IV 108th CONGRESS 2d Session H. CON. RES. 380 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 10, 2004 Mr. Cooper (for himself and Mr. Cunningham) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and the Workforce CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education.

Whereas school music programs enhance intellectual development and enrich the academic environment for students of all ages; Whereas students who participate in school music programs are less likely to be involved with drugs, gangs, or alcohol and have better attendance in school; Whereas the skills gained through sequential music instruction, including discipline and the ability to analyze, solve problems, communicate, and work cooperatively, are vital for success in the 21st century workplace; Whereas the majority of students attending public schools in inner city neighborhoods have virtually no access to music education, which places them at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other communities; Whereas local budget cuts are predicted to lead to significant curtailment of school music programs, thereby depriving as many as 30,000,000 students of an education that includes music; Whereas music is a core academic subject; and Whereas every student in the United States should have an opportunity to reap the benefits of music education: Now, therefore, be it

That— (1)it is the sense of the Congress that music education grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of a well-rounded academic curriculum and should be available to every student in every school; and (2)the Congress recognizes the International Music Products Association for its efforts to designate a Music Education Month in order to highlight the important role that school music programs play in the academic and social development of children.