Auburn music educator Bill Buza honored; district named a 2025 Best Community for Music Education

The Auburn School Committee on June 18 honored Bill Buza and celebrated a national recognition for the district's music programs. Superintendent Sue Doris introduced Scott Anier, who asked the committee to recognize Buza as Maine Music Educator of the Year, noting his leadership across band, percussion, jazz and marching programs and his role in developing the Donald M. Gay Performing Arts Center.

"Bill has been a great ally as the visual and performing arts department chair," Anier said, praising Buza's work on construction, fundraising and technology at the performance center. Buza thanked the committee and community, calling the award "a very high honor" and highlighting student achievements, including a state jazz festival silver medal and a gold at the Great East Music Festival. He also noted that three students were selected to perform at Carnegie Hall.

Doris told the committee that the Auburn School Department was one of five districts in Maine named a 2025 Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation. She said the recognition reflects the district's sustained investment in staff, facilities and community partnerships. Scott Anier and Buza described the award application as extensive—citing districtwide collaboration and a detailed application process that included data-driven reporting.

The committee offered unanimous applause and congratulations; no formal action was required. The recognition was described as reflecting both in-school programming and broader community support for music education.