Calvert County Public Schools Named One Of The Best Communities for Music Education In The Country

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — Calvert County Public Schools (CCPS) has been nationally recognized as one of the best in the nation when it comes to music education.

CCPS has been honored with a Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, according to an announcement on the district’s website.

“Arts education is a cornerstone value for our district. The musical experiences we offer in our school system help shape the lives of our students in positive ways, and this honor is clear recognition of our efforts,” said Bryan Welker, supervisor of visual and performing arts at CCPS in a press release.

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.

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.

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.

Across its schools, CCPS offers classes in visual and performing arts from kindergarten through 12th grade. Arts education provides students with the skills needed to achieve personal growth, hone their artistic voice and actively engage with the world around them.

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