Washington Senator Spearheads Recognition of Event Sponsored by the National Association for Music Education (MENC)
RESTON, VA (June 23, 2011) — Senator Patty Murray today offered a Senate Resolution designating the week beginning June 24, 2011 as “National Music Education Week.”
The resolution reads, in part, “Resolved, That the Senate designates the week beginning June 24, 2011 as ‘National Music Education Week’ in order to recognize the benefits and importance of music education.”
“I am proud to introduce this resolution today because I’ve seen first–hand the many benefits that music education offers to students across America,” Senator Murray told MENC. “Music is a critical part of our students’ educational journey, and I am going to keep working to make sure every child has the opportunity to learn and grow through music education.”
Music Education Week, sponsored by the National Association for Music Education (MENC), is a national annual event that includes a convening of music education leaders from around the country to discuss music education policy and future directions; professional development workshops for teachers; the All–National Honor Band, Chorus, Orchestra and Jazz Ensembles featuring the nation’s finest high school musicians; and performances by U.S. military music ensembles.
“Music Education Week is an exciting opportunity for our entire field to come together annually in celebration of America’s music educators and music programs,” said Michael A. Butera, executive director of MENC. “The National Association for Music Education joins with the Honorable Senator Patty Murray from Washington state in celebration and commemoration of this event, and we thank the Senator for her vocal support for maintaining a comprehensive education that includes music taught by exemplary music educators.”
- Read the complete resolution
- Read Senator Murray’s personal statement offering the resolution
- Information on Music Education Week
MENC: The National Association for Music Education, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, marked its centennial in 2007 as the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. Through membership of more than 75,000 active, retired, and pre-service music teachers, and with 60,000 honor students and supporters, MENC serves millions of students nationwide through activities at all teaching levels, from preschool to graduate school. MENC’s mission is to advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all. Since 1907, MENC has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. MENC’s activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education. MENC is located in Reston, VA.
