[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6984]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATING EAST PEORIA SCHOOL DISTRICT 86 ON BEING NAMED A BEST 
                     COMMUNITY FOR MUSIC EDUCATION

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. AARON SCHOCK

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 15, 2013

  Mr. SCHOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate East Peoria 
School District 86 on being distinguished as one of the Best 
Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. This award 
recognizes excellence in ensuring that students have access to 
comprehensive music education, both inside and outside the classroom, 
and I applaud their efforts.
  By making a deliberate decision to elevate diverse musical learning 
experiences to a priority, the teachers, faculty, and administrators of 
District 86 are embodying a principle that 94 percent of Americans 
agree with: that music is a vital part of a child's education. Study 
after study has shown that participation in music and arts advances 
student achievement in all areas of study, from math and science to 
English and language skills. Schools that put a priority on music 
education have students who are more motivated, resulting in lower 
dropout rates, higher standardized test scores, and thriving student 
body communities.
  The benefits of music education go far beyond the four walls of 
school buildings. In a survey of top U.S. CEOs, one of the top five 
traits they are looking for in their workforce is creativity. Our 
economy needs innovative thinkers, problem solvers, and collaborative 
people with the ability to think outside-the-box. Music education 
fosters those skills. In addition, a study by Columbia University 
revealed that participation in the arts boosts students' self-
confidence and ability to express their ideas. In ensuring access to 
music education and experiences for their students, District 86 is 
giving the future leaders of our nation the tools they need for success 
in whatever career path they choose.
  Albert Einstein once said, ``If I were not a physicist, I would 
probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in 
music. I see my life in terms of music . . . I get most joy in life out 
of music.'' The academic and economic benefits of music are numerous 
and important, but we also recognize the power of music in its own 
right. The sound of an orchestra or a favorite band can give us a 
measure of peace in a chaotic world. I commend District 86 for their 
commitment to make East Peoria a community where music is everywhere 
and where students achieve success in all their endeavors and 
congratulate them again on this prestigious award.

                          ____________________