10 Ways to Support Music in Your Schools

Every March, schools across the nation dedicate lesson plans, programs, and projects to music education. National Music in Our Schools Month was established over 30 years ago, and is meant to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all students. It’s an opportunity for schools to put music at the forefront of their curriculum. Teachers across the country show how beneficial it can be for students to get a musical education, and it’s these educators and programs that Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma have to thank. Where would Brothers and Sisters be without our first band class, without our first concert, without the music we played?

This March, chapters should try to support local music programs as a service project. Here are ten ways to get involved.

Hold an Instrument Petting Zoo

A brother shows a child how to hold an instrument to support music in our schools
Delta Omega chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi held an instrument petting zoo earlier this year on February 9th in Big Rapids, Michigan.

An instrument petting zoo is an opportunity for children and students to touch, play, and hear musical instruments. By holding one of these, your chapter can bring your passion of music to the community. Try reaching out to a local elementary school to offer your services.

Attend a Band Concert

The North Central District Intercollegiate Band performs
The North Central District Intercollegiate Band

Is your local middle school holding a concert soon? Probably! Attend a band concert at a school in your area. When a student performing on stage sees a group of people cheering them on, it will make them feel good, and encourage them to stay in band. Feel free to talk to some students after the concert, too, and show them that band doesn’t stop after high school.

Invite Students to Watch Your Rehearsals & Concerts

A marching band rehearses to support music in our schools
The Purdue University “All-American” Marching Band rehearses.

If you have a concert coming up, invite students at high schools or middle schools in your area to attend! It could possibly be an extra credit opportunity too! If you don’t happen to have a concert soon, letting them attend a rehearsal could be a great learning experience as well. They can see how a college band program runs, and be inspired to continue with music after high school.

Create a Video Showing How Important Music is to You

A sister wears a TBS shirt for #13DaysofTBS
From Tau Beta Sigma’s Facebook Page

We all love music, that’s why we joined Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma! Why do we love music though? What does music mean to you? You should answer these questions while making a video! Be sure to film bands rehearsing and performing, and tell us how music in education has impacted you?

Hold a Reading Band

The North East Central District Convention reading band performs
The 2014 North East District Convention Reading Band. Photo courtesy of the Delta Delta chapter of Tau Beta Sigma.

Reading bands are opportunities to play new music. The best kind of reading bands are the ones you can have fun in. Select some music everyone agrees on, a variety of music, and play! What’s even more fun is if everyone takes turns conducting. Get behind the podium for once!

Have Music Shares

Brothers perform on stage as an ensemble to support music in our schools
The Brass Quintet from the Alpha Omega Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi performs “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”

Is there a piece of music that really speaks to you? Is there a solo you’ve been working on? Share it with your chapter! When you hold a chapter meeting, set aside some time for brothers or sisters to share some music, whether they’re playing it or sharing a recording. If you want to take it a step further, record yourself performing this music and share it on social media!

Utilize Social Media

Promotional photo from National Association for Music Education
The National Association for Music Education’s 2020 logo for Music in Our Schools Month

The National Association for Music Education are the founders of Music in Our Schools Month. They encourage people celebrating the month to use the hashtags #MIOSM and #MusicChangesLives. You can even change your profile picture to one of theirs!

Perform to the Public

Get a small ensemble together, and perform to the public. Maybe you can perform on campus, in a mall, or at a park. It could be a roaming pep band of sorts, or a mini symphonic band! Either way, it can be fun for your chapter, and be great for the community to see musicians in action.

Make a Donation

Brothers perform for a fundraiser to support music in our schools
The Nu Sigma Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi puts on a musical fundraiser.

If your chapter has the resources, you can make a donation to an organization that supports music education, programs, or students. Whether you’re donating to a musical scholarship, a community band, or a school, contributing financially can help other organizations in many different ways. Maybe hold a fundraiser to make the donation!

Volunteer

Sisters volunteering to set up stands and chairs
Sisters of the Delta Delta Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma volunteer to set up stands and chairs for a rehearsal.

If all else fails, you can always volunteer with schools, community bands, and local organizations, like a county arts federation. If they’re holding a concert or event, feel free to volunteer to put together seating arrangements on stage, clean up, or help with whatever they need.

How has your chapter supported music in schools? Let us know!

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