Bennett, DeGraw, and Williams Speak on Behalf of Music Ed. at NAMM-hosted Event

Tony Bennett

NAMM, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation, and DoSomething.org last week co-hosted a reception at the U.S. Capitol Building celebrating and supporting national school music programs. The event was part of NAMM’s annual Member lobbying trip to Capitol Hill.

Multiple Grammy and Emmy-award winning artist Tony Bennett, founder of Exploring the Arts which provides support for the arts in NYC Public High Schools and the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Queens was on hand to discuss the importance of school music and art programs:

“We hope to see every public school in the United States have an art program,” said Bennett. “And it will be the best thing that ever happened to the United States because the whole premise of art is to search for truth and beauty. And when you give that to the rest of the world, every country will respect us so much. And so I hope you’ll help us with that.”

Platinum Recording artist and VH1 Save The Music Foundation Ambassador Gavin DeGraw spoke passionately about the impact of a complete education including music and the arts.

“Preserving music in schools is about preserving our culture,” said DeGraw. “When I meet people, I don’t share math problems with them. But I do share music because it connects us in a very deep and personal way.”

Former New York Yankee and Latin Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist Bernie Williams, who spent the day meeting with Members of Congress on behalf of this cause, added, “Music has had a very profound impact in my life. I was able to incorporate the things I drew from music like dealing with stress, overcoming adversity, into my athletic training and my life. I also believe that every kid should have the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument and that’s why I’m here today.”