State Jazz Championships
Click here for info.

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GLEE SEASON 2 DVD STRIKES A CHORD WITH “GIVE A NOTE” CAMPAIGN TO HELP SAVE ARTS PROGRAMS IN SCHOOLS

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment Teams Up with National Association for Music Education to Award $1 Million in Grants to 73 High Schools Nationwide

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 9, 2011) – Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment (TCFHE) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) announced today “GLEE Give a Note,” a campaign to donate $1 million to school arts programs across the country. Starting today, eligible high schools are invited to submit videos about why their school deserves a grant at www.GleeGiveANote.com . In December 2011, after two rounds of voting, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will name the 73 schools that will receive grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

High school students everywhere are encouraged to harmonize, boogie or conduct their submission in video form – the more creative, the better. On October 4, eligible entries will be posted on www.GleeGiveANote.com and put up for public vote for 30 days. A panel composed of NAfME members will conduct a final vote and the 73 winning schools will be notified in December. There will be three grand prizes of $50,000 each; 10 first prizes of $25,000 each; and 60 second prizes of $10,000 each.

“Millions of kids are attending schools where music programs have been cut. Each week, GLEE is sticking up for school music, giving a voice to students and teachers who understand that music is essential to a complete education,” said Michael A. Butera, executive director, National Association for Music Education. “Our organization is fighting every day to keep music in our schools so that every kid has the chance to experience it. With GLEE’s support of music education programs, millions of students won’t have to stop believing!”    

“We are thrilled about the extraordinary success of Glee on DVD, as it is a true reflection of the fans appetite for this phenomenal series,” said Mary Daily, executive vice president for Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. “One dollar for every Blu-ray and DVD sold with a $1 million dollar guaranteed donation will go towards saving music and arts programs in public schools through the Glee Give a Note Project.”

For more information, including official rules, visit www.GleeGiveANote.com . Glee: The Complete Second Season arrives on Blu-ray and DVD September 13, 2011.

About Give a Note Foundation
Give a Note Foundation, founded by the leaders of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), is a social advocacy organization dedicated to bringing renewal to America’s embattled music education programs . With a mission to expand and increase music education opportunities for all children (especially those in low-wealth and underserved areas of America), Give a Note Foundation will raise over $20 million for music education through a multi-year endowment campaign. Through strategic partnerships and grassroots campaigns, Give a Note Foundation connects musicians, teachers, students, policymakers and community members, and empowers them to fight for music education in children’s lives. With its ties to NAfME, Give a Note Foundation reaches more than 70,000 pre-service, active and retired music teachers, and over 20 million children across the United States. In addition to its endowment campaign, Give a Note Foundation will raise money directed to schools and music education programs through high-profile campaigns like “GLEE Give a Note.” www.giveanote.org.

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.

About The National Association for Music Education
The National Association for Music Education (formerly MENC) ,  among the world's largest arts education organizations, marked its centennial in 2007 as the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. Through membership of more than 75,000 active, retired, and pre-service music teachers, and with 60,000 honor students and supporters, NAfME serves millions of students nationwide through activities at all teaching levels, from preschool to graduate school. NAfME's mission is to advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all. Since 1907, NAfME has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. NAfME's activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education.

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Media inquiries:
Spencer Harrison, 310.633.9425, spencer.harrison@hillandknowlton.com
Chris Bess, 310.369.1442, chris.bess@fox.com
Online: Claire Richland, 323.761.2333 , fox@thinkjam.com
National Assc. for Music Education: JP Schuerman, 310.254.9716, jp@ensocomm.com

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Glee Give A Note FAQ

Why is NAfME working with Glee?
NAfME and Give A Note Foundation are excited to have support from Glee and the show’s creator, Ryan Murphy to help raise awareness and funding for music education. In a recent press release, President Shuler made these comments:

“MENC applauds   Glee  and its creators for showing millions of people each week how music benefits kids,” said Shuler. “Through the show’s portrayal of a high school show choir,  Glee  demonstrates how music education lifts and inspires students, in many cases providing the main reason they are excited about school. Music also provides these students with skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and in life – learning to sing or play an instrument helps young people develop creativity, critical thinking, literacy, and teamwork skills... We would be delighted if the success of  Glee  results in citizens around the country contacting their local school boards in support of their school music programs.”

Fox is giving $1,000,000 to NAfME?
There are many divisions within Fox; 20 th Century Fox Home Entertainment is giving the donation in conjunction with the TV show Glee. The show’s creator, Ryan Murphy wanted to support school music and arts programs. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the Season 2 DVD will fund the donation.

Why does Ryan Murphy care about music?
Ryan attended high school in Indiana and was a member of his school’s show choir. He also attended the Jacobs School at Indiana University.

When does the contest begin?
The contest officially begins on September 6, 2011. Students/teachers can create a video of up to 3 minutes telling why their school music program needs help. The video does not have to be a performance, but it could be.

