I recently found this article from the National Association of Music Education that talks about ways to support your local music program at public school.  With schools losing funding left and right it’s essential that parents get involved and help save these programs that are so vital to the success of today’s children.  Reaching out to school administrators and your district’s school board can have long-lasting benefits.

So, what can you do? Here are 5 ways you can support your music program:

• Get involved in your music booster group and/or volunteer in the classroom. Your teachers have ideas, and you could be the answer.

• Thank your school principal for supporting your child’s music program and music teacher. “Thank you” is not something they hear every day. And it shows you’re paying attention.

• Write your local/national newspaper a letter-to-the-editor about what music has meant for your child. It only takes 80 to 100 words, but it can go a long way. Lawmakers and other decision-makers are keeping track of what constituents want.

• Invite your school board members, county/district supervisors, state/national lawmakers to your child’s school concert. No, really! They may see it as only a public relations opportunity when they come, but when they leave, they’ll understand why music matters in all schools.

• Reach out to local media. Whether on radio, TV, or in print, your school music program has a story to tell.