Henrico County Public Schools has once again been named one of the "Best Communities for Music Education" by the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation. Henrico is the only school system in the country to hold this distinction for all 13 years of the association's rankings.

“We are thrilled to be chosen as one of the ‘The 100 Best Communities for Music Education,’” said Rick Tinsley, the music education specialist for Henrico Schools. “Henrico County Public Schools is the only school system in the country that has received this award every year since it began and this is due to our wonderful teachers, our supportive local community, and the support provided by our School Board, Superintendent, and administration!”

Each school receiving the “Best Communities” designation scored in the 80th percentile or higher in the survey's grading process. Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and other relevant factors in their communities' music education programs. The responses were verified with district officials and advisory organizations reviewed the data.

The survey is a nationwide search for communities whose programs exemplify a strong commitment to music education. Established in 1999, BCME recognizes and celebrates schools, their administrators, teachers, board members, parents and students for their support of music education and their efforts to assure access to all students as part of the core curriculum.

“We know that communities are struggling to maintain funding for many education programs and we applaud these communities that remain committed to a complete and quality education that must include music and the arts,” said NAMM Foundation Executive Director Mary Luehrsen. “We urge communities to celebrate the designation as a national recognition for their commitment to children and most of all, keep the music playing in their schools for years to come.”