RCSD Earns Seventh Consecutive National Recognition for Music Education

The Rochester City School District (RCSD) has been honored with the 2025 Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.  This is the seventh consecutive year the RCSD has received this nationwide distinction. 

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.  WolfBrown, a leading arts educational research firm, verified the responses. 

“We are thrilled to receive NAMM’s recognition as one of the top communities for music education for the seventh year in a row,” said Dr. Demario Strickland, Interim Superintendent of Schools. “This national accolade reflects our ongoing commitment to developing the musical potential of our students. We thank the dedicated students, supportive families, and outstanding educators who made this recognition possible.”

Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate exceptional achievement in providing music access and education to all students.