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Dozens of school districts on Long Island were awarded by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for having the Best Community For Music Education (BCME).
Now in its 25th year, the foundation’s BCME award “celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.”
Nine hundred and seventy-five schools from 44 states were recognized in the 2024 version of the awards.
While many of the Long Island school districts that received the title are no strangers to being recognized for their music excellence, many local districts are being honored with the distinction for the first time, including:
- East Moriches School District
- Elwood Union Free School District
- South Huntington Union Free School District
- Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District
- Island Trees School District
- Wantagh Union Free School District
“We are proud to be recognized among the Best Communities for Music Education,” first-time winner Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The district’s arts program added in a separate post, “Thank you to all of our amazing teachers - you are the heart and soul of our program and make recognitions like this possible!”
Malverne Union Free School District, which celebrated being recognized for the twelfth year in a row, wrote on its Facebook page, “We did it!”
“We are proud of our teachers, administrators, and community members who make our music programs possible and of our students who work hard every day to hone their talents and fill the air with their amazing music.”
The BCME award is based on student demographics, music education participation rates, teacher qualifications, budgets, and more.
For the full list of the winners (including all winning Long Island districts), click here.
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