Eastland Independent School District (Eastland ISD) has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education for the third year in a row. 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.
The award 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 shaping well-rounded students here at Eastland ISD,” said Dr. Cody Knott, Director of Bands for Eastland ISD. “Through music, our students learn discipline, teamwork, creativity, and perseverance skills that carry far beyond the classroom. Receiving this designation affirms the work of our educators and community in prioritizing the arts and encourages us to continue growing opportunities for every student.”
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.
Eastland ISD serves students in Eastland, Texas, with a strong tradition of academic and extracurricular excellence. The district’s music program offers students at all grade levels opportunities to participate in band, elementary choir, and other musical ensembles such as jazz band. With dedicated educators, supportive families, and a proud community, Eastland ISD continues to foster a culture where the arts are valued as an essential part of student success. None of this is possible without the service and dedication of Kathy Harris, Jenna, and Mario Larios Garcia. The individuals go above and beyond the call each day for our students. Eastland ISD is extremely grateful to have such dedicated music educators.
Thank you to our administration, staff, and community for the continued support of music in Eastland!
About The NAMM Foundation
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, it strives to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.