Norristown, PA – May 30, 2025 – Norristown Area School District 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 SupportMusic 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 is an important cornerstone of our district’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education that nurtures creativity, collaboration, and emotional expression in our students,” said Christopher Dormer, Superintendent of Schools. “Being recognized as a Best Community for Music Education for the 10th consecutive year reaffirms the dedication of our educators, students, and families, and inspires us to continue expanding and enriching our music programs for generations to come.”
“We are honored to receive this award for the 10th consecutive year. Music Education allows students to create, respond, perform, and connect with others and find deeper meaning within themselves,” said Dr. Barbara S. Weikert, NASD Music Coordinator/Liaison. “In addition to enhancing cognitive abilities and academic performance, quality music education builds confidence in students, improves memory, and increases collaborative skills. Musicians learn perseverance, enhance fine and gross motor, skills, and find a sense of happiness and belonging. What a joy to watch our students and community thrive through music education!”
“Music education is a unique experience that students don’t get anywhere else. Students who may struggle in other areas often thrive in music class as it allows them to utilize different parts of their brain and experience success individually and with others,” said Mark Ross, Instrumental Music Educator at Eisenhower Science and Technology Leadership Academy.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Norristown Area School District 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.
About Norristown Area School District
Norristown Area School District is a public school district located in the heart of Montgomery County in southeastern Pennsylvania that serves a diverse community with over 7800 public school students who reside in the Municipality of Norristown, East Norriton Township, and West Norriton Township. The district takes great pride that it has been able to deliver significant investments in educational programs and opportunities, including the addition of nearly 150 new staff positions the last four years, with four consecutive budgets that have included 0% tax increases. Norristown Area School District has been designated as a “Best Community for Music Education” for ten consecutive years and an “Outstanding Visual Arts Community” the last three years with several schools having been recognized as “Best Schools” by US News and World Reports. NASD also received the Great PA School designation through the Pennsylvania School Boards Association’s Great Pennsylvania Schools.
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.
Press Contact
Jillian Williamson
Communications Specialist
Norristown Area School District