CRANDALL, TX — Crandall ISD has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM Foundation for the third time. The national recognition highlights the district’s commitment to providing access to music education for all students and its efforts to make music a core part of the curriculum.
“It represents what our students experience every day: meaningful opportunities to create, perform, and grow through music,” said John Nutt, Crandall ISD Director of Fine Arts, according to the Forney Messenger.
The award is presented by the NAMM Foundation, the philanthropic arm of NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants. Unlike honors that focus on a single performance group, this recognition is district wide. It evaluates how music is taught and played across every grade level and every campus throughout Crandall ISD, ensuring students receive a high quality arts education starting in elementary school.
“This recognition reflects the dedication of our music educators across every campus, the support of our administrators, and the leadership of our school board in valuing the arts as an essential part of a well rounded education,” Nutt said.
“On behalf of the board of trustees and Crandall ISD, we want to extend a huge congratulations to our fine arts department for being recipients of the NAMM award,” said Superintendent Dr. AJ Murry. “We are extremely proud of the passion, dedication, and commitment of our fine arts staff and students.”
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Crandall ISD submitted detailed information regarding funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for music programs. According to NAMM, the 2026 award marked the program’s 27th year recognizing school districts and individual schools nationwide for their commitment to ensuring equitable access to music education.
The recognition stands as a testament to the district’s belief that music education is vital to student success and community engagement.
