N E W S L E T T E R Winter 2017

Save the Date!

2017

American Eagle Awards

Thursday July 13th @ 7:00 pm

Nashville Music City Center Summer NAMM

The National Music Council will once

again present the annual American Eagle Awards for contribution

to American music as part of Summer NAMM.

Arts Advocacy Day 2017

March 20-21 Washington, D.C.

Join the National Music Council on Capitol Hill as arts advocates from

across the country convene in Washington, D.C.

Arts Advocacy Day brings together a broad cross section of America's cultural and civic organizations, along with more than 500 grassroots advocates from across the country, to underscore the importance of developing strong public policies and appropriating increased public funding for the arts. For more information on attending Congressional visits with the NMC, please contact NMC Director David Sanders by March 10th. ________________________________

Strengthening the importance of music in our life and culture since 1940

2

NATIONAL MUSIC COUNCIL LETTER TO THE NEW CONGRESS FOR ARTS ADVOCACY DAY 2017 The members of the National Music Council, who together represent some one million individuals, are unified in a commitment to support music education. We know how much a balanced, sequential education that includes music can bring to the development of our young people. We have all, individually and collectively, seen the impact that music education has on the social, physical, and intellectual growth of students. We have all watched with growing interest the explosion of research that backs up our long-held belief in the essential importance of music education. Sadly, we have also seen the growth of forces that stand in the way of every child receiving the benefits of music education. Sometimes these forces are political; sometimes they are budgetary; and sometimes they are simply administrative. In all cases, however, they can be easily overcome with a simple commitment (reflected in legislation and in funding) to providing our children with the benefits of music education. In light of this, we ask your commitment for the following legislative recommendations:

• Complete the Appropriations Process for Fiscal Year 2017: If another stopgap spending measure is applied to finish the remainder of the Fiscal Year,

Every Student Succeeds Act’s (ESSA) first year of implementation would be severely hampered

• Follow ESSA’s congressional intent, and ensure states, districts, charters, and local schools have the most flexibility to spend their federal dollars where needed. Robust funding for all well-rounded programs, including Title IV, Part A, must be a priority to protect this flexibility.

• Support Access to Music

Education for the Most Disadvantaged Students by Fully Funding Title I, Part A

• Support Professional

Development for Music Educators by Fully Funding Title I, Part A, Title II, Part A and Title IV, Parts A and F

• Support Access to Music

Education as Part of a “Well Rounded Education” by fully funding Title IV, Part A

We will all benefit from these measures: the music industry, which contributes significantly to our national economy; professional performers, who add immeasurably to our communities; composers, arrangers, and publishers, who bring the riches of creation to our national life; and most of all, our children. We thank you for your consideration of these important goals, which will benefit not only our children, but will ultimately increase the creative output of American composers and musicians to the betterment of not only

3

the social fabric of the United States, but also the economy. Founded in 1940 and chartered by the 84th Congress in 1956, the National Music Council is in a unique position to assist in these matters. We offer our collective expertise in providing you with any documentation or information that might serve you, and our gratitude for your support. MUSIC EDUCATION ROUNDTABLE MESSAGE TO THE NEW ADMINISTRATION

The National Music Council is a member of the Music Education Roundtable, whose constituents believe that all children, regardless of circumstance, should have access to high-quality in-school music programs. Intertwined with our great society, music is central to America’s history and how we share that history and tradition with our nation’s children. Music education provides a variety of assets for our students, improving quality of life, and creating impactful and successful citizens within our society. We sincerely hope to work with the Trump administration to develop policies that support and enrich these essential school music programs.

The following are policy proposals the Music Education Policy Roundtable hopes the Trump administration takes into consideration on behalf of advancing music education in America’s schools: • Support and Continue the Proper Implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Last year, the passage of ESSA marked a historic moment for public education. Through bipartisan support, the law includes a specific mention of “music” as a part of a “Well-Rounded Education, ”providing opportunities to increase access to music education for all students. We hope to see continued support for the law, and encourage active communication between the administration and authorizing congressional committees to ensure guidance and regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Education reflect congressional intent, increasing state and local voices in decision-making regarding public schooling. • Maintain Equitable Access to a Well-Rounded Education for All Students One of the integral missions of the Music Education Policy Roundtable is promoting the study and making of music by all, regardless of circumstance or background. Today’s educational culture emphasizes the great need for 21st century skillsets and by incorporating a well-rounded curriculum that includes music, we provide the essential professional skills students need to succeed in not only academics, but also in the workforce. Unfortunately, the access to a music education is not available in every American public

4

school, be it district or charter, or for every child.

o Access to Music Education within Minority Populations According to the National Endowment for the Arts(NEA), Fewer than 30 percent of both Hispanic and African American students reported receiving any arts education, in comparison to 59 percent of white students. Crafting effective and inclusive policies will create pathways to lifelong achievement for all students.

