Anoka‑Hennepin School District Receives National Music Education Recognition

Anoka‑Hennepin School District Receives National Music Education Recognition

Anoka, Minn. — The Anoka‑Hennepin School District has once again been recognized as one of the nation’s top communities for music education, earning a coveted spot on the NAMM Foundation’s 2025 Best Communities for Music Education list.

This marks the eleventh time the district has received this national distinction, which honors school districts for their outstanding commitment to providing music access and education to all students.

One of Nine in Minnesota, Among 935 Nationwide

Anoka‑Hennepin is one of only nine school districts in Minnesota and one of 935 nationwide to receive the 2025 recognition, underscoring its continued leadership in music education.

The NAMM Foundation (National Association of Music Merchants) grants this designation to districts that demonstrate exceptional efforts in maintaining comprehensive music education programs. Applicants undergo a rigorous vetting process, evaluating areas such as:

• Funding and staffing of music programs
• Student participation rates across grade levels
• Access to music instruction
• Instructional time dedicated to music
• Community support and extracurricular engagement

Districts must provide detailed data verified by school administrators and submitted in collaboration with The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.

Sustained Excellence Across the District

Anoka‑Hennepin’s consistent placement on the NAMM list is a reflection of the district’s deep-rooted commitment to arts education. From elementary music programs to middle and high school ensembles, music instruction is offered at every level.

District administrators celebrated the award as a shared achievement between educators, students, parents, and the broader community.

“This recognition affirms the extraordinary work our music educators do every day in classrooms across the district. It also reflects the unwavering support from families and community members who value the arts as a vital part of a well-rounded education,” said Anoka-Hennepin Superintendent Cory McIntyre.

Music programming in the district includes band, choir, orchestra, and general music, as well as jazz ensembles, musicals, and partnerships with local performance groups. Many schools regularly host community concerts and festivals that invite public participation and foster a strong culture of artistic expression.

The Broader Significance

Research continues to show that music education plays a vital role in child development—enhancing cognitive function, emotional intelligence, academic performance, and social skills. The NAMM Foundation’s recognition brings visibility to districts where music is not treated as an extracurricular luxury, but as a core part of the student experience.

“In Anoka‑Hennepin, music is not an afterthought,” said a district music coordinator. “It’s part of how we build critical thinkers, confident communicators, and creative citizens.”

Looking Ahead

As the district prepares for the 2025–26 school year, officials say they plan to continue investing in music education through technology integration, professional development for instructors, and expanded student opportunities.

“We are proud of the honor, but we’re even more proud of what it represents—a community where the arts matter and every student has the opportunity to find their voice,” said Superintendent McIntyre.

Quick Facts

For more on the district’s music programming or to find upcoming concerts, visit www.ahschools.us.

MinneapoliMedia