U.S. House of Representatives Passes Music Education Resolution

On May 4, 2004 the United States House of Representatives approved a resolution supporting music education. We encourage you to send a letter to your congressperson thanking him or her for supporting music in schools. It's very easy to do, just visit http://www.house.gov/writerep/ and enter your zip code. You will be linked right away to a form to contact your representative. You can encourage your students and parents to write to their representative as well.

For a complete listing of sponsors and votes on this resolution, visit http://thomas.loc.gov/ and enter "H Con Res 380" in the Bill Number field.

108th Congress
2d Session
H. Con. Res. 380
Concurrent Resolution

Whereas school music programs enhance intellectual development and enrich the academic environment for students of all ages;

Whereas students who participate in school music programs are less likely to be involved with drugs, gangs, or alcohol and have better attendance in school;

Whereas the skills gained through sequential music instruction, including discipline and the ability to analyze, solve problems, communicate, and work cooperatively, are vital for success in the 21st century workplace;

Whereas the majority of students attending public schools in inner city neighborhoods have virtually no access to music education, which places them at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other communities;

Whereas local budget cuts are predicted to lead to significant curtailment of school music programs, thereby depriving millions of students of an education that includes music;

Whereas the arts are a core academic subject, and music is an essential element of the arts; and

Whereas every student in the United States should have an opportunity to reap the benefits of music education: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That-

(1) it is the sense of the Congress that music education grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of a well-rounded academic curriculum and should be available to every student in every school; and

(2) the Congress recognizes NAMM, the International Music Products Association for its efforts to designate a Music in Our Schools Month in order to highlight the important role that school music programs play in the academic and social development of children.

Passed the House of Representatives May 4, 2004.
Attest:
Clerk.

Source: http://thomas.loc.gov/ enter "H Con Res 380" in search field

Resolution Recognizing Benefits and Importance of School-Based Music Education Passed by US House of Representatives

CARLSBAD, Calif., May 13, 2004-In a victory for school music education programs across the country, the US House of Representatives recently passed H. CON. RES, 380 recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education. The resolution was read on the floor of the House on May 4, 2004 at 7:04 Eastern time and covered on cable television by C-SPAN.

The resolution, the result of years of lobbying by NAMM and its partners, was read by sponsor Representative Jim Cooper of Tennessee and was co-sponsored by 31 other representatives including congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham, a longtime ally of NAMM and music education.

"This resolution expresses the view of the Congress that studying music helps kids achieve in school and supports the industry's efforts to make sure that all children have access to music study as part of a quality education," said Mary Luehrsen, director of public affairs and government relations, NAMM. "It also stresses that the developmental attributes taught by music education including discipline, analytical thinking, problem solving, communication and interpersonal skills are vital for success in the 21st century workplace. This document gives grassroots advocacy groups a new tool in their local campaigns to preserve music education in our communities."

The resolution also recognized NAMM "for its efforts to designate a national "Music in Our Schools Month" in order to highlight the important role that school music programs play in the academic and social development of children."

"NAMM is pleased to be recognized by Congress and we share those accolades with many other organizations including MENC, the National Association for Music Education and The American Music Conference (AMC) who work daily to provide a strong music education for every child," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO, NAMM.