o Access to Music Education within Charter Schools Studies from Arizona and California show that students within charter schools have substantially less access to music and arts education than students enrolled in district schools. As affirmed in ESSA, music education is an essential component to a well-rounded education, which should be embraced and made available to all students in all schools-charter and district.

o Collecting Accurate Data on

Access to Music and Arts Education within our Nation's Schools. Every decade, the U.S. Department of Education collects survey data on access to music and arts education through the Fast Response Survey System (FRSS). The next FRSS arts survey should be

administered in the 2019-2020 school year. We look forward to continuing this important data collection tradition to help us better understand access to music and arts education and how we as partners with the U.S. Department of Education can grow access to music and arts for all students.

o Collecting Accurate Data on

student performance in music and arts education through the Nation’s Report Card, NAEP. This April, the U.S. Department of Education will partner with the National Assessment Governing Board to release the findings on the 2015-2016 NAEP Arts Assessment. This is an excellent opportunity for the administration to broadcast its support for a well-rounded education, including music and arts. In addition, the administration can work with the Governing Board and arts partners including the Roundtable to insure the continuation of the NAEP Arts Assessment next scheduled for 2024.

• Increase State and District Flexibility by Supporting Funding in Critical Well-Rounded Areas The inclusion of “music” as part of a “Well-Rounded Education” provides a significant number of opportunities for increasing access to music education for students at the state and local levels. The specific enumeration of music in statute further articulates music’s eligibility for Title I-A, Title II-A, and Title

5

IV-A funding. In order to make these opportunities a reality for students, the Trump administration must follow ESSA’s congressional intent, and ensure states, districts, charters, and local schools have the most flexibility to spend their federal dollars where needed. • Robust funding for all well-rounded programs, including Title IV, Part A, must be a priority to protect this flexibility. Reauthorize the Higher Education Act (HEA)& the Student Debt Crisis Throughout the recent election cycle, candidates have recognized the prevalent student loan crisis within the United States. With ESSA the law of the land, the long overdue reauthorization of HEA represents the next step in reforming federal Education policy, through a thorough examination of the post-secondary education landscape. The Roundtable is devoted to serving the future of the music education profession. In light of ESSA’s commitment to providing all students with access to a well-rounded education, we hope HEA is reauthorized to support music and well-rounded educators through teacher preparation programs, teacher recruitment and retention opportunities, and student loan forgiveness eligibility. • Reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act As education and economic needs change in the 21st century, the educational environment must be prepared to adapt and incorporate innovative programs to fulfill those demands. We hope that the next reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act

integrates a well-Rounded curriculum, so that schools can pioneer innovative courses, such as music technology and recording arts. Through revising this legislation, we give students the opportunity for success in non-traditional careers that consist of high-skill and high-wage occupations. • Support Military Readiness of Armed Forces One of our nation’s most important assets are our servicemen and women. Unfortunately, in recent years, our public education system has failed to sufficiently prepare young Americans for military service. According to The Education Trust, more than 1 in 5 high school graduates aspiring to join the Army could not score high enough on the military entrance exam to enlist. Studies have shown that schools with music programs demonstrate significantly higher graduation and class retention rates than those without such programs. By delivering robust funding to key well-rounded programs, like music, we strengthen our nation’s national security through providing educated, able, and qualified personnel. • Support U.S. Military Music Ensembles With dedication and integrity, U.S. military music ensembles connect American citizens of all generations through our country's musical heritage. These service-men and women set one of the highest examples of musical achievement, pride in nation, and further the aspirations of all citizens, including young American music students across the nation. In addition, members of these ensembles uphold a significant role in music education by contributing countless hours of service each year,

6

through special student outreach in a variety of demonstrations and clinics. As ambassadors for the Armed Forces to students, citizens, and other countries, we ask that the Trump administration continue to support funding for U.S. military music ensembles.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP PROTECT NEA FUNDING Sign THIS Americans for the Arts petition now and invite friends to do the same. This action helps arts advocates organize, and AFTA CEO Bob Lynch plans to present this Arts Action Fund petition to the President.

What You Need to Know About the Federal Budget Process – Timeline

1. Federal government operates on continuing resolutions. NEA funding is included in the current CR that is in effect through April 2017. We need to keep a watchful eye on continuation of federal funding for the arts through the entire fiscal year, ending September 30.

2. The President will likely introduce a FY2018 budget around February 28.

3. The House of Representatives and specifically the House Appropriations Subcommittees will set initial FY 2018 funding levels for every federal agency in the spring (March–May) of this year. Subcommittees and conference committees continue their budget work through the summer, with hope of a final conference committee agreement in time for the end of the federal fiscal year.

