2015 Best Communities for Music Education Promotional Toolkit. brought to you by

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1 2015 Best Communities for Music Education Promotional Toolkit 2015 brought to you by 1

2 Promotional Toolkit Congratulations! The NAMM Foundation has recognized your program as among the Best Communities for Music Education in the nation. We would like to extend this recognition through coverage in your local media. This kit provides information and resources to promote this national recognition from The NAMM Foundation as a community or school that supports music education. You are encouraged to use the ideas and resources offered in the kit to raise the visibility of your music education program and to celebrate this important designation brought to you by 2

3 CONTENTS SECTION 1: What is the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Program? SECTION 2: Public Relations Tool Kit How to Get Your Story in Your Local Paper or On TV Media Advisory Templates (for event or photo op) Press Release Templates Photo/Video Release Form Suggested Social Media Posts for Designation Fact Sheet: Benefits of Music Education SECTION 3: Teacher and Music Program Leader Event Guide SECTION 4: Marketing Collateral Links to Downloadable 2015 High-resolution Logos, Posters and Certificates 3

4 SECTION 1: What is the Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) Program? The Best Communities for Music Education survey acknowledges and celebrates schools and districts, their administrators, teachers, board members, parents and students across the United States for their commitment to and support of music education. Participants in the survey answer detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and other factors in the community that affect access to music education for all students. The responses are verified with district officials, and then advisory organizations1 review the data. A Best Community for Music Education award is available for district applications, while the SupportMusic Merit Award is available for school-only applications (see below). Throughout the survey s 16-year history, many districts have reported that making the Best Communities list has helped efforts to preserve and advance music education programs. The Center for Public Partnerships & Research, an affiliate of the University of Kansas, hosts the survey and has updated and refined the processes for assessment of community selection. Survey responses are verified with district officials, and then advisory organizations review the data. What is the SupportMusic Merit Award? A SupportMusic Merit is an opportunity for an individual school (public, private, parochial, charter) be acknowledged for its commitment to music education. It is a school-only distinction awarded as part of the Best Communities for Education program. Participants in this separate school-only survey answer detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements (if applicable), music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for music programs and other factors in the community that affect access to music education for all students. The responses are verified with school officials, and then advisory organizations review the data. How can my community or school be selected? Complete one survey for either your district or your school that provides information about its funding, staffing, commitment to standards and access to music instruction. Data is analyzed statistically and is also verified via a follow-up audit. All awards are announced in the spring. 4

5 What does it mean to my community or school to make the list? First, it recognizes the commitment of school administration and community leaders, teachers and parents who believe in music education and are working to ensure that it is part of a complete education for all children. Over the 16 years of the survey, this designation has helped school music programs maintain and in many cases increase funding for music education programs. The award highlights music education as a national education issue and the example your school or community has achieved for providing access and opportunity for music learning. The award also provides an opening for educators to draw attention to music programs that are often overlooked or not fully understood by members of the public beyond the school community. My school or community received this distinction. What were the areas where our program was especially strong? The survey measures a variety of factors, including budgetary commitment to music, opportunities to learn music, the presence of highly qualified, certified music teachers, adherence to state and national standards, types of musical experiences offered and opportunities for performance and competition, among others. To receive a Best Communities for Music Education or SupportMusic Merit Award designation, a community or school must demonstrate commitment to providing access and high standards for music education. How many schools and districts annually apply for this honor? During the school year The NAMM Foundation publicized the BCME survey application to the nation s 14,000-plus school districts and also to independent schools. In the end, more than 2,000 districts and schools participated in this year s survey. What is The NAMM Foundation? The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit organization supported in part by The National Association of Music Merchants and its nearly 9,200 members around the world. Our mission is to advance active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit 1 Americans for the Arts, League of American Orchestras, The Mr. Holland s Opus Foundation, Music for All, Music Teachers National Association, National Guild For Community Arts Education, Yamaha Corporation of America, Young Audiences and VH1Save The Music Foundation. 5

