Schick Elementary Music Program Earns National Advocacy in Action Award

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (APRIL 29, 2026) — The Donald E. Schick Elementary School band program was named a 2026 Advocacy in Action Award recipient for Elementary Excellence by Music for All.

The Advocacy in Action Awards recognize innovative music education programs and educators nationwide that demonstrate exceptional impact in their schools and communities.

Schick was recognized for its curriculum-based performance series designed to advance student musicianship, engage audiences and connect classroom instruction with the broader community. The initiative provides students with a range of performance experiences intended to support musical growth while building confidence and collaboration skills.

Elementary Band Director Emily Brumbaugh said the recognition highlights the importance of elementary-level music education.

“We’re really honored to receive the Advocacy in Action Award for Elementary Excellence,” Brumbaugh said. “A lot of times, the spotlight goes to secondary programs, and those recognitions are absolutely deserved, but this award is a great reminder that everything really starts at the elementary level.”

Brumbaugh said the program emphasizes process over performance alone.

“At Schick, we’ve worked to create experiences that are engaging for students while also bringing the community into what we do,” she said. “It’s not just about the final concert — it’s about helping everyone see the process and the growth along the way. Focusing on the process rather than just the product is where so much of the value in music education lives.”

She added that students gain skills beyond musical ability.

“Students in band learn so much more than notes on a page,” Brumbaugh said. “These early experiences shape not just future musicians, but the way students learn, grow and interact with their communities for years to come.”

As part of the recognition, Schick’s program is featured in the Advocacy in Action Archive, where music educators nationwide can view and replicate effective practices in music education.

The Advocacy in Action program highlights efforts by educators, administrators, families and community members who support music education as part of a comprehensive education for all students.

“We’re proud to provide a strong musical foundation for our students and even prouder of the national recognition it’s received through Music for All,” said Superintendent Dr. Brooke Beiter. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our music faculty in helping our students grow not only as musicians but creative learners.”

According to its website: “Music for All’s mission is to create, provide, and expand positively life-changing experiences through music. Our vision is to be a catalyst to ensure that every child in America has access and opportunity for active music-making in their scholastic environment. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization, Music for All’s events and programs serve more than 600,000 attendees annually — and more than 1.7 million program participants since 1975.”

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LTSD Among Nation’s ‘Best Communities for Music Education’ for 16th Consecutive Year

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (APRIL 27, 2026) — Loyalsock Township School District has once again been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education.

This is the 16th year that LTSD has received the designation, which is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

LTSD is among more than 1,000 school districts selected nationwide.

To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the district answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs.

“Receiving the award is a celebration and powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared vision of whole-child education,” said David Tini, Loyalsock Township Middle School band director and district music curriculum chair. “Loyalsock Township has consistently demonstrated these ideals and values. This recognition reflects a sustained, collective vision and investment in ensuring that every child, pre-K through grade 12, has engaging, relevant and high-quality music education in the classroom and beyond.”

Tini added that the township community views music education as a core part of the academic experience rather than an “extra.” He said these programs support student engagement and achievement while helping develop the creativity and collaboration students need for the future.

“This honor belongs to the entire community: our students, families, educators, administrators and community partners who continue to champion these opportunities year after year,” Tini said. “Together, we are not only sustaining excellence but also demonstrating an academic model for what a rigorous, comprehensive music education can and should look like.”

“This recognition speaks to the strength of our district’s performing arts community,” said Superintendent Dr. Brooke Beiter. “Year after year, our students are supported by dedicated educators and engaged families who understand the lasting impact of music education.”

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.

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