Indianapolis recognized for support of music education
4/25/06 -- The Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners has been named the recipient of the second annual VH1 Save The Music Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education.
The award, presented at a conference session on “Access to Music is Vital to Quality Education,” is co-sponsored by the VH1 Save the Music Foundation; NAMM, the International Music Products Association; and NSBA.
In the 1990s, the Indianapolis school district nearly eliminated all instrumental music programs due to a severe financial crisis. Then, in 2000, the school board established a partnership with the VH1 Save The Music Foundation to restore those programs.
The school board also implemented instrumental music programs in middle and high schools and added two credits in fine arts to the district’s high school graduation requirements. In addition, the fine arts instructional staff was expanded and funding to the marching band programs was restored, including the All-City Marching Band and city wide marching band competitions.
“This award exemplifies the outstanding work that the Indianapolis Board of School Commissioners has done in ensuring students receive a complete education,” says Paul Cothran, executive director of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.
Since 2000, Bright House Networks and VH1 Save The Music have provided $550,000 worth of new musical instruments to restore music programs in 22 Indianapolis schools. More than $30 million worth of new instruments has been donated to 1,200 public schools in 80 cities since VH1 Save the Music Foundation was created in 1997.
At the conference session, Laurie Schopp, director of programs and policy at the foundation, and Sandra Jordan of NAMM talked about research studies that have shown that a student’s involvement in a school music program is crucial to a complete education.
“Musical study develops critical thinking and self-discipline skills and improves a child’s early cognitive development, math and reading abilities, self-esteem, ability to work in teams, spatial reasoning skills, and school attendance,” says Schopp.
“Children involved with music education are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college,” she notes.
The presenters also spoke about SuppportMusic.com, a coalition of groups that unites concerned citizens and organizations at the local, state, and national level in defense of a child’s right to have access to high-quality school music programs.
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