KCCA Named a Top 5 National Finalist in 2026 Music Matters Challenge

Kendall College & Career Academy has been named one of the Top 5 school finalists nationwide in the 2026 Music Matters Challenge, a national competition celebrating the power and importance of music education.

KCCA students created and performed an original arrangement of “Let Music Fill My World,” incorporating singing, instruments, student production, and multiple languages to reflect the diversity, creativity, and inclusive spirit of the school community. The video was created by students with support from KCCA staff and included students of different abilities, backgrounds, and languages.

Schools from across the country submitted entries to the challenge, and KCCA was selected as one of only five school finalists. Public voting is open from May 11 through May 17, and the winning school will receive $25,000 for its music program. Voters may cast one vote per day in both the individual and school categories, and must select one finalist in each category before submitting their vote. Supporters are encouraged to vote daily for Kendall College & Career Academy and share the voting link with their communities.

Click here to vote!

“We are incredibly proud of our students and the heart they poured into this project,” said music teacher Angie Nida. “At Kendall, every student’s voice matters, and this project became what it was because of their ideas. One student asked, ‘Can we add saxophone?’ Another asked, ‘Can we add cello?’ Of course we could. Our students did not just perform the song — they helped produce it, film it, direct it, and make choices about the shots and angles. Staff members jumped in to help with different languages so the video could reflect the voices and cultures of our Norwalk community. It really became a whole-school effort, and I think that is what makes it feel so much like Kendall.”

Winners will be announced during the week of May 18, 2026.

About Kendall College & Career Academy

Kendall College & Career Academy is a magnet school in Norwalk, Connecticut, committed to preparing students for the future through career and workforce development skills.

About the Music Matters Challenge

The Music Matters Challenge is an annual national competition hosted by Let Music Fill My World that invites school and individual entrants to create performances of “Let Music Fill My World” in celebration of music education.