The Saratoga Springs City School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.
Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase awareness and support for music programs. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.
“We are incredibly proud to be recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Patton. “This honor reflects our district’s deep commitment to the arts and the outstanding efforts of our music educators, students, families, and community partners.”
“Music education is an essential part of a well-rounded education for many students here at Saratoga Springs, equipping us with skills that extend far beyond the classroom,” said Thomas Bundy, President of the Saratoga Springs High School Tri-M Music Honor Society. “It provides opportunities to collaborate with peers, explore diverse cultures, express ourselves creatively, and build lifelong skills—all while enriching both our school and local community.”
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the Saratoga Springs City School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.
Saratoga Springs City School District Music Department Teachers:
- Derek Bull – Department Chair K-5, Greenfield Elementary School Chorus, General Music, Orchestra + Lessons
- Erica Cox – Department Chair 6-12 + 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
- Jeffrey Halstead – High School Music In Our Lives, MIDI Studio, Music Theory
- 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
- 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
- Karey Trimmings – Dorothy Nolan Chorus + General Music
- 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.