Bay Village Named a 2025 ‘Best Community for Music Education’
Bay Village Schools has received this NATIONAL recognition annually since 2003.
The Bay Village City School District has once again been honored for its exemplary music program, receiving the “Best Community for Music Education” award for 2025. First recognized with the distinction in 2003 -- and each year since -- Bay Village Schools is among just 935 districts nationwide, and 53 Ohio school districts, identified for this honor by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation for 2025. Bay Village Schools also has the second-longest winning streak in Ohio (Berea City School District is the first).
“I applaud the commitment of our music educators, who provide our students with not only a learning opportunity, but also a creative outlet to explore and express their creativity and talent,” said Superintendent Scot Prebles. “I also know that without the support of our families and residents, including the Bay Music Boosters, this award would not be possible.”
Music instructors at the Bay Village City School District are: Darren Allen (Bay Middle School and Bay High School instrumental music); Mark Awad (Bay Middle School instrumental music); Dr. E. James Kotora, Jr. (Normandy Elementary School music); Allison Turnbull (Westerly Elementary School music); Dr. Devon Gess (Bay High School vocal music); Dr. Ann Gilbert (Bay Middle School instrumental music); Andrew Novak (Bay Middle School vocal music); and Carrie Singler (Bay Middle School and Bay High School instrumental music).
“We’re incredibly proud that Bay Village City Schools has once again been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation—an honor we’ve received every year since 2003,” said Darren Allen, Bay Middle School and Bay High School instrumental music teacher. “This continued recognition reflects our community’s deep commitment to the arts and the exceptional dedication of our music educators, students and families.”
Districts who wish to be evaluated and considered for the Best Communities for Music Education distinction must complete a detailed survey about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, certification of instructors and other relevant factors about their music education programs. Examples of how music teachers collaborate on lessons and activities with regular classroom teachers must also be provided.
Provided below is some additional information provided by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation:
The NAMM Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2025 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Awards, a signature program now in its 26th year of recognizing and celebrating school districts and individual schools for their support and commitment to music education and their efforts to ensure access to music for all students as part of a well-rounded education.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Bay Village 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.
The schools and communities recognized by Best Communities for Music Education demonstrate a commitment to ensuring music learning opportunities are available for every student and provide an example for other communities to follow.
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its 15,000 member companies and individual professionals. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs.
For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit
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