The School District of Lancaster has been honored with the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education Award from the NAMM Foundation, marking the district’s 16th consecutive year receiving the national recognition.
Now in its 27th year, the Best Communities for Music Education program recognizes school districts across the United States for their outstanding support of and commitment to music education. The award celebrates communities that make music learning part of a well-rounded education and continue working to ensure students have access to high-quality music instruction.
In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools, including public, private, charter and parochial institutions, were recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to music education. By district count, SDoL is one of seven school districts in Lancaster County, one of 141 in Pennsylvania and one of 1,008 school districts across the country to receive the designation this year.
“This recognition reflects our district’s long-standing belief that music education is an essential part of a student’s learning experience,” said Dr. Keith Miles, Superintendent. “For 16 consecutive years, the School District of Lancaster has been recognized among the Best Communities for Music Education because of the commitment of our educators, the support of our families and community, and the creativity and dedication of our students.”
Music education plays an important role in helping students build confidence and creativity. Across SDoL, students experience music through classroom instruction, ensembles, performances and opportunities that allow them to express themselves, collaborate with others and grow as learners.
“Our music educators work every day to create spaces where students can discover their voices, develop their talents and experience the joy of making music together,” said Michael Slechta, Supervisor of Unified Arts and Humanities. “This award honors the strength of our music programs across the district and, most importantly, the students who continue to bring those programs to life.”
Recipients of the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education Award were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.
The School District of Lancaster serves students across Lancaster City and Lancaster Township and is committed to celebrating and empowering every learner. Through a wide range of academic, arts, athletic and extracurricular opportunities, SDoL helps students discover their strengths, build confidence and find a sense of belonging.
About The NAMM Foundation
The NAMM Foundation is the charitable arm of the National Association of Music Merchants, the global trade association for the music products industry. The foundation works to remove systemic barriers that limit access to music-making and career pathways in the music industry. By investing in bold ideas and innovative solutions, the foundation strives to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information, visit www.nammfoundation.org.