April 29, 2026
Prince George County Public Schools 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. 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.
Throughout the school year, vocal and instrumental music are showcased in a variety of ways within PGCPS’ annual programming. PGCPS campuses at all grade levels regularly host instrumental and vocal performances, providing students with opportunities to develop their talents under expert guidance. The annual summer fine arts academy offers gifted students additional music experience, culminating in a showcase for families. Additionally, the district’s annual Spring Fling arts showcase, a fixture of the community for over 20 years, features music and visual arts from across the district at the host venue, Prince George High School.
Prince George County’s music education is recognized for excellence, with Prince George High School’s Marching Royals and choir each earning the Virginia Music Educators Association’s Blue Ribbon Award for “Superior” ratings, among many other accolades across PGCPS. The school’s vocal ensemble has performed at the annual VMEA conference and notable venues, including Fort Lee and the historic Riverside Church in New York City. In 2024, the choir won top honors at the New York Heritage Festival. The Marching Royals have dazzled audiences right in their own backyard during parades and athletic events, along with crowds at Walt Disney World and other venues.
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.
For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.