DOWNLOAD AND SUBSCRIBE TO THE “TALKING UP MUSIC EDUCATION” PODCAST

The NAMM Foundation’s "Talking Up Music Education" podcast booth at The 2017 NAMM Show was a huge success and 16 interviews took place during the show. Guests recorded include: David Brooks, columnist, New York Times; Kathy Fletcher, director, Turnaround Arts (pictured); Bernie Williams, musician and former New York Yankees baseball player; Linda Wagner, superintendent, Anaheim Elementary Schools; Marcus and Wil B; Black Violin; Mike Huckabee; former Arkansas Governor and many more. Listen to the podcasts recorded here

MUSIC EDUCATION ADVOCACY EFFORTS OUTLINED AT THE 2017 NAMM SHOW Throughout the year NAMM members have the opportunity to become advocates and support NAMM’s mission to promote music education as a right for all children. As a network of advocates, the SupportMusic Coalition on Coalitions provides tactics, resources

7

and best practices to move and improve state-level policies, funding, and advocacy for music education.

Toward this objective, NAMM member representatives involved in advocacy efforts in 16 states, gathered for a half-day advocacy boot camp on the Tuesday before The 2017 NAMM Show.

Moderated by NAMM Foundation’s Executive Director, Mary Luehrsen, the workshop began with NAMM members sharing music education advocacy challenges in their states. Attendees enjoyed presentations from three national music and arts advocacy experts, covering relevant topics ranging from ‘Leveraging Your Power as Music Business Leaders’ and ‘National Education Reform Updates: What’s Next?’ to ‘Current ESSA Opportunities in Your State’ and ‘Advocacy at the Grassroots.'

The second half of the boot camp provided an opportunity for working groups to assemble by common challenges and themes. Participants reported gaining new insights, renewed hope and energy, and took away many useful resources for the year ahead.

AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS AWARDED $25,000 GRANT FROM THE NEA NEW YORK CITY — The American Guild of Organists (AGO) has been awarded a grant by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) to

support educational programs and career development for organists, choral conductors, and composers in 2017, including new music commissioned for the AGO National Convention in Kansas City, Mo., July 2–6, 2018. While the AGO has received regular support from the NEA since 2005, the $25,000 “Art Works” award is the largest grant the arts endowment has ever given to the Guild. “This grant covers the full breadth of the AGO’s educational activities for current and prospective members as well as our programs of outreach to the public,” stated AGO Executive Director James Thomashower. “The NEA’s funding sends an uplifting message to the entire organ community: our instrument and its music are vitally important to the American people. The award validates the AGO’s ongoing efforts to ensure that music for the organ is created by talented composers, performed by skilled musicians, and appreciated by the widest audience possible. It is an honor for the Guild to be recognized by the NEA, the most prestigious independent federal agency in the United States responsible for funding and promoting artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation.” In December, the NEA announced that it will award more than $30 million to non-profit organizations and individuals across the country in 2017. Nearly $26 million of that will be for Art Works, the NEA’s largest funding category. Art Works focuses on the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, public engagement with diverse and excellent art, lifelong learning in the arts, and the

8

strengthening of communities through the arts. The NEA will give 970 Art Works grants to organizations in 48 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2017. “The arts are for all of us, and by supporting these projects, the National Endowment for the Arts is providing more opportunities for the public to engage with the arts,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “Whether in a theater, a town square, a museum, or a hospital, the arts are everywhere and make our lives richer.” For a complete listing of projects recommended for Art Works grant support, please visit the NEA website at Arts.gov. For further information about the AGO’s educational programming, please visit the AGO website at Agohq.org. The American Guild of Organists is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, it sets and maintains high musical standards and promotes the understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. The mission of the AGO is to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ. The Guild currently serves approximately 15,000 members in more than 300 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. The American Organist Magazine, the official journal of the AGO and the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America, reaches an audience of more than 20,000 each month.

MEMBER REPORTS AMERICAN ACADEMY OF TEACHERS OF SINGING

The American Academy of Teachers of Singing meets five times a year in New York to discuss pedagogical issues in teaching voice; these discussions form the basis for opinion papers, made available on the AATS website. Readers are invited to post comments through the moderator. Papers written by the Academy are available for the use of other authors as long as there is an acknowledgement of the source.

