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July 13, 2007 FOCUS ON COALITION BUILDING: American Symphony Orchestra League Launches Historic Statement of Common Cause to Support In-School Music Education As orchestras look to the challenges in their future, we cannot afford to overlook our natural allies. Whether in matters of public policy, the education of our country’s youth, or the deepening engagement with our communities, we must work closely with our partners in other music disciplines and the other arts, both locally and nationally. As we develop our agenda we need to pay increasingly close attention to how our communities are changing, and to their shifting priorities and new ways of engaging with the arts. And, if we are to be effective in strengthening our connection to the American public, then orchestras must speak with one voice – musicians, volunteers, board members, staff, music publishers, artist managers, all of us. The Power of Unity Orchestras are increasingly attuned to the context of the wider circumstances influencing their future. Our future - arguably the future of our society and culture - depends on an educated society, one able to navigate the changing demands of our world. At a time when our public school systems are often limiting opportunities for learning in seeming (perhaps misguided) support for higher test scores, the arts stand as a beacon of opportunity. Dynamic partnerships, such as those encouraged by SupportMusic and its affiliate organizations, are key to mobilizing the music community to speak up for the importance of music education in schools across our nation. Young performers today share many commonalities: a passion for music, a joy in performance, a celebration of family. And, they share a common dependence, not only on their families, but also on the great teachers who have helped them develop their interests and skills. In a 2005 American Symphony Orchestra League survey of orchestras, the presence of music education in the schools ranked as a top priority. We know music education is essential for building audiences. Our data shows that 75% of those who identify as loyal supporters of our orchestras had a key musical experience in their schooling before the age of 14. More importantly, we also know that music education is an essential component for shaping the citizens of the future. Where else but music education do we turn for opportunities for the exploration of ideas, for the development of skills that go well beyond numbers and literacy, for the development of creativity, and for the discovery of opportunities for renewal and satisfaction that can last a lifetime? And yet, music programs are threatened in schools across the country. Orchestras Coordinate Nationally to Take Action Locally The most effective advocacy efforts are driven by local needs, involve participation by all orchestra stakeholders, and are carried out in coalition with community partners. While executive directors officially sign the statement on behalf of their orchestras, they are strongly encouraged to first review the statement among orchestra staff, musicians, trustees and volunteers. The League’s web site also features a list of recommended first steps orchestras might take to begin or enhance their advocacy efforts, such as reviewing the statement with potential community partners in advocacy and learning more about the status of music education in their community. On the League’s site http://www.symphony.org/musicedadvocates/ and on this one, there are many useful advocacy resources that can help orchestras take action, including links to the Community Action Advocacy Toolkit provided by our partners in the Supportmusic.com coalition. |
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Organizations:
Artists:
Scott Brady |
