For the thirteenth year, South Colonie Central School District was named on the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation's 2026 Best Communities for Music Education. NAMM recognizes schools and districts across the country for "leadership in expanding equitable access to music education." 

South Colonie is among more than 1,000 school districts and schools to be recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education. Throughout the district, there are more than 1,500 students enrolled in band, chorus, or orchestra – a number that continues to grow each year.

“Earning this national distinction again is a proud moment for our entire community,” said Peter Cannistraci, Music Department Chairperson. “It reflects not only the talent and dedication of our students and educators, but also our district’s unwavering commitment to providing a high-quality, comprehensive music education. We believe music is an essential part of every student’s growth, and we will continue to inspire our students’ creativity, discipline, and a lifelong appreciation for the 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.