Calvert County Public Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education.
Now in its 27th year, the program spotlights and celebrates school districts and individual schools across the United States for their exemplary dedication to music education and their ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education.
The award reaches K-12 communities nationwide, offering both recognition and momentum to strengthen and expand music education programs. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools — including public, private, charter and parochial institutions — have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.
“Arts education is a cornerstone value for our district. The musical experiences we offer in our school system help shape the lives of our students in positive ways and this honor is clear recognition of our efforts,” said Bryan Welker, Supervisor of Visual and Performing Arts.
Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry.
For families in Calvert County, this national recognition underscores the value placed on music education within the local school system. Calvert County Public Schools serves thousands of students across communities from Prince Frederick to Lusby and beyond. Strong arts programs, including band, orchestra and choral opportunities, contribute to student engagement, creativity and academic success.
Music education in Calvert County benefits from dedicated teachers, active parent support and community partnerships. These programs help prepare students for college, careers and lifelong appreciation of the arts while fostering skills such as teamwork, discipline and self-expression. The honor places Calvert County alongside other leading districts nationwide that prioritize well-rounded education.
The award comes at a time when Southern Maryland schools continue to emphasize arts education as an essential component of student development. Local performances, marching bands and school concerts remain important community events that bring families together in Calvert County and the broader tri-county region.
