National Association for Music Education

On we commemorate when the last formerly enslaved residents were finally informed of the abolishment of slavery more than two years prior to their freedom. Read “Link to the Library of Congress: ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’,” in which Cait Miller shares how the song was written, according to writer and civil rights activist James Weldon Johnson, from the September 2022 issue of ‘Music Educators Journal.’ Log in and select the September 2022 issue: https://bit.ly/NAfMEMusicEducatorsJournal

Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture provides this performance by The String Queens “’Til Victory Is Won.”

This patriotic “medley tells a story of freedom, hope, heritage, culture, tension and triumph. The medley, which also features ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic’ and ‘America the Beautiful,’ was influenced by Negro spirituals, gospel, soul, classical, and even bluegrass genres”: https://youtu.be/DUrT0XhoppE?si=nIeoD-6M4stznnSx

The String Queens | "'Til Victory is Won" (Patriotic Medley) Appropriately bookended with quotes from "Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing...

This week, NAfME Assistant Executive Director for Advocacy and Public Policy Amanda Karhuse joined Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) President Amy Hairston for a deep dive into arts education policy at the 2026 Maryland Arts Summit! Maryland Citizens for the Arts (MCA)

Their session, “The Road Ahead: Impacts of National Policy on Arts Education in Maryland,” provided attendees with up-to-date insights into the rapidly evolving federal education policy landscape, its impact on arts education across Maryland, and what these updates mean for educators and students alike.

The packed room and thoughtful discussion reflected educators’ strong dedication to understanding the policies, programs, and legislation shaping their work and the future of arts education.

Thank you to Arts Education in Maryland Schools - AEMS for the invitation to present on such an important topic!

Join us in advocating for music education as advocates head to Capitol Hill next week! Email Congress: bit.ly/nafme-hill-day-2026 And use the NAfME social media toolkit and graphics to spread the word to your networks! https://nafme.org/advocacy/hill-day/

NAfME Equity Committee Co-Chair Angelica Brooks shares these thoughts on the intersection of Black Music Month and Pride Month, important reminders as many music educators and students see themselves in those intersections:

“June is a beautiful intersection of culture, resilience, and joy. It is a time to honor the history of LGBTQ+ rights and uplift the profound, foundational contributions Black artists have made to every single genre of music.

“Both celebrations share deep and interwoven roots. The rhythm, soul, and foundations of virtually every music genre we enjoy today were built by Black artists, while the modern Pride movement was sparked and championed by Black and brown trans women.

“Many artists and educators like myself exist perfectly at the intersection of these two celebrations. We draw on both our Black heritage and q***r identity to create groundbreaking music and experiences.

“Wishing you ALL an amazing, prideful, and music-filled month!”

California music educators, make your plans now for the 2027 California All-State Music Education Conference, taking place in Sacramento January 13–17 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center: https://nafme.org/event/2027-california-all-state-music-education-conference/

California All-State Music Education Conference CMEA: California Music Educators Association

Congratulations to NAfME member David Cardona, Coral Springs Charter School Band Director, on being named a 2027 Grammy Music Educator Award quarterfinalist! Best wishes to all the quarterfinalists for next year’s award. Read more: https://coralspringstalk.com/coral-springs-charter-band-director-named-2027-grammy-music-educator-award-quarterfinalist-59554

GRAMMY Museum

Coral Springs Charter Band Director Named 2027 Grammy Music Educator Award Quarterfinalist - Coral Springs Talk oral Springs Charter School Band Director David Cardona has been named a quarterfinalist for the 2027 Grammy Music Educator Award, a national honor presented by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Museum.

NAfME is pleased to share this documentary series mentioned by Franklin Willis, Metro Nashville Public Schools’ Director of Visual and Performing Arts, in a recent episode of ‘The Music Education Advocate’ podcast with Jazzmone Sutton, NAfME Senior Manager of State Advocacy and Equity. (Listen to the podcast: https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/j-sutton5/episodes/I-Believe-I-Belong-e3ht6r1)

From the Metro Nashville Public Schools: “‘Music City High’ is a three-part documentary series that follows students, educators, and the life-changing power of music education in Nashville’s public schools. … At a time when so much of the conversation around public education focuses on challenges, ‘Music City High’ offers something powerful, hopeful, and deeply human. It is an authentic, emotional look at students working toward something meaningful together—and at the educators who help make that possible. While the story is uniquely Nashville, it speaks to broader conversations around youth development, public education, and the arts nationwide.”

Episode 1: Band Camp (Cane Ridge High School)

Episode 2: When the Blueberries Get Ripe (Hume-Fogg High School)

Episode 3: Behind the Magic (Warner Arts Elementary)

Watch all three episodes now: https://www.mnps.org/departments/arts/music-city-high

Save the date for the Indiana Music Education Association 2027 Professional Development Conference taking place January 14–16 in Fort Wayne, Indiana! Learn more:

✨ Today, we’re shining our Advocate Leader Spotlight on Shaina Liv Lescano, Advocacy Chair for the Indiana Music Education Association!

Shaina joined the Advocacy Leadership Force (ALF) within the past year and has already gained valuable insights and experience, equipping her with the tools to begin planning advocacy initiatives and building structures that will help mobilize efforts across Indiana.

While her work is still in its early stages, Shaina has already seen improvements in conversations with decision-makers at the state and district levels. She is excited to continue organizing events and initiatives that help make music educators more visible in their schools, communities, and throughout her state.

Drawing on what she has learned through the ALF, Shaina reminds fellow advocates that advocacy looks different for every person, state, and program, and that there are many ways to make an impact.

Thank you, Shaina, for all you’re doing to strengthen music education in Indiana. We can’t wait to see where your advocacy journey takes you! 🎶

Learn more about the ALF: bit.ly/AdvocacyLeadershipForce