Cuyahoga County, Ohio
School districts throughout the Westshore are singing the praises of students, staff and the community as Bay Village, Rocky River and Westlake have all earned the Best Communities for Music Education Award from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for 2025.
Grades 7-12 student musicians perform at a Westlake City Schools Jazz Concert in March. Photo courtesy of the Westlake City SchoolsWestlake City Schools
Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education program recognizes school districts and individual schools across the United States for their efforts to integrate music awareness and education into their curriculum.
This year, more than 1,000 public, private, charter, and parochial school districts and individual schools were recognized for demonstrating the highest level of commitment to developing and sustaining exceptional music programs, according to the press release.
Bay Village City Schools was first recognized with the distinction in 2003 — and each year since — Bay Village Schools is among just 935 districts nationwide, and 53 Ohio school districts, identified for the honor this year.
The school district also has the second-longest winning streak in Ohio (Berea City School District is the first).
“I applaud the commitment of our music educators, who provide our students with not only a learning opportunity, but also a creative outlet to explore and express their creativity and talent,” said Scot Prebles, Bay Village City Schools superintendent, in a press release. “I also know that without the support of our families and residents, including the Bay Music Boosters, this award would not be possible.”
Music instructors at the Bay Village City School District are: Darren Allen (Bay Middle School and Bay High School instrumental music); Mark Awad (Bay Middle School instrumental music); Dr. E. James Kotora, Jr. (Normandy Elementary School music); Allison Turnbull (Westerly Elementary School music); Dr. Devon Gess (Bay High School vocal music); Dr. Ann Gilbert (Bay Middle School instrumental music); Andrew Novak (Bay Middle School vocal music); and Carrie Singler (Bay Middle School and Bay High School instrumental music).
The Rocky River City School District has received the Best Communities for Music Education designation for the ninth consecutive year.
“Receiving this designation for the ninth year in a row is a true testament to the strength and quality of our music education program,” said Elizabeth Anderson, Rocky River City Schools interim superintendent, in a press release. “Our outstanding team of music educators bring passion and expertise to their teaching. They are professional musicians themselves and participate in ensembles such as the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony, the Cleveland Winds, and the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus. They work closely together across grade levels to ensure our students grow as musicians year after year.”
Anderson also acknowledged the vital role of community support in sustaining the district’s music programs.
“Our students benefit tremendously from the dedication of our music educators and the encouragement of the broader community, including the Rocky River Music Backers and the parents and guardians of our Pirate musicians,” she said. “Their support helps us create a thriving environment for young musicians to learn, grow, and perform, and we are grateful.”
This is the fifth year in a row for the Westlake City Schools to receive the Best Communities honor.
“This is a fitting recognition for our community,” said Scott Goggin, Westlake City Schools superintendent, in an email. “Westlake continues to provide one of the finest music programs consisting of talented staff and students. This success would not be possible without the support of our entire community.”
Westlake provides Music Education to students from grades PreK-12, as well as adaptive music throughout the district.
Ensemble opportunities include Band, Orchestra, and Choir (grades 5-12), as well as expanded offerings at the middle and high school levels including Marching Band, Jazz ensembles and Show Choirs. Advanced Placement (AP) Music Theory is also offered at the high school. The Demon Drama club puts on a musical every year which gives students the opportunity to perform a full production both by actors and instrumental musicians performing in the musical pit.
“We are so fortunate to be a part of a community that supports and values the arts as much as Westlake does,” said Joe Fudale, Lee Burneson Middle School and Westlake High School band director, in an email. “It is a pleasure to make music with our students every day at such a high level; the enthusiasm, talent, and commitment they bring to the table is truly what makes our music department a special place!”
Districts who wish to be evaluated and considered for the Best Communities for Music Education distinction must complete a detailed survey about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, certification of instructors and other relevant factors about their music education programs. Examples of how music teachers collaborate on lessons and activities with regular classroom teachers must also be provided, according to the press release.
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 15,000 member companies and individual professionals. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs.
For more information, go to nammfoundation.org.
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Area school districts earn prestigious Music Education Award – Cleveland.com
