Did you know that March is Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM)? That’s right, in just a few days there will be a prime chance to highlight the music program in your own school, or perhaps the school(s) of your past, or maybe the school(s) of someone you know and/or are related to.

MIOSM is when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation, and the celebration has grown since its inception in 1973. MIOSM began as a single statewide event. Its purpose is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is a perfect venue for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community and to display the benefits school music brings to students of all ages. The theme for 2011 is Music Lasts a Lifetime.

It’s also a prime time to heighten the awareness of all school music programs, since it’s budget time for many school boards. In this era where all cuts are discussed in earnest, there’s no better opportunity than now to chime in and make your case for the preservation of your program.

Things that can help:

Music in Our Schools Month Website: The destination for resources and guidance in celebrating the month in your school, including logos, activity ideas, contests, advocacy and more.

SupportMusic.com: SupportMusic.com is a public service initiative that impacts resolve and support for music education in local communities around the United States and abroad. Tens of thousands of concerned citizens visit the website every month and use its resources to keep music education strong in their schools and communities.

The Make Your Case database, powered by SupportMusic.com, and presented through MENC: This destination will help you build a case for your music program, particularly if it’s threatened. Music education advocates can use the facts, statistics, research, and anecdotes on specific topics for presentations, speeches, and other communications with school board members, administrators, and legislators.

Music indeed lasts a lifetime…..celebrate Music in Our Schools Month!

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Elementary Music Mondays, the series, posts to www.pendersbuzz.com a couple of times a month, with information from our staff, our publisher partners, guest bloggers and more. Come back to this site, or access it from our main Home Page, to find out the latest buzz!