6 SECTION 2: Public Relations Tool Kit How to get your story in your local paper or on TV The Best Communities for Music Education designation provides an important opportunity to publicize your community s commitment to music education. Media coverage helps to boost local awareness of music education in your community, potentially increasing support for and awareness of music programs in schools. Step 1: Invite local media to visit your school or after-school program to take photos, shoot video and/or write about your designation. a) Customize the media advisory (page 8 & 9) for your district or school and send it to your local newspaper s editor or education reporter and TV/radio assignment desks by . Highlight what is unique or new about your music program, such as music students academic improvement, student or ensemble awards, recognition in county or state honors ensembles or partnerships with local music establishments and/or community organizations. b) Follow up on your by calling local media to encourage them to attend a brief student musical performance or your music program s certificate presentation, and to interview/photograph/film students. In addition to mentioning the award and explaining what makes your program unique, describe the visual nature of this story which is especially important for TV. c) Ensure that your spokesperson is well prepared to answer questions. Also consider having an articulate student speak to the media about why music education is important to them. d) For a broader perspective on the BCME program, members of the media can contact Lora Bodmer, NAMM Foundation s PR Director, at lorab@namm.org or x102. Step 2: Coordinate the photo/video shoot. a) Ask participants parents or guardians to sign a photo/video release form (page 14). Photograph/film only those students with signed release forms. b) Make the photo/video opportunity interesting by placing music stands, instruments and the award poster (page 19) around the music students. Encourage all participants to take part fully and enjoy. 6

7 Step 3: Send out the Best Communities for Music Education Press Release. Customize the form (page 10 & 11) and information for your district or school. Send the release by to local newspapers, TV and radio stations and community websites. Include the best digital photo(s) taken at your event or of your music program. Include names and titles of the people in the photograph. Step 4: Share resulting media coverage with the community. a) Share media coverage via newsletters or through district-affiliated websites. b) Frame news articles and display them prominently throughout the district s schools and administrative buildings. c) Post the BCME logo/smma logo (page 19) on all websites and in music department signatures. Step 5: Promote news of your district s or school s accolade via the school s Facebook and Twitter and other social media platforms. 7

8 Download Media Advisory [Insert School Logo Here] [NAME of School] Celebrates Nationally Recognized Music Program [Town/City] [elementary/middle/high] school s commitment to music education among top in nation What: Recognizing [school] for its commitment to music education, The NAMM Foundation has awarded it a SupportMusic Merit Award for exemplary support of music education. [Day, date], the school will hold a special presentation and student concert to celebrate this prestigious accolade. The event honors the tireless efforts of the parents, teachers and students who have made strengthening music education programs in our school a priority. Who: [number] [grade number] students from [name school or after-school program] [insert activity/visual] led by [insert music teacher or administrator s name] When: [day, date and time] Where: [location, address, city] Why: [School] has been named one of [number] schools across the nation to be a SupportMusic Merit recipient by The NAMM Foundation. [School] demonstrates an unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive music education for all students. For more information, please contact [name and contact]. # # # About The NAMM Foundation: The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its nearly 9,200 members around the world. The Foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit SAMPLE only 8

9 Download Media Advisory 2015 brought to you by [Insert District Logo Here] [District] Celebrates Nationally Recognized Music Program [Community name] s commitment to music education among top in nation What: The NAMM Foundation has named [name of town/county] School District among the Best Communities for Music Education in the United States. [Day, date], the district will hold a special presentation and student concert to celebrate this prestigious accolade. The event will honor the tireless efforts of the parents, teachers and students who have made strengthening music education programs in our schools a priority. Who: [number] [grade number] students from [name school district] [insert activity/visual] led by [insert music teacher or administrator s name] When: [day, date and time] Where: [location, address, city] Why: [District] has been named one of [number] school districts in the nation as a Best Community for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation. The district is recognized for demonstrating an unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive music education for all students. For more information, please contact [name and contact]. About The NAMM Foundation: # # # The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its nearly 9,200 members around the world. The Foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit SAMPLE only 9

10 [Contact: Insert name] [ ] Download Press Release [Insert School Logo Here] [School] s Music Education Program Receive National Recognition [Town/City] [elementary/middle/high] school receives the SupportMusic Merit Award for the # time New research shows students involved with community music programs demonstrate improvement in subjects such as reading CITY, STATE. (March XX, 2015) [School] has been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from The NAMM Foundation for its outstanding commitment to music education. [School] joins XX schools across the country in receiving the prestigious award in The SupportMusic Merit Award is awarded to individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students. To qualify for the SupportMusic Merit Award, [School] answered detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Center of Public Partnerships and Research, an affiliate of the University of Kansas. [ Insert quote from school official on how music education is important to this school and students, said School Official. Insert quote on the impact that receiving this designation will have on school s music education program. ] As [school] finalizes its budget, the announcement of receiving The NAMM Foundation s SupportMusic Merit Award brings attention to the importance of keeping music education part of the school s core education for all students. It also highlights music s vital role in students overall success in school. Community music programs have been drawing increased attention this school year because of a landmark study by Northwestern University brain scientists. These researchers found new links between students in community music programs and academic success in subjects such as reading. continued SAMPLE only 10

