The McIntosh Resolution

A Resolution Affirming the Value of Music
(The McIntosh Resolution, H.CON.RES. 266); Source: AMC Music News, American Music Conference
: On March 8, 2000, leading advocates for school music; education and some of the country's best-loved musical; artists were in the nation's capitol, where Representative; David McIntosh (R-Ind.) introduced a concurrent; resolution in support of music education for children; everywhere.; Flanked by renowned singer/songwriters Michael; McDonald and James Taylor at a press conference in the; Rayburn House Office Building, NAMM-International; Music Products Association President and CEO Larry; Linkin joined National Association for Music Education; Executive Director Dr. John Mahlmann and VH1; President John Sykes in thanking Rep. McIntosh and; co-sponsor Rep. Bob Clement (D-Tenn.) for their support; of music education.; "People all over the country are waking up to the vital; role music plays in a young person's development, but; grass-roots efforts aren't always enough," Linkin said.; "There's a role for the federal government to play in this; struggle, and I'm very grateful to Representatives McIntosh; and Clement for taking an important step in that direction."; In addition to the press conference, members of the music; education delegation spent the day in one-on-one meetings; with key members of Congress.; The McIntosh resolution, H.CON.RES. 266, cites the; "growing body of scientific research" that links music; education to improved spatial-temporal reasoning and; math performance, the evidence that music helps keep; at-risk students in school, and increased SAT scores among; music students. If the resolution is adopted by the House; and Senate, it will become the official "sense of the; Congress" that music education enhances intellectual; development, fosters artistic and social success, and enriches; the academic environment for children of all ages.; "Thanks to Congressman McIntosh, the value of music; education is poised to become part of the public record, and; Congress itself will be on board with our efforts to bring; music into every child's life," Sykes said.; According to Mahlmann, music should be part of every; child's core curriculum, not a frill. "There is more evidence; every day that music education has a beneficial ripple; effect through the rest of a child's academic and social life,"; he said. "Music shouldn't be any more optional than; English or math. Making that a reality will be much easier; if the people here on Capitol Hill are behind us."