With instruments in hand and passion in the hearts of students, music education marches on in Utica Community Schools.

For the 11th time, UCS has been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the California-based National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

“Music education remains critical to our district’s  legacy of excellence,” Superintendent Robert S. Monroe said. “This recognition demonstrates the tireless efforts of our music educators to bring out the best in our student musicians and instill in them a lifelong passion for music and performance.”

The NAMM Foundation honored only 935 school districts across the United States this year.

"We are thrilled to recognize this year's awardees for their outstanding commitment to music education access," said Julia Rubio, Executive Director of The NAMM Foundation. "These districts and schools demonstrate that access to music learning helps students thrive, in school and in life, and we celebrate their dedication to creating inclusive learning environments."

To qualify for the Best Communities Designation, Utica Community 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 with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.