11 Beyond the Northwestern study, other reports indicate that learning to play music can boost academic and social skills, such as processing math and learning to cooperate in group settings. [Add information about school district] # # # [Add information about school] About The NAMM Foundation The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its nearly 9,200 members around the world. The Foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit SAMPLE only 11

12 [Contact: Insert name] [ ] Download Press Release 2015 brought to you by [Insert District Logo] [District] s Music Education Program Receives National Recognition [Community name] named a Best Community for Music for the # time New research shows students involved with community music programs demonstrate improvement in subjects such as reading CITY, STATE. (March XX, 2015) The NAMM Foundation has recognized [school district] for its outstanding commitment to music education with a Best Communities for Music Education (BCME) designation. [District] joins [XX] districts across the country in receiving the prestigious distinction in Now in its 16th year, Best Communities for Music Education affirms school districts that have demonstrated exceptional efforts toward maintaining music education as part of schools core curriculum. The BCME survey requires districts to answer detailed questions about funding, graduation requirements, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program and community music-making programs. Responses were verified with school officials and reviewed by The Center for Public Partnerships and Research, an affiliate of the University of Kansas. [ Insert quote from school official on how music education is important to this district and its students, said District Official. Insert quote on the impact that receiving this designation will have on the district s music education program. ] As [districts] finalizes its budgets, the announcement of this year s Best Communities for Music Education designation brings attention to the importance of keeping music education part of schools core education and music s vital role in student success in school. Community music programs have been drawing increased attention this school year because of a landmark study by Northwestern University brain scientists. These researchers found new links between students in community music programs and academic success in subjects such as reading. continued 12

13 continued Beyond the Northwestern study, other reports indicate that learning to play music can boost academic and social skills, such as processing math and learning to cooperate in group settings. [Add information about school district] # # # About The NAMM Foundation The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its nearly 9,200 members around the world. The Foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs. For more information about The NAMM Foundation, please visit SAMPLE only 13

14 Download Photo Release Template Photo/Video Release Form I give permission for my son/daughter,, to appear in photographs/videos that will be taken at School/Program during the Best Communities for Music Education event on, I understand that these photographs/videos may appear in the local newspaper, on a media newswire service, and/or the school s district s or NAMM Foundation s websites or social media outlets. Date Signed Parent/Guardian Name (please print) SAMPLE only 14

15 2015 brought to you by Suggested Social Media Posts for Designation Facebook named [district or school] a 2015 Best Community for Music Education! We couldn t be prouder. #SupportMusic Facebook 2: [Town] has been picked as one of the nation s Best Communities for Music Education We think strong music programs make strong schools. Do you agree? #musiced Facebook 3: We re all singing today, Foundation just named [district or school] as one of the nation s Best Communities for Music Education#musiced Facebook 4: Awesome news: We ve been recognized as one of the Best Communities for Music Education in the U.S.! Foundation. #SupportMusic Facebook 5: Just found out [school] has received a SupportMusic Merit Award. Thanks, NAMM Foundation, for supporting great music ed. #SupportMusic Twitter 1: Wow! [town] has just been named one Foundation s 2015 Best Communities for Music Education! #SupportMusic Twitter 2: [District or School] has been picked as one of nation s [Best Communities for Music Ed or SupportMusic Merit Awardees] Foundation! We couldn t be prouder. #musiced Twitter 3: Proud to have Foundation s list of Best Communities for Music Ed. Music improves learning! #musiced Twitter 4: We are one of the Best Communities for Music Education for the XX time #SupportMusic Twitter Foundation has named [school] a SupportMusic Merit Award! #musicmatters So proud of our talented students and faculty! #SupportMusic 15

