Posts Tagged "Fine Arts"
Oakland Christian School Earns National Recognition for Excellence in Music Education
July 02, 2026
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Oakland Christian School has been recognized with the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education Award from The NAMM Foundation, marking the third time OCS has received this national honor.
Presented annually by The NAMM Foundation, the award recognizes schools across the country that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to providing students with access to high-quality music education as part of a well-rounded academic experience.
Schools receiving this recognition complete a comprehensive application evaluating areas such as music participation, instructional time, funding, facilities, and community support. Responses are independently verified and reviewed by WolfBrown, a national research and evaluation organization specializing in education and the arts.
At Oakland Christian, music is an important part of developing students academically, creatively, and spiritually. Through opportunities in band, choir, worship, and classroom music, students are encouraged to grow in their talents while learning discipline, teamwork, and excellence.
Research continues to show that music education strengthens listening skills, supports language development and academic achievement, and helps students build collaboration and critical thinking skills. We are grateful to provide these opportunities for our students and are honored to once again be recognized for our commitment to music education.
We are thankful for our dedicated music faculty, talented students, and supportive families who make this achievement possible.
Oakland Christian School Receives National Recognition for Music Education
May 20, 2025
Oakland Christian School has been recognized with the SupportMusic Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation for its commitment to music education. This national award honors individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing music access and education to all students—regardless of background, interest level, or ability.
Each year, the NAMM Foundation evaluates over 1,000 schools and districts across the country. Only a select group earns recognition through two awards: the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME), given to school districts, and the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA), which honors individual schools like ours. We're proud to be among the schools that have demonstrated the highest level of dedication to music programs.
“Our music program plays a vital role in shaping well-rounded students at Oakland Christian. Music education encourages creativity, teamwork, discipline, and personal expression—all of which align with our mission to develop the whole child.”
Thomas Blue, Elementary Music Teacher
As part of the selection process, Oakland Christian submitted detailed information about its music program, including funding, student involvement, curriculum, facilities, and community support. The data was reviewed and confirmed by WolfBrown, a national arts education research firm.
“This recognition is meaningful for our students and teachers. It affirms the hard work we’ve poured into building a music program that reflects excellence and gives students a chance to grow in ways that go beyond academics.”
Angela Scheu, Band Director and Fine Arts Coordinator
Whether it's a student picking up an instrument for the first time, singing in chapel, or performing at a concert, music is a key part of student life at Oakland Christian. This award underscores the school’s commitment to nurturing students both academically and artistically.
For more information about The NAMM Foundation and the SupportMusic Merit Award, visit nammfoundation.org.