Carey Exempted Village Schools again named a Best Community for Music Education

CAREY — Carey Exempted Village Schools has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for their outstanding support and commitment to music education. "The arts play a critical role in shaping well-rounded, thoughtful individuals. At Carey Exempted Village Schools, we're committed not only to preparing students for life beyond the classroom, but also to helping them appreciate the deeper parts of what makes us human—like music and art. I'm proud of our music educators for creating opportunities where students don't just learn about music—they experience it. Thanks to their passion and the continued support of our community, we're once again honored with this recognition, and it's a reflection of what we value here at Carey," said Peter Cole, Carey High School Principal. Carey offers many music classes preschool through twelfth grade. In elementary school the students are introduced to instruments, reading music, rhythms, singing, and performing. There is also a music club offered where they learn to play the ukulele. In middle school the students have the opportunity to take band, choir, and piano class. This piano class was added at the beginning of the 2023/2024 school year and has been a huge success with our seventh grade students. During High School the students are offered band, choir, guitar class, piano class the History of Rock and Roll, and Music Technology courses. All students, at every grade level are encouraged to find what they enjoy within music. "Our music department's teamwork and commitment to an inclusive, inspiring curriculum are truly exceptional. Their passion and dedication are a driving force behind our school earning the Best Community for Music Education Award multiple years in a row," said Dr. Tammy Elchert, Carey Elementary School Principal. 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. To uphold the program's rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts. 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.