III 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. CON. RES. 33 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES May 7, 2007 Mr. Alexander (for himself, Mr. Dodd, and Mr. Kennedy) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions 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 the arts are a core academic subject, and music is an essential element of the arts; and Whereas every student in the United States should have an opportunity to reap the benefits of music education: Now, therefore, be it

That it is the sense of 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 in the United States.