1. Statement by the Music Education Policy Roundtable

On the Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015
Late last year, Congress reached a compromise agreement to reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). The compromise bill, S. 1177, also known as the “Every Student Succeeds Act,” includes “music” and “arts” as part of the new “Well-Rounded Education” provision (previously known as “Core Academic Subjects”), which provides a number of increased opportunities for access to music education. The Music Education Policy Roundtable, music education’s premier policy coalition dedicated to ensuring the presence and preservation of school music programs, is issuing its full and formal support for S. 1177.

The bill’s inclusion of “music” and “arts” in the “Well-Rounded Education” provision provides an unprecedented step forward for music education, as it connects to a variety of significant other provisions in S. 1177:

Title I: S. 1177 stipulates the eligibility of Title I funds for all “Well-Rounded Education” subjects. With the partnership of State and Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), we have the opportunity to bolster access to a “Well-Rounded” education that includes music and arts for the nation’s most disadvantaged students.

Protecting Students’ Class Time: The inclusion of “music” and “arts” gives stakeholders a stronger point of reference when advocating for these programs, and when building state-level curricula and accountability systems. S. 1177 includes protection for students struggling in other academic areas from being pulled from music and arts courses in favor of remedial education. The bill emphasizes the importance of classroom time within these courses, as opposed to stripping them of an equally meaningful learning opportunity.

Title IV: S. 1177 requires school districts (Local Educational Agencies) to undertake a needs assessment of how they are supporting a well-rounded education in their schools, including music education, and then provides supplemental funding to strengthen programs which need assistance. This additional support signals Congress’ belief in the importance of a well-rounded education for our nation’s students, including the study of music.

2. Federal Grant Opportunities

S. 1177 also includes new opportunities for music and arts education through formula funding grants in Title IV. States receiving formula grants must use those monies for purposes of carrying out particular State Activities, including offering “Well-Rounded” educational experiences, such as music, to underrepresented, disadvantaged, or minority students. The bill specifically notes activities and programs in “music” and “arts” are both appropriate uses of formula grants.

The Music Education Policy Roundtable would like to take this opportunity to commend the members of the ESEA conference committee, and the leadership of both the House Education and the Workforce Committee and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, for prioritizing music and arts programs in this legislation. The passage of this bipartisan bill will be a historic accomplishment and will provide access to the well-rounded education our students need for success. We urge other members of Congress to follow their colleagues and vote in support of S. 1177, the “Every Student Succeeds Act.” We are available to provide any resources that may be helpful in your upcoming discourse.

Thank you for your consideration and your service to our nation.

Sincerely,

The Music Education Policy Roundtable

American String Teachers Association National Association for Music Education American Choral Directors Association American Orff-Schulwerk Association American School Band Directors Association Barbershop Harmony Society Chorus America College Band Directors National Association Drum Corps International Education Through Music El Sistema USA: A National Alliance of El Sistema The Gordon Institute for Music Learning Guitar and Accessories Marketing Association, Inc.

GRAMMY Foundation Jazz at Lincoln Center League of American Orchestras Little Kids Rock Music for All Music Publishers Association Music Teachers National Association National Association of Music Merchants National Association of Music Parents National Music Council Organization of American Kodály Educators Percussive Arts Society Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Quadrant Arts Education Research The Recording Academy Strathmore Hall Foundation VH1 Save The Music Foundation Winter Guard International

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)
Non-Regulatory Guidance and Reporting Requests

Title I

DISAGGREGATED DATA ON MUSIC TEACHERS: We request that as part of the criteria for State plans and the annual State report card to the Secretary requiring reporting on educators teaching out of their credentialed areas, ED require this information to be broken down for all teachers of a Well-Rounded Education. (Sections 1005 and 1111)

STATE ACCOUNTABILITY FORMULAS: We request that as part of a State’s new accountability formula, States be encouraged to include access to and student participation levels in music education as an “other indicator determined by the State.” (Section 1005)

TARGETED ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS: We request that federal guidance on Targeted Assistance Programs include examples of how music and arts programs can be utilized to help children meet challenging State academic standards. (Section 1009)

PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT: We request that federal guidance on Parent and Family Engagement include examples of how music and the arts support and contribute to parental and family engagement. (Section 1010)

Title II

MENTORING: We request that as part of allowable state activities for mentoring new teachers, further guidance be provided to clarify that funds may be used for teachers of well-rounded subjects. (Section 2101)

