The NAMM Foundation has honored Chatham Central School District with its Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation for outstanding support and commitment to music education. Now in its 26th year, the BCME is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students. 2025 marks the tenth year that The NAMM Foundation has recognized Chatham as a BCME.
To qualify, the 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 the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.
“We have a lot to celebrate in regards to the music programs that we offer here in Chatham,” said Andrew Kourt, Chatham’s superintendent of schools. “This award is testament to our hard-working and talented students and the guidance of our dedicated music educators. Congratulations to our musicians and their teachers.”
Chatham CSD offers band, orchestra, chorus, and musical theater programs at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The music program enjoys a high level of student participation and strong support from parent and community groups such as the Chatham Fine Arts Booster Club, Chatham Education Foundation, and Mary E. Dardess Elementary School Parent Teacher Association, among others. The greater community also offers rich opportunities to learn, perform, and experience live music.
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.