NAMM members will take the nation’s capital by storm, May 18-21, 2015, making the case that all children deserve comprehensive school music education programs. Leaders of the music product industry, artists and other industry influencers will meet with their Senators and Members of Congress to forward legislation that advances access to music education for all children. Current NAMM members may register for the annual D.C. Fly-In, now through April 17.
“Public school music programs are the first and in many cases the only opportunity that kids have to play an instrument and become lifelong music makers,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “And lobbying to ensure that music programs receive the support they deserve directly impacts the lives of millions of children across America. In addition, NAMM members say that advocating for music education in D.C. is one of the most meaningful experiences they’ll ever have.”
NAMM's Music Education Fly-In coincides with school budget season, when schools and districts decide where to allocate resources for the coming school year. Research continues to show that music education contributes to student’s overall success in school and life.
“It is a rewarding honor to be a part of the diverse group of NAMM members who come together with a common purpose, to ensure that our education system continues to provide the opportunity to learn music,” said Crystal Morris, president of Gator Cases. “In Washington, we are personally educating our country’s leaders on the power of music and helping to protect student’s rights to have music as part of their curriculum, today and into the future.”
The music education advocacy effort kicks off on Monday morning with an optional day of service, when NAMM members will share the power of music with students at an underserved D.C. public school. NAMM delegates will spend Tuesday preparing for their role as music education advocates through updates on current music education issues, pending legislation, newly released research, and message delivery.
On Wednesday, advocacy kicks into high gear as NAMM members head to Capitol Hill to meet directly to their Senators and Members of Congress. The day on the Hill concludes with a Celebration for Music Education on Wednesday evening, May 20 overlooking the Capitol. NAMM’s Advocacy Fly-in concludes with a national SupportMusic Coalition “live from Washington D.C.” conference call on Thursday, May 21 at 11 a.m. EDT.
