January 16, 2006

The National Anthem Project, an effort to re-teach Americans to sing the “The Star'spangled Banner” and spotlight school music programs, launched their year-long, 50-city tour that will visit every state in the country in Miami Jan 3. The launch activities included a singing contest at the Orange Bowl Pre-Game Festivities January 3, and a special national anthem performance January 4 by Mayor Manny Diaz, jazz music legend Arturo Sandoval, and local Miami students at Miami city hall. The national education campaign is led by the National Association for Music Education (MENC) and National Presenting Sponsor Jeep®. The National Music Industry Sponsor is NAMM, the International Music Products Association.

Over two days, attendees enjoyed concerts featuring students from Good Shepherd Catholic School, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, and Miami Springs High School, as well as interactive activities teaching the historical significance of the national anthem. Aspiring performers had the opportunity to prove their singing skills in the National Anthem Project All'star Contest, in which one winner from each state was awarded a $1,000 donation to their local music program and given the opportunity to perform at a concert in Washington (DC) in 2007. Attendees were also provided an opportunity to support their local school music programs by joining MusicFriends, a non-profit music advocacy group; donations made to MusicFriends are used for large'scale awareness programs emphasizing the importance of music education.

Two out of three Americans don’t know the words to the national anthem, according to a Harris Poll. This startling statistic prompted MENC, the country’s largest arts education association, to spearhead the project and shine the spotlight on the importance of school music programs, as this is where most Americans learn the national anthem and other patriotic songs. 

With First Lady Laura Bush serving as Honorary Chairperson, the campaign launched initially on the steps of the United States Capitol in Washington (DC) March 2005. Other sponsors of the program include: The History Channel; Conn'selmer, Inc.; The Gibson Foundation, part of the Gibson Guitar Corporation; and MBNA.

“Recent budget cuts to school music programs deny students access to learning about our country’s historical traditions,” says MENC Executive Director John Mahlmann. “Through the National Anthem Project Road Show, we aim to empower our local school boards, teachers, and parents across the country to demand quality music education for all of our children, as music is a vital part of a complete education.”

The initiative is supported by more than 200 civic, education, and entertainment organizations including the Girls Scouts of the U.S.A., American Legion, and professional sports leagues such as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL). The official musical ambassadors of the National Anthem Project are country music favorites The Oak Ridge Boys.

The tour will travel to at least one city in all 50 states throughout 2006, where the National Anthem Project truck will stop at local events, schools, sporting events and civic locations to educate local citizens and generate excitement for the program. In addition, the multi-faceted campaign will include education initiatives in schools across the country and special performances and alliances with professional sporting events. For more information about how to get involved and support the National Anthem Project and school music education, please visit www.thenationalanthemproject.org.