personal development.

John Mlynczak, president and CEO of NAMM, emphasized the significance of music education beyond the classroom. He stated, “The Best Communities for Music Education award winners serve as models for the power of music education to foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts.” His sentiment underscores how essential music is in nurturing not just artists, but well-rounded individuals community-wide.

The Executive Director of The NAMM Foundation, Julia Rubio, also praised the efforts of this year’s awardees. She asserted, “These districts and schools demonstrate that access to music learning helps students thrive, in school and in life,” highlighting how music education transcends academic learning to foster leadership, creativity, and collaboration.

Several schools have shared their inspiring stories. For instance, Russ Sperling from the San Diego Unified School District noted their six-year achievement in striving for an inclusive music education that inspires creativity in all areas of life. He expressed pride in the recognition, illustrating the district's commitment to educational excellence.

In Pennsylvania, the Loyalsock Township School District's David Tini shared how music education shapes not only the students’ identities but their future paths, marking their 15-year consecutive recognition. His assertion that music teaches invaluable life skills reflects a common theme among award winners—a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of music.

Dr. Joleen Neighbours from Suffolk Public Schools, a proud recipient for three years, emphasized the promise of accessibility and opportunities in the arts for all ages, resonating deeply with the community’s values of support and pride toward its young artists. Dusty Molyneaux from Great Falls Public Schools, recognized for 16 years, echoed this sentiment, noting how a community that values arts education builds a life-long home for creativity and understanding.

The recently announced awardees have been chosen through a meticulous process, which involved validating data related to funding, instructional time, participation rates, and community engagement. WolfBrown, an esteemed independent research and evaluation organization, conducted the data analysis, ensuring the trustworthiness of the award selection process.

The NAMM Foundation stands by its mission to promote the pleasures and benefits of music while advocating for active participation in music-making throughout life. With the $19.5 billion music products industry at its core, NAMM supports numerous programs to encourage music education’s expansion and recognition.

For a detailed list of award recipients and to learn more about the BCME program, visit www.nammfoundation.org/bcme.

Topics Entertainment & Media)

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