SMCPS Wins 4th NAMM Music Education Award

LEONARDTOWN, Md., May 29, 2025 — St. Mary’s County Public Schools (SMCPS) has secured the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for the fourth consecutive year. The award recognizes SMCPS for its exceptional commitment to providing music education and access to all students, highlighting the district’s sustained efforts in fostering robust music programs.

The NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to school districts that excel in delivering comprehensive music education. To earn the honor, SMCPS submitted detailed responses to a rigorous questionnaire covering funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instructional time, facilities, program support, and community music initiatives. The responses were verified by school officials and evaluated by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas, ensuring a thorough and objective review process.

SMCPS’s consistent recognition underscores its dedication to prioritizing music education across its schools. The district’s music programs encompass a wide range of offerings, from band and choir to general music classes, designed to engage students at all grade levels. By maintaining strong funding and resources, SMCPS ensures that students have access to qualified instructors, modern facilities, and diverse musical opportunities. The district’s graduation requirements include credits for fine arts, which often involve music courses, encouraging widespread participation.

The NAMM designation also highlights SMCPS’s efforts to integrate music into the broader community. Community music-making programs, such as concerts, festivals, and partnerships with local organizations, strengthen ties between schools and residents. These initiatives provide students with performance opportunities and foster a culture of musical appreciation throughout St. Mary’s County.

The evaluation process for the Best Communities designation is highly competitive, with districts nationwide vying for recognition. SMCPS’s ability to secure the award for four consecutive years reflects its ongoing investment in music education, even amid challenges like budget constraints and competing academic priorities. The district’s music educators play a critical role, delivering instruction that builds both technical skills and creativity, preparing students for lifelong engagement with music.

The NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit organization, promotes music education by supporting programs and research that demonstrate music’s educational and social benefits. Its Best Communities program, now in its 26th year, has recognized hundreds of districts for their commitment to equitable music access. SMCPS’s inclusion among the 2025 recipients places it alongside other top-performing districts dedicated to nurturing musical talent and education.

For SMCPS, the designation is a testament to its strategic focus on the arts as a core component of student development. Music education has been shown to enhance cognitive skills, boost academic performance, and support emotional well-being, benefits that SMCPS leverages to create well-rounded educational experiences. The district’s facilities, including dedicated music rooms and performance spaces, further enable high-quality instruction and student engagement.

The repeated recognition from NAMM also reflects strong administrative and community support. School board policies prioritize funding for music programs, while parents and local organizations advocate for their continuation. This collaborative effort ensures that music remains a vibrant part of the SMCPS curriculum, accessible to every student regardless of background or ability.

As SMCPS celebrates its fourth year as a Best Communities honoree, the district continues to set a standard for music education in Maryland. The achievement reinforces the value of sustained investment in the arts and serves as an inspiration for other districts aiming to elevate their music programs. With a proven track record, SMCPS remains committed to expanding opportunities for students to explore and excel in music.

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