Ellington Schools Earn National Honor Again

ELLINGTON, CT — Ellington Public Schools has again earned national recognition for its music program.

The district received the Best Communities for Music Education Award from the NAMM Foundation for the eighth consecutive year, according to a release from Ellington Public Schools.

The award recognizes school districts for their support of and commitment to music education. The recognition was announced at the May Board of Education meeting, according to the district.

Now in its 27th year, the program highlights school districts and schools across the country that show strong dedication to music education and work to provide students with access to music learning.

Ellington Public Schools said it is among fewer than 8 percent of districts nationwide recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.

Director of Vocal Music Richard Diamond said Ellington High School has added several music courses over the years based on student interest. He said the school now offers a wide range of music courses, including ensembles that meet during class time and two that meet at night so students with full schedules can still take part.

Diamond said the high school also offers AP Music Theory, ECE Music Appreciation, Guitar, Music Production and Unified Music.

More than 1,000 school districts and schools were recognized nationwide in 2026, according to Ellington Public Schools. Recipients were selected through an application and review process, with applications independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

Student Keisha Lorene Burce said music at Ellington High School has been a major part of her school experience.

“Music at EHS has benefited my life in ways that transcend just the band room,” Burce said in the release. “My passion for band has pushed me to bridge the gaps between music and my many academic pursuits. But most of all, it's given me community. I have never loved a community as much as I have loved this band!”

Matthew DeLassus, Ellington’s director of instrumental music, said the honor reflects long-term support for music education in the school system and community.

“It is wonderful to have a school system and community that continually supports music,” DeLassus said in the release. “This designation is more than a feather in our cap. It is 3rd party validation that Ellington has been making great decisions regarding music education for a while. Ellington is a special place, and our mutual love for music education is among the reasons why.”

The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants.