The annual award, established in 1999, seeks out school systems "who provide access to music education as an essential part of a complete education and exemplify commitment and support for music education."
"The announcement of the 2012 Best Communities for Music Education campaign comes during a crucial time as school districts nationwide finalize budgets. The Best Community designation is a distinction worthy of pride, but is also a call to action for local music education advocates to help preserve and potentially expand access to their current music education programs."
NAMM Foundation Executive Director Mary Luehrsen said "We know that communities are struggling to maintain funding for many education programs and we applaud these communities that remain committed to a complete and quality education that must include music and the arts. We urge communities to celebrate the designation as a national recognition for their commitment to children and most of all, keep the music playing in their schools for years to come.”
Congratulations to the following districts who received recognition:
- Brighton Central School District
- Honeoye Falls-Lima Central School District
- Penfield Central School District
- Rush-Henrietta Central School District
- Webster Central School District
- West Irondequoit Central School District
