Tullahoma City Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education Award from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for the fifth consecutive year.

In total, the district has received this honor seven times. Tullahoma City Schools is one of 14 districts across the state to receive this distinction this year.

“This award means so much to our district because it reflects what we see every day: students finding joy, confidence, and connection through music,” said TCS Fine Arts Coordinator Sarah McVey. “To be recognized for the fifth year in a row is incredibly exciting, but more than anything, it speaks to the consistency of our commitment. Our teachers, administrators, and community truly believe in the power of music education, and this honor just affirms the work we pour into our students year after year.”

Now in its 27th year, the Best Communities for Music Education award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts and schools that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to and access to music education.

The Best Communities for Music Education Award recognizes that a healthy music community is defined by a wealth of passion and commitment from leaders who leverage every resource to expand opportunities for children to learn and grow through musicmaking. Throughout the award’s 27-year history, the Foundation has recognized thousands of school districts and schools in 46 states. From rural to metropolitan, large and small, public and non-public schools, the NAMM Foundation proudly honors the diversity of educational communities that support students’ musical growth.

“I constantly rave about the fine arts and music programs across TCS. It is always exciting to see them receiving the national recognition that they deserve,” said TCS Director of Schools Dr. Catherine Stephens. “Our music programs are simply phenomenal, and just this year alone, we had 38 students perform at the Tennessee Music Education Association Conference earlier this month in Nashville. Music is ingrained throughout our school community thanks to a myriad of people, including our incredible music teachers who teach and lead our students. This honor also highlights the work of our school board, which supports and encourages music education and experiences for all students. Lastly, this award is also a reflection of the Tullahoma Community that embraces the importance of music as part of a well-rounded education.”