15 IN A ROW! Boyertown Schools Capture Outstanding Recognition for Music

by Lesley Misko

The Boyertown Area School District has once again earned national recognition for its commitment to the arts, as the Boyertown Area Schools Music League announced the district has been named a 2025 Best Community for Music Education. This marks the 15th consecutive year Boyertown has received the honor, highlighting the strength and consistency of its music education programs.

The recognition comes from the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, which each year celebrates school districts across the country that demonstrate outstanding dedication to music education. The “Best Communities for Music Education” designation is awarded to over 1,000 schools and districts nationwide and is now in its 26th year.

The Boyertown Area Schools Music League, a key advocate and supporter of the district’s music initiatives, emphasizes the importance of the award and what it represents: a community that prioritizes music as a core part of student development and education.

Winners were selected through a rigorous application process that included verified data on funding, instructional time, participation, and community engagement. The analysis was conducted by Wolf Brown, a nationally respected independent research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

While some school boards across the country have scaled back or eliminated music programs citing cost concerns, Boyertown has maintained strong support for music in its schools. Research continues to show that students involved in music education tend to perform better academically. According to a study by The College Board, students in music performance scored an average of 57 points higher on the verbal section and 41 points higher on the math section of the SAT. Those in music appreciation courses scored even higher—63 points better in verbal and 44 points higher in math—compared to students with no arts participation.

The NAMM Foundation supports music-making across all age groups and abilities and works to ensure music education is accessible to everyone. To support this mission, the organization funds research, awards grants ranging from $5,000 to $25,000, and backs public service initiatives.

“Music education has numerous positive effects on communities,” said John Mlynczak, NAMM president and CEO and former educator. “The Best Communities for Music Education award winners serve as models for the power of music education to foster a lifelong appreciation for the arts, and NAMM is honored to recognize the 2025 recipients.”

Boyertown joins several other regional districts in receiving the 2025 distinction, including East Penn, Exeter, Governor Mifflin, Hamburg, Kutztown, Lower Merion, Methacton, Norristown, North Penn, Oley Valley, Parkland, Perkiomen Valley, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Pottsgrove, Spring-Ford, and Wyomissing Area.

The Boyertown Area Schools Music League emphasized this 15th consecutive award served as a testament to the dedication of Boyertown-area educators, students, and families’ commitment to sustaining the role of music in our schools. With continued community support, Boyertown remains a leading example of how music education can thrive and make a lasting impact.

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