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Written by Russell Hilton
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Wednesday, 27 August 2008 |
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The 2008 Michigan Band and Orchestra Association District XVI Marching Festival took place on October 14th and 15th to great success! Over 40 marching band performed their shows for large crowds and were able to be evaluated by specialists in the area of music, marching and general effect / showmanship. Thank you to all of those that worked, administrated, instructed marched and cheered! |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 07 November 2008 )
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Written by Administrator
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Friday, 30 November 2007 |
Information from the MENC Legislative MemoOn the morning of December 17, 2007, The Washington Post published several insightful articles on the value of creative music classes (Hoping to Turn The Beat Around), the development of inventive new music education curricula by top musicians such as Bruce Springsteen E Street band member Steven Van Zandt (Top Musicians Are Composing Own Curricula), and the recent release, as reported by MENC, of important new statistical data identifying the unlimited benefits of quality music education programs in our schools (Cranking Up Graduation Rates, SAT's). The articles reference the work of MENC and also feature direct quotes from MENC Executive Director Dr. John J. Mahlmann. The value of today's Post music education articles is particularly significant in light of the current appropriations debate taking place on Capitol Hill. As talks between Democrats and Republicans aimed at resolving spending differences continue in earnest, the Bush Administration has signaled that it might be willing to agree to a $515 billion-plus omnibus (combined) spending bill for 12 of the 13 federal agencies. Given this new flicker of hope that much of the FY 08 budget legislation might finally pass Congress, it is more critical now than ever before that the music education cause remain at the forefront of congressional member's minds. The more positive press and exposure that music continues to receive, the better the odds of Congress maintaining critical funding measures in the upcoming spending bill (including $147,000,000 in funding for NEA and NEH each, respectively). |
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 19 December 2007 )
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Written by Administrator
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Sunday, 11 November 2007 |
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Those with More Education and Higher Household Incomes are More Likely to Have Had Music Education Music education Influences Level of Personal Fulfillment for Many U.S. Adults ROCHESTER, N.Y. – November 12, 2007 – Whether it’s chorus, band or just violin lessons, music impacts Americans’ lives. While singing in a chorus or playing an instrument is fun, it can also provide important skills like creative problem solving that can help lead to higher education and incomes as well as personal fulfillment. Three-quarters (75%) of American adults were involved in some type of music program while in school. Half (51%) were involved in chorus while 42 percent had some type of formal instrumental lessons. Just over one-third (35%) were in a school instrumental ensemble, such as an orchestra or band while 14 percent were part of an informal group, such as a garage band and 12 percent had formal vocal lessons. Music education is associated with those who go on to higher education. In looking at what groups may have participated more in music, education shows the largest differences. Two-thirds (65%) of those with a high school education or less participated in music compared to four in five (81%) with some college education and 86 percent of those with a college education. The largest group to participate in music, however, are those with a post graduate education as almost nine in ten (88%) of this group participated while in school. Music education is also associated with higher incomes. Three-quarters of people (74%) with household incomes of $34,999 or less and 72 percent of those with incomes of $35,000-$49,999 participated in music, compared to 83 percent of those with incomes of $150,000 or more. These are some of the findings of a Harris Poll of 2,565 adults surveyed online between October 9 and 15, 2007 by Harris Interactive®. This survey was conceived and developed by Harris Interactive and was not commissioned by any organization. However, we sought and received valuable input from the National Association for Music Education on this subject. Certain other groups are more likely than others to have participated in music in school. Women are more likely than men (80% versus 70%) and African Americans are more likely than Whites or Hispanics to have participated in music (80% versus 75% and 73%). Age wise, the younger one is, the more likely they participated in music as 83 percent of Echo Boomers (those aged 18-30) participated compared to 69 percent of Matures (those aged 62 and older). Also, the higher the household income, the more likely they participated in a music program. 
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 13 November 2007 )
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