For the 14th 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 27th 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.
“This national recognition honors the district’s ongoing commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality music education for all students,” said Kelley School instrumental music teacher Cindy Briggs, who is also the UPK-12 Music Department Leader. “The designation reflects the dedication of our music educators, administrators, students, families, and community partners who continue to support and value music as an essential part of a well-rounded education. Thank you to everyone in our community that supports Music Education in the Newark Central School District and for the amazing music educators who deliver such high-quality instruction to the students in our district.”
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 plays a vital role in cultivating vibrant, connected communities,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM President and CEO. “The 2026 Best Communities for Music Education recipients exemplify how meaningful access to music fosters creativity, collaboration and lifelong learning. We are proud to recognize their leadership and unwavering dedication to ensuring every student has the opportunity to engage in music.”
Palmyra-Macedon and Williamson Central School Districts in Wayne County also received the designation, as did the Bloomfield Central School District, Geneva City School District, Phelps-Clifton Springs, Honeoye, Honeoye Falls-Lima and Victor Central School Districts in Ontario County.
Research into music education continues to demonstrate educational/cognitive and social skill benefits for children who make music.
Briggs 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.
• Leah Curran: 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
• 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 delighted the Music Department has received the BCME recognition once again this year.
“This is not shocking to me,” she said. “Our Music Department consistently strives to deliver the highest quality music program to our students every day. When interviewing students about where they feel the greatest sense of belonging, the music classrooms and activities in each building always rise to the top of the list. High expectations and the belief that all students can succeed in an environment where risk is welcomed, has allowed students to soar and our Music Department to continually reach the highest levels of achievement. “