NAMM Foundation Keeps Music Education Strong at 2016 NAMM Show

By SBO+ Staff

Support for music education stands at the front of class as the music industry gathers for the 2016 NAMM Show, January 21-24, 2016. Throughout the year, the NAMM Foundation works toward a world in which every child has a deep desire to learn music and a recognized right to be taught. That work hits a high note when nearly 100,000 members of the music industry come together in Anaheim.

With the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, now including “music” as part of a well-rounded education, 2016 will be an exciting year for school music. The NAMM Foundation’s Day of Service, Generation Next, Music Education Days, Grand Rally for Music Education, and Friday night’s NAMM Foundation Celebration of Music Education in association with the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus ‘Imagine Party’ held at the NAMM Nissan Grand Plaza Stage will energize the industry to move boldly toward our shared vision for music learning.

“We are thrilled to include our nation’s leading music educators and aspiring college music students as part of the global music industry gathering at the NAMM Show,” said Mary Luehrsen, NAMM Foundation executive director. “Through a wide variety of events, we hope to inspire those on the front line of music making with new ideas and connections that will create even more music makers well into the future.”

Before the show opens on Tuesday, January 19, NAMM members are invited to join the Foundation’s Day of Service bringing music back to the Anaheim Public School District. Volunteers will bring instruments and music lessons to James Guinn Elementary School students in the morning, while also making a donation that will help to ensure the music plays on long after the 2016 NAMM Show leaves town.

The inaugural Grand Rally for Music Education salutes school music and all of those who make it possible. Saturday morning’s event will feature GRAMMY-winning artist and actor-producer director “Weird Al” Yankovic, along with internationally acclaimed Canadian Brass. The event is open to all members of the industry attending the NAMM Show including music educators and Generation Next students. The event will be held at 9:30 a.m., January 23 in the NAMM Foundation Lounge located in the Hilton.

Educators attending Music Education Days and students participating in Generation Next will beneft from new events that will punctuate their full days at the NAMM Show. Music faculty may join new lightning-round networking sessions, featuring tips, tricks and new practices to engage music students in the classroom. And NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond will host a round table discussion to engage college students planning for a career in the music industry.

On Sunday, January 24, everyone attending the NAMM Show is invited to join wind, harmonica, ukulele, trombone, and trumpet circles. That day all musicians are also welcome to play in a multi-instrument parade at 12:45 p.m. as we prepare for global Make Music Day celebrations on June 21. These music making events and the Recreational Music Making Forum featuring Gay Hanna of the Center for Creative Aging will be held in the NAMM Member Center (NAMM Show lobby).

At events including the NAMM Foundation Grand Rally for Music Education, during nightly NAMM Nissan Grand Plaza Stage performances, and with giving opportunities throughout the show, every member of the music industry will have opportunities to contribute to the NAMM Foundation’s new ‘Believe in Music’ fund.

Music faculty, music educators and college students studying for careers in music that are interested in attending can preview the complete lineup of NAMM Foundation events. Registration is now open for Music Education Days and Generation Next. Most music education-related events will be held in the NAMM Foundation Lounge, which is located in the California Ballroom at the Anaheim Hilton.