8th Annual NAMM Advocacy Fly-In

Last week, members of NAMM met with members of Congress and the Department of Education as part of its eighth annual Advocacy Fly-in for Music Education event in Washington, D.C. to support issues concerning the music products industry.

During the advocacy meetings, NAMM Members asked that Congress reauthorize the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in a manner that removes the pressures in current law that force schools to narrow the curriculum at the expense of important core academic subjects, such as music and arts education, and to support a well-rounded education for all students.

“NAMM Members came from around the country to speak with members of Congress and policy makers about the importance of a quality, school-based music and arts education for all students,” said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. “In addition to the proven link between music and academic success in other subjects like math and literacy, a well-rounded education that includes the arts helps prepare students for the 21st century workforce where a premium is placed on creativity, innovation and the ability to work in teams.”

More than 25 NAMM Members, joined by Latin Grammy-nominated jazz guitarist and former NY Yankees legend Bernie Williams, as well as keyboardist and television star Scott Grimes met with approximately 70 Congressional and Senate offices and the Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Planning and Evaluation, with the U.S. Department of Education.

NAMM also hosted a reception and dinner as part of the fly-in in honor of Dr. Anne L. Bryant, executive director of the National School Boards Association (NSBA). NAMM presented Dr. Bryant with an award for her many contributions to supporting music and arts education at schools across the country.