[Bethany, OK] – May 12, 2025. Bethany Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.

Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the Support Music Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase awareness and support for music programs. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.

"Music education plays a major role in students' lives. It allows students to express themselves through their music, but also enhances self-confidence, discipline, critical thinking, and other lifelong skills. A district that works to combine a strong music program with quality instruction has a great chance of achieving academic excellence." –Dr. Reuben Bellows, superintendent

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Bethany Public Schools 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 by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.

Fine Arts educators left to right: Steve Sharp, Noah Billingsley, SteveAnn Bielich, Annie Mann, Dena Chitwood, Shaelen Uthe, Dr. Reuben Bellows, and Wendyle Andrews

Photo credit: Stephenie Kirkpatrick

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.

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Bethany Public Schools Receives National Recognition for Music Education Support