2026 Award Recipients
Community Involvement
Achievement in this category demonstrates a commitment to establishing school music programs as integral parts of their communities.
Elderly Melodies – Mira Costa High School
Manhattan Beach, California
Glendale High School Band and Orchestra
Glendale, Arizona
Heights Middle School Symphonic Band
Farmington, New Mexico
O’Fallon Township High School Bands
O’Fallon, Illinois
Salem–Keizer Public Schools
Salem, Oregon
Salem–Keizer Public Schools
Salem, Oregon
Shadow Mountain High School – Music Technology
Phoenix, Arizona
Slippery Rock University Music Department
Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania
Elementary Excellence
Achievement in this category demonstrates exceptional and inspirational strategies and programming in elementary school music programs.
Cesar Chavez and Los Cerritos Elementary Schools
Long Beach, California
Donald E. Schick Elementary Bands
Montoursville, Pennsylvania
Park Spanish Immersion Elementary Music
St. Louis Park, Minnesota
Tucumcari Elementary School Nyoka Marimba Band
Tucumcari, New Mexico
Westfield Public Schools Visual & Performing Arts Department
Westfield, New Jersey
Westwood Elementary School
Greenwood, Indiana
Innovative Fundraising
Achievement in this category demonstrates the understanding that creative and active fundraising benefits both individual students and entire programs.
L.D. Bell High School Band
Hurst, Texas
Music Shapes
Oakland, Michigan
Princeton City Schools 6-12 Orchestra
Cincinnati, Ohio
The Hebron High School Band
Carrollton, Texas
Marketing and Promotion
Achievement in this category demonstrates outstanding strategies for marketing and promotional efforts with a commitment to increasing program visibility.
Blue Springs High School Golden Regiment Marching Band
Blue Springs, Missouri
Music Shapes
Oakland, Michigan
Norwin High School Band
North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Salem–Keizer Public Schools
Salem, Oregon
Student Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention
Achievement in this category demonstrates a commitment to building and sustaining a high-quality school music program.
Cincinnati All Star Drumline – Milford H.S.
Cincinnati, Ohio
Forney ISD Middle School Indoor Drumline
Forney, Texas
Smiths Station High School Band Program
Smiths Station, Alabama
Stoney Creek H.S. Bands
Rochester Hills, Michigan