The Raymore-Peculiar School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,400 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving, and public service programs.  Ray-Pec is one of six Missouri school districts to be recognized with this award.

Now in its 21st year, the Best Communities for Music Education designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the Best Communities designation, the district answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, and support for the music programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Music Research Institute at the University of Kansas.  This award recognizes that RayPec is leading the way with learning opportunities in the area of music.  

“The music program at RayPec is extremely important to our students and families,” said Dr. Kari Monsees. “Our faculty and students work extremely hard and have been increasingly successful in all that they do; this designation simply highlights what an excellent program we have and the opportunities it provides our students.”