Park City, Utah – May 19, 2025 – Park City School District has once again been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education. This marks the second consecutive year the district has received this prestigious recognition, underscoring a decades-long commitment to providing exceptional music learning opportunities for all students.

Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites nationwide were recognized this year for their unwavering commitment to excellence in music programs.

"Receiving the NAMM Foundation's Best Communities for Music Education Award for the second straight year is a validation of a decades-long commitment Park City School District has made to music education," said Bret Hughes, PCSD Fine Arts Coordinator. "We are proof that having licensed music educators in front of kids from the minute they start school—and requiring music for all students until they complete 6th grade—not only impacts their knowledge and skills in music but also positively affects their success in all other academic areas."

At the school level, passionate educators continue to bring music to life:

• Tracy Fike, Principal at Trailside Elementary, shared, “At Trailside Elementary, Mary Morgan brings music to life for every student. Her passion and leadership ensure all children experience the joy of music education and the pride of powerful performances.”
   
• Zach Giddings, EHMS Band Director, added, “I firmly believe that music education not only provides a great creative outlet for all of our students but builds great humans who are kind, know how to work with a group, learn how to understand their role in a project, and find joy in their progress while acknowledging there is always room to grow. Music creates a space where all students can be included and united with a common goal to sound excellent.”
   
• Devin Davis, PCHS Choir Director, reflected, “As music educators, we aren't just teaching notes and rhythms; we are in the business of raising a child.”
   
• Sheryl McDonald, JRES General Music Teacher, expressed, “I believe music to be the universal language. It has the power to transcend all barriers and reach all children and individuals.”
   

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Park City School District provided detailed information about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and community support for music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts education research firm, WolfBrown.

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, they strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information, visit www.nammfoundation.org.