Shaler Area School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from the 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.
This is the ninth time Shaler Area has received the award, which 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.
“Music education plays a vital role in developing the whole child—fostering creativity, collaboration, and confidence in our students,” said Dr. Bryan E. O’Black, Superintendent of Schools. “This recognition affirms the incredible work of our music educators and the commitment of our entire school community to ensuring that every student has access to meaningful musical experiences. We are proud of this distinction and will continue to invest in opportunities that allow our students to engage, empower, and excel through the arts.”
“At Shaler Area, music provides students with a powerful outlet for expression and connection,” added Milan George Tepshich, M.Ed, Director of Bands and 7–12 Music Dept. Chair. “Whether in the classroom, on stage, or in the community, our students grow not only as musicians but as individuals.”
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.
Shaler Area School District is proud to offer a comprehensive and dynamic music program that spans grades K–12. Students have access to a wide range of opportunities, including general music instruction, chorus, band, orchestra, and specialized ensembles. The district’s performing arts programs are a source of pride within the community, regularly showcasing student talent through concerts, performances, and regional and state-level honors.
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, the foundation strives to build inclusive and thriving musical communities