[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 91 (Thursday, June 23, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S4103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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  SENATE RESOLUTION 214--DESIGNATING THE WEEK OF JUNE 24 THROUGH 28, 
               2011, AS ``NATIONAL MUSIC EDUCATION WEEK''

  Mrs. MURRAY submitted the following resolution; which was referred to 
the Committee on the Judiciary.

                              S. Res. 214

       Whereas the National Association for Music Education has 
     designated the week of June 24 through 28, 2011, as 
     ``National Music Education Week'';
       Whereas school-based music education is important and 
     beneficial for students of all ages;
       Whereas music education programs enhance intellectual 
     development and enrich the academic environment for students 
     of all ages;
       Whereas 3 out of every 4 Americans have participated in 
     music education programs, including chorus groups and formal 
     instrument lessons, during their time in school;
       Whereas of those who have participated in school-based 
     music education programs, 40 percent stated that such 
     programs were extremely influential in contributing to their 
     current level of personal fulfillment;
       Whereas music education provides students with the 
     opportunity to express their creativity and to develop skills 
     that will benefit them throughout the rest of their lives;
       Whereas the skills gained through 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 many students have limited access to music 
     education, which places them at a disadvantage compared to 
     their peers;
       Whereas local budget cuts are predicted to lead to a 
     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; and
       Whereas every student in the United States should have an 
     opportunity to reap the benefits of music education: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate designates the week of June 24 
     through 28, 2011, as ``National Music Education Week'' in 
     order to recognize the benefits and importance of music 
     education.

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I rise today to discuss the importance of 
music education in a child's educational journey. As a former music 
student myself, I believe every student should have access to this 
valuable area of study.
  Three quarters of Americans have been involved in a music program 
during their time in school. Over half of those participants continue 
their involvement with music after the 12th grade. This is a testament 
to the positive impact of music education and why we must continue to 
provide our students with opportunities to pursue these programs.
  Music education also provides students with the opportunity to 
express creativity and to develop skills that will benefit them 
throughout the rest of their lives. In addition to its inherent 
cultural value, music education provides a variety of unique avenues 
for intellectual growth. We also know that musical training has a 
profound impact on other skills including speech and language, memory 
and attention, and even the ability to convey emotions vocally.
  I believe music and other arts are among society's most compelling 
and effective pathways for offering our children rich and fulfilling 
educational experiences. It is also important that we acknowledge the 
music educators who have instilled many generations of students with 
the gift of music. For these reasons, I am proud to introduce a 
resolution today recognizing June 24, 2011 through June 28, 2011 as 
National Music Education Week.

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