Accessible Publication: Copyright and Integration of 21st Century Means of Publishing for Academic, Personal, and Professional use of Printed Music: Part I - Copyright Law Part II – Singers, Voice teachers, Collaborative Pianists Part III – Publishers was presented at the NATS National Conference in Chicago on July 11, 2016 and posted on the website immediately following the conference. AATS is now a member of the International Congress of Voice Teachers (ICVT) and an Associate Member of Opera America. The Academy is currently writing a paper on mentoring that has been accepted for the ICVT Conference in Stockholm in August of 2017. The Academy is saddened by the loss of Russell Oberlin, countertenor, in November of 2016. Martha Randall, Chair

9

AMERICAN GUILD OF ORGANISTS

Pipe Organ Encounters

The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is proud to announce four Pipe Organ Encounters (POEs) for students aged 13–18, two POE (Advanced) for students entering grades 9–12; one POE (Technical) for students aged 16–23; and one POE+ for adults in 2017. Complete contact information for each weeklong Pipe Organ Encounter can be found in The American Organist Magazine and online. The summer schedule follows:

POE for ages 13–18 June 11–16 Sioux Center, Iowa July 16–22 San Diego, Calif. July 16–21 Hartford, Conn. July 23–27 Winchester, Va. POE+ for adults June 25–30 San Antonio, Tex. POE (Advanced) for grades 9–12 June 25–30 Birmingham, Ala. July 23–28 Seattle, Wash. POE (Technical) for ages 16–23 July 9–14 Berkeley Lake, Ga. The Pipe Organ Encounter (POE) is an introduction to the pipe organ through instruction in organ playing, repertoire, history, design, and construction. These regional summer music institutes for teenage students provide private and group instruction in service playing and solo repertoire, opportunities to learn about the musical heritage of various religious denominations, and a chance for young musicians to meet others with similar interests. Piano or organ proficiency ranging from intermediate to advanced is required. Scholarship assistance is available.

The POE (Advanced) provides intermediate to advanced classes in areas such as organ literature, history, pipe organ construction and design, music theory, improvisation, conducting, and service playing for students who have achieved a high level of success in organ study. Scholarship assistance is available. The POE (Technical) is a program designed for students who are interested in learning the art and craft of organ building. The event is hosted in the workshop of an organ builder working in cooperation with a local AGO chapter. The POE+ is a summer program filled with practical information and instruction for adult keyboard musicians interested in improving their service-playing skills. Participants will be introduced to basic organ skills through private instruction and classes. The weeklong experience will lead to greater confidence and competence at the organ. Generous funding from the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America (APOBA), the American Institute of Organbuilders (AIO), the Jordan Organ Endowment, and the National Endowment for the Arts will support the summer programs from coast to coast. “The AGO and APOBA have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship since 1975,” declared AGO Executive Director James Thomashower. “Likewise, the AIO has been active in supporting the Guild’s educational programs, beginning with their partnership in Pulling Out All the Stops, a video produced jointly by the AGO, AIO, APOBA, the Organ

10

Historical Society, and the American Theater Organ Society in 1996. In addition, we are delighted to have received support from the Jordan Organ Endowment at Columbus State University for our POE program, as well as a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts supporting our educational activities this year.” POE site locations are selected by the AGO Committee on Pipe Organ Encounters and approved by the AGO National Council. Applications are available from AGO National Headquarters and online atAgohq.org. The application deadline is February 1, 2017, for 2018 Pipe Organ Encounters. AGO Young Organists Young Composers Competition The American Guild of Organists (AGO) is proud to announce a new music competition for composers under the age of 30. Organized and sponsored by the AGO Young Organists in the North Central Region, the competition for a new work for organ solo, 3–6 minutes, is open to any individual younger than 30 years of age as of August 31, 2017. U.S. composers need not be AGO members; composers living outside of the U.S. must be AGO members. First prize is $1,000; second prize is $500; three honorable mentions will also be announced. All prize winning and honorable mention compositions will be performed at the AGO North Central Regional Convention in Iowa City, Iowa, on June 20, 2017. The submission deadline is March 10. Competition results will be announced on March 31. For information and

application instructions, visit Agohq.org. The American Guild of Organists is the national professional association serving the organ and choral music fields. Founded in 1896 as both an educational and service organization, it sets and maintains high musical standards and promotes the understanding and appreciation of all aspects of organ and choral music. The mission of the American Guild of Organists is to foster a thriving community of musicians who share their knowledge and inspire passion for the organ. The Guild currently serves approximately 15,000 members in more than 300 local chapters throughout the United States and abroad. The American Organist Magazine, the official journal of the AGO and the Associated Pipe Organ Builders of America, reaches an audience of more than 20,000 each month. Visit the AGO online at Agohq.org.

________________________________

MUSIC CRITICS ASSOCIATION

The Music Critics Association of North America has announced a new initiative: The creation of an annual award to the composer and librettist of an opera that received its world premiere in North America during the preceding calendar year. The award will be presented for the first time in the spring-summer of 2017 in recognition of musical and theatrical excellence in a fully staged production. The awards committee is chaired by George Loomis (The Financial Times) and Heidi Waleson (The Wall Street Journal). Other committee members are Arthur Kaptainis (Montreal

11

Gazette/Musical Toronto), John Rockwell (former New York Times critic and arts editor), and Alex Ross (The New Yorker) The winning composer and librettist will be profiled on Classical Voice North America, the writer-run web journal of commentary and criticism launched by the Music Critics Association of North America in 2013.

