For the 11th time, Honeoye has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education.

Now in its 27th year, the program continues to spotlight and celebrate 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.

The award reaches K-12 communities nationwide, offering both recognition and momentum to strengthen and expand music education programs. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools — including public, private, charter and parochial institutions — have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.

“Music education is an essential part of the educational programs at Honeoye” says Brian Wilkins, senior high band director and music department chair. “We are thrilled to be recognized, not just for what our music students and staff have achieved, but for the tremendous support our community has shown for our school music programs.”

Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards 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 leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

Whether it’s instrumental, vocal or visual, the arts have a strong home at Honeoye. Stage performers in Grades 7-12 have a fall drama and spring musical production to participate in and musicians have a variety of ensemble options, be they instrumental or vocal. Music ensembles have also performed at events outside of school. Band members named All -County include 4 senior high musicians, 5 in the middle school and 8 in the elementary school. Honeoye also celebrated 2 senior high musicians named to the Area All -State Band, 1 senior high musician names to the Area All-State Choir, and 8 senior high vocalists named All -County.

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, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.