In a year that continues to underscore the importance of creativity and culture in education, The NAMM Foundation has once again honored over 1,000 schools and districts across the U.S. with its Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Awards. Now in its 26th year, this annual recognition celebrates schools that are going above and beyond in their commitment to keeping music alive and thriving in classrooms.
The award highlights schools and districts that support robust, inclusive, and accessible music programs — efforts that benefit students far beyond the stage or rehearsal room. Whether through orchestras, marching bands, choirs, or digital production labs, these institutions are helping to shape the next generation of thinkers, creators, and community leaders.
The program recognizes two categories:
- BCME Award for entire school districts
- SupportMusic Merit Award for individual schools
These awards span across public, private, parochial, and charter schools, touching all corners of K-12 education.
From states like California and Virginia to Montana and Pennsylvania, local educators are proving that music is far from an extracurricular — it’s essential. This year’s honorees include:
- San Diego Unified School District (6-time winner)
- Loyalsock Township School District, PA (15-time winner)
- Great Falls Public Schools, MT (16-time winner)
- Suffolk Public Schools, VA (3-time winner)
“Music builds confidence, creativity, and community,” shared Dr. Joleen Neighbours from Suffolk, VA. “It’s a promise we make to every student — to lift them through the arts.”
Behind these awards is more than recognition — it’s data-driven proof. Applications underwent a rigorous review process, examining funding, instruction time, participation rates, and overall community engagement. The evaluation was conducted by WolfBrown, a leading independent arts research firm.
NAMM’s President & CEO John Mlynczak, a former educator himself, summed it up best:
“These schools are models of how music education can create lasting change — in schools, and in communities.”
