Advocacy News, Action, and Alerts
National Resolution Supporting Music Education Passes Unanimously
On April 26, 2007, members of Congress discussed the benefits of school-based music education programs for students and concluded by unanimously passing House Concurrent Resolution 121—legislation crafted as a show of Congress’ strong support for music education. The resolution speaks to the valuable role that music plays in developing 21st century workforce skills in young people such as critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication and teamwork. To learn more about this important piece of legislation, read U.S. House Resolution Supporting School-Based Music Education Passes.

MENC Centennial Celebration and Congress Quickly Approaching
The MENC Centennial Celebration and Congress will be held June 25-28 in Orlando, Florida, and will feature a discussion of two key issues: our goals for music education, and why music education is not yet universal. Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas, will address the Congress, as will leaders from other arts and education organizations. Plenty of down time to enjoy area attractions is scheduled! World Pass, official travel coordinator, is offering great packages on hotels and theme park tickets. Visit MENC Centennial to register or call World Pass at 888-877-4445.

The National Anthem Project Update
It’s Almost Finale Time!
From June 14-16, 2007, The National Anthem Project finale will transform the grounds of the Washington Monument into a shining beacon of patriotism and song, a living tribute to our national anthem.

If you cannot be with us in person in Washington, DC during that time, please find a way to participate from afar. Music teachers across the country will be holding satellite performances in their cities at 2:00pm ET timed in conjunction with the larger performance in the nation’s capital. To locate a satellite performance taking place in your area, please visit The National Anthem Project, or contact your local music teacher. Alternatively, if no performance is scheduled in your city, gather your friends and loved ones and create your own celebration—be sure to let us know so that we can include your event on our Web site!

For Your Teacher
Purchase Your Copy of the New Liberty for All: A Musical Journey Interactive CD!
Are you looking for something new and different for your classroom? Whether you're teaching general music, band, chorus, or history, you won't want to miss this incredible opportunity to purchase the brand new version of Liberty for All: A Musical Journey Volume 2. In this exciting interactive CD experience for PC/Mac users, The U.S. Army Band ("Pershing's Own") provides the musical backing for a journey tracing America's history from the beginning of westward expansion up through the 19th century industrial revolution.

The disc features an introduction narrated by former President George H. W. Bush and also includes well-known selections such as Stephen Foster's Beautiful Dreamer, and Aaron Copland's A Lincoln Portrait. To supplement this information-packed CD, a Teacher's Guide including 20 lesson plans and activities is available free via download by visiting Liberty For All Call 800-828-0229 or visit the Web site to order!  Item #3051.

Ask the “MENCtors”
Take advantage of a special online professional development opportunity ... free! MENC members visiting the band, orchestra, chorus, mariachi, and general music message boards can receive expert advice in response to their inquiries. Mentors rotate on a monthly basis and typically respond to questions within a few days time. MENC offers this exciting benefit throughout the course of the school year. Visit the MENC mentors site to submit your questions!

For Music Students
Summer Study 2007
Is your child interested in continuing their music education over the summer? Summer Study 2007 provides a variety of unique music-related opportunities for students ranging from camps, to festivals, to certification programs, and much more. For more information, visit Summer Study 2007.

Music Vocabulary
Register – Refers to the particular sections of the musical staff as divided by pitch. The higher notes of the staff are classified as the "upper" register; while the notes nearest the center line constitute the middle register, and finally, the notes nearest to the bottom of the staff make up the "lower" register.  In singing, registers are determined by the character of the vibrations of the singer’s vocal chords.  The register in which an instrument is played, or in which a part is written, ultimately affects the overall quality of the sound.