NAMM Foundation Awards Over 1,000 Schools and Districts as Best Communities for Music Education

CARLSBAD, CALIF., May 12, 2025 – NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the largest global not-for-profit music trade organization, and The NAMM Foundation announced today the recipients of the 2025 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Awards. One of The NAMM Foundation’s signature programs, BCME is now in its 26th year of recognizing and celebrating school districts and individual schools for their support and commitment to music education and their efforts to ensure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education. 

Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase access and support for music programs. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) are recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs. 

Over 46 states are honored in 2025 including 103 first-time winners and two districts (Fulton County and Henrico County) being selected for the 26th consecutive year. Additionally, winners of the award for 25-consecutive years include Berea City School District and Torrington Public Schools.

“Music education has numerous positive effects on communities,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO and former educator. “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, and NAMM is honored to recognize the 2025 recipients.”

“We are thrilled to recognize this year’s awardees for their outstanding commitment to music education access,” said Julia Rubio, Executive Director of The NAMM Foundation. “These districts and schools demonstrate that access to music learning helps students thrive, in school and in life, and we celebrate their dedication to creating inclusive learning environments.”

NAMM selected a few schools and communities that received the 2025 award to share their individual success stories as an example for other communities to follow:

Russ Sperling, San Diego Unified School District, CA – 6-year winner

"We in the San Diego Unified School District are proud of the efforts we have made to ensure that every student receives a meaningful and relevant music education that inspires them to not only continue their musical studies, but to spark their creativity in all areas of their lives. We are humbled that our work has been recognized by NAMM with this distinguished award.”

David Tini, Loyalsock Township School District, PA – 15-year winner

“At Loyalsock Township, music education is a reflection of life — teaching hard work, creativity, leadership and self-expression. Our students don't just perform; they grow into leaders across academics, athletics and the arts. Being recognized by The NAMM Foundation honors a community that deeply values a complete education, where music is essential, not optional. Music shapes who our students are — and who they will become.”

Dr. Joleen Neighbours, Suffolk Public Schools, VA – 3-year winner

“In Suffolk Public Schools, music education is not just a program — it’s a promise we make to every student. We believe in providing opportunities and access to the arts for all learners of all ages because we know that music builds confidence, creativity and community. Being recognized as a Best Community for Music Education is a powerful reminder that Suffolk stands behind its young artists, lifting them with pride, partnership and purpose. This award is a reflection of our vision and values and affirms that what we are building here matters: a community where every note played, every voice lifted and every dream nurtured through the arts is shaping a stronger, more connected future. 

Dusty Molyneaux, Great Falls Public Schools, MT – 16-year winner

“Being selected as a Best Community for Music Education is an enormous source of pride for our town of Great Falls. When a community and its school system value creativity, communication, emotional health and cultural awareness amongst all of its citizens you build places that people want to live, play and work in for a lifetime. Teaching music and arts Education in public schools is the best way to do all of these things, while creating fantastic programs for students to learn lifelong skills. 

For a full listing of award recipients and information about the BCME program, please visit: www.nammfoundation.org/bcme 

Awardees were selected through a rigorous application and review process, which included verified data on funding, instruction time, participation, and community engagement. To ensure the integrity and reliability of the program, the data analysis for all applications was conducted by WolfBrown, an esteemed independent research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

###