MUSIC TEACHERS NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

2017 MTNA Collegiate Chapters Piano Pedagogy Symposium The sixth MTNA Collegiate Chapters Piano Pedagogy Symposium was held January 14–15, at the University of North Florida. The Symposium is designed to further promote communication, fellowship and collaboration among future music professionals. 2017 MTNA National Conference The 2017 MTNA National Conference will be held March 18–22, in Baltimore, Maryland. Highlights of the conference include performances by Leon Fleisher and Katherine Jacobson, as well as musical comedy duo Igudesman & Joo. Nearly 2,000 teachers, exhibitors and student competitors are expected to attend this event.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR MUSIC EDUCATION New Campaign to Welcome All Music Educators

The passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), with the definition of “well-rounded education” including “music,” kicked open the door of opportunity to a daunting new world of regulatory lobbying and state and local level implementation challenges. Advocacy strength is exhibited in number of voices. We are asking music educators to join today, so NAfME may provide training and resources enabling educators to become advocates as the “Every Student Succeeds Act” is interpreted state-wide and locally.

NAfME membership also offers a wealth of professional benefits including access to valuable networking, information, and educational offerings. Help NAfME make music accessible by all: Join today to take action.

Guitar Center Members Multiply NAfME’s Associate Membership NAfME is excited to announce that 1,200 Guitar Center instructors have joined NAfME as the newest Associate Members of the 109-year-old association, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, and the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. The addition of Guitar Center instructors to the membership provides a networking opportunity with full-time music educators, who can share information with Guitar Center instructors and recommend students to additional instruction in the courses taught in

12

Guitar Center stores. Learn more about NAfME Associate Membership. NAfME International Membership Launches At its January 2017 National Executive Board Meeting, the National Association for Music Education approved the bylaws of the Western Music Education Association, a Music Education Association affiliated with NAfME and serving music educators in the country of India. The Western Music Education Association will receive the same access to member benefits as U.S.-based members. Membership enrollment in the new NAfME affiliate organization will begin soon. Natalie Sarazzin will serve as the first Executive Director of the organization. Learn about all the membership opportunities with NAfME. 2017 Music In Our Schools – Music Inspires Tour This spring the fourth annual Give a Note Foundation Music In Our Schools Tour will visit six schools around the nation and the campuses of four other schools that raised the most money for Give a Note during last fall’s #MusicEdMatters giving campaign. Give a Note is an affiliate of NAfME. Two Tri-M® and two Collegiate chapters will be part of the Tour, during which their chapters will present Give a Note checks to help even more schools in underserved communities – a true act of “paying it forward.” During the Tour, six schools will receive a $2,500 grant from Give a Note Foundation, which will be matched by the CMA Foundation.

Additionally, Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country will join in celebrating the talented students with select hosted performances. Learn more about the 2017 Tour by visiting www.giveanote.org and following the hashtags #MusicInspires and #MIOStour on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Music In Our Schools Month® and American Young Voices For the 2017 Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®) this March, NAfME is partnering with American Young Voices, which hosts the largest school choir concerts in the world. Even if not located in the northeast, music educators’ students can still participate! Get a FREE sheet music download of the inspiring anthem, “Power in Me” by Rebecca Lawrence, including a lesson plan, teaching aims and objectives that align with the new 2014 Music Standards, and conductor notes. Learn more about joining the biggest school chorus in the world. NAfME’s 2017 National Music Education In-Service Conference NAfME’s National In-Service will once again take place in Dallas, TX, at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center November 12-15, 2017. Session proposals were taken through January 31, and the registration site will launch this spring. This national music education conference brings thousands of music educators and collegiate music education majors for professional development, networking, opportunities to share best practices and the newest innovations in teaching and assessing music learning, not to mention

13

entertainment. Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are available. Keep visiting www.nafme.org for more information, or email marketing@nafme.org.

The Collegiate Advocacy Summit will once again be held in Tysons Corner, VA, and Washington, DC, this June. This is a particularly important year for music education advocacy in the new education climate under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which includes music. Collegiate music education majors are encouraged to attend for professional development, networking opportunities, and making their voices heard for the future of their profession. Learn more:

http://hillday.nafme.org.

