The Music Achievement Council (MAC) has announced November 15 will be the inaugural First Performance National Day of Celebration (FPNDoC) to celebrate, honor, and encourage the early achievements of music students across the United States. The innovative program provides a platform for budding musicians to showcase their newly-acquired musical skills in a public venue within the first 6 to 7 weeks of school to encourage continued engagement in music, as well as to rally parents, the community and the school at-large in support of the music program.
The new program underscores the importance of active music programs in schools, and more so, to encourage the students’ performance of new musical skills in a positive environment.
“Just as in sports, with games starting shortly after the beginning of the school year, music students and band directors should also have the chance to honor and recognize their work in creating the skills that last a lifetime,” said Doug Lady, chairman of the Music Achievement Council. “By celebrating and honoring the early achievements of music students, we’re able to encourage continued development in music and the arts.”
To support the effort for music teachers, band leaders and school administration, MAC has produced a First Performance National Day of Celebration Tool Kit, which includes links to scripts, letters to teachers, invitations to parents, and certificates of achievement for the students. Also included are links to an optional repertoire, otherwise the teacher can use their own selected pieces. The publications are available in physical form from local school music retailers or online. School music retailers may order physical copies from Hal Leonard. Download the Tool Kit here: www.nammfoundation.org/educator-resources/firstperformance
In the future, the organization will annually designate a date of celebration to be held in the third week of November, a time in which students can learn and practice their instrument, alongside working with their band, and for parents, to witness the progress made.
