MATTAPOISETT — For the third year in a row the Old Rochester Regional School District has earned the distinction of being one of the Best Communities for Music Education, which is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement for providing music access and education to all students.

This distinction is awarded by the National Association of Music Merchants, which is the largest global non-profit music trade organization.

"This recognition from the NAMM Foundation is a testament to the incredible support our music program receives from the entire Old Rochester community," Richard Laprise, the general music and band teacher at Old Rochester Regional Junior High School said. “It truly takes a village to build a thriving music education program.”

The Old Rochester Regional School District was among 1,000 awardees from across the country that earned either the Best Communities for Music Education award or the Support Music Merit Award.

"Earning this distinction for the third consecutive year reflects our dedication, vision, and the strong values at the heart of our program,” Pedro Silva, a music teacher at Old Rochester Regional High School, said. “It shows that the work we’re doing matters.”