Hurricane Katrina
MENC and MusicFriends members and staff send thoughts and prayers to all those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. MENC has compiled a list of helpful resources for music educators who have been affected and for those who wish to help restore school music to the gulf area.
Music Booster Tip
Thank you for this tip from the George Wythe Band Boosters in Wytheville, Virginia.
"Hot chocolate is a great way to pass the time during practice sessions of beginning band students. That's right, a large mug of hot chocolate soothes the nerves and comforts the soul during these awkward early days of a band career. And don't forget the marshmallows either ... ONE IN EACH EAR."
If you have a music booster tip to share, please send it to MusicFriends to be included in the next newsletter.
National Anthem Project Update
September 14th National Anthem Project celebrations were a national hit! Here are just a few of the articles.
National Anthem Project Becomes Official Cause of the Mrs. America Campaign
For Your Music Teacher
Become a National Anthem Project All Star School! Did your local school have a National Anthem Project event? Are they planning on having an event? If so, they are eligible to become a National Anthem Project All Star School and receive formal recognition and a certificate. To register, go to the web site to sign up!
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has announced a new feature for teachers to directly communicate with the Department, called "Teachers Ask the Secretary." This page will have information for teachers on a wide range of subjects including teacher quality, professional development, state academic standards and more. The Department plans to update the page regularly and, although they will not be able to respond to every question, they say every question will be read.
Music Education in the News
Louisiana Philharmonic Left in the Dark
Music Cuts and No Child Left Behind
Program Teaches Healing with Music
Tuning Up for a Career in Music
Advocacy News, Action, and Alerts
Musical artists answer the question “Why Music?” in MENC’s award-winning public service announcement series, now airing on radio stations around the country! For more information and to help get PSAs played on your favorite radio station, visit our PSA web page.
Support Music Education Using a Credit Card
MENC offers a WorldPoints® Platinum Plus® Visa® credit card, an exciting new credit card rewards program at competitive rates. Issued by MBNA, the leader in affinity marketing, it's got everything you'd want in a card and much more, all with no annual fee. You'll earn one point for every retail dollar you spend with your card toward: unlimited cash rewards, tickets on major U.S. airlines with no blackout dates, car rentals and hotel stays in the U.S., and brand-name merchandise . What's more, the card that rewards you supports music education. What's more, each time you make a purchase with your credit card, a contribution is made to MENC and MusicFriends at no additional cost to you.
Learn more by calling toll-free 1-866-438-6262 (TTY users, call 1-800-833-6262) or visit the web page. Please refer to priority code LJY0 when speaking with an MBNA representative to apply. For complete information about the rates, fees, other costs, and benefits associated with the use of the card; or to apply, please call the above toll-free numbers.
