Schools
Local School District Named Best Community For Music Education
District earns national recognition for providing broad access to music programs for students.
OYSTER BAY-EAST NORWICH, NY — Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District has been recognized for its music education.
The school district was named a Best Community for Music Education for 2026 by the NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit organization that aims to continuously invest in the future of music by supporting people of all ages.
This award, which is now in its 27th year, is awarded to districts that show comprehensive music access and education for all their students.
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To qualify, districts must provide information about:
- Funding
- Graduation requirements
- Music class participation
- Instructional time
- Facilities
- Support for school-based and community music programs
Director of Fine, Performing and Media Arts, Erica Giglio Pac said this honor is a testament to the teachers, parents, community, and students.
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"This award belongs to all of us. It signals to the country what we already know — that our community values creativity, discipline, and the joy of music making as a fundamental right for every child," she said.
She said that it's the students' hard work and effort that truly make the community "the best."
"Your passion is the heartbeat of this program," she said. "You are the reason we strive for excellence."
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