The Bethel-Tate Middle School music program is once again reveling in the spotlight with yet another national award.
For the third consecutive year, BTMS was selected by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for a SupportMusic Merit Award - this one for 2025. Making this recognition even more extraordinary is the fact that only 87 schools in the country this year earned this designation, five of which were in Ohio.
Earning this honor the first time was a pleasant surprise, acknowledged BTMS music teacher Paul Glader. The second award was thrilling! The third time is just further affirmation that the BTMS music programs are truly a part of the #BestCommunitiesforMusicEducation.
“I am always so proud of our students and music program and am grateful for all of the support we receive from our administrators, teachers, and community. I want to build a model of success for other small-school music programs and this award affirms my belief that we are doing so. Let’s keep this train rolling and go for a fourth next year!”
The SupportMusic Merit Award recognizes individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
The middle school music program consists of the 6th through 8th grade Bands and Choirs. They are all under the umbrella for which the school was recognized.
To qualify for the SupportMusic Merit Award, Bethel-Tate Middle School answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
Specific aspects of the BTMS music program factored into this award include:
Support from the Superintendent, Principals, Board of Education, Teachers/Staff, Parents, and Community Members
The high percentage of students in honor band and honor choir
2021 Ohio School Boards Association Capital Conference Student Achievement Fair Selection
Commitment to meeting high music standards within the Ohio State standards
High percentage rate of students taking music as an elective at BTMS (44% of the student body in 2023/2024)
ESSER Funds designated for the BTMS music program in 2022
Successful after-school band program offered to students
2022 Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra Teacher of the Year - Paul Glader
2023 NAMM SupportMusic Merit Award Winner
2024 Administrator of the Year Winner from the Ohio Music Education Association - Dr. Christen Davis - Principal
2024 Advocacy in Action National Award Winner from Music for All
2024 8th Grade Band Performance at the Ohio School Board Association’s Student Achievement Fair Capital Conference in Columbus
2025 Music Teacher Paul Glader named a quarterfinalist for the 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 15,000 member companies and individual professionals. The foundation advances active participation in music-making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.