WHEREAS, for more than 30 years, March has been officially designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) as Music In Our Schools Month, encouraging communities across the nation to focus on music education; and
WHEREAS, music education is part of a well-rounded educational program for every student as outlined in the Every Student Succeeds Act; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this celebration is to raise awareness of the importance of music education and to remind us that all children should have access to music in school; and
WHEREAS, Music In Our Schools Month is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community, and to display the benefits that school music provides students of all ages; and
WHEREAS, music education shapes the way our students understand themselves and the world around them, allowing for a deep engagement with learning; the skills nurtured by music education – such as creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking – are vital to students’ academic, personal, and professional success; and
WHEREAS, the State of North Carolina joins our music students, educators, and communities in celebrating the power of music education;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim March, 2023, as “MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.