Bethel-Tate Middle School has been honored once again with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education.
“I am extremely proud of the music program at Bethel-Tate. Our students receive a high-quality music education that is exciting, high-achieving, and allows them to experience music in ways they may not experience in their normal day-to-day life,” said Music Teacher Paul Glader. “The lessons taught in music can be carried over into countless other mediums throughout their lives.”
Now in its 27th year, the Best Communities for Music Education 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 BCME award reaches K-12 communities nationwide, offering both recognition and momentum to strengthen and expand music education programs. In 2026, only 127 individual schools nationwide - including public, private, charter and parochial institutions - have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.
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.
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.