For the 13th consecutive year, the Red Hook Central School District has been named among the NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education for 2026.
For the last 27 years, NAMM has recognized school districts and individual schools that demonstrate a deep commitment to music education. The NAMM Foundation – which supports NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants – is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing active participation in music making and music education through philanthropic investments, service and educational programs.
Red Hook has prioritized music education with multiple dedicated teachers in each building supporting choral and instrumental music, as well as involvement in musical productions and numerous after-school opportunities.
“This honor reflects the work happening by our fantastic music teachers in classrooms and ensembles,” Music Department Coordinator Ben Bardenett said, “and also the commitment, resources and support provided to our teachers and students.”
Criteria for the recognition includes teacher-student ratio, student participation rates, musical education’s place in a district or school’s curriculum, music facilities, teacher qualifications, budget and other areas.
In addition to the facilities and opportunities already offered to students, Red Hook this fall opened a Piano Lab at Linden Avenue Middle School, which has the capacity to teach the instrument to as many as 24 students at a time.
“Achievements like this are only possible in an environment where the arts are valued and supported at every level, and I am grateful to be a part of a community that recognizes and supports music education,” he said.
There are several opportunities to hear student music in the coming weeks:

• Mill Road Second Grade Spring Chorus Concert May 14.
• Red Hook High School Spring Concert May 15.
• LAMS Spring Concert May 18.
• Mill Road Grades 3-5 Spring Concert May 20.
• Red Hook Central School District Jazz Festival June 2.
• Musical performances planned during the Mill Road Gallery Walk May 19 and the Senior Art Show at Red Hook High School May 28.
• The combined high and middle school marching band will again perform during Red Hook’s Memorial Day Parade May 25.