Banfield News

Austin Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 27th year, the program continues to spotlight and celebrate school districts and individual schools across the United States for their exemplary dedication to music education and their ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education. 

The award reaches K-12 communities nationwide, offering both recognition and momentum to strengthen and expand music education programs. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools—including public, private, charter, and parochial institutions—have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education. 

“Music education continues to be an important part of the student experience in Austin Public Schools. It gives students a place to belong, challenges them to grow, and builds skills they carry well beyond the classroom,” said Superintendent Dr. Joey Page. 

“This recognition from The NAMM Foundation reflects the work of our teachers and students and our commitment to ensuring students have access to music as part of a well-rounded education. We’re focused on sustaining strong programs so students continue to have meaningful opportunities in music.” 

According to Ellis Middle School band director Ethan Wightkin, “the middle school years are a time when students truly begin to find themselves and their community, and it is crucial that music is a part of that self-discovery. In Austin, our middle school music program offers countless opportunities for students to find their spark in music, including jazz band, chamber orchestra, show choir, and much more. Our goal is that by the end of middle school, our music students will find something that fires them up about music making by the time they get to high school and beyond.” 

“Elementary music and music education in general play a critical role in supporting APS’s Core Values,” said elementary music teacher Ryan Haynes. “We as educators use music as a mirror to help our students better understand themselves and as a window to learn about the world around us. Music education in Austin is integral to student learning and serves as a place for students to find community.” 

“We are honored to be recognized with this award again,” said Ellis Orchestra director Jacob Crosby.  “Austin has a long history of Musical Excellence, and that tradition is clearly still alive and well.” 

Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities, and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts. 

Austin Public Schools (APS) is committed to its mission to inspire, empower, and accelerate every learner. The district serves more than 5,100 students across a comprehensive system that includes a community learning center, four elementary schools, one intermediate school, one middle school, and one high school. APS also offers an alternative learning center for grades 9–12, online instruction through Austin Online Academy, and adult learning opportunities in partnership with Riverland Community College. 

APS serves a diverse student population, with more than 45 home languages represented. To support student success, the district partners with organizations such as The Hormel Foundation, University of Minnesota, and MacPhail Center for Music, and collaborates regionally through the Austin Albert Lea Area Special Education Cooperative (AALASEC). 

About The NAMM Foundation 

The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.