MO RECOGNIZED NATIONALLY FOR MUSIC EXCELLENCE
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Mount Olive Township Schools Honored Again as a 2025 Best Community for Music Education
September 2025
The Mount Olive Township School District is proud to announce that it was once again named a 2025 Best Community for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation—marking the district’s ninth consecutive year receiving this prestigious recognition. The honor, which is released every spring, was awarded at the end of the 2025 school year, celebrating the district’s continued excellence in music education.
Now with an esteemed 26-year legacy, the NAMM Foundation’s award honors school districts across the country that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment to and access to music education and celebrates the outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.
“Once again, our district’s unwavering commitment to music as an integral part of each student’s education has been recognized at the national level,” said Melany McQueeny, Supervisor of Performing Arts (K–12). Together, we have built a music program that provides opportunities for every child to discover their voice, develop their skills, and create memories that last a lifetime.”
A Symphony of Opportunities—Mount Olive Music Programs and Concerts
The district offers a rich array of music programs and performance opportunities across all grade levels:
- Elementary Programs (Grades K–5) students engage with instruments, vocal music, and music technology through hands-on, inclusive general music classes.
- Fourth- and fifth-grade band and orchestra programs introduce instrumental playing fundamentals and ensemble participation
- Fourth and fifth grade choir programs introduce vocal fundamentals and ensemble participation
- Middle School (Grades 6–8) students may enroll in full-year Band, Choir, or Orchestra. These programs focus on technique, musical elements, and ensemble performance. Extras include opportunities to join Jazz Band, Junior Winds, Con Fuoco, or Select Choir. Students also have the opportunity to audition for honor ensembles such as North Jersey Area Band, North Jersey Region Band, NJAJE Junior Region Jazz, North Jersey Region Orchestra, Morris Area Honor Choir, ACDA Eastern/National Honor Choir, and North Jersey Region Choir. The middle school also has it’s own Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter as well as grade specific general music course offerings.
- High School students benefit from comprehensive music and performing arts offerings, including Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Chorus, Concert Choir, Rock and Roll Academy, music theory, songwriting and music technology, and audio engineering classes. Extras include Jazz Ensemble, Big Band, Rock and Roll Academy, Madrigals, Drama Club, Stage Crew, Marching Band and Winter Guard amongst others.
Unique to the district is the a world-class recording and performance space modeled after Power Station’s Studio A, where students from Rock and Roll Academy, Audio Engineering, and other music classes gain real-world experience in professional music production environments
These programs are augmented by frequent performances, school concerts, and ensemble showcases.
Why This Recognition Matters
The NAMM Foundation’s Best Communities for Music Education designation acknowledges not just programs, but a culture—one built on broad participation, community support, and long-term commitment to student growth through music. Being honored nine years in a row underscores the district’s consistency in providing rich, inclusive, and high-quality music education.
Mount Olive Township School District continues to set the standard for music education. With programs spanning general music to sophisticated performing arts opportunities, the district ensures every student—including those in elementary, middle, and high school—has access to musical growth and achievement. Congratulations to students, educators, families, and community partners for making this possible—and for sustaining a legacy of excellence yet again.
