Springfield Township honored as NAMM 'Best Communities for Music Education' and recognizes dozens of student musicians

The School District of Springfield Township celebrated student musicians and the district’s music program at its May 19 board meeting, announcing its 12th consecutive Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation and handing out certificates to dozens of students from elementary through high school.

The recognition, delivered in remarks by Tom Kelly of Zeswits Music on behalf of the NAMM Foundation and by district staff, acknowledges the district’s music programming, staffing and community support. “Number 12. Number 12. … You’ve topped the numbers at 12,” Tom Kelly said, congratulating the district and describing the application process as “rather lengthy” — he said the application runs about 35 pages and is reviewed by the University of Kansas.

Why it matters: the designation is a national recognition that, according to Kelly, evaluates elements such as instructional offerings, performance opportunities and community support. District leaders told the board the award reflects sustained investment in music education K–12 and community participation in concerts and arts events.

At the meeting district staff and music teachers read the names of students who participated in PMEA and other festivals and honors ensembles. Presenters named participants from elementary band and song festivals, middle‑school and junior high song and band events, and high school Montco and district festivals. The board presented certificates and asked students and family members to step outside for group photos after the recognition portion of the meeting. Student representative Sophia Gotti also received a certificate honoring her year of service on the board.

District staff and board members also praised the music department’s teachers and volunteers for the “depth and breadth” of programming and thanked families for supporting rehearsals and performances. Superintendent Mary Jo Janicone, who joined the meeting virtually, noted the district's continuing commitment to arts education while mentioning she had been in Hershey, Pa., earlier that day presenting on artificial intelligence in education.

Tom Kelly said the NAMM program receives many applicants nationally and that Springfield Township’s sustained work—such as adding a strings program in recent years—helped it secure repeated recognition. He presented a plaque from the NAMM Foundation, and district leaders invited the students and families to take photos and celebrate outside following the meeting.

More local context: music staff referenced multiple honors and festival placements by individual students — including district, regional and all‑state participation — and highlighted outreach events such as school concerts and high‑school‑hosted festivals that brought students from Bucks and Montgomery counties to Springfield Township venues.

The spotlight portion of the meeting concluded without formal board action; the meeting then proceeded to routine business items.