April 27, 2026
Owego Apalachin Central School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education. This is the 8th year that OACSD has been recognized. 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.
"Securing the Best Communities for Music Education designation for the eighth time is a profound testament to our district," said Superintendent Dr. Corey Green. "This national recognition from The NAMM Foundation is a tribute to our exceptional educators who lead with passion, our talented students who pour their hearts into every note, and a supportive community that continues to champion the arts as a priority. This milestone doesn't just celebrate our past success; it reinforces our commitment to ensuring that high-quality music education remains a vital, vibrant, and accessible part of every child’s journey here at OA."
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.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA #OACommunity #OAPride
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.
"Securing the Best Communities for Music Education designation for the eighth time is a profound testament to our district," said Superintendent Dr. Corey Green. "This national recognition from The NAMM Foundation is a tribute to our exceptional educators who lead with passion, our talented students who pour their hearts into every note, and a supportive community that continues to champion the arts as a priority. This milestone doesn't just celebrate our past success; it reinforces our commitment to ensuring that high-quality music education remains a vital, vibrant, and accessible part of every child’s journey here at OA."
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.
#OARiverHawks #sOArTogether #ThisIsOA #OACommunity #OAPride