Music educators and students from across the state gathered at the Kansas Statehouse on Monday, March 13, to celebrate Music in Our Schools Month^®. 

The event, hosted by the Kansas Music Educator Association (KMEA), took place in recognition of the importance of music education for all children and to remind people that school is where all children should have access to music. 

“They began the day with breakfast for legislators followed by visiting with legislators to raise awareness about the need for quality music programs for all students,” said Joyce Huser, the fine arts education program consultant at the Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE). “During the lunch hour, students from two Kansas high schools demonstrated the results that a quality music program plays in the lives of young people.” 

The Madrigals, which is Dodge City High School’s choir, performed, led by Kelly Knedler, director, and Carl Wasson, accompanist. 

Lawrence Free State High School’s Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Judy Erpelding, also performed. 

Music in Our Schools Month^®, sponsored by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is an opportunity for music teachers to bring their music programs to the attention of the school and the community and to display the benefits that school music brings to students of all ages, according to https://nafme.org/programs/miosm/music-in-our-schools-month-miosm/. 

This is the 38th year for Music in Our Schools Month^®. This year’s theme is “Music Is All Of Us.”