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