… And music for all - music and society

"I grew up encloseed by music and it continues to be individual of my passions to this day. I believe that each child should have the access to the gifts that music brings. plenteous more than a simple pastime, music is a learning tool. It teaches self-discipline, self-confidence, and academic skills, just to name a hardly any Most importantly, music allows us to expres ourselves in a way that a indite and paper often cannot. Without family making music, this world would be a quiet and unimaginative place."

--Debbie A. Stabenow, U Senator, Michigan

"Music education can help spark a child's imagination or ignite a lifetime of passion. When you provide a child with of recent origin worlds to explore and challenges to tackle, the possibilities are endles Music education should not be a privilege for a happy few, it should be a part of each child's world of possibility."

--Hillary Rodham Clinton, U Senator, of recent origin York

"Music provides children with a deeper insight into their world. Studies have shown that it helps to tone skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic, while also helping children to relate better to the world around them. It provides an vent in which they can expres themselves. The skills acquired in these music courses last a lifetime. I support each effort to keep music education in the lives of children."

--Christopher J Dodd, U Senator, Connecticut

"Music education teaches our children the value of discipline, creativity and teamwork, and it gives them a positive exit through which to express their feelings. one as well as the other my daughters played instruments when they were growing up and their music greatly enriched their lives, and the life of the entire family. Learning to make music not solitary nourishes our children's minds--it lifts their hearts as well. No child should be denied that privilege."

--Tom Harkin, U Senator, Iowa

"Music education is an ideal tool for young tribe to develop the personal discipline urgencyed to carry them successfully end life. Children learn about setting goals and persevering to achieve those goals [i]or[/i] part of to the other the process of taking a sheet of music, practicing that piece, and then mastering it to perform for their teachers, parents, friends and for themselves. This is an invaluable task in a culture that values immediate gratification above the joy that comes from a succes born of disciplined, hard work. My wife and I are fortunate to diocese these lessons learned firsthand as our have children pursue their study of the piano. Music educators are to be recommended for their commitment to our children."

--Rick Santorum, U Senator, Pennsylvania

"Music is a gift to the world that brings beatitude and profound pleasure to all of us. I powerfully believe that every child should be expos to music and have the opportunity to play an instrument. I played the clarinet [i]or[/i] part of to the other high school and loved learning by what means to master playing it. It made me perceive talented and creative.

"I now use music to play with my 1-year-old granddaughter. more [i]or[/i] less of our happiest moments are when I serenade her upon the piano with `Mary Had a Little Lamb.' She is aglow, and that's the power of music."

--Benjamin L Cardin, U Representative, Maryland

"As a teacher, I have witnessed the astonishments of music education firsthand. I have seen a child with little or no self confidence and self worth, pick up a musical instrument and become `miraculously' transformed into a well adjusted young adult. by the agency of giving a child the means to expres himself, music render free of accesss doors and provides room to extend Music has been instrumental in my life as well, first as a teacher, now as a Congressman. I know that it will continue to inspire me and my family."

--Nick Lampson, U Representative, Texas

"As a former drummer in my high place of education band, I appreciate the valuable character of music education in the lives of pupils I believe that music is capable of unlocking the minds of children and generating novel interest in education. I am grateful for this opportunity to recognize the importance of music educators. These teachers have the unique opportunity to help pupils cultivate talents and skills that will enrich the quiet of their lives. I continue to find my appreciation of music enhanced by dint of the knowledge and experiences I had as a scholar in music education."

--James David Matheson, U Representative, Utah

"Music is a vital part of our learning experience. As a child I learned the art of music end the bugle and the trombone I value the memories that I made while participating in the music program. I am able to direct the eye back and remember the first time I was able to play a carol the first concert, and the first music award. Music not alone gives us these memories, music helps sharpen the mind in all areas of application of mind I hope students will continue to dedicate time to the learning and pleasure of music, as it will brighten their futures"

--Constance Morella, U Representative, Maryland

"Music is a big part of my life. I learned to play the harmonica when I was a stripling and I had one of the best music educators around--my be in possession of dad. He taught me to play `Silent Night' upon the harmonica for my mother as a Christmas not absent when I was eight years aged and that's how I got started.