Among the events that distinguish Westport public schools’ music programs are the annual Candlelight Concert at Staples High School, above, and the Staples Jazz Ensemble, which performed at this year’s All-State Festival in Hartford. / Contributed photos

WESTPORT — It’s music to their ears. And ours.

The town’s public schools, for a tenth consecutive year, have been designated one of the “Best Communities for Music Education” by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. 

The Westport school district is one of 623 nationally to be selected this year.

The designation is “awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students,” according to a statement from school officials.

To qualify, Westport school officials answered questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music programs, the statement says.

The award also recognizes that Westport provides learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, the Every Student Succeeds Act, according to the statement.