The Middletown school district has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education.

This is the district’s 12^th straight year receiving this designation, with the first coming in 2015.

“I'm so excited that we have received this recognition,” said Amanda Mita, District K-12 Music Chairperson. “Everyone in the Middletown community knows how amazing our music program is and it's wonderful to see that commitment to excellence recognized.”

Now in its 27th year, the program continues to spotlight and celebrate 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.

Middletown makes a great commitment to the music program, with its wide range of classroom instruction at all grade levels. Middletown provides scholars with instruments at no cost, which has contributed to 795 scholar-musicians in orchestra ensembles and 581 in band ensembles during the 2024-25 school year. The district has another 750 scholars in chorus ensembles.

Our community was treated to more than 50 school year performances, all filled with talented musicians. Middletown had 127 scholars selected for all-county ensembles, 17 for area all-state ensembles and three performed at the all-state level.

“National recognition is never a matter of chance,” Superintendent Amy Creeden said. “It is the result of intentionality and a shared commitment to excellence. This award returns to Middletown as a direct reflection of our music educators, who truly are the best of the best. They are Legacy Makers, providing the foundation of mastery that allows the collective genius of our scholar-musicians to shine on the national stage.

“This level of achievement is only possible because our Board of Education remains unwavering in its commitment to the arts, and our community continues to invest in the vision of our schools. When world-class educators, supportive families, and talented scholars synergize toward a common goal, the results are historic. This isn't just a win for a department; it is a testament to the leadership legacy we are building together. Way to go, Middies!”