Think Musically, Act Locally with NAMM’s “Einstein” Kit

It’s Back-to-School time, and time to reassess the school music programs in your local community! Budget cuts are again occurring around the country, and many music and arts programs are in jeopardy of being eliminated altogether. Music and arts programs can come under fire for many reasons: lack of funding, competition for class times, a shortage of qualified teachers and lack of community support are just a few.

The bottom line is this: More school music programs create more music-makers for the future. AMC is committed to helping our members create positive change in their communities by providing them with the tools, the facts and the plan on how to use them.

NAMM’s Music Education Advocate’s Toolkit can help you save music programs in your local area. Known affectionately as “The Einstein Kit,” it’s designed to help you get organized and make an effective presentation to your local decision-makers in support of music education. The purpose of the Einstein Kit is to provide you with an introduction into the world of advocacy and to introduce your community – especially the local school board – to the latest music-brain research. By creating dialogue and understanding between you and your decision-makers, you can benefit your kids in the here and now – and guarantee that you’ll have customers tomorrow.

Educators Love the Einstein Kit!
Here’s a sampling of the feedback we’ve gotten from people who’ve used the Music Education Advocate’s Toolkit in their own communities:

“We gave advocacy packets and pamphlets from the Einstein Kit to prospective fourth grade students. The number of students enrolled in beginning band went way up!”

Tim Carnall
Elkhart, Indiana

“The advocacy materials I have received will bring our program administrative and parental support. We are distributing pamphlets at concerts, to SBIT (School Board Improvement Team) members, and at school board meetings. We showed the video during our March concert, and the outreach letters are helping us with eighth grade recruiting.”

Scott Marsland
Pawcatuck, Connecticut

“This material is just what my students need. The video scores a “10!” The college juniors and student teachers take the information from the advocacy packets and present it to school boards and booster groups with the message that music is important.”

Dr. Dale Warren
University of Arkansas – Fayetteville

 

To learn more, visit the AMC website at www.amc-music.org. Because keeping kids in school music programs ensures brighter futures for us all.