Henrico County Public Schools was recognized on May 1 for the 27th consecutive year as one of America’s “Best Communities for Music Education” by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.
This recognition highlights Henrico Schools’ long-standing commitment to music education and consistent performance since the award began in 1999. The district is one of only two school divisions nationwide, along with Fulton County Schools in Georgia, to receive this honor every year from the NAMM Foundation.
“This recognition reflects the students who have stepped onto a stage, the educators who champion the arts, and the families who show up in support,” said Chris Moseley, the school division’s education specialist for performing arts. “It affirms what we’ve long believed — that music education is not a privilege but a right.”
The NAMM Foundation selected more than a thousand school divisions and over a hundred individual schools based on factors such as student demographics, teacher qualifications, participation rates in music programs, facilities, budgets, and curriculum requirements. Among recent achievements at Henrico County Public Schools was choral teacher Jordyn Satterfield of Quioccasin Middle School being named divisionwide Teacher of the Year. Satterfield revitalized Quioccasin’s music program after graduating from Deep Run High School herself. She will be honored at an upcoming Teacher of the Year Banquet.
Recently, bands and choruses from Holman and Hungary Creek middle schools performed together at Richmond’s Dominion Energy Center. The event featured hundreds of students and included a world premiere performance by Sherry Blevins written specifically for middle school musicians.
Henrico County Public Schools extended educational services across Henrico County adjacent to Richmond according to its official website. The district has also received accolades for teaching excellence through REB Awards recognizing classroom performance and professional development according to its official website. Dedicated staff work to provide positive learning experiences across educational and support roles as noted on its official site. Amy Cashwell serves as superintendent according to official information, leading under the motto ‘The right to achieve. The support to succeed’ as stated by Henrico County Public Schools.
The NAMM Foundation promotes music education within core curricula nationwide through funding from trade association activities and donations.