Honeoye Receives National Recognition for Music Education Support

For the 10th time, Honeoye has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding support and commitment to music education. 

Now in its 26th year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students. 

Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase awareness and support for music programs. More than 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.  

“Music education is an essential part of the educational programs at Honeoye,”  says Brian Wilkins, senior high band director and music department chair. “We are thrilled to be recognized, not just for what our music students and staff have achieved, but for the tremendous support our community has shown for our school music programs.”

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Honeoye answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.  

Whether it’s instrumental, vocal or visual, the arts have a strong home at Honeoye. Stage performers in Grades 7 -12 have a fall drama and spring musical production to participate in and musicians have a variety of ensemble options, be they instrumental or vocal. Music ensembles have also performed at events outside of school and the senior high band and choir made a trip to Washington D.C. in March. Band members named All -County include 7 senior high musicians, 3 in the middle school and 7 in the elementary school. Honeoye also celebrated 2 senior high musicians named to the Area All -State Band and 5 junior high vocalists named All -County.