Be Part of the Music Aims to Enroll One Million New Students Annually in School Music Programs Nationwide

Music advocacy group Be Part of the Music announced the launch of its program and web site, which aims to inspire one million new students to enroll in America’s public school music programs annually.

Be Part of the Music has developed an innovative approach to changing the nation’s public schools through participation in music programs by distributing free, customizable recruitment and retention materials for teachers, parents, students, administrators and community members. These visually oriented materials, geared toward today’s media savvy students and parents, are designed to communicate the importance and the appeal of music in an effective and meaningful way. 

More than 45 documents and 27 videos help students and their parents better understand the different ensembles and instruments that are available, along with the positive impact that music can play in the life of a child and the school community. These web-based resources are available to students, parents, teachers, administrators and community members for free. 

Initial material is tailored to elementary school students, but in the future, Be Part of the Music plans to add retention components designed to keep students engaged in music making through their teenage years.

Based on the program Be Part of the Band (www.bepartoftheband.com), which increased enrollment in band programs across the United States by 20 percent, Be Part of the Music seeks to build on and surpass that success for choir and orchestra programs. 

“Music is the silver bullet that makes the school experience better,” said Scott Lang, founder of Be Part of the Music. “Many studies prove that students involved in music programs have higher test scores, higher academic performance and lower drug and alcohol abuse levels, just to name a few benefits. Our goal of attracting one million new music students is lofty, but we can reach it by adding just ten students in each and every one of the country’s 100,000-plus elementary schools.”

Sponsors include Yamaha Corporation of America, Jupiter Instruments, Fred J. Miller, French Woods Fine Arts Camp, NAMM, Music for All, American String Teachers Association and the National Association for Music Education.

bepartofthemusic.com