Can anyone enter?
All entries must be submitted by the school principal. The principal will upload the video to a Fox affiliate website or at www.gleegiveanote.com. All videos will be screened before posting. Inappropriate or offensive videos will not be considered. Videos will be posted publicly.

Are only NAfME members eligible?
Anyone can enter, they do not have to be a NAfME member. The funds must be used to support a school music program.

Who will select the winners?
NAfME will select judges from its divisions – this will handled by the NAfME Executive office and Executive Committee of the NAfME National Executive Board. NAfME and Fox will select the winners.

How many awards will be given?
$1,000,000 total: 3 grand prizes - $50,000, 10 - $25,000 prizes, 60 - $10,000 prizes. The 3 grand prizes will be selected nationally. The remaining prizes will be awarded on a regional basis – 14 for each of 5 regions (based on NAfME regional divisions – Northeast, North Central, Southern, Southwestern, and West (includes Northwest Division). Winners will be announced in December.

Other questions?
Please direct press inquiries to:
JP Schuerman, 310.254.9716, jp@ensocomm.com

Foundation or Glee Give A Note contest questions:
Jane Balek ext. 214
Jennifer Schleining ext 213
Elizabeth Lasko ext 305

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Follow-Up Information on Student Fees in California
Important messages from our Southern Area President, Nancy Andrzejczak, please read below.

Please check out our new CAEA Website: http://www.caea-arteducation.org/

And more important news:

AB 165 Targets School Fees

AB 165, the Constitutional Free Public Education Guarantee, authored by Ricardo Lara, is currently moving through the legislature, having passed the Assembly by a 50-17 vote. It is now being heard in the Senate, and in all likelihood will end up on Governor Brown¹s desk for his signature to make it law before the end of the year. The bill has implications for the delivery of arts education programs, potentially impacting the collection of fees for materials in visual arts classes, instrument rental for school bands or orchestras, etc. For that reason we wanted to provide some perspective on the bill¹s content and suggestions as to how school districts and schools might respond to its restrictions if it becomes law.

Despite our concerns with regard to its enforcement if AB 165 is enacted into law, the Committee on Legislation for the California Alliance voted not to take a position on the bill. We recognize and support the principle of a free education for every student and encourage schools and districts to find compatible solutions to provide access to quality arts education.

Summary language, intended to capture the spirit of the bill, states,

³The bill would provide that this prohibition of fees is not to be interpreted to prohibit an entire school, class, sports team, or club from voluntarily participating in fundraising or to prohibit school districts and schools from providing pupils prizes or other recognition for voluntarily participating in fundraising activities.²

This would seems to create adequate flexibility to allow arts teachers and parent support groups to invite voluntary participation in the raising of needed funds.

Background

An August 2010 investigation by the ACLU of Southern California uncovered a widespread practice among public school districts of charging students mandatory fees to participate in educational activities. For example, districts were requiring students to purchase textbooks, workbooks, and assigned novels in order to matriculate in academic courses.

AB 165 Targets School Fees

AB 165, the Constitutional Free Public Education Guarantee, authored by Ricardo Lara, is currently moving through the legislature, having passed the Assembly by a 50-17 vote. It is now being heard in the Senate, and in all likelihood will end up on Governor Brown¹s desk for his signature to make it law before the end of the year. The bill has implications for the delivery of arts education programs, potentially impacting the collection of fees for materials in visual arts classes, instrument rental for school bands or orchestras, etc. For that reason we wanted to provide some perspective on the bill¹s content and suggestions as to how school districts and schools might respond to its restrictions if it becomes law.

Despite our concerns with regard to its enforcement if AB 165 is enacted into law, the Committee on Legislation for the California Alliance voted not to take a position on the bill. We recognize and support the principle of a free education for every student and encourage schools and districts to find compatible solutions to provide access to quality arts education.

Summary language, intended to capture the spirit of the bill, states,

³The bill would provide that this prohibition of fees is not to be interpreted to prohibit an entire school, class, sports team, or club from voluntarily participating in fundraising or to prohibit school districts and schools from providing pupils prizes or other recognition for voluntarily participating in fundraising activities.²

This would seems to create adequate flexibility to allow arts teachers and parent support groups to invite voluntary participation in the raising of needed funds.

Background

An August 2010 investigation by the ACLU of Southern California uncovered a widespread practice among public school districts of charging students mandatory fees to participate in educational activities. For example, districts were requiring students to purchase textbooks, workbooks, and assigned novels in order to matriculate in academic courses.

n September 2010, the ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of students alleging the fees violated the California Constitution¹s free public education guarantee and discriminated against lower-income students by creating a ³pay to learn² system that threatened the integrity of our state¹s public education system. The ACLU and former Gov. Schwarzenegger announced a settlement to the case last December, requiring schools to fully reimburse families for any pay-to-play fees and granted parents the right to challenge any illegal fees through a state-based complaint process.

