Economic Stimulus for Music Education
To: All Music Educators
No doubt you are aware of the new federal stimulus package, much of which will impact school budgets. As part of the American Recovery and Re-Investment Act, billions of dollars are on their way to the fifty states to be invested in education. The first of these funds is slated for distribution at the end of this month (March 2009).
This means that the funding is available for continued efforts to provide a music education to every student. In a climate that demands excellence in student performance, there is no other subject that crosses all curriculums and instructs students how to interpret millions of pieces of data and involves the total student in both individual and societal ways.
All schools are advised to “focus these funds on short-term investments with the potential for long-term benefits.” Investment in American-made musical instruments can readily meet this objective.
Three areas of the federal stimulus package can be accessed for school musical instrument purchases. School Improvement Grants ($3 billion) and Qualified Zone Academy Bonds ($2.4 billion), as well as the education portion of State Fiscal Stabilization Funds ($39.8 billion) may be utilized for equipment purchases.
Now is best time to help your music students excel by making your needs known to your school administration. High quality modern instruments present the best opportunities for musical growth and greater artistic and intellectual pursuits.
Determine your needs. Consider replacing older instruments, but also consider instruments to achieve the correct instrumentation for your ensembles. Consider adding small groups such as flute and clarinet choirs and percussion ensembles. Also, include instruments for a better marching band.
Visit our Director Wish List. Here you can create a list of your instrument needs and receive a proposal with a special Stimulus Payment Option from Conn-Selmer and your Conn-Selmer dealer.
If you would like more assistance, please contact your Conn-Selmer dealer or contact Conn-Selmer. Let’s make the 2009 stimulus package work to help music students achieve even more.
Best regards,
Brian Imel
Vice President, Sales
Conn-Selmer, Inc.
