Clay Aiken supports a school environment where kids discover their own creative voice.  Clay Aiken supports The National Association for Music Education.

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Clay’s PSA

March marks the annual celebration of music in our schools.  The National Association for Music Education is once again encouraging schools across the country to celebrate Music In Our Schools Month.  MENC, a 100-year-old organization, is for teachers, administrators, students and parents who feel that all students should be able to have access to music in their schools.

The highlight of the month-long  celebration is the “World’s Largest Concert.”  Sheet music, lessons plans and rehearsal time is coordinated throughout schools in the United States.  Then, each school holds their own concert at the designated time.  This year, the concert was held on March 10^th, at 1pm ET.

Music education is incredibly important to keep in our schools and communities, especially in a time when there have been cutbacks to many music programs. All students should have access to music and music education in their schools. It is an essential part of their learning. Music education has been proven to lead students to success in other areas of learning, success in society through practicing co-operation skills (when working together in a band or ensemble), success in developing their intelligence, and success in life.

During this month, we must remember the important role that music has in our culture and in our educational system. A child’s education is not complete unless it includes the arts. In fact, the No Child Left Behind Act lists the arts among the core academic subjects, requiring schools to enable all students to achieve in the arts and have a comprehensive arts education.

According to MENC:

“The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. MIOSM is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community and to display the benefits school music brings to students of all ages.”

MENC has gathered special PSA’s from many of the top musicians in fields from Pop to Classical.  The extensive list of artists all believe in the power of music.  Any of the PSAs can be downloaded and used during March.

This is the 4^th year that Clay Aiken has been involved in this amazing program.  Take a moment and visit the PSA site to see all the great artists who are involved.  MENC