For the 13th consecutive year, the Newark Central School District has been designated as one the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) in the United States by the NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants).
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One of The NAMM Foundation’s signature programs, BCME is now in its 26th year of recognizing and celebrating school districts and individual schools for their support and commitment to music education and their efforts to ensure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education.
“We are so pleased to be recognized once again for the amazing music program that we have here in the Newark School District,” said Kelley School instrumental music teacher Cindy Briggs, who is also the UPK-12 Music Department Leader. “Thank you to the NCSD Administration for their ongoing, faithful continued support of music in our schools!”
The award program recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music education.
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 access and support for music programs. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) are recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.
“Music education has numerous positive effects on communities,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president, and CEO and former educator. “The Best Communities for Music Education award winners serve as models for the power of music education to foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts, and NAMM is honored to recognize the 2025 recipients.”
Palmyra-Macedon Central School District in Wayne County also received the designation, as did the Honeoye Central School District and Honeoye Falls-Lima Central in Ontario County.
Nine Monroe County school districts Brighton Central, East Irondequoit Central, Churchville-Chili Central, Penfield Central, Pittsford Central, Rochester City School District, Rush-Henrietta, Webster Central and West Irondequoit also received NAMM’s BCME designation.
Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music.
riggs commended the entire music department staff for its great work. The staff and their responsibilities include:
• Robert Humphrey: NHS instrumental music teacher who directs Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band and “Fusion.” He also gives instrumental lessons.
• Kate Flock: NHS vocal music teacher who directs Mixed Chorus, Concert Choir and Vocal Jazz. She gives grades 9-12 vocal lessons and is the musical director for the NHS musicals.
• Mike Ciranni: NHS television production teacher who also teaches Music In Our Lives, Audio Production and directs “Fusion” with Humphrey and teaches guitar classes.
• Rebekah Valerio: NMS instrumental music teacher who directs sixth, seventh and eighth grade band and gives instrumental lessons.
• Melissa Viscusi : NMS Vocal Music teacher who directs sixth, seventh and eighth grade chorus and teaches grades 6-8 general music.
• Cindy Briggs: Kelley School instrumental music teacher who directs Beginning Band, Continuing Band, Bucket Brigade and gives instrumental lessons.
• Lara Larsson: Lincoln School and Newark Middle School general music teacher.
• Ethan Bast: Kelley School vocal music teacher who directs third, fourth and fifth grade chorus and teaches grades 3-5 general music.
•Brittany Mechler: Perkins School general music teacher.
In addition to music instruction provided daily by the NCSD music staff and many music performances throughout a typical school year, there are numerous other music-related activities the NCSD Music Department is connected with. Here are just a few of them.
• Homecoming
• Memorial Day Ceremony
• Veteran’s Day Ceremony
• Veteran’s Tribute Concert at Newark High School
• Eastview Mall holiday performances
• Newark’s Home for the Holidays lighted parade
• Participation in junior and senior high-level ensembles at the Hochstein School of Music in downtown Rochester.
• The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra Holiday performance each December
• The ELENBE awards for the Performing Arts that are presented in May
• Community parades
• The Newark High School & Newark Middle School musicals each Spring
• The Lincoln School Second Grade Holiday Performance
• Cabaret Night and jazz performances
• Newark students participating in the RPO Holiday Pops Festival Chorus
• Representation in All-County, Area All-State, Conference All-State and local
and state-sponsored solo festivals
Superintendent Susan Hasenauer is pleased about the Music Department’s BCME recognition again the year.
“The Music Department is second to none.,” she said. “Hands down we have one of the best programs because of our teachers and their dedication to our students. I couldn’t be more proud of what they accomplish each and every day!”