From March 2–8, Give a Note Foundation, Disney Performing Arts and Big Machine Group will join forces with Danielle Bradbery, Season 4 winner of The Voice, to celebrate music education with a week-long nationwide bus tour. The special bus will stop at schools in five different cities to recognize excellence in music education and the value of a supportive community.
Since winning The Voice, Danielle has literally been living her dream. Her story is one of hard work, family and community support, and a belief that anything is possible. That message is an important one for students in schools across the country that need opportunities in school for self-expression and creativity. The tour will stop at five schools to highlight the important role music plays in developing a well-rounded student.
Staff members of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) will be on the bus and at stops each day and will keep social media followers updated via Facebook and Twitter at #MIOStour. The tour will conclude on March 8 with festivities at Walt Disney World.
NAfME’s Give a Note Foundation was created to grow and strengthen music education programs for all students – especially those in under-served communities. Disney Performing Arts unlocks student potential and helps young people make their own dreams come true – whether it’s performing in front of an international audience of thousands at Disney theme parks and resorts or honing their craft in enriching workshops and clinics taught by entertainment professionals.
Together, these two organizations hope to support, encourage, and inspire schools and students across the country to make music part of every child’s experience.
MIOS Bus Tour Stops
The MIOS Bus Tour Departs March 2 from Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif., and the tour will visit high schools in five cities: El Dorado High School in Albuquerque, N.M. (March 3); Cypress Ranch High School near Houston, Texas (March 4); Classen School of Advanced Studies in Oklahoma City, Okla. (March 5); Antioch High School near Nashville, Tenn. (March 6); and Northwest School for the Arts in Charlotte, N.C. (March 7).
Kicking off National Music In Our Schools Month (March), the cross-country bus tour will spotlight music education and the benefits music teachers bring to their students and school communities. A highlight of the tour stops will be a special private performance at each high school by 17-year-old Bradbery, who will address students and perform songs from her self-titled Big Machine Records debut, including the Top 15-and-rising “The Heart of Dixie.”
The tour will conclude March 8 at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., where Bradbery will perform at Festival Disney, a national competitive music festival where top school bands, instrumental and vocal ensembles compete with other schools from across the country.
The five schools will be honored as part of the Music In Our Schools tour were selected by Give a Note Foundation, in partnership with state music education leaders. Each school will be recognized for the outstanding achievements of their music programs, and for the important role music education plays in their students’ daily curriculum.
Three Partners Unite in Support of Quality School Music Programs
Jane Balek of NAfME and Give a Note Foundation says, “Music education reinforces 21st century skills like creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking – all qualities kids need to be successful in their schoolwork. In addition, the inherent benefits of learning music, including emotional awareness, reflective learning, and development of grit things that help students grow into successful and productive citizens.”
Founded in 1907,NAfME is among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education while NAfME’s Give a Note Foundation was created to grow and strengthen music education programs for all students – especially those in underserved communities.
For Disney, performing arts have long been part of the company culture since Walt Disney personally invited California high schools to perform at the grand opening of Disneyland Park in 1955.
“It’s an honor to be a part of the Music In Our Schools national bus tour,” said Tim Hill, director, Special Program Sales for Disney Destinations. “Our support is rooted in our understanding of the tremendous value music education offers to everyone, and Disney relies on the talents of musicians, composers and other artists across our many businesses every day.”
The other tour partner is Big Machine Label Group headed by industry veteran Scott Borchetta, who serves as President and CEO. The conglomerate encompasses Big Machine Records (founded in 2005), The Valory Music Co. (founded in 2007) and Republic Nashville (a partnership with Universal Republic founded in 2009 with Jimmy Harnen serving as President). The Big Machine Label Group’s current artist roster includes Multi-Platinum superstars Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Reba; The Band Perry and Danielle Bradbery
Bradbery hopes the tour’s message will inspire America’s students. “This is a great way to reach kids and show them that the skills they learn in music can help them to be successful in life. Through music, I’ve learned the value of persistence and working hard to make my dreams come true, and I look forward to sharing that with students and others during the tour,” she said.
Music In Our Schools Month
March has been officially designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM®), the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. MIOSM began as a single statewide celebration in 1973, and has grown over the decades to encompass a day, then a week, and then in 1985 to become a month long celebration of school music. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community and to display the benefits school music brings to students of all ages.
Get Involved with Give a Note Foundation
Learn More About Music In Our Schools Month
Roz Fehr, NAfME managing editor for news, February 28. 2014. © National Association for Music Education (NAfME.org)
