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GMSD Music Education Named Among Nation’s Best for Eighth Year

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A girl plays the violin for the HHS symphony
GMSD Music Education Named Among Nation’s Best for Eighth Year

GMSD is one of just 12 districts in Tennessee recognized this year.


While the recognition is national, the impact is felt right here in Germantown. From early music experiences in elementary school to band, choir, orchestra, and performance-based courses in middle and high school, students across GMSD have consistent opportunities to learn, perform, and grow. Performances fill school calendars, connect campuses, and bring families and the broader Germantown community together.

A young student at Farmington plays his guitar.


“Our music programs create space for students to discover their strengths and express themselves in meaningful ways,” said Dr. Ted Fuller, GMSD Fine Arts Supervisor. “This recognition reflects the daily work of our teachers and the support we see from our schools, our families, and the City of Germantown.”


Music education in GMSD continues to expand through strong participation and a wide range of offerings. Students engage in everything from foundational classroom instruction to advanced ensembles and performances at Houston High School. Many of these experiences extend beyond the classroom, with students performing at local events, collaborating across schools, and representing GMSD in regional and state-level opportunities.


“When students are part of a music program, they are building more than skills,” Fuller said. “They are building confidence, discipline, and a sense of belonging. Those experiences stay with them long after the performance is over.”

HHS A capella group Fifth measure performs.

Recipients of the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support. To uphold the program’s rigor and credibility, all applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a leading research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.


For GMSD, the honor reflects a sustained focus on providing access to music education at every level, supported by a community that values the arts and shows up for students throughout the year.