2025 Best Communities for Music Education

Derry Township School District Receives National Recognition for Music Education Support

Hershey, Pa – May 14, 2025 – Derry Township School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students. 

Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the Support Music Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase awareness and support for music programs. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.  

Dr. Winslow, Superintendent of Schools, shares “I continue to be impressed and inspired by the talent and dedication of our student musicians and the strength of our music program here at DTSD. Each year, our music education program demonstrates its lasting value—not only in fostering creativity and discipline, but also in building a strong sense of community across our district. This award reflects the incredible effort and commitment of our students and educators, and it is a truly well-deserved honor.”

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, [District] answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.  

Derry Township School District is an award-winning public school system located in Hershey, Pennsylvania.  The DTSD community enjoys a legacy that began with founder Milton S. Hershey.  The district serves approximately 3,100 students in kindergarten through twelfth grade residing in Derry Township, Dauphin County. Students have multiple opportunities to engage in rigorous learning across subject areas as well as participate in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities.

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