Fifteen Years of Excellence: David Douglas Named a “Best Community for Music Education” Once Again

Community  /  News A close-up, high-angle shot of a shiny silver trumpet being played by a musician in a red uniform.

For the 15th time, the David Douglas School District has earned the distinction of being one of the Best Communities for Music Education in the country. The impact of our music education program begins in every elementary school and continues through our amazing middle and high school classes. Congratulations to all students, staff, and families!

Thank you for your continued support in championing music education for our David Douglas students. The joy is seen and felt at every performance.

About the Best Communities for Music Education Program

The Best Communities for Music Education award is presented annually by NAMM (the National Association of Music Merchants), the world’s largest nonprofit music trade organization.

Now in its 27th year, this award honors U.S. schools and districts for their outstanding commitment to music education and for ensuring equitable access for all students. Recipients are chosen through a rigorous evaluation process that examines district support, instructional time, and community engagement. To ensure the highest standards of credibility, all applications are independently verified by the research firm WolfBrown. In 2026, over 1,000 diverse institutions, including public, private, and charter schools, were recognized for their sustained excellence in music programming.

View the full list of 2026 award recipients and learn more about the Best Communities for Music Education program.