Music Education Policy Roundtable Sends Statement to Trump Transition Team In January, the Music Education Policy Roundtable and National Association for Music Education (NAfME) submitted a statement to President Donald Trump's Transition Team, which includes a series of education policy proposals that would continue the protection and

perseverance of school music programs. A full copy of the Statement can be found on NAfME’s Public Policy Hub. Proposed policy topics include:

1. Continue the Proper Implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

2. Maintain Equitable Access to a Well-Rounded Education for All Students

3. Support Funding in Critical Well-Rounded Areas

4. Reauthorize the Higher Education Act (with Well-Rounded Initiatives)

5. Reauthorize the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (with Well-Rounded Initiatives)

6. Support Military Readiness of Armed Forces

7. Support U.S. Military Music

It is our hope that these proposals will be strongly considered by the Trump Administration. At a minimum, this statement will open the door for further dialogue, and possible partnership with the new Administration, as we continue to advocate for school music. If we receive any substantial feedback from the Transition Team, we will be sure to notify and provide that information. Congress Passes another Short-Term Continuing Resolution In December, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR), which prevented a government shutdown and continues funding the federal government at its FY 2016 levels, until April 28, 2017. So what does this

14

mean for education funding and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)? For now, many of ESSA’s programs will be unaffected, as funds do not roll from the U.S. Department of Education to the States until the summer of 2017. However, if the appropriations process is not completed by the new April 28 deadline, Congress could look to pass another CR to finish out FY 17, which would complicate ESSA’s first year of implementation. Because school districts are still adhering to No Child Left Behind (NCLB) in FY 16, a CR, which would match FY 17 to FY 16’s funding levels, would reflect funding amounts designated for programs under NCLB, as opposed to ESSA. Doing so creates many ‘anomalies’ between the NCLB to ESSA transition, as many programs have either been consolidated, eliminated, or redone through the passage of ESSA. One of the biggest examples is Title IV, Part A block grant, which was created through consolidating more than 20 NCLB Title V programs. For this reason, Congress will be crucial in deciding the effectiveness of ESSA within the first few months of the new year. Day in and out, NAfME continues to advocate Congress to complete a full appropriations process to ensure music education receives maximum benefit in ESSA’s first year of action. Department of Education Announces No New “Supplement, Not Supplant” Rules On Wednesday, January 18th, the U.S. Department of Education announced

that it was scrapping its attempt to publish final rules regarding “supplement, not supplant” for ESSA. As federal education dollars are meant to supplement, not replace, existing state and local dollars for public education, “supplement, not supplant” rules provide the “guard rails” used by states and school districts to determine if they are using the federal dollars appropriately. Republicans in Congress had signaled concern that the draft rules issued by the Obama administration in 2016 created too many barriers to the use of the ESSA federal education dollars instead of embracing the flexibility Congress sought to create under ESSA. Civil rights groups and Democrats, on the other hand, felt that the rules may not have been strong enough to maintain the supplementary nature of federal funds to help students most at risk in our public school systems. While many in Congress are celebrating the end to this particular round of “supplement, not supplant” rules, schools, districts and states will be left without guidance on the appropriate use of the funds until the new administration signals how they intend to monitor the use of these federal dollars – either with a new rule, or without. NAfME will be expressing concern to the incoming administration as well as to Congress that schools, districts and states may simply continue to use their federal education dollars the way they did under NCLB until “supplement, not supplant” is clarified. Without this guidance, we are concerned that the flexibility inherent in the new law, including the ability of these federal education funds to support music education, will not be implemented

15

locally until schools feel comfortable that it’s safe to do so. Not having clear direction from the Department of Education means further delays to students and teachers enjoying the flexibility which Congress intended. DeVos Hearing Fails to Address Nominee’s Views on Well-Rounded Education The Senate HELP Committee’s confirmation hearing for Betsy DeVos, President Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Education, went forward January 17 despite objections from Democrats who are concerned that the Office of Government Ethics has not finished its review of DeVos’ vast wealth and financial investments. The confirmation hearing left music education advocates with more questions than answers as very little was discussed with regard to the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). NAfME staff attended the hearing and offered questions to members of the Senate HELP Committee so music and arts advocates could gain a better understanding on DeVos’s views on the role the U.S. Department of Education can play in promoting access to music and arts education. However, NAfME remains committed to gaining an understanding of her views on a well-rounded education that includes music. If confirmed, DeVos and her team would play a major role in implementing ESSA, the bipartisan law that replaced the No Child Left Behind Act in 2015. States are slated to begin submitting their ESSA plans in April, and it will be up to DeVos and her staff to sign off on them.

In her opening statement, DeVos said she would work with lawmakers to implement ESSA “the way that Congress intended—with local communities freed from burdensome regulations from Washington.” However, neither the policies nor the process of important ESSA implementation issues were discussed. DeVos has been an outspoken advocate of school choice proposals throughout her career as an education advocate. She has long lobbied for states to allow parents to use public funds to pay private school tuition. As secretary, she said, she would encourage states to create voucher programs but not try to impose them. The Secretary-Designate said she would continue to strongly support public schools, however, would not commit to “not working to privatize public schools.” In another exchange, DeVos appeared confused about the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which requires public schools to provide children with disabilities a “free appropriate public education”, and governs how states and public agencies provide various services to millions of students. DeVos at first suggested this is an area to be left to the states, but was later corrected by Senator Maggie Hassan (D-NH) who stated that IDEA is a federal civil rights law and noted that federal law must be followed by all states. On the issue of civil rights, DeVos denied earlier reports promising to “rein in” the Education Department’s Office of