Title IV

STATE AND LOCAL ACTIVITIES: We request that as part of State use of funds for 21st century schools, ED require that the Consolidated State Progress Report on State- and LEA-funded activities break out the well-rounded educational activities by subject area, to include music education. (Sections 4104 and 4106)

21ST-CENTURY COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTERS: We request that ED provide guidance language that includes examples of how music and arts can be offered in after-school programs, and that clarifies that these programs should not replace existing music and arts programs during the school day but are intended to provide additional access for music after or before school. (Section 4201)

CHARTER SCHOOL GRANTS: We request that ED include all definitions

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After reviewing hundreds of applications for the 2015 Copyright Awareness Scholarship we are pleased to announce this year’s big winners!

First Prize ($5,000) went to Hannah Paine for her heartfelt and honest take on the value of music. Hannah, who just completed her first year at Chapman University, is studying film production.

Second prize ($3,000) went to Jordan Hendrickson. Jordan, who just graduated from High School in Luck Wisconsin, is headed to the Milwaukee School of Engineering to study Software Engineering.

Third prize ($2,000) went to Lorena Durán for her artistic take on the subject; her video asks the viewer to think about what happens when we dilute art. Lorena is a graduate student in film at NYU.

With so many outstanding submissions this year it was hard to select just three winners. The National Music Council and the Music Publishers Association would like to acknowledge the excellent work of our finalists:

Christopher Delgado, Palm Beach, FL
Victoria Miller, Sarasota, FL
Noelani Rachel Min, Memphis, TN
Alex Nazarchuk, Fife, WA
David Ramirez, Pembroke Pines, FL
Alex Rennie, Santa Fe, NM
Ryan Rusin, Garden Grove, CA

We are certain that each and every one of these students have a bright future ahead of them.

And to all of the brave students who stood up to the challenge to tell us why copyright and intellectual property are important, we commend them! We know so much work goes into these projects and look forward to viewing the creative and fantastic things that come from the minds of our applicants.

The Copyright Awareness Scholarship was created in 2010 by the Music Publishers Association to help students learn more about intellectual property and copyright. The MPA has since joined with the National Music Council to help cast a wider net and reach a larger audience of students.

For more information please contact scholarship@mpa.org.

Founded in 1895, the Music Publishers Association is the oldest music trade organization in the United States, fostering communication among publishers, dealers, music educators, and all ultimate users of music.

The National Music Council is celebrating its 75th year as a forum for the free discussion of this country’s national music affairs and challenges. Through the cooperative work of its member organizations, the NMC promotes and supports music and music education as an integral part of the curricula in the schools of our nation, and in the lives of its citizens. The Council provides for the exchange of information and coordination of efforts among its member organizations and speaks with one voice for the music community whenever an authoritative expression of opinion is desirable.

The National Music Council is profoundly saddened to note the passing of legendary performer and civil rights activist Theodore Bikel. Bikel was honored with the Council’s American Eagle Award in 2012 in recognition of his unique contribution to the artistry, development, and appreciation of music in America and for his pioneering work as an ambassador of American music to the world.

Nashville July 11, 2015 – The National Music Council continued its 75th Anniversary Celebrations by bringing its Annual American Eagle Awards presentation to Nashville for the very first time on July 11th as part of the Summer NAMM Show events. The highly prestigious Eagle Awards, are presented each year in national celebration of an individual’s or an organization’s long term contribution to America’s musical culture and heritage.

This year, music legends Kris Kristofferson and Jim Lauderdale were honored, along with country music management icon Jim Halsey and country music producer/director Sherman Halsey. A special award was presented to the Nashville Mayor’s Office, Metro Nashville Public Schools, and Country Music Association & Foundation, for the creation and support of the Music Makes Us arts education initiative.

This year’s celebration included tributes to the honorees by a host of musical greats, including Rosanne Cash, Jack Ingram, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dwight Yoakam, and John Oates.

Dr. David Sanders, director of the National Music Council, notes that the individual recipients are being honored, “not just for the incredible gifts they have given generations of music lovers throughout the world with their creative output… but also for their dedication to encouraging young musicians– and potential musicians – through their great support and commitment to music education.”

Past American Eagle Award recipients include Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Clive Davis, Van Cliburn, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Morton Gould, Dave Brubeck, Marian Anderson, Max Roach, Lena Horne, Roy Clark, Elliott Carter, Roberta Peters, Odetta, Leonard Slatkin, Stephen Sondheim, Sesame Street, Hard Rock Cafe and VH1 Save the Music Foundation. This year’s event in Nashville marks the 32nd year of formal presentations of the Awards.

