The Moreno Valley Unified School District has been redesignated a "Best Community for Music Education'' by the NAMM foundation, one of over 1,000 school districts in the nation. The district is recognized for demonstrating outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.
“We are incredibly proud of earning this designation for our commitment to music education,” said Superintendent Alejandro Ruvalcaba. “This is a true testament to the tireless efforts from our dedicated staff, supportive families and community, and talented students.”
Two awards are given each year: Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) for school districts and the Support Music Merit Award (SMMA) for individual school sites. Both reach K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. and offer opportunities to increase awareness and support for music programs. The Moreno Valley Unified School District applied for the district award due to its wide range of programs at the district-level.
“We are honored to be recognized for our programs and its success,” said School Board President Sammie Luna. “What’s most important to us is knowing that our students can participate in a program where they feel they can learn and thrive. Our district has consistently developed new visual and performing arts programs to capture our students’ interest and offer a variety of opportunities for them to grow.”
Over 1,000 districts and individual school sites (public, private, charter, parochial) were recognized for having the highest commitment to producing exceptional music programs.
To qualify for the Best Communities designation, Moreno Valley Unified School District answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified by school officials and reviewed by the leading arts educational research firm, WolfBrown.
“Before I became the VAPA Coordinator, I was a music educator for over 20 years—so this recognition means a lot to me on a personal level. I know firsthand how much time, heart, and energy music teachers pour into their students every day,” said Visual and Performing Arts Coordinator Renee Rojanaroj. “We’re committed to making sure every student—no matter their background—has access to high-quality music education.”
The District is already gearing up for the new year by recruiting students for the Elementary Band and its new Mariachi program through our partnership with the Riverside Arts Academy.
“It’s not just about learning notes or playing instruments. It’s about building confidence, creating community, and giving students a way to express who they are. I’m incredibly proud of our teachers and students, and I’m so glad to see our district being recognized for the work we’re doing together.”
About the Moreno Valley Unified School District
The Moreno Valley Unified School District is the third-largest district in Riverside County, and the 23rd largest in California, educating nearly 31,000 students in grades TK-12 at 40 schools. MVUSD consists of 23 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, 4 comprehensive high schools, and alternative schools. The District provides a state preschool program, an online academy and an adult education program.
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