LORAIN CITY SCHOOLS RECEIVES NATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR MUSIC EDUCATION

LORAIN, OHIO, May 13, 2025 — Lorain City Schools 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
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. Over 1,000 districts and individual
school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing
exceptional music programs.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Lorain City Schools 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.

Lorain City Schools serves approximately 6,000 students across 14 schools in Lorain, Ohio. The district's comprehensive
music education program begins in preschool and continues through high school, offering instrumental, vocal, and
general music instruction. The district's award-winning ensembles regularly perform throughout the community and
participate in regional and state competitions.

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.