109 HCON 355 IH: Recognizing the benefits and importance of school-based music education, and for other purposes. U.S. House of Representatives 2006-03-09 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 109th CONGRESS 2d Session H. CON. RES. 355 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES March 9, 2006 Mr. Cooper (for himself and Mr. Porter) 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, and for other purposes.

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 millions of students of an education that includes music; Whereas the arts are a core academic subject, and music is an essential element of the arts; Whereas every student in the United States should have an opportunity to reap the benefits of music education; and Whereas NAMM, the International Music Products Association, highlights during the month of March the important role that school music programs play in the academic and social development of children: 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 NAMM, the International Music Products Association, for its efforts to emphasize the importance of school music programs in the academic and social development of children.