Southington Schools Recognized for Championing Music Education

BKMB PUBLICITY PHOTOS

PRESS RELEASE - Southington's school system 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.

Sara W. Ossias, Southington High School, Fine Arts Department Leader, K-12 Music Specialist, commented: "Being recognized as a Best Community for Music Education for the 13th consecutive year reflects the strength and continuity of our K–12 music program. This honor is a direct result of the dedication of our music educators, the enthusiasm of our students, and the ongoing support from our families and community. We take great pride in providing meaningful musical experiences that support students’ growth both in and beyond the classroom.”

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.

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.nammfounda2on.org.