Did this ever slip by us, under the radar! In case you were wondering, the passage of this resolution was unanimous in both houses of Congress.
H.Con.Res.121
Agreed to May 15, 2007
One Hundred Tenth Congress
of the
United States of AmericaBegun and held at the City of Washington on Thursday,
the fourth day of January, two thousand and sevenConcurrent Resolution
Whereas school music programs enhance intellectual development and enrich the academic environment for students of all ages;
Whereas students who participate in school music programs are less likely to be involved with drugs, gangs, or alcohol and have better attendance in school;
Whereas the skills gained through sequential music instruction, including discipline and the ability to analyze, solve problems, communicate, and work cooperatively, are vital for success in the 21st century workplace;
Whereas the majority of students attending public schools in inner city neighborhoods have virtually no access to music education, which places them at a disadvantage compared to their peers in other communities;
Whereas the arts are a core academic subject, and music is an essential element of the arts; and
Whereas every student in the United States should have an opportunity to reap the benefits of music education: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of the Congress that music education grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of a well-rounded academic curriculum and should be available to every student in every school.
Attest:
Clerk of the House of Representatives.
Attest:
Secretary of the Senate.
Unfortunately, this does not have the force of law; however, when so many parents are fighting their school districts to keep arts education in the curriculum, this resolution may provide those parents with some additional ammunition to take to the school board. It’s so rare to find something that everyone in Congress agrees upon, especially recently, that this resolution is definitely worth remembering. Music lessons help students in academic pursuits, in their behavior, are associated with less criminal involvement and drug use, and provide benefits even into old age.