The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation has named Hanover County Public Schools (HCPS) as a “Best Community for Music Education” for the 13th year in a row.
“Hanover County Public Schools is deeply committed to the arts, and we take great pride in the many music programs and opportunities available to our students,” said Dr. Lisa Pennycuff, Superintendent of Schools. “Our music educators are the heart of our outstanding programs. Their dedication, creativity, and passion open doors for students to explore and grow through music. We are proud to support the arts in Hanover County and remain committed to making music a vibrant part of our students’ educational journey.”
Hanover County Public Schools is
one of only 23 school divisions in Virginia to achieve the coveted status this year. There are 131 school divisions in the Commonwealth.
The NAMM Foundation, a nonprofit organization, awards this designation to school divisions and schools that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment to offering comprehensive music education to all students. It further serves to recognize the outstanding efforts of teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of the curriculum.
“Our music teachers are some of the best teachers Hanover County Schools has to offer, and it’s wonderful that they are supported by our community and recognized on a national level,” said Dr. Keith Matthews, HCPS Performing Arts Curriculum Specialist. “Music is where the magic happens, not only on the stage, but in the lives of our students, and to be recognized for excellence consistently year after year is a testament to these programs.”
To earn the recognition, the Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas evaluated HCPS on factors such as funding, graduation requirements, student participation in music classes, instructional time, facilities, program support, and community music-making opportunities.
For more information about the “Best Community for Music Education” program, please visit
https://www.nammfoundation.org/what-we-do/best-communities-music-education.