EASTON — Superintendent Lisha Cabral is proud to announce that Easton Public Schools has been recognized as a Best Community for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation.
In its 25th year, the Best Communities for Music Education is awarded to districts nationwide that demonstrate outstanding efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
This is the second year that EPS has received the award, with the first time being in 2023. EPS was one of 23 districts across Massachusetts recognized this year.
“It is truly humbling to receive a BCME award for a second consecutive year. I am proud to serve in a community where so many place such a strong value on Music Education and the well-rounded education of the whole child,” Music Department Chair Jeffrey Benson said. “Each member of our community, from the members of our school committee to the members of each of our music classes, should be tremendously proud of this award and its significance — each and every person. Our teachers and students routinely go above and beyond what is required in the pursuit of excellence, and that is evident in the successes we have enjoyed as a program.”
“To me, being a part of one of the best school communities for music education means everything,” Oliver Ames High School junior Joe Calisi said. “Music is one of the most important things in life, and being able to learn and grow through it in our community is a real blessing.”
In order for districts to qualify for the Best Communities designation, they answered detailed questions about funding, commitment to the music program, graduation requirements, staffing and access to music instruction. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.
“EPS is humbled and honored to receive this award. It is indicative of the commitment and support of the School Committee and the residents of Easton. Their financial support and enthusiasm for the programs are unparalleled,” Superintendent Cabral said. “Our music educators and students work tirelessly on their art, and the success of the stellar music programs is a clear testament to that. Congratulations to the musicians, their teachers, and the Town for this well-deserved recognition.”
About the NAMM Foundation:
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 15,000 global 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 program, please visit https://www.nammfoundation.org/.
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