The intent of AB 165 is to codify that settlement. According to the author, ³AB 165 will establish procedures that will help identify, eliminate, and prevent the charging of student fees in violation of a student¹s constitutional right to a free public education.² In addition the author states that, ³AB 165 will use existing accountability mechanisms to efficiently prevent and address any fees imposed on students as conditions of participation in educational activities.²

Guidelines for Districts and Schools

The Orange County Department of Education has issued guidelines to districts and schools on the use of appropriate language to be used in soliciting for funds for activities within the restrictions of the law. They are included below. If you have additional concerns or questions, contact your local school district.

I  STUDENT FEES LANGUAGE California law does not allow school districts to charge fees to students for curricular and extracurricular activities.
However, as you are aware, due to state budget cut backs, schools can no longer afford to fund many of these activities. Therefore, we are requesting voluntary donations from parents to offset the costs of these programs.
Parents are not required to make donations and all students may participate in extracurricular activities regardless of whether their parents make a donation.

II. PHRASES THAT CAN BE INSERTED INTO EXISTING FORMS

1. You are not required to purchase any of these items.

2. Donations are voluntary and all students will be allowed to participate regardless of whether a donation is made.

3. A voluntary donation of $_____ is appreciated.

4. A $20 donation to the art department is appreciated to help offset costs for this program and to maintain the quality of the art program that we have at ____________________.

5. Students who participate in the after school sports program are encouraged to support a one-time sports program donation of $40, and a donation of $25 per season for bus transportation. The program donation will help to cover the cost of uniforms, equipment, coaches, and officials for the year. The bus transportation donation will help to cover the cost of transportation to the away games during the season of sport. 6. We appreciate any donations made to this program.


Nancy Andrzejczak, Ph. D.
Arts LINC Project Director

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New Information on Student Fees in California
Due to a recent court case brought against several school districts in California by the ACLU, the Governor, Legislature and State Department of Education are revising policies to strengthen the guarantee of a free public school education for all students. The impact of these changes will have a drastic effect on fundraising for many music programs.

Assembly Bill 165 is currently in the legislature and will change the Education Code to reflect the agreement from the lawsuit.
-Information on AB 165-

There are three links/documents here that can help advise music teachers as to these changes:

-Dec. 16, 2010
Letter from Governor Swarzenegger to CA School District Superintendents-

-Legal Opinion on Student Fees Settlement-

-Guidelines on Student Fees and Donations from San Diego Unified School District-

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GRAMMY IN THE SCHOOLS
Click here for info.

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MUSIC ADVOCACY
Music education in the elementary school level is a vital aspect of a successful school’s curriculum.  Researchers have continually gathered evidence supporting the benefits and positive effects of music education within the school and have clearly demonstrated the need for elementary music programs.  This paper identifies several of these key benefits of elementary music programs and illustrates why it is crucial for this school to keep its current elementary music program....
(see pdf file for more)

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GUITAR WORKSHOP
GAMA, the Guitar and Accessories Marketing Association, in conjunction with MENC and NAMM, sponsors workshops that provide guitar training to school music teachers. The program has been in existence for about a decade, we have trained nearly 2000
teachers to date. GAMA has created a short video which introduces the program and
details the advantages of becoming involved in classroom guitar. This
video is now on line at: http://www.discoverguitar.com/educatormovieplayer.html The benefits to teachers are numerous. Educators that attend this free
workshops receive:
-Three Graduate Credits
-A free Guitar and books and accessories
(The workshops represent a value of over $1,300) Our surveys show that teaching guitar has a number of rewards for teachers
- 54.76% of respondents feel that teaching guitar has brought them
more support from School Administrators.
- 61.43% of respondents feel that teaching guitar has brought them
more support from Parents and students.
- 70% of respondents feel that teaching guitar has made their careers better.
- 37.14% of respondents feel that teaching guitar has brought them
more job security.
- 100% of respondents would recommend the Teaching Guitar Workshops to
other educators. Best of all, these workshops do not cannibalize existing music
programs, generally, they bring new children to music, a lot of
children!

Guitar is a great way to bring music to more students and
give teachers new skills that can improve their careers.

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MUSIC FOR ALL FOUNDATION:
The Music for All Foundation is a national non-profit organization committed to expanding the role of music and the arts in education, to heightening the public's appreciation of the value of music and arts education, and to creating a positive environment for the arts through societal change. Go to http://music-for-all.org

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THE LATEST FROM MENC

THE NEW HANDBOOK OF RESEARCH ON MUSIC TEACHING AND
LEARNING --
An essential resource on music education and cognition developed by leading
scholars across the globe. This collection features chapters on arts advocacy, music
and medicine, teacher education, and studio instruction. Now available from Oxford
University Press at a 30% discount ($122.50 instead of the list price of $175.00).
Order online at http://www.oup.com/us, or call 1-800-451-7556. To receive your
discount, use promotion code 23703. Discount subject to change.

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