Utica honored once again as national leader in music education

The beat is strong for the Utica Community Schools music program.

UCS has again once been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the California-based National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM). This is the 12^th time the district has received this national recognition.

The Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

“Music education and the arts are an integral part of Utica Community Schools,” Superintendent Robert S. Monroe said. “Our educators continue to champion a program that has high expectations for our students and builds in them a lifelong passion for music.”

The NAMM Foundation honored approximately 20 Michigan school districts and approximately 1,000 communities nationally.

The award recognizes and celebrates 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.

Recipients are selected through a rigorous application and review process that evaluates key indicators including district support, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. To uphold the program’s integrity and credibility, all applications are independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts. This thorough process ensures that recognition reflects measurable achievement and sustained commitment.

“Music education plays a vital role in cultivating vibrant, connected communities,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM President and CEO. “The 2026 Best Communities for Music Education recipients exemplify how meaningful access to music fosters creativity, collaboration and lifelong learning. We are proud to recognize their leadership and unwavering dedication to ensuring every student has the opportunity to engage in music.”

Source: Utica Community Schools

Http://www.uticak12.org

Robert S. Monroe, Superintendent of Schools