The Saratoga Springs City School District 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 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.
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.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized once again as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton. “This recognition reflects our district’s ongoing commitment to the arts and the exceptional dedication of our music educators, students, families, and community partners.”
“Our music department has done an outstanding job motivating, preparing, and uplifting students, supporting their musical education throughout elementary, middle, and high school,” said Rose Janicke, President of the Saratoga Springs High School Tri-M Music Honor Society. “Our teachers have created excellent musicians with substantial achievements, many of which who are dedicated to give back to the community through music.”
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.
Saratoga Springs City School District Music Department Teachers:
- Derek Bull – Art & Music Department Head K-5, Greenfield Elementary School Chorus, General Music, Orchestra + Lessons
- Erica Cox – Music Department Head 6-12, High School Band + Lessons
- Jonathan Doyle – Maple Avenue Middle School Band, Lessons + General Music
- Caitlin Drellos – Maple Avenue Middle School Orchestra + Lessons
- Melissa Ferrie-Healy – Division Street Elementary School Chorus, General Music, Band + Lessons
- Nate Giroux – Lake Avenue and Dorothy Nolan Chorus + General Music
- Karey Hall Trimmings – Dorothy Nolan Chorus + General Music
- Karen Houlahan – High School Chorus + Lessons
- Carrie Jackson – Maple Avenue Middle School Chorus + General Music
- Andrew Janack – High School Band + Lessons
- Jessica LaBello – High School Orchestra + Lessons
- Kendra Lamb – Band + Lessons
- Heidi Levin – Maple Avenue Middle School Chorus + General Music
- Sean Lippin – High School Music In Our Lives, Music Theory + Lessons
- Maura McNamara – Orchestra + Lessons
- Jennifer Minehan – Maple Avenue Middle School General Music
- Albie Pickens – Geyser Road and Dorothy Nolan Chorus + General Music
- Leah Seager – Maple Avenue Middle School Band, Lessons + General Music
- Ben Quiñones – Caroline Street Chorus, General Music, Band + Lessons
- Brooke Vincent – Orchestra + Lessons
About The NAMM Foundation
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. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.