Music Education Week in Washington 2009

2009-06-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Music Education Week in Washington was a huge success! Students and music educators from around the country participated in an unprecedented musical occasion in our nation's capital.

Department of Education RallyDepartment of Education Secretary Arne Duncan is greeted by Florence Henderson, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, students, music educators, Drum Corps International's "Glassmen" and MENC's National Executive Board at a Rally held at the Department of Education. Thousands of signed petitions were presented to the Secretary to help create a mandate for schools to include Music Education as a core curriculum.Hundreds of music supporters watch as the petitions are presented to Secretary Duncan. Select students representing music programs around the country were invited to assist in presenting the petitions.Kareem Abdul Jabbar adds his name to the petition, as did Florence Henderson, Mrs. America Maureen MacDonald, and Funky Winkerbean artist Tom Batiuk.

Kennedy Center Student Performances

The West Lincoln High School Chamber Choir from North Carolina performed music of American heritage. Choral Director Tim Ottinger performed his own moving composition alongside his students.

The Dixieland Band from Coalgate High School in Oklahoma entertained the crowd with well known "songs of the south." Nancy Jo Stewart is the director of this talented group of young people.

This "African Drum Circle" from Wilbur Cross School in Connecticut is under the direction of Frances Russell. This is their third year participating in MENC's National Anthem Project. Their Kennedy Center performance was one of many highlights this young group experienced as part of Music Education Week.

National Anthem Project Sing Along

Tim Shew, longtime Broadway performer and entertainer, was the Master of Ceremonies at the Annual National Anthem Project Sing Along. This year's event was held on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. MENC's National Executive Board as well as other members of MENC, parents, and music education supporters were in attendance.

Hundreds of students representing music programs around the country let the performance of the National Anthem.

The President's Own Marine Corps Band provided accompaniment for the Anthem, as well as an exceptionally entertaining program representing the spirit of American music.

These individuals were instrumental in making this year's National Anthem Project a wonderful success. (from left to right) Tim Shew, Dr. John Mahlmann-Executive Director of MENC, Barbara Geer-President of MENC, Maureen MacDonald-Mrs. America 2009, Major Jason Fettig-Conductor of the President's Own, Joel Biggs-Executive Producer of MENC Events, and Earl Hurrey-MENC Deputy Executive Director for Development.

The American Musical Salute: Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial
Student performing ensembles from around the country had the opportunity to perform on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial as part of a Musical Salute to the Life of Abraham Lincoln, commemorating his 200th birthday.

The Vallivue Middle School Choir traveled all the way from Idaho to join in the events of Music Week, and the Abe Bicentennial.

West Lincoln High School Concert Choir made the journey from Lincolnton, North Carolina.

The Wilbur Cross "African Drum Circle" entertained the visitors to the Lincoln Memorial with their unique style and creativity. The drum circle has performed as part of the American Musical Salute each of the last three years with performances at the Capital Reflecting Pool, the Jefferson Memorial, and now the Lincoln Memorial.

Joseph Torregano of Louisiana directs his group with the Washington Monument as his backdrop. This is Mr. Torregano's second year as part of MENC's Washington DC festivities.

East St. John High School Band of Reserve, Louisiana performs in the warm afternoon sun in tribute to Abraham Lincoln.

Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants Concert

Select students from around the country joined with the US Air Force Band at a special concert held as part of Music Education Week in Washington. The Band was under the direction of Colonel Dennis Layendecker.

Following their performance, the student participants were recognized as representatives of music programs throughout the US.

Outstanding choral students had the unique opportunity to sing along with the Singing Sergeants as part of a combined concert.

Colonel Layendecker with student performers and their band director from Coalgate, Oklahoma.

Drum Corp International Season Opener

Drum Corps International kicked off it's season as part of Music Education week with "DCI Salutes America" at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis, Maryland. To open the show, hundreds of students along with members of each participating corp, the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, and the MENC National Assembly stood on the field for an exciting pre-show presentation, and the singing of the National Anthem.

After the opening, each spectator was treated with an exhibition performance by the Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. Following the Drum and Bugle Corps, some of DCI's finest drum corps entertained the crowd in a very spirited competition!

Pictured here is the opening of the DCI Show on the field of the stadium.

A special thanks to all those who participated in this year's Music Education Week in Washington. It was a great success, and a pleasure to be a part of. We invite all who support music education in our schools to begin making plans to join us next year. Contact MENC Events today to find out how you and your student performing ensemble can be a part of this great program, June 24-27, 2010!