RESOLUTION NO. RS2014-961

A resolution supporting the Music Makes Us program.

WHEREAS, multiple research studies make clear that students who participate in a rigorous, sequential, standards-based visual and performing arts education develop the ability to innovate, communicate, and collaborate; and

WHEREAS, music education in schools has been shown to improve test scores, increase graduation rates, and help close achievement gaps among student groups; and

WHEREAS, research demonstrates that music enhances cognitive development in many areas, including verbal skills and social emotional learning; and

WHEREAS, research further, indicates low income students with in-depth music and arts involvement earn better grades, are more likely to attend college, develop greater self-esteem and are more engaged in civic affairs; and

WHEREAS, student performances and music events bring school staff and families together in engaging, community-centered school environments; and

WHEREAS, with more than 80 record labels, 130 music publishers, 180 recording studios and some 5,000 working union musicians, the music industry’s total economic impact in Middle Tennessee is approximately $6.4 billion per year and provides 54,000 jobs according to a 2006 study; and

WHEREAS, music performance, composition, distribution, promotion, production, training, education, artists' rights groups, live music venues and equipment repair and production jobs require mastery of 21st Century Skills; and

WHEREAS, almost 60 percent of Metro Schools students are enrolled in music classes, including all elementary students; 33 percent of middle school students; and 29 percent of high school students and this year the district is investing $13 million for more than 200 staff; and

WHERES, Music Makes Us, a public-private partnership with Metro Schools, the Mayor’s office and the music community, supports student engagement and achievement through high quality music education with both a traditional music curriculum and a contemporary curriculum that uses new technologies and reflects a diverse musical landscape; and

WHEREAS, the Mayor’s Office, private philanthropy, local nonprofit music and arts advocacy organizations, musicians, parents, higher education and teachers are critical to increasing the availability, quality and vitality of music education in Metro Schools; and

WHEREAS, the Music Makes Us program will ensure that over the next three years all Kindergarten through Grade 12 students in Metro Schools will have opportunities to participate in high quality music instruction that is standards-based, sequential, taught by highly qualified music educators and enhanced by a network of music professionals, music industry and community based organizations from the Nashville community.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as supporting the Music Makes Us program and affirming that music education as an essential component of every student’s education.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to be presented to Laurie T. Shell, Director of Music Makes Us on behalf of the Music Makes Us Advisory Council.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Lonnell Matthews, Ronnie Steine

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Referred to:	Rules & Confirmations Committee
Introduced:	January 7, 2014
Adopted:	January 7, 2014
Approved:	January 8, 2014
By: