[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 79 (Tuesday, May 7, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2877-H2878]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING IMPORTANCE OF MUSIC EDUCATION

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the importance of music education. We

[[Page H2878]]

recognized Music In Our Schools Month last month, but today, I want to 
recognize the 10 school districts and 2 schools in my district that 
were named for outstanding support of music education.
  Over the past 25 years, the National Best Communities for Music 
Education Award has honored more than 1,000 schools and districts in 43 
States for their unwavering commitment to music education as an 
integral part of a well-rounded education for all students.
  Every year, the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation 
recognizes school districts across the country that are among the best 
communities in the Nation for music education. The award program 
recognizes and celebrates outstanding efforts by teachers, 
administrators, parents, students, and community leaders who have made 
music education part of a well-rounded education.
  This year, they recognized 975 school districts, with 10 across the 
15th Congressional District. Whether it be music class, choir, concert 
band, marching band, or the school musical, having music access and 
education is important for students' development.
  Music is an incredibly important component of a well-rounded 
education--support access to music education and inspire the next 
generation.
  I congratulate Armstrong County School District, Bald Eagle Area 
School District, Bellefonte Area School District, Clearfield Area 
School District, Curwensville Area School District, DuBois Area School 
District, Lewisburg Area School District, Port Allegany Area School 
District, State College Area School District, and West Branch Area 
School District on this distinguished award.
  The NAMM Foundation also recognizes individual school districts with 
the Support Music Merit Award. This award is an opportunity for an 
individual school--public, private, parochial, or charter--to be 
acknowledged for its commitment to music education. I congratulate the 
Saint Francis School and the Tidioute Community Charter School.
  This recognition continues to highlight the hard work our educators 
do to provide a comprehensive education that includes the arts. I 
congratulate all the schools in our region that have been recognized 
for their efforts to promote a well-rounded education.

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