Wilton Public Schools has once again been honored with the prestigious Best Communities for Music Education designation from the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Foundation. This recognition underscores the district’s unwavering dedication to providing outstanding music access and education for all students, marking multiple consecutive years of receiving this national award.

The Best Communities for Music Education designation, now in its 24th year, celebrates districts that demonstrate exceptional commitment to music education.
To qualify, Wilton Schools’ music staff answered detailed questions regarding funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities and program support, as well as community music-making initiatives. Responses were reviewed by WolfBrown, a leading arts educational research firm.

“This national distinction reflects the strength of our entire music program,” Cider Mill Principal Jen Falcone said. “We celebrate our incredible music educators whose talent, dedication and daily work are vital to this recognition. They foster creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of music in our students.”

Malcolm Karlan, the instructional leader for music and arts for the Wilton Public Schools, said that the district’s commitment to music education stands strong, even as many communities across the country face budget cuts to their arts programs.

“Here in Wilton, music remains a vibrant and integral part of the curriculum from elementary school through high school, demonstrating a consistent dedication to the arts,” Karlan said.

Wilton students have diverse opportunities to explore their musical interests through a comprehensive range of programs:

  • Elementary School: Music instruction begins in Pre-K, and provides a framework for music literacy and appreciation that will support more specialized instruction in later years. Students can begin strings in third grade and band instruction in fifth grade.
  • Middle School: Performance offerings include band, orchestra, chorus, stage band, select choir, and advanced strings. Students who do not wish to perform are offered a general music course, which allows them to explore a wide range of music styles and traditions.
  • High School: The program includes two levels each of band and orchestra plus a percussion ensemble, four distinct choirs, a capella club, jazz bands, marching band, and electives in music technology and music theory.

“One of the reasons music is so valued in Wilton is the plethora of musical pathways students can explore,” Music Teacher Beth Bakst said. “Our music team offers a diverse curriculum, allowing learners to experience and identify the form of musical expression that most resonates with them. Our goal is to spark and cultivate a lifelong love of music that extends far beyond graduation.”

Beyond the Best Communities recognition, Wilton’s music program consistently achieves top ratings in state and national adjudication festivals, showcasing the exceptional talent and dedication of its students and educators.

Wilton students frequently gain admittance to elite regional, state and national ensembles, with many high school musicians participating in the highly selective Western Regional, All-State and All-National Music Festivals. The program’s prestige is further amplified by its world-class collaborations, where students have performed with renowned musicians and in prestigious venues. Recent unique experiences include a performance with the Violins of Hope Project, an organization dedicated to restoring instruments from the Holocaust; participation in national jazz band and marching band competitions; and WHS choir students opening for the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.

“Our gifted musicians, guided by outstanding teachers, create music that soothes the soul and moves the heart,” Middlebrook Dean Toby Kawulicz said.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to work in a community that deeply values music education, alongside such wonderful, supportive teachers who help students grow into confident, capable individuals,” Music Teacher Francesca Gray said.

Karlan said he was indebted to the community for its consistent championing of the music program.

“We are immensely grateful to the Wilton community — our parents, administrators, Board of Education and residents — whose enduring support ensures that arts education, particularly music, thrives here. Their commitment allows us to provide a rich and comprehensive music program that benefits every student.”

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.