March is “Music in Our Schools” Month (MIOSM) which is a celebration of the importance of music education in schools! This celebration was implemented by the organization that is now known as NAfME (National Association for Music Education) in March 1973. Music in Our Schools started as a one-day observance, expanded to a week-long event in 1977, and ultimately evolved into the month-long celebration established in 1985.
Schools often overlook music or fail to take it seriously because many people view it as “just a fun class” and underestimate both its rigor and its importance to students. MIOSM seeks to correct these views, raising awareness of music education to everyone it reaches. The reality is that music can be just as difficult, complex, and intellectually stimulating as any other academic class; with the added bonus of it requiring incredible coordination and discipline as well as also being a creative, stress-relieving, and emotionally stimulating art form.
This month exists to spotlight music education, raise awareness among those who may overlook its value, and advocate for expanded access so every child can participate in music. Every year this month-long tribute to music in schools reaches more students, musicians, parents, schools, and teachers, making it a nationally observed celebration.
Nafme.org offers several ideas on how to celebrate including inviting parents, administration, colleagues, and community members to your class to watch a music rehearsal, putting on a talent show, having students do projects on their favorite musicians, taking students to see a performance, etc. Visit http://www.nafme.org/programs/miosm/celebrate-music-schools-months/ to see what you can do to participate and help advocate for music in our schools! You can also visit our other blogs for more musical education.
Sources: http://www.nafme.org/programs/miosm/music-in-our-schools-month-miosm/</p>
