Baldwin Union Free School District Among “Best Communities for Music Education”
Baldwin Union Free School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education. 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. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools—including public, private, charter and parochial institutions—have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.
“Our teachers have created a culture of excellence in which students can challenge themselves as individuals, and teachers can nominate and recommend participation in festivals and experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom,” stated André Poprilo, Baldwin UFSD’s director of fine and performing arts. “Our emerging musicians at the elementary level are encouraged to participate in summer enrichment, to sharpen their skills in partnership with our parent advocacy group, Baldwin Friends of Music & Arts.”
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.
“Receiving the NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education Award is a tremendous honor for Baldwin UFSD and a reflection of our community’s unwavering commitment to the arts,” stated Mr. Anthony Mignella, superintendent of schools for Baldwin UFSD. “Music education plays a vital role in the academic, social, and emotional growth of our students, helping them develop the 6Cs of communication, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, citizenship and character that are essential for success in school, career and life. This recognition celebrates the extraordinary work of our music educators, the talent and dedication of our students, and the continued support of our families, Board of Education, and community partners who believe in the power of music to inspire and connect us all.”
Baldwin UFSD offers a comprehensive K-12 music and arts program, with extensive opportunities in music from an early age. The district puts on more than 40 concerts and performances each academic year. Beginning at the elementary level, students receive music instruction, with the option to participate in small group lessons on band and orchestral instruments in fourth grade. Baldwin Middle School students can broaden their musical experiences through classroom instruction, grade-level performances, and participation in ensembles, including chorus, band, orchestra, jazz ensemble, marching band, and drumming club. By high school, student-musicians can audition for honor-level ensembles, bands, orchestra and choir, while also engaging in such extracurricular opportunities as jazz band, pit orchestra and small ensemble concerts. Advanced ensembles, such as Wind Symphony, Chamber Orchestra, and Concert Choir, perform challenging NYSSMA Level IV–VI repertoire. Elective and Advanced Placement (AP) courses further support students pursuing higher education and careers in the arts.
The district’s music program is continually recognized for its excellence through strong performances at adjudicated festivals and by frequently earning prestigious awards, including the “Best Communities for Music Education” designation on numerous occasions.
For more information about Baldwin UFSD’s arts programs, visit www.baldwinschools.org/arts
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, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.