Support for school music - but is there anywhere enough?

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Scott Robertson, APR
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NAMM, the International Music Products Association
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NEW RESOLUTION SUPPORTING SCHOOL-BASED MUSIC EDUCATION PASSED BY U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Speakers Note Benefits, Citing Research and Feedback from Districts

CARLSBAD, Calif., April 6, 2006 —Members of Congress voiced their support for school music today as the U.S. House of Representatives passed House Concurrent Resolution 355 that recognizes the benefits and importance of school-based music education. The Resolution was debated on the floor of the House on April 4 and passed unanimously.

NAMM, the International Music Products Association, led the effort to secure the Resolution, providing research and materials for Reps. Jim Cooper (D-TN) and Jon Porter (R-NV), who initiated the bi-partisan resolution that has the support of over 30 Congressional cosponsors. The resolution states that music enhances intellectual development, enriches the academic environment, promotes good attendance and helps students develop a variety of essential skills, in addition to a myriad of other benefits.

"This Resolution demonstrates Congressional support for music education in school, its importance in a quality education for all children and the benefits of music making," said Mary Luehrsen, director of public affairs and government relations, NAMM. "State and local governing bodies and music advocates can leverage this federal level endorsement as they plan and set educational policies. It is also our hope that local advocates can use this support to demonstrate the benefits of music in the lives of every student."

"Music is vitally important for the education of our young people, and this expresses the sense of this great body, this institution, that it must be a part of our school systems," said Rep. Cooper. " ...I hope that every school district across this country, every parent will realize the importance of music as a key part of the curriculum, not a luxury add-on, but a key part of their child's education."

"In today's climate of high stakes testing, it's important to recognize that skills learned through studying music translate to skills that help students succeed in life," said Rep. Stephanie ;Tubbs Jones (D-OH). "Music education aids critical thinking and more. I believe it imperative that we recognize its importance in the lives of our children, and strive to make school based music education available to all of America's youth."

"Research has shown that students' involvement in their school music program is crucial to a complete education," said Rep. Ric Keller (R-FL). "I commend educators and organizations across the country for the key roles they play in helping our children succeed in school and throughout life."

"Often times music programs are considered to be extracurricular activities, whose value and funding are disputed," said Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX). "The benefits and opportunities that music programs provide for students greatly outweigh the financial costs."

Cosponsors of the bill included Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV), Rep. Ben Chandler (D-KY), Rep. John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN), Rep. Harold E. Ford, Jr. (D-TN), Rep. Luis G. Fortuño (R-PR), Rep. Raul M. Grijalva (D-AZ), Rep. Rush D. Holt (D-NJ), Rep. Steny H. Hoyer (D-MD), Rep. Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D-IL), Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH), Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI), Rep. John R. "Randy" Kuhl, Jr. (R-NY), Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA), Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Rep. Thaddeus G. McCotter (R-MI), Rep. James P. McGovern (D-MA), Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Rep. Richard E. Neal (D-MA), Rep. Major R. Owens (D-NY), Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), Rep. Donald M. Payne (D-NJ), Rep. Collin C. Peterson (D-MN), Rep. Jon C. Porter (R-NV), Rep. Charles B. Rangel (D-NY), Rep. Bernard Sanders (I-VT), Rep. John M. Spratt, Jr. (D-SC) and Rep. James T. Walsh (R-NY).

About NAMM
The International Music Products Association, commonly called NAMM in reference to the organization’s popular NAMM trade shows, is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $16 billion global musical instruments and products industry. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit www.namm.com or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).

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