March marks the return of Music In Our Schools Month, an annual period of advocacy for music education led by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) since 1973. The month includes a nationwide contest (“The Concert for Music In Our Schools Month”) that features school groups performing a set of repertoire (provided by publisher Hal Leonard) entered by video online. The group that receives the most views by March 31 is awarded a prize determined by NAfME and a sponsor. The 2014 repertoire for the concert includes , pieces like America, Of Thee I Sing, Explore, Dream, Discover, Shake Them ‘Simmons Down, and more.
The celebration continues to grow each year, reaching more and more students, teachers, musicians, and music supporters. Schools and communities throughout the country and overseas celebrate MIOSM with concerts and other activities based on the year’s theme. Classrooms, concert halls, civic buildings, clubs, parks, libraries, and shopping malls are just some of the arenas in which the public can observe the processes and results of music education.