The awards were preceded by the Council’s annual Leadership in Music symposium, this year focusing on “Fair Trade Music,” with a panel of leading songwriters moderated by NMC board member Charles Sanders. The symposium featured the New York Emmy award winning animation created by the NMC and the Music Publishers Association of the United States as part of a primary school lesson plan that encourages kids to think about the ramifications of taking other people’s creative works without permission. Sanders frames the animated piece as “part of a world-wide effort by creators to change the narrative in terms of fostering an understanding that the online protection of creative works enhances freedom of speech and the marketplace of ideas, rather than encroaching on them.“

The National Music Council is celebrating its 75th year as a forum for the free discussion of this country’s national music affairs and challenges. Founded in 1940 to act as a clearing house for the joint opinion and decision of its members and to work to strengthen the importance of music in our life and culture, the Council’s initial membership of 13 has grown to almost 50 national music organizations, encompassing every important form of professional and commercial musical activity.

Through the cooperative work of its member organizations, the National Music Council promotes and supports music and music education as an integral part of the curricula in the schools of our nation, and in the lives of its citizens. The Council provides for the exchange of information and coordination of efforts among its member organizations and speaks with one voice for the music community whenever an authoritative expression of opinion is desirable.

The National Music Council is profoundly saddened to note the passing of legendary songwriter and performer Jim Ed Brown. Jim was scheduled to appear at the annual American Eagle Awards gala this coming July 11 in Nashville, Tennessee. He will be missed that day, and every day, by all those many in the music community who loved and admired him. Our condolences go out to his family and friends.

National Music Council presents: Songwriters Fair Trade Panel
2015 Summer NAMM
Saturday, July 11, 2015
9:00-10:00 am
Nashville Music City Center, Room 205

The concept that industries around the world can be financially strengthened by voluntarily joining in support of “Fair Trade” agreements is a trend that has taken hold in the 21st century. The Fair Trade Coffee movement is just one example among many of how the public’s support for ensuring fair treatment to everyone in an industry’s value chain can both build more financially robust businesses and protect the rights and livelihoods of individuals. Establishment of the Fair Trade Music movement is well underway, and under the guidance of the leaders of the North American songwriter and recording artist communities, making huge strides toward ensuring the future economic health of music creators through fair royalty payments and respect for intellectual property rights. Join us, and songwriter panelists Rick Carnes, Eddie Schwartz and others, to discuss these exciting new developments.

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New York, New York – The National Music Council will continue its 75th Anniversary Celebrations by bringing its Annual American Eagle Awards presentation to Nashville, Tennessee, for the very first time on July 11, 2015.  A special award will be presented to the Nashville Mayor’s Office, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Country Music Association & CMA Foundation, for the creation and support of the Music Makes Us arts education initiative.

A joint effort of Metro Nashville Public Schools, Mayor Karl Dean and music industry and community leaders, the Music Makes Us® initiative is being recognized as a national model for music education. With a focus on music literacy and student participation, and generous funding from the Country Music Association and CMA Foundation, Music Makes Us has strengthened Nashville’s traditional school music programs while adding a contemporary curriculum that embraces new technologies and reflects a diverse musical landscape.
 
The vision of Music Makes Us is for all Kindergarten through Grade 12 students in MNPS to have access to high quality traditional and/or contemporary music instruction that is standards-based and sequential, taught by highly qualified music educators and enhanced by a network of music professionals, music industry and community based organizations from the Nashville community and beyond.

The highly prestigious Eagle Awards are presented each year in national celebration of an individual’s or an organization’s long term contribution to America’s musical culture and heritage.  This year, music legends Kris Kristofferson, Charley Pride and Jim Lauderdale will be honored, along with music management icon Jim Halsey and country music producer/director Sherman Halsey.

Dr. David Sanders, director of the National Music Council, notes that the individual recipients are being honored “not just for the incredible gifts they have given generations of music lovers throughout the world with their creative output, but also for their dedication to encouraging young musicians and potential musicians through their great support and commitment to music education.”

