Advocacy News, Action, and Alerts
Congressional Recognition for The National Anthem Project
Representative C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-2) has submitted an extension of remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in recognition and tribute to The National Anthem Project and its many accomplishments. Ruppersberger's remarks come in addition to his introduction of H.R. 2894 in the U.S. House of Representatives this past June, a bill that would “require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the bicentennial of the writing of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ and the War of 1812, and for other purposes.” MENC is hopeful that his recent speech will lead to further involvement in the future. Stay tuned! To view the speech, click here.

The World’s Largest Concert Returns!
Plan your 2008 World’s Largest Concert celebration for March 13, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. WLC DVDs will ship in mid-February. Pre-order your copy now. The 2008 World’s Largest Concert Teacher’s Guide contains free, downloadable sheet music and lesson plans for the 2008 program. For more information on how to participate in this great music advocacy event, visit the WLC FAQ. Note: The WLC will not be aired on PBS this year, but you can help get it shown on your local cable TV station! Visit the web site to find out how.

2009 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band
Applications are now being accepted. Students accepted to this ensemble will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to San Antonio, TX, in January 2009 to perform at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

For Music Teachers
NEA Foundation Learning and Leadership Grants
The NEA Foundation Learning and Leadership Grants provide opportunities for teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff to engage in high-quality professional development and lead their colleagues in professional growth. The maximum award is $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups engaged in collegial study. Eligibility: U.S. practicing K-12 public school teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff at public colleges and universities. Deadline: February 1, 2008

National Anthem Project in Washington, D.C., June 2008
Sign up your students now! Building on the success of 2007's National Anthem Project event in Washington DC, where more than 5000 students gathered to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the Washington Monument, MENC will continue to remind our nation of the importance of music programs in our schools next year. The 2008 event will take place in Washington DC on June 12-15, 2008 and is planned to include a concert on the steps of the U.S. Capitol featuring a National Anthem sing-along. Student ensembles will once again have the opportunity to perform at Washington DC’s historic memorials. Additional fun and musical activities will round out the weekend. For more information, visit The National Anthem Project.

Music In Our Schools Month Calendar
MENC has introduced a new, interactive MIOSM Advocacy Calendar to help enable music educators to share school music advocacy ideas with their colleagues. Help fill the calendar up! Visit the calendar and add your ideas for events, contests, performances and more during Music In Our Schools Month. Members can utilize these ideas for their own celebrations during MIOSM as well as throughout the entire year in efforts to raise awareness of the importance of music education.

For Music Students
Strings Magazine Scholarship Award
The Strings Magazine Scholarship Award is available to students currently enrolled in an undergraduate program majoring in Music Education or Music Performance of the bowed string instruments. Four $1,000 scholarships are awarded and are based on financial need, academic merit, and community service. For the information and application packet, click here. Deadline: April 1, 2008

Gibson Les Paul Raffle!
Guitar aficionados, purchase a raffle ticket for your chance to own a beautiful 2005 Gibson Les Paul Standard that’s signed by none other than the artist himself. The guitar, a Heritage Cherry Sunburst design with a fifties-style neck, is autographed on its pickguard and has never been played. The raffle is a fundraiser for the Caitlin Merie Hurrey Memorial Scholarship Fund, which supports four scholarships annually and was approved by MENC as part of MENC’s Fund for the Advancement of Music Education. Only 1000 raffle tickets will be sold! For more information, visit the web site.

Caitlin Merie Hurrey Memorial Scholarships
The Caitlin Merie Hurrey Scholarship Fund has been established as a part of the Fund for the Advancement of Music Education (FAME) at MENC. The Fund will be distributing four scholarships in the upcoming year. Go to the web site for information and to check your eligibility.

This Month In Music History …

• January 3, 1900 - Giuseppe Verdi's "Aida" was performed in New York City.
• January 7, 1924 - George Gershwin completed "Rhapsody in Blue" at the age of 26.
• January 18, 1944 - The first jazz concert was held at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York City. The performers were Louis Armstrong, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Artie Shaw, Roy Eldridge and Jack Teagarden.
• January 25, 1858 - Mendelssohn’s "Wedding March" was presented for the first time, as the daughter of Queen Victoria married the Crown Prince of Prussia.
• January 27, 1756 - Composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born.