Gardner Area Band Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Music Education
The Gardner Area Band has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation from the NAMM Foundation, recognizing the district’s outstanding commitment to providing high-quality music education and access for all students.
Now in its 27th year, the national designation is awarded to school districts that demonstrate exceptional achievement in music education. In addition to BCME honors, the NAMM Foundation also presents the Support Music Merit Award (SMMA) to individual school sites. This year, more than 1,000 districts and schools across the country were recognized for their dedication to student access and excellence in music programs.
Music education is a vital part of the student experience across the Gardner South Wilmington school community, including Gardner South Wilmington High School and its feeder schools-Gardner Grade School, Braceville Elementary School, and South Wilmington Grade School. The Gardner Area Band program promotes creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking while giving students meaningful opportunities to grow both academically and personally.
“Music education is a cornerstone of a well-rounded education in our district,” said GSW and Braceville Superintendent Susan Avery. “Through our band program, students develop creativity, discipline, and confidence while gaining experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. We are also incredibly fortunate to have the support of our dedicated Band Boosters; whose efforts help make these opportunities possible. This recognition from the NAMM Foundation affirms our commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for our students and investing in their future.”
Superintendent Melanie Elias of Gardner Grade School added:
“Music education provides students with a unique opportunity to grow creatively, socially, and academically. Through band, students build confidence, learn teamwork, and experience success in ways that extend beyond the traditional classroom. This recognition highlights the dedication of our students, staff, and community, and reinforces the strength of our program.”
Dr. Shannon Hamm, Superintendent of South Wilmington Grade School, emphasized the importance of music in rural education:
“We take immense pride in offering a robust music program within our rural schools, as it provides our students with essential avenues for expression and growth. Music education bridges the gap between traditional academics and real-world skills, teaching our students the value of persistence and the power of harmony. Being honored by the NAMM Foundation is a testament to our community’s unwavering support and our commitment to keeping the arts a vital part of our students’ educational journey.”
Band Director Michael Leone added:
“Music education plays a critical role in developing the whole student. It fosters discipline, perseverance, creativity, and collaboration while strengthening important academic and life skills. Just as importantly, it builds confidence and creates a sense of belonging for our students. This recognition reflects the hard work and passion of our entire band community, and we are incredibly proud of what our students continue to achieve.”
To qualify for the BCME designation, Michael Leone completed a comprehensive application detailing funding, participation, instruction, facilities, and community support. Responses were evaluated by Wolf Brown, a leading arts education research firm.
About the Gardner Area Band
The Gardner Area Band is a dedicated ensemble of student musicians from Braceville Elementary School, Gardner Grade School, Gardner South Wilmington High School, and South Wilmington Grade School. Students rehearse three mornings each week, demonstrating exceptional commitment and passion for music.
Recognized as one of the premier music programs in the region, the band has performed at the Music in the Parks Competition in Gurnee, IL, University of Illinois and Northern Illinois University, as well as at professional events such as a Peoria Rivermen hockey game. Their national appearances include the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., the Nashville Christmas Parade, and a featured performance at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Additional performances include appearances at Mount Rushmore, the Spoleto Arts Festival in Charleston, South Carolina, and the National Festival of the States Competition in Savannah, Georgia.
Continuing its tradition of excellence, the Gardner Area Band will travel to New Orleans in May 2026 to perform on a national stage, showcasing the talent, dedication, and pride of its student musicians.
