[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 29 (Monday, March 10, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S2092]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO MUSIC EDUCATION IN NEVADA

 Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today to express my support 
for one of the most important parts of the education of our Nation's 
children--music education. Nevada has a proud music tradition and one 
of the groups that help keep this tradition strong is the Nevada Music 
Educators Association [NMEA]. It is my pleasure to speak on behalf of 
the NMEA, and to stress the importance of music to the education of our 
Nation's youth.
  A recent event has made me especially proud of my State and its 
commitment to music education. The Hug High School band in Reno was 
selected to perform in President Clinton's second inaugural parade. 
Being chosen for the parade is truly an honor and it spoke to the 
quality of Hug's band and Nevada's music programs. The only way the 
band could make the trip from Nevada to Washington, DC, however, was to 
raise a lot of money. Right in the wake of the terrible New Year's 
flood, which caused devastating damage throughout northern Nevada, the 
citizens of Washoe County banded together and raised over $120,000 to 
send these deserving students to our Nation's Capital. Thanks to the 
kindness, generosity, and support of their community, the Hug High 
School band was able to come to Washington and perform beautifully in 
the inaugural parade.
  Nevada is at the forefront of music education. We are leaders in the 
development of music standards and have active band, choir, and 
orchestra programs throughout the State. Recently, the bands of Edward 
C. Reed High School and Green Valley High School had the opportunity to 
represent the United States in international music festivals.
  Music and the arts are vital components of the education of our 
youth; no school career is complete without them. Recent scientific 
research has shown that early childhood education in music helps 
develop a child's logical brain. Pediatric neurobiologists indicate 
that the brain circuits for math reside near those for music. 
Accordingly, music lessons and listening to classical music may help a 
child develop skills in logic and spatial reasoning and, thus, do 
better in math. In addition to the cultural and artistic enrichment 
that music education provides, it also helps our children to learn and 
grow in other areas. As we move into the future, our children need to 
be given all the tools they will need to compete and succeed. Music 
education is essential to this effort, and it must be supported.
  I am very proud of Nevada's music programs and the bands, orchestras, 
and choirs that bring joy to all of our lives. It is my pleasure to 
speak today in appreciation of the Nevada Music Educators Association 
and all the teachers, administrators, and citizens who support music 
education in our schools.

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