Velázquez, Booker Reintroduce Resolution Celebrating Music in Our Schools Month
WASHINGTON- Today, Representative Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) and Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced a resolution recognizing March as Music in Our Schools Month. The measure highlights the value of music education and honors the work of music teachers across the country.
The resolution affirms that music is a core part of a complete education and recognizes its role in helping students grow academically and personally. It also acknowledges the educators who bring music into classrooms every day, often with limited resources and little recognition.
“Music education opens doors for students in so many ways, whether creatively, emotionally, or academically," said Congresswoman Velázquez. “With arts federal arts funding under threat, we must recognize the importance of music education to students across the country and honor the teachers who make it possible.”
“Music has been in America’s schools since before our nation’s inception, and research shows that access to a music education promotes development and teaches valuable skills that kids carry with them into adulthood,” said Senator Booker. “However, many kids today lack access to music education in their schools. This resolution recognizes the impact music has made on the culture of the United States, and the importance of ensuring every public school has the resources and support they need to include music in their curriculum.”
The resolution encourages continued support for music programs in schools, particularly in communities where access has historically been limited.
The resolution is endorsed by a broad coalition of organizations and institutions, including Music Will, El Sistema USA, Conn Selmer, Inc., Music Travel Consultants, Musicians Abroad, Heart of America Choir, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, Bennett Travel, Education Through Music, A. Cuthbertson Consulting, the Rhythm and Blues Preservation Society, JazzSLAM, the Tullman Family Office, Hawaii Youth Symphony, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, Percussive Arts Society (PAS), Rock and Soul Forever Foundation / TeachRock, George Mason University, League of American Orchestras, New Harmony Line, Feierabend Association for Music Education (FAME), the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, and the Music Teachers National Association, National Association for Music Education.
In addition to Rep. Velázquez the resolution was cosponsored by Reps. Hank Johnson (D-GA), John Mannion (D-NY), Terri Sewell (D-AL), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), and Dina Titus (D-NV).
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