Recognizing Importance of Music Education

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the importance of music education. We recognized Music In Our Schools Month last month, but today, I want to recognize the 10 school districts and 2 schools in my district that were named for outstanding support of music education.

Over the past 25 years, the National Best Communities for Music Education Award has honored more than 1,000 schools and districts in 43 States for their unwavering commitment to music education as an integral part of a well-rounded education for all students.

Every year, the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation recognizes school districts across the country that are among the best communities in the Nation for music education. The award program recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education.

This year, they recognized 975 school districts, with 10 across the 15th Congressional District. Whether it be music class, choir, concert band, marching band, or the school musical, having music access and education is important for students' development.

Music is an incredibly important component of a well-rounded education--support access to music education and inspire the next generation.

I congratulate Armstrong County School District, Bald Eagle Area School District, Bellefonte Area School District, Clearfield Area School District, Curwensville Area School District, DuBois Area School District, Lewisburg Area School District, Port Allegany Area School District, State College Area School District, and West Branch Area School District on this distinguished award.

The NAMM Foundation also recognizes individual school districts with the Support Music Merit Award. This award is an opportunity for an individual school--public, private, parochial, or charter--to be acknowledged for its commitment to music education. I congratulate the Saint Francis School and the Tidioute Community Charter School.

This recognition continues to highlight the hard work our educators do to provide a comprehensive education that includes the arts. I congratulate all the schools in our region that have been recognized for their efforts to promote a well-rounded education.

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