16

Civil Rights. Under President Obama’s administration, the Office for Civil Rights has aggressively policed civil rights issues — such as cracking down on colleges that mishandle sexual assault cases, and urging schools to extend anti-bullying policies to cover LGBTQ students. New dates and location for 2017 All-National Honor Ensembles The 2017 All-National Honor Ensembles (ANHE) will take place this year November 26-29 at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort at Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL. The 2017 ANHE program will kick off on Sunday, November 26, with a special event at the Epcot Theme Park. Guest conductors this year are: T. André Feagin (Concert Band); Margery Deutsch (Symphony Orchestra); Dr. Z. Randall Stroope (Mixed Choir); Todd Stoll, with a special guest artist (Jazz Ensemble). Application deadline is May 12, 2017. Details: www.nafme.org/anhe. NATIONAL FEDERATION OF MUSIC CLUBS The National Federation of Music Clubs will hold the 59th Biennial Convention June 20-24, 2017 in Dayton Ohio. The highlight of the Biennial Convention will be the Young Artist auditions. Twenty thousand dollars will be awarded to the first place winners in piano, strings, women’s voice and men’s voice. The winners of the Ellis piano duo competition will be presented in concert. The Ellis will hold auditions April 1 in Jackson Mississippi. The winners of

this competition will receive a twenty thousand dollar first place prize. Renowned international cellist Zuill Bailey will be presented with an NFMC Citation. Zuill has been nominated for a 2017 Grammy for best classical instrumental solo. Mr. Bailey was an NFMC Young Artist recipient in 1991. The Official Call is available online at nfmc-music.org. All members and friends are invited to attend.

SESAC SESAC Signs Kings of Leon Members of Grammy-Winning Group Join Nation’s Only MRO The members of internationally-acclaimed and Grammy-winning rock band Kings of Leon, best known for the singles “Use Somebody,” “Sex on Fire,” and “Radioactive,” have signed with SESAC, the nation’s most progressive PRO and the only Music Rights Organization in the country, for representation.

“Few rock bands have garnered a global following as extensive as Kings of Leon,” says John Josephson, SESAC’s Chairman/CEO. “The band’s musical influence, as both songwriters and performers, has spread from the United States to the U.K. and Australia and well beyond. SESAC is proud to welcome Caleb Followill, Nathan Followill, Jared Followill and Matthew Followill to our affiliate family.”

Kings of Leon, who were signed to the PRO under the guidance of SESAC’s Sam Kling, Senior Vice President of Creative Operations, and J.D. Connell,

17

SESAC’s Vice President & Counsel, New Media Licensing, released their debut album in 2003. The band, consisting of brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill, and cousin Matthew Followill, has won three Grammy Awards, three NME Awards, two Brit Awards and one Juno Award. Kings of Leon has toured extensively throughout the world, playing at top venues and headlining major festivals, including Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits and Glastonbury.

Kings of Leon, which hails from Nashville, scored their first No. 1 album when WALLS entered the Billboard 200 chart last month. WALLS, the band’s seventh studio album, also hit the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Top Rock Albums chart last month. Kings of Leon’s affiliation is the latest in a string of prominent signings with Randy Newman, Robin Thicke, Green Day, Mariah Carey, Kesha, George Clinton and Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielson recently joining the SESAC roster. Leading Music Rights Organization SESAC to be Acquired by Blackstone New York, NY, January 4, 2017. Leading music rights organization SESAC Holdings (“SESAC” or the “Company”) announced today that private equity funds affiliated with Blackstone (NYSE:BX) have entered into an agreement to acquire the Company from Rizvi Traverse Management. This transaction is Blackstone’s first investment as part of its core private equity strategy, which is specifically designed to hold private equity investments for much longer periods of time than traditional private

equity funds. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. SESAC is the only U.S.-based music rights organization that administers public performance, mechanical, synchronization and other rights all within a single company. SESAC is able to offer singular licenses for the works of its affiliated writers and publishers that aggregate both performance and mechanical rights in order to drive greater efficiency in licensing for music users, as well as enhanced value for music creators and publishers. SESAC recently expanded its activities to include the international market through MINT, a joint venture with Swiss collection society SUISA, that will license and administer music rights to digital music platforms on a pan-European basis. SESAC operates a sophisticated information technology and data platform to provide timely, efficient royalty collection and distribution, automating many core business practices that allow for focusing greater attention on clients. Its growing sound recording-matched composition database makes it the primary source for real-time record release and publishing data as well as the de facto database of record for the U.S. publishing industry. SESAC’s 30,000 affiliates include many of the most successful songwriters and musicians in the industry, including Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond, RUSH, Charli XCX (PRS), Zac Brown, Mumford & Sons (PRS), Lady Antebellum, Mariah Carey, Axl Rose, Shirley Caesar, and Robin Thicke.

