News Release

IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 2, 2007
Contact: Frank X. O'Gara
Educational Communications Officer
Voice: (703) 588-3260
Email: Frank.OGara@hq.dodea.edu

DoDEA Helps Celebrate Music in Our Schools Month – March 2007

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA —The Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) will join schools around the country in the observation of March as Music in Our Schools Month (MIOSM®).

Music in Our Schools Month began as a single statewide celebration in 1973, and has grown over the decades to encompass a day, then a week, and then in 1985 to become a month long celebration of music in our schools. March has been officially designated by MENC: The National Association for Music Education for the observance of MIOSM, the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation.

The celebration continues to grow each year, reaching more and more students, teachers, musicians, and music supporters. Schools and communities throughout the country and overseas celebrate MIOSM with concerts and activities on the year's theme. Classrooms, concert halls, civic buildings, clubs, parks, libraries, and shopping malls are just some of the arenas in which the public can observe the processes and results of music education.

"Music Touches Lives" is the official slogan for Music in Our Schools Month 2007. DoD Schools around the world will participate in the celebration.

The World's Largest Concert will not be held in 2007. This year, MENC is introducing a new way to celebrate Music in Our Schools Month -- the Music in Our Schools Showcase. This is a program designed to spotlight school music programs, recognize superior performances, and promote the importance of music education. (Source: MENC)

For more information on DoDEA Music Programs, contact Mr. Mark Bignell, Fine Arts Coordinator, who may be reached by email or phone (703-588-3114).

Music in Our Schools/2-2-2

For more information, visit the Music in Our Schools Website at:
http://www.menc.org

For more information about local school involvement, contact:
Local school principals
Local school music teachers

About MENC

The National Association for Music Education, the world's largest arts education organization, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. More than 130,000 members represent all levels of teaching from preschool to graduate school.

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