News

TN Schools Ranked Nationally in Music Education

From Ann Brown, Director of Arts Education —

Five Tennessee school districts were named among 2016’s Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). Additionally, three TN schools received the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA).

BCME_16Logo This year,  476 school districts of the 13,515 districts across the U.S. were designated as Best Communities for Music Education. For the past 17 years, this award has recognized the vital work of teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders whose collaboration makes a high quality music education possible for students.

The following TN school districts were recognized:

  • Clarksville-Montgomery County School System
  • Kingsport City Schools
  • Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools
  • Shelby County Schools
  • Tullahoma City School District

“We are so honored to receive BCME  for the third year here in Metro schools,” says Laurie Schell, Director of Music Makes Us. “Our program has both local and national partners and funders, and this distinction from NAMM serves as an amplifier for the work being done for and by our students. Looking at the other school districts named, it is a pleasure to be held in such good company.”

Click here to see the complete list of the 2016 Best Communities. 

SM_16MeritAwardThe NAAM Foundation also awarded 118 individual schools this year for their outstanding support of and dedication to music education through the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA).

“This is the first year Hendersonville High has been given this award by NAMM and we are proud of the recognition it gives our school and community,” says Director of Bands Dr. Jeffrey Phillips. “It has been a real pleasure to see the participating students grow through the program, both in band and their other classes. Band helps develop discipline, analytical skills and the ability to collaborate that spills over to all areas of the students’ lives. This year, we have 24 seniors in band who have been awarded over $275,000 in college scholarships—with more still coming in.”

The following TN schools were awarded:

  • Alcoa High School, Alcoa, TN
  • East Ridge High School/East Ridge Middle School, Chattanooga, TN
  • Hendersonville High School, Hendersonville, TN

Click here to see the complete list of the 2017 SupportMusic Merit awardees.