National Recognition Celebrates Schools and Districts Making Music Education a Priority
CARLSBAD, CALIF., October 20, 2026 — The NAMM Foundation today opened applications for the 2027 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award, marking the program’s 28th consecutive year of recognizing school districts and individual schools across the nation that prioritize music education as an essential part of a well-rounded education.
BCME shines a national spotlight on the educators, school leaders, families and community partners working to ensure students have meaningful opportunities to participate in music. By celebrating communities that make music education a priority, the program demonstrates the value of sustained investment in music learning and inspires other schools and districts to strengthen their own programs.
New for 2027, eligible BCME applicants will also have the opportunity to apply for the Dinah Gretsch Impact Award, which will provide awards of up to $5,000 each to as many as 10 schools and districts demonstrating financial need and a commitment to strengthening and sustaining music education.
Applications for the 2027 BCME program are open October 20, 2026, through January 5, 2027, at nammfoundation.org/bcme.
“Music education is an essential part of a well-rounded education, helping students build creativity, confidence, collaboration and connection,” said John Mlynczak, president and CEO of NAMM. “For 28 years, BCME has recognized the communities that understand this value and make music learning a priority. By celebrating their leadership, we can show what’s possible when communities invest in music education and encourage others to make that same commitment.”
Recognizing Communities That Put Music First
Across the country, BCME honorees demonstrate how sustained investment in music education creates meaningful opportunities for students. Their work reflects a shared commitment among educators, administrators, families and community leaders to make music an integral part of the school experience.
From established programs with decades of recognition to first-time honorees expanding access and participation, these communities illustrate the many ways music education enriches students’ lives.
Previous BCME award honorees that received the 2026 award shared their individual success stories as an example for other communities to follow:
Elizabeth Public Schools is a 10-year BCME honoree whose recognition reflects a commitment to both excellence and equity in music education.
“Receiving BCME recognition affirms Elizabeth’s commitment to excellence and equity in music education,” said Tracy C. Monteiro, supervisor of Visual & Performing Arts, Elizabeth Public Schools. “It reflects the dedication of our music educators and the success of our students, while supporting continued growth to ensure every child has access to high-quality, meaningful music experiences.”
Bethpage Union Free School District has made music an integral part of its community identity and the student experience.
“In Bethpage, music is part of who we are,” said Brent Chiarell, director of Fine & Performing Arts, Bethpage Union Free School District. “This recognition celebrates our students’ growth, the passion of our teachers, and the support of our families and community. It brings well-deserved visibility to our programs and reinforces our shared commitment to providing meaningful, lifelong musical experiences for every student.”
Baldwin STEM Academy, a first-year BCME honoree, demonstrates how music can foster an inclusive school community. More than half of its students participate in music programs, including students with moderate to severe disabilities who participate in choir.
“Receiving BCME recognition affirms music as an essential, equal-access program within our STEM school,” said Becky Othmer, music educator, Baldwin STEM Academy. “It reflects our commitment to inclusivity and a community that celebrates events rich in music and culture.”
Taylor County Middle School is using music education to strengthen student engagement and build community pride.
“Receiving BCME recognition affirms the vital role music education plays in our schools,” said Daniel Beams, director of Bands, Taylor County Middle School. “It celebrates our students’ growth, elevates our program’s visibility, and strengthens community pride — highlighting the dedication of our educators, the support of our families, and the lasting impact of music on every student we serve.”
Fulton County Schools, a 27-year BCME honoree, represents a longstanding commitment to music education and its place in a comprehensive student experience.
“The BCME Award shines a spotlight on the value our Board places on music education in Fulton County Schools,” said Dr. Matthew Koperniak, performing arts coordinator, Fulton County Schools. “It elevates the work of our music teachers, reinforces important community partnerships, and reinforces music’s essential role in a well-rounded education for all students in our district.”
Dinah Gretsch Impact Award: Extending the Impact of Music Education
While BCME recognizes communities for prioritizing music education, the Dinah Gretsch Impact Award offers an additional opportunity to support eligible schools and districts that demonstrate financial need and are committed to strengthening their programs.
In 2027, up to 10 recipients will receive awards of up to $5,000 each to help sustain and expand music education opportunities. Title I schools, districts with Title I schools and non-public schools demonstrating financial need are eligible to apply through the BCME application process.
The award honors Dinah Gretsch and her enduring commitment to music education, access and the belief that music can create opportunity and connection for every student.
“BCME celebrates communities that recognize music education as an essential investment in their students and their future,” said Julia Rubio, executive director of The NAMM Foundation. “The Dinah Gretsch Impact Award builds on that mission by providing additional support to eligible communities that are working to strengthen their programs. Together, these opportunities recognize the value of music education while helping more students experience its lasting benefits.”
28 Years of Raising the Bar for Music Education
For nearly three decades, the Best Communities for Music Education program has provided national recognition for schools and districts that make music education a priority.
By recognizing these communities, The NAMM Foundation celebrates what is working, elevates the importance of music education nationwide and encourages more school districts to invest in opportunities that help students learn, grow and thrive through music.
2027 BCME Key Dates
- October 20, 2026: Applications open
- January 5, 2027: Application deadline
- Spring 2027: BCME honorees and Dinah Gretsch Impact Award recipients announced
School districts and individual schools nationwide are encouraged to apply and share how they are creating meaningful opportunities for students to learn, perform, create and connect through music.
Apply and learn more: Best Communities for Music Education.
Media Contacts
NAMM Communications – John Dolak, Director
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VITTEK PR – Josh Vittek
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The Lippin Group for NAMM
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201.317.6618