Rome City School District (RCSD) has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for their 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 Support Music 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. Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.
“We are truly honored to be recognized for the 11th year as one of the Best Communities for Music Education. This achievement is a reflection of the heart and soul of our district—our passionate students, dedicated educators, and supportive families who together create an environment where music thrives. Music is not just a program or an area of study for us; it’s a powerful force that brings our community together, nurtures creativity, and helps every child find their voice,” said Superintendent Nerlande Anselme.
Current Rome music faculty members include:
Sarah Anderson, Christian Arthur, Beth Bushaw, Tracie Forbes, Anne Gannon, Leanna Guerrieri, Stephanie Mahoney, Erica McMyler, Jacob Meiss, Erica Oshier, Alexandra Palese, Dolly Peterson, Isaac Rojas, Haley Rudolph, Stephen Russell, Kerryanne Schenck, Robert Verminski, Diane Vicik, Shelby Yerrick and Allison Young.
Many of the current music faculty are themselves products of this legacy. The district regularly has students accepted into Area All-State, Conference All-State, All-Eastern, and All-National music ensembles. In addition, Rome ensembles consistently earn high marks each year from adjudicators at marching band competitions, choir festivals, and New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Major Organization festivals.
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, we strive to build inclusive and thriving musical communities. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.