The NAMM ( National Association of Musical Merchants ) foundation recognized Altoona as one of multiple schools nation wide honored for their support and commitment for music education.
This award spans from kindergarten to twelfth grade communities. It is to give recognition and encouragement to strengthen and continue supporting music education.
Schools can apply for this award. After application, the recipients are chosen through a process.
“Recipents of the 2026 BCME Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support,” according to the NAMM Foundation.
The music department applied and was chosen.
“It is a lengthy application process,” PMEA (Pennsylvania Music Educators Association) president Brett Keith said. “It includes funding and access numbers,” Keith said. “It also includes our students with neurodiverse needs, special needs and physical needs. Are they integrated into your classrooms? Do they have standalone classrooms? Are they being taught by certified teachers?”
Keith believes the application process shows the district has a strong community.
“It shows that Altoona Area School district, and the surrounding community, has a big history,” Keith said.
Music education in the district starts as young as fourth grade.
“From elementary school, students can pick band, chorus or orchestra,” orchestra director Jennifer Kist said. “They can also do chorus and band or chorus and orchestra.”
The junior high also has orchestra, chorus and band classes. They have additional ensembles such as vocal ensemble, jazz band and chamber orchestra.
At the high school, students can take multiple orchestra, chorus and band classes.
“It is legitimately part of the schedule,” Keith said.“ It is ingrained in the culture here.”
Senior Isabella Abbott believes the music education program has changed her life.
“Being in the music department throughout all of high school was the best decision I have ever made,” Abbott said. “Being in band and orchestra made high school memorable. The music department was where I met my closest friends, connected the most with the school, and made the most cherished memories. The music department shaped me into a better person, and I would not be who I am today without it.
Keith believes the culture of music in Altoona is shaped by the support.
“Altoona school district and the surrounding community has a big history of supporting music,” Keith said. “They support it not only as an extracurricular or something fun to do, but they believe in its values as a core class. It is ingrained into the culture here. It is not only supported financially, but it is supported by students, staff, administrators and the surrounding community.”
Altoona has a strong music foundation that allowed them to achieve this award.
“There is always something going on with music in Altoona,” Keith said. “This community is rich in so much music and music education. Here at Altoona, our willingness to say, ‘if this benefits our students in our community, we’re going to find a way to make it happen’ allows us with our philosophy to do what we can do. The sky is the limit.”
The music community in Altoona is not just a community, but a family.
“The Altoona band community is like a family, it is friends that I have grown up with my whole life,” sophomore Darby Hollen said. “The next generation of music will be able to share that togetherness and kindness of the community that welcomes everyone in.”
