NBA Programs of Excellence Deadline
Applications for the Programs of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award are available on the National Band Association website and must be submitted by July 15, 2026. This award recognizes outstanding middle school and high school band programs at both the Division and National levels and is available to all directors, regardless of their membership in the NBA. Additional information regarding the Programs of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award can be found on the NBA website at: https://nationalbandassociation.org/awards-recognition/
Michael Tilson Thomas Passes Away
Michael Tilson Thomas was Music Director Laureate of the San Francisco Symphony, Conductor Laureate of the London Symphony Orchestra, Co-Founder and Artistic Director Laureate of the New World Symphony and Distinguished Professor of Music at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
SBO+: I had the incredible honor of playing under his baton in 1974 at the Crane School of Music when he was Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic. I was 20 years old and he was only 30. It was the first time I felt a room “sizzle” with electricity when someone entered. He was musically talented beyond the ability of most of us to comprehend, and had a magnetic personality and charisma without a trace of the maestro-tyrant.
NAMM Foundation Honors Over 1,000 Schools and Districts as Best Communities for Music Education
NAMM (The National Association of Music Merchants), the world’s largest not-for-profit music trade organization, announced the recipients of the NAMM Foundation’s 2026 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Award. Now in its 27th year, the award recognizes and celebrates 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 are selected through a rigorous application and review process that evaluates key indicators including district support, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support.
This year’s honorees represent a diverse cross-section of communities across the country, including many first-time recipients alongside districts and schools that have achieved consecutive years of recognition. These sustained accomplishments underscore the enduring value of music education and reflect the collective commitment of educators, administrators, families and community leaders who champion its importance.
For a full list of 2026 award recipients and additional information about the Best Communities for Music Education program, please visit: www.nammfoundation.org/bcme.
Now Part of Connolly Music
Connolly Music is proud to welcome Scherl & Roth, Glaesel, and William Lewis & Son to their family of world-class music brands. Together, they look forward to continuing the legacy of quality instruments and bows that musicians have trusted for generations. SBO+ readers whose students play Sherl & Roth instruments are asked to vote for them in the next Teachers’ Choice Awards balloting.
NBA Elects Board of Directors
President: Matt Temple (New Trier HS, IL)
President-Elect: Elva Kaye Lance (Mississippi State University)
Vice-President: Don Schofield (United States Air Force Band)
Immediate Past President: Jason Fettig (University of Michigan)
Executive Secretary/Treasurer: Scott Tobias (West Virginia University)
College/University Representative: Quintus Wrighten (William Carey University)
High School Representatives: Melissa Gustafson-Hinds (O’Fallon Township HS, IL), Jennifer Hamilton (Red Mountain HS, AZ), Jerell Horton (Vestavia Hills HS, AL), Brian Thomas (Justice HS, VA)
Elementary/Middle School Representatives: Chip De Stefano (McCracken MS, IL), Tiffany Hitz (Robinson Secondary School, VA), Audrey Murphy (East Cobb MS, GA), Jennifer Theisen-Gray (William M. Colmer MS, MS)
At-Large Representatives:
Jay Gephart (Purdue University), Mark Heidel (University of Iowa), Myra Rhoden (University of West Georgia), Mary Schneider (Eastern Michigan University), Courtney Snyder (University of Michigan)
Conn Selmer Names Michael Kamphuis Chief Education Officer
A 25-year leader in music education, advocacy, and outreach, Mike will continue advancing Conn Selmer’s commitment to supporting educators, strengthening school music programs, and expanding student access to music education.
Sweetwater Awarded Mental Health America Gold Bell Seal
Sweetwater has been awarded a 2026 Gold Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health. Issued by Mental Health America, a leading nonprofit dedicated to advancing mental health and well-being, Sweetwater joins a select group of organizations recognized for their commitment to fostering psychologically safer, supportive environments where employees can thrive professionally and personally.
The Gold Bell Seal Award recognizes Sweetwater’s efforts across several key areas, including:
- A strategic and holistic approach to employee well-being
- Mental health-friendly benefits and resources
- A strong emphasis on work-life balance
- A commitment to a fair and accessible workforce