18

SESAC Chairman and CEO John Josephson said, “We are excited to partner with Blackstone. The long-term investment horizon of their core private equity platform was especially attractive to us as we seek to execute our company’s growth strategy in our primary performance rights business, as well as mechanical rights, administrative services, multi-rights and multi-territory licensing. Blackstone is acquiring our company with the specific intent of backing the existing management team, and shares our long-term vision for the company with a history of adding value to their portfolio companies as a supportive strategic partner and capital provider. We anticipate a seamless transition in ownership with no disruption to our business activities as a result of this transaction. Going forward, we believe our long-term partnership with Blackstone will position SESAC well for enhanced growth and continued delivery of best in class service to our affiliates, licensees and commercial partners.” Josephson added, “We would also like to thank Ben Kohn and his partners and colleagues at Rizvi for their strong support of SESAC during its ownership of the company over the last four years, and key role in building the business alongside the management team.” Robert Reid, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone, said, “We are thrilled to be backing John, Kelli Turner and the entire SESAC team and investing in the most progressive music rights organization for songwriters and artists. Music is fundamental to our society and is consumed both actively and passively by users worldwide, across increasingly diverse methods of distribution. We expect music listenership to continue to

grow over the long-term and are excited to invest in SESAC, one of the key facilitators of the music market and related copyright management infrastructure.” David Kestnbaum, Managing Director at Blackstone said, “We view SESAC as an attractive fit for our core private equity investment platform and are pleased to partner with the company’s experienced, highly capable management team to help support their growth strategy over the long term to continue to serve their key affiliate and licensee constituents.” Allen & Company LLC is acting as financial advisor to SESAC with respect to the transaction and Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is acting as SESAC’s legal counsel. Moelis & Company LLC and AGM Partners LLC are acting as financial advisors to Blackstone with respect to the transaction, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is acting as Blackstone’s legal counsel. Goldman Sachs is acting as financial advisor to Rizvi with respect to the transaction. Jefferies is providing debt financing related to the transaction. The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2017. SESAC Holdings is the only U.S.-based Music Rights Organization that administers public performance, mechanical, synchronization and other rights. SESAC Holdings is able to offer singular licenses for the works of its affiliated writers and publishers that aggregate both performance and mechanical rights in order to drive greater efficiency in licensing for music users, as well as enhanced value for

19

music creators and publishers. Its businesses operate on a sophisticated information technology and data platform to provide timely, efficient royalty collection and distribution. SESAC’s subsidiaries are some of the most well-known companies in music licensing and administration. SESAC Performing Rights is the second oldest and most progressive performing rights organization in the U.S. SESAC‘s acquisition of The Harry Fox Agency (HFA) accelerated its transition to a “multi-rights” organization with HFA’s deep publisher relations and mechanical licensing history. SESAC Holdings has offices in New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Portland, San Francisco, London and Munich. About Blackstone Blackstone is one of the world’s leading investment firms. We seek to create positive economic impact and long-term value for our investors, the companies in which we invest, and the communities in which we work. We do this by using extraordinary people and flexible capital to help companies solve problems. Our asset management businesses, with over $360 billion in assets under management, include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds, all on a global basis. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone. About Rizvi Traverse Management Rizvi Traverse Management is a private investment firm that specializes in investments in the media, entertainment

and technology sectors. Past investments have included International Creative Management, Summit Entertainment, Playboy Enterprises, Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, RealD, SpaceX and Square. Media Contact: SESAC Edie Emery eemery@sesac.com (615) 963-3496 Blackstone Paula Chirhart paula.chirhart@blackstone.com (212) 583-5011

The IMC Music World News eBulletin presents music news from around the world - brought to you by the International Music Council. The bulletin is emailed to subscribers every two weeks free of charge. It reaches more than 70 countries on all five continents. Click here to subscribe.

20

Music World News is divided into six sections. Scroll through or, if you wish, click on one of the sections to be taken straight to those stories.

Issue 04/2017 – February 22, 2017 Music the artform and artists Music Industry Music Education Policy, Research & Politics Technologies and media The Pointy End

Issue 03/2017 – February 8, 2017 Music the artform and artists Music Industry Music Education Policy, Research & Politics Technologies and media The Pointy End

Upcoming Events

MTNA Conference March 18-24, Baltimore

Arts Advocacy Day March 20-21, Washington, DC

ASCAP EXPO April 13-15, Los Angeles

NAMM Hill Day May 22, Washington, DC

NAfME Hill Day June 29, Washington, DC

National Music Council American Eagle Awards July 13, Nashville