For the 14th consecutive year, McAllen ISD has been honored as a national Best Community for Music Education.
The award is based on a district’s entire music program from elementary through high school. In 2026, more than 1,000 school districts and schools nationwide have been recognized for outstanding achievement in providing access to high-quality music education.
“This award shines the light on the level of excellence we have across all music genres and the expertise the district offers,” McAllen ISD Fine Arts Director Debra Loya said. “I want to thank our music directors, teachers, students and supportive families for their dedication and hard work. Together, they made this achievement possible.”
The designation is awarded to school districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students in all grades. Districts that have been recognized by the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation are often held up as models for other educators.
This award recognizes school districts with superb music programs from top to bottom and throughout each campus. McAllen ISD has earned many accolades for music. Some of these include:
· More than 13,000 students in all grade levels are participating in music programs.
· Twelve All-State music students in choir, band and mariachi this year.
· At least four students each year who have earned All-State recognition in music for 47 straight years.
· Advanced Placement courses in music at all three comprehensive high schools.
· Attendance at Valley Symphony Orchestra Children’s Concerts for third graders; producing an annual Choral Festival performed by fourth graders; plus producing an annual String Fling orchestra concert featuring more than 1,000 student performers.
Melhart’s Music has supported district music for approximately 50 years. Melhart’s sponsors several music events in McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley annually.
Now in its 27th year, the program continues to spotlight and celebrate school districts and individual schools across the United States for their exemplary dedication to music education and their ongoing efforts to ensure equitable access to music learning as part of a well-rounded education.
Recipients 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. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.
About McAllen ISD
McAllen ISD is a 2025 winner of the state’s highest rating of an “A” grade and a 2025 winner of the state’s Postsecondary Readiness Distinction. The district is home to 31 campuses and approximately 19,500 students. To learn more about McAllen ISD’s schools and programs, contact Student Outreach at 956-687-MISD (6473).
About the NAMM Foundation
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.