Midlakes Schools has earned national recognition for its music education efforts, receiving a “Best Communities for Music Education” designation from the NAMM Foundation for the first time in district history.
The honor recognizes school districts across the country that demonstrate strong access to music education and sustained support for student music programs. More than 1,000 schools and districts received the designation this year.
“This is such an exciting time for music education at Midlakes,” said Kathryn Kenyon, chair of the district’s music department.
District officials said the recognition reflects years of work expanding music opportunities for students through classroom instruction, performance ensembles, and community-supported programming.
High School Band Director Will Hope said the application process required detailed information about funding, participation rates, graduation requirements, instructional time, facilities, and overall district support for music education. Responses were independently reviewed and verified by arts and education research firm WolfBrown.
The NAMM Foundation’s annual designation highlights districts that prioritize comprehensive music education as part of a well-rounded academic experience.
Midlakes officials said the district has pursued the recognition in previous years but had not previously earned the award.
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