Best Communities for Music Education

Congratulations to the 623 school districts and the 98 individual schools that received the national recognition for their support for music education as part of the core curriculum.  A complete list of districts and schools can be found below.

What is the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) program?

The NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) is a signature program of The NAMM Foundation that recognizes and celebrates school districts and schools for their support and commitment to music education and efforts to assure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education.

Application Deadline

Survey opens: October 2019
Survey closes: January 31, 2020

2019 Promotional Toolkit

Spread the news!  We encourage you to share this national recognition as widely as possible with your local media — in print, broadcast and online stories. To help you with media outreach, to raise the visibility of your music education program and to celebrate this important award from The NAMM Foundation, we are providing a promotional toolkit. The kit includes PR instructions, templates of press materials and downloadable logos, a certificate, a poster, a banner and social media assets.
 

Download 2019 Toolkit Assets (17.8 MB)

Why Participate

• National Recognition
• Community Recognition and community pride 
• Increased Visibility of music education in your district, school, and community
• Program Validation of your school or district's support for music education
• Program Auditing tool for auditing your music program

FAQs

What is the difference between the Best Communities for Music Education and SupportMusic Merit award?

The BCME award is for a district to be acknowledged that serves students across grade levels and multiple schools.

The SupportMusic Merit (SMMA) award is for an individual school to be acknowledged.  It is a “school-only” distinction and can be a charter, private and parochial school seeking the designation.

Can I win both the BCME and the SMMA designation?

No, you must apply on behalf of your school or district.  If your school is part of a district, we suggest you work with the district to be considered for a BCME award.

Will multiple applications for my district or school be considered?

No. Only the first application per district or school will be considered so please coordinate with the other administrators.

What are the criteria for selection?

The survey gauges funding, participation, opportunity, standards, community, facilities and other factors that affect access to comprehensive music education.

How long does it take to complete the survey?

Due to detailed questions, participants should allow approximately 30-45 minutes.

Who should complete the survey?

A qualified district representative should complete the survey due to the very specific information requested. A district administrator should gather and complete the survey on behalf of the district or school or should work in partnership with the music educator or fine arts supervisor.

Questions?
Contact Sharon Bryant.