Best Communities
for Music Education
The Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) award recognizes public and private schools and school districts that demonstrate a strong, ongoing commitment to music education and equitable access for all students. Schools and districts serving under-resourced communities may also be considered for the BCME Dinah Gretsch Impact Award — a $5,000 grant available to up to ten recipients each year.
Applications are evaluated using a framework developed by WolfBrown, an independent music education consulting and research firm. Award recipients are announced in the spring.
Benefits of Receiving Award
Recognizes
Commitment
Increases
Visibility
Validates
Programs
Advances
Support
Newark Public Schools recognized for their 2026
Best Communities for Music Education
Somerset ISD Music Educators recognized for
their 2026 Best Communities for Music Education
Eligibility
- Be a U.S. based public, charter, parochial or private school or school district offering a music education program; Out-of-school programs are not eligible
- Submit one application per school or district
- Designate one representative to coordinate and submit the application
- Submit the application by the Jan 5, 2027 deadline
Music classes give students opportunities to learn, grow, express and connect in ways they otherwise never could.”
KEITH SORENSEN, BAND DIRECTOR
Cedar High School
How to Apply
1
Download Application Questions
Work with your colleagues to prepare all the answers before starting the application.
Please Note: Must be part of an academic school district or school — public, charter, parochial or private — located within the 50 United States.
2
Submit Your Application
Submit one application per eligible school or district by Jan. 5.
3
Awardee Notification
Schools and districts will be notified of their award status in early April.
Application Timeline
Oct 20
Applications Open
Jan 5
Application Deadline
April
Awards Announced
BCME FAQ’s
Have questions about the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) program? Find answers to frequently asked questions about eligibility, the application process, award criteria and more.
About the Dinah Gretsch Impact Award
- $5,000 award available to BCME-winning districts or schools serving under-resourced communities
- Funds must be used to strengthen and sustain music education programs
- Complete the online application in full; incomplete submissions will not be considered
- Designate one representative to coordinate and submit the application
- Submit your completed application by January 5, 2027
- Title I schools, districts with Title I schools and non-public schools with demonstrated financial need are eligible to apply
Explore Current Awardees and
Promo Materials
Browse this year’s winning districts and schools, or download promotional materials if you are an awardee.
Districts
Schools
For Awardees
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