Advocacy News, Action, and Alerts
MusicFriends helps at the holidays!
MusicFriends announces a brand new "Seasons Greetings" e-card just in time for the holidays! Starring Coda, the MusicFriends Bear, this e-card will send cheery greetings to friends and family without the hassle of stamps. If you're a little behind on your holiday shopping, don't forget to visit the MusicFriends Store for your holiday gifts for teachers, family members, and anyone on your list who loves music. You will find terrific gift ideas while supporting music education at the same time!
Online Resource: NEA Study On The Arts And Civic Engagement
People who participate in the arts are people who help make communities thrive, according to "The Arts and Civic Engagement: Involved in Arts, Involved in Life," a study released by the National Endowment for the Arts. Visit http://www.arts.gov/news/news06/CivicEngagement.html to read more.
For Music Students
Music Essay Contest: $1,000 Scholarships and Matching Music Products
School Band Orchestra Magazine are inviting students to describe "How My School Music Program Contributes to the Quality of Life in My Community." Ten $1,000 scholarships will be awarded as well as matching music products for the winners' school music programs. For more information or to apply, visit the web site. Deadline: December 31, 2006
Army National Guard Tuition Assistance Program
High school and college students can go to school full time and be a member of your State National Guard Band. The Army National Guard Band in your state has openings in the following positions: brass, percussion, bass, guitar, lead guitar, and woodwind. The Band Unit meets one weekend a month and 14 days in the summer. All interested musicians between the ages 17–42 are welcomed to audition or inquire as to what they have to offer. Your state Army National Guard Band offers musicians a great opportunity to perform while receiving salary and benefits. If interested, contact John A. Wilson.
For Your Teacher
Cash grants offered for teachers who use American music
The National Music Foundation will award cash grants of up to $1000 to teachers who create lesson plans using American music. All award-winning lesson plans are published in an online database where they are available for free to other teachers. Visit this web site for more information. Deadline: December 29, 2006
Share new Liberty for All Teachers' Guide with your music teacher
Liberty for All is an interactive CD-ROM that takes a musical journey through America's history from the American Revolution through the twentieth century with narration by Amy Grant, Chely Wright, Gary Sinise, and Richard Marx. The Teacher's Guide provides 19 lesson plans written by MENC members that coincide with each historical section of the CD-ROM. Students will experience an interactive journey that integrates technology, history, culture, and music! To order the CD or download free lesson plans, go to http://www.menc.org/publication/books/misc/libertyforall/LFAmain.html.
Music Vocabulary
A coda is a short section of music added to the end of a musical composition to act as a conclusion.
