Catskill receives national recognition for championing music education

CATSKILL―The Catskill Central School District 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.

The award spotlights and celebrates 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 2026 award marks the fifth year in a row that Catskill has earned this national recognition.

“Our music program is a point of pride for our District and a testament to the passion of our students, the dedication of our faculty, and the generous support of our community. Receiving national recognition year after year reflects our school community’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education where our students have the opportunity to thrive through the arts,” said Superintendent Junait Shah.

Catskill was selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluated 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.

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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, it strives to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.