Arkansas Leaders Advocate for Music Education During Appropriations Season

Alice Hammel and Jann Knighten in Washington, D.C.

On June 12, more than 300 music education leaders and advocates convened in Washington, D.C., to share the importance of music education with their federal legislators. Jann Knighten and Alice Hammel, instructors in the University of Arkansas Department of Music, were among the many voices from across the country advocating for music education during the annual National Association for Music Education Hill Day.

“Teachers, by nature, are leaders — in their classroom, in their community, and most recently on Capitol Hill,” said Deb Confredo, president of the national association. “The annual NAfME Hill Day provides a wonderful opportunity to engage with legislators and share the benefits of music teaching and learning. Many thanks to the congressional offices and music educators and advocates who made this year’s Hill Day a resounding success!”

“Participation in NAfME’s Hill Day event allowed us to advocate for the importance of music education in the education of students in Arkansas,” said Jann Knighten, president-elect of the Arkansas Music Educators Association. “The latest data from the Annie E. Casey Kids Count Data Book places Arkansas 45th in the country in overall child well-being. Research shows that music programs provide students a place to belong and in doing so, supports students through trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and school truancy. Academic achievement cannot occur without students knowing someone cares.”

When meeting with members of Congress, attendees shared their personal experiences of music education’s positive impact on their students and communities. These anecdotes helped facilitate conversation focused on how legislators can support federal programs and legislation ensuring all students have access to a well-rounded education that includes music.

The National Association for Music Education advocates for federal programs that support a well-rounded education such as Titles I, II, and IV-A of the Every Student Succeeds Act. Increased investment in these programs is even more vital in FY 2025 as schools must obligate their COVID relief funding by September 2024. Survey data from the association and partner organizations indicate those funds were used to purchase instruments, increase staffing for music programs, and provide content-specific professional development for music teachers and summer enrichment activities for students. New this year, music teachers are also asking their members of Congress to support the Reimagining Inclusive Arts Education Act to better supports students with disabilities in the music classroom.

The event concluded with a joyous and inspiring sing-along held at the Robert Taft Memorial near the U.S. Capitol. Arkansas MEA and NAfME extend a note of gratitude to the educators and supporters who work toward ensuring music education for all students.

Arkansas Music Educators Association is a federated state of the National Association for Music Education.

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.