16 Fact Sheet Benefits of Music Education Seven in ten Americans (70 percent) say that the learnings and habits from music education equip people to be better team players in their careers. (Source: The Harris Poll, July 2014) A few years of musical training early in life improves how the brain processes sound, and the benefits of early exposure to music education last well into adulthood, years after the training has ceased. (Source: Strait, D.L., and N. Kraus (2014), Biological impact of auditory expertise across the life span: musicians as a model of auditory learning, Hearing Research.) A Gallup Poll revealed that 94 percent of Americans consider music to be part of a well-rounded education. (Source: NAMM Gallup Poll, 2006.) Students indicate that arts participation motivates them to stay in school, and that the arts create a supportive environment that promotes constructive acceptance of criticism and one in which it is safe to take risks. (Source: Barry, N., Taylor, K. and K. Walls, Critical Links: Learning in the Arts and Student Academic and Social Development, AEP, 2002.) Young children who received a year of musical training showed brain changes and superior memory compared with children who did not receive the instruction. (Source: Fujioka, T., Ross, B., Kakigi, R., Pantev, C. and L. Trainor, Brain, A Journal Of Neurology, Oxford University Press, Sept ) A study examined the influence of music education on nonmusical abilities, the effects of music lessons on academic performance and cognitive abilities. The study revealed that students who participated in music lessons showed statistically higher intelligence quotients. (Source: Glenn Schellenberg, Music Lessons Enhance IQ, Psychological Science, Vol. 15, No. 8, 2004.) 16

17 A study of rural and inner-city schools found that arts programs helped schools in economically disadvantaged communities develop students critical-thinking and problem solving skills. (Source: Stevenson, L., and R. Deasy, Third Space: When Learning Matters, AEP, 2005.) With music in schools, students connect to each other better greater camaraderie, fewer fights, less racism and reduced use of hurtful sarcasm. (Source: Jensen, E., Arts With the Brain In Mind, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2001.) The vast majority 96 percent of the school principals interviewed in a study agree that participation in music education encourages and motivates students to stay in school. Further, 89 percent of principals feel that a high-quality music education program contributes to their school achieving higher graduation rates. (Source: Harris Interactive Poll, 2006.) 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. (Source: U.S. House of Representatives, Concurrent Resolution 355, March 6, 2006.) 17

18 SECTION 3: Teacher and Music Program Leader Event Guide Event Management Checklist Design an event that highlights your music ed program Take your idea to school administration for approval Submit your proposal to the school council, or parent-teacher committee and ask for assistance As soon as your plan is approved, book the space if necessary Publicize your event Send home photo/video release forms to be signed Media Relations Checklist Adapt the enclosed template media advisory for an event or photo op that incorporates your district s/ school s local music store Send media advisory to local media lists Set up a media photo/video opportunity. Capture photos of students and presentation of BCME certificate/smma certificate Adapt the enclosed press release template Distribute post-event press release and photos (if available) to local newspapers, community websites and radio/tv stations Post accolade to social media channels 18

19 Enriching Lives of Children & Advancing Student Achievement Enriching Lives of Children & Advancing Student Achievement 5 SECTION 4: Marketing Collateral Please download the official 2015 high-resolution certificates, posters, logos for print, signatures and promotional web and social media use. Download Marketing Collateral Salutes Name of School/District Goes Here For Outstanding Support of Music Education Enriching Lives of Children & Advancing Student Achievement 2015 brought to you by Salutes Name of School/District Goes Here For Outstanding Support of Music Education 2015 brought to you by Salutes School District Name for Outstanding Support of Music Education Enriching the Lives of Children and Advancing Student Achievement 2015 brought to you by 2015 brought to you by Official 2015 BCME Poster 22x28 Official 2015 BCME Poster 11x17 Official 2015 BCME Certificate Official 2015 BCME Logo Salutes Name of School/District Goes Here For Outstanding Support of Music Education Enriching Lives of Children & Advancing Student Achievement Salutes Name of School/District Goes Here For Outstanding Support of Music Education Salutes School Name for Outstanding Support of Music Education Enriching the Lives of Children, and Advancing Student Achievement Official 2015 SM Poster 22x28 Official 2015 SM Poster 11x17 Official 2015 SM Certificate Official 2015 SM Logo For additional support in publicizing your Best Communities for Music Education designation, please contact Amy Shenker, or askpr2011@gmail.com. 19