Irvington School District has been honored with the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education Award from NAMM (National Association for Music Merchants) Foundation. The prestigious national recognition honors the district’s outstanding support and commitment to music education.
“This is an incredible accomplishment for our department, district and community,” said Debra McCumber, high school band director and music department chair. “This award recognizes and highlights the strength and success of our music program, as well as our music teachers, students and community who continue to support music in our schools.”
Irvington is one of more than 1,000 school districts and individual schools across the country to receive this distinction. Now in its 27th year, the award program recognizes districts for their exemplary dedication to music education and ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music education to all students.
Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluated key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support.