Past American Eagle Award recipients include Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Clive Davis, Van Cliburn, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Morton Gould, Dave Brubeck, Marian Anderson, Max Roach, Lena Horne, Roy Clark, Elliott Carter, Roberta Peters, Odetta, Leonard Slatkin, Stephen Sondheim, Sesame Street, Hard Rock Cafe and VH1 Save the Music Foundation.  This year’s event in Nashville will mark the 32nd year of formal presentations of the Awards.

The event will also feature the New York Emmy award winning animation created by the NMC and the Music Publishers Association of the United States, as part of a primary school lesson plan that encourages kids to think about the ramifications of taking other people’s creative works without permission. Sanders frames the animated piece as “part of a world-wide effort by creators to change the narrative in terms of fostering an understanding that the online protection of creative works enhances freedom of speech and the marketplace of ideas, rather than encroaching on them.“

The National Music Council is celebrating its 75th year as a forum for the free discussion of this country’s national music affairs and challenges. Founded in 1940 to act as a clearinghouse for the joint opinion and decision of its members and to work to strengthen the importance of music in our life and culture, the Council’s initial membership of 13 has grown to almost 50 national music organizations, encompassing every important form of professional and commercial musical activity.

Through the cooperative work of its member organizations, the National Music Council promotes and supports music and music education as an integral part of the curricula in the schools of our nation, and in the lives of its citizens. The Council provides for the exchange of information and coordination of efforts among its member organizations and speaks with one voice for the music community whenever an authoritative expression of opinion is desirable.

Proceeds from the event support the Council’s music education advocacy efforts. For ticket and sponsorship information contact: NMC Director David Sanders at sandersd@mail.montclair.edu

New York City – The National Music Council will continue its 75th Anniversary Celebrations by bringing its Annual American Eagle Awards presentation to Nashville for the very first time on July 11th. The highly prestigious Eagle Awards are presented each year in national celebration of an individual’s or an organization’s long term contribution to America’s musical culture and heritage.

This year, music legends Kris Kristofferson, Charley Pride and Jim Lauderdale will be honored, along with country music management icon Jim Halsey and country music producer/director Sherman Halsey. A special award will be presented to the Nashville Mayor’s Office, Metro Nashville Public Schools, and Country Music Association & Foundation, for the creation and support of the Music Makes Us arts education initiative.

This year’s celebration will include tributes to the honorees by a host of musical greats, including Rosanne Cash, Jack Ingram, The Oak Ridge Boys, and John Oates.

Dr. David Sanders, director of the National Music Council, notes that the individual recipients are being honored, “not just for the incredible gifts they have given generations of music lovers throughout the world with their creative output, but also for their dedication to encouraging young musicians – and potential musicians – through their great support and commitment to music education.”

Past American Eagle Award recipients include Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Clive Davis, Van Cliburn, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Morton Gould, Dave Brubeck, Marian Anderson, Max Roach, Lena Horne, Roy Clark, Elliott Carter, Roberta Peters, Odetta, Leonard Slatkin, Stephen Sondheim, Sesame Street, Hard Rock Cafe and VH1 Save the Music Foundation. This year’s event in Nashville will mark the 32nd year of formal presentations of the Awards.

The awards will be preceded by the Council’s annual Leadership in Music symposium, focusing on “Fair Trade Music,” with a panel of leading songwriters moderated by NMC board member Charles Sanders. The symposium will also feature the New York Emmy award winning animation created by the NMC and the Music Publishers Association of the United States as part of a primary school lesson plan that encourages kids to think about the ramifications of taking other people’s creative works without permission. Sanders frames the animated piece as “part of a world-wide effort by creators to change the narrative in terms of fostering an understanding that the online protection of creative works enhances freedom of speech and the marketplace of ideas, rather than encroaching on them.”

The National Music Council is celebrating its 75th year as a forum for the free discussion of this country’s national music affairs and challenges. Founded in 1940 to act as a clearing house for the joint opinion and decision of its members and to work to strengthen the importance of music in our life and culture, the Council’s initial membership of 13 has grown to almost 50 national music organizations, encompassing every important form of professional and commercial musical activity.

Through the cooperative work of its member organizations, the National Music Council promotes and supports music and music education as an integral part of the curricula in the schools of our nation, and in the lives of its citizens. The Council provides for the exchange of information and coordination of efforts among its member organizations and speaks with one voice for the music community whenever an authoritative expression of opinion is desirable.

Proceeds from the event support the Council’s music education advocacy efforts.

For more information on schedule, location details, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.musiccouncil.org or contact National Music Council Director David Sanders at sandersd@montclair.edu