In June 2008 music teachers and their students gathered in Washington, DC for performances in support of music education. MENC plans an even larger event in June 2009.
Music educators, students and their family members can make plans to visit the Washington, DC area in June 2009, for music advocacy and stirring performances against the backdrop of the nation’s capital’s historic monuments. Developed by MENC, the week also will include in-depth study of music education issues.
Plans for the events June 17–24 include:
- For music educators, a series of daylong “academies” that will explore different issues in-depth. Plans include jazz, technology and advocacy tracks on June 21–23.
- A June 18 rally to emphasize to Congress and the Administration the importance of music education. The rally will underscore that music is a crucial part of a comprehensive education, and that budgets need to be increased starting at the national government level. MENC plans a petition drive to demonstrate national support for that position.
- A June 19 mass-sing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on the steps the Lincoln Memorial that will also celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday.
- Joint music and marching performances created by MENC and Drum Corps International (DCI) at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland. The event will serve as the kick-off for the DCI 2009 summer season.
- A meeting of the 2009 MENC National Leadership Assembly.
- An Honors Concert.
The 2009 event evolved from a decision by MENC’s National Executive Board in April 2008 to replace MENC’s National Biennial Conference with an annual event.
For continuing updates on June 2009 events, visit MENC Events. Music educators can register their student groups for performance events by visiting American Musical Salute, MENC’s tour and travel partner for the June 2009 events.
—Roz Fehr, August 29, 2008. © MENC: The National Association for Music Education
