Hendrick Hudson Selected for Music Education Award for a Tenth Straight Year
For the tenth consecutive year, the Hendrick Hudson School District has been recognized with a Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation. This national honor is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in providing access to comprehensive, high-quality music education for all students.
“Receiving the NAMM Best Communities for Music Education award is an incredible honor that reflects the dedication of our students, families, and staff,” said Lauren Morabito, Orchestra Director at Hendrick Hudson High School and the district’s K–12 Department Leader. “At Hendrick Hudson, music is a vital part of who we are — it’s woven into our culture, our classrooms, and our community. As both an orchestra teacher and department leader, I’m proud to be part of a district that nurtures creativity, connection, and excellence through music every day.”
To qualify for the designation, Hendrick Hudson responded to detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making opportunities. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the arts education research firm WolfBrown.
During the 2025–26 school year, Hendrick Hudson student musicians have continued to excel in prestigious local, regional, and state-level programs. Thirty-seven high school students participated in the Tri-Towns Symphonic Festival, and four high school vocalists were selected for the NYSSMA All-State Chorus. A total of 18 high school students earned spots in the NYSSMA Area All-State ensembles, while 10 high school vocalists were accepted into American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) performances. In addition, 10 elementary and middle school students were chosen to perform in the WCSMA All-County Festival, and 86 students districtwide prepared and performed individual pieces for adjudication at the NYSSMA Solo Festival.
Hendrick Hudson High School also remains the only high school in New York State offering the United Sound program, which provides inclusive, peer-mentored music-making opportunities for students with special needs.
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 and invests in innovative efforts that build inclusive, thriving musical communities. For more information, please visit www.nammfoundation.org.