Three People Who Are Fighting For Music Education Right Now (And How You Can Help)

At this very moment, budget cuts are laying siege to music programs all over the world. Luckily, there are people out there fighting the good fight, working hard to keep music in the lives of students. Here are a few different people you can reinforce right now.

1. This former One Tree Hill Actress

Photo Credit: Dosomething.org

Sophia Bush has a history of activism, and in the past has championed causes like environmental awareness, cancer research and marriage equality. Now setting her sights on music education, Bush has gone public with her “Sweat For Change: 30 Day Challenge,” a new campaign run through fundraising platform, CrowdRise.com. The campaign motivates users to donate $10 a day for a month, while adhering to a regular exercise routine, hence the sweat. Proceeds of the fundraiser will go to Little Kids Rock, a nationwide organization that seeks to revitalize music education programs at disadvantaged public schools.

2. The Parents of the Sachem Board of Education District 

Photo Credit: Patch.com

In the face of recent budget concerns, the Sachem Board of Education in Long Island has pinpointed its music program  as a possible place for spending cuts. A few brave parents of students in the district are speaking out against this threat, and one has started an online petition through the website, Change.org. The petition, which now has over 450 signatures, includes an open letter to the Sachem Board of Education written by petitions starter and local resident Michele Favaro. “Is the Board of Education really ready to say that our children deserve ‘the state minimum’ for their [music] education?” the letter says. “I can say that the Sachem Central School District parents are not going to say that our children only deserve the “state minimum”. They deserve the opportunities that a fully rounded music education provides them.”

3. The Members of Australia’s Queensland Symphony Orchestra

Photo Credit: abc.net.au

In November, legislators pushed for Australian school teachers to focus more on prepping students for NAPLAN testing. Much akin to standardized tests here in the States, NAPLAN is the source of a great deal of stress for students and teachers alike, and its value is constantly questioned by educators. In addition, increased focus on NAPLAN preparation has led to a diminishing presence of music education in schools, encroaching on its budget and its place in the curriculum. Luckily, with the help of teachers and school administrators, the Brisbane-based Queensland Symphony Orchestra has devised an impressive array of programming that brings children to the music. To learn more about the issue and the philosophy behind the programs, click here.

Three Brooklyn Events That Have Nothing to Do With the VMAs

Brooklyn news outlets and press centers from all over the world are chanting in unison:

MTV’s 30th annual Video Music Awards will be held at Brooklyn’s own Barclays Center!

MTV’s 30th annual Video Music Awards will be held at Brooklyn’s own Barclays Center!

MTV’s 30th annual Video Music Awards will be held at Brooklyn’s own Barclays Center!

Photo Credit: WireImage

Hey, we’re excited, too!

But here are a few other stories that may have gotten lost in all the noise:

#1: The Fifth Annual Kindiefest will be taking place at BAM Fisher from April 26-28

Photo Credit: Baristanet.com

The festival combines TEDTalk-styled speakers and presentations with fun performances for kids and adults alike. Speakers include Grammy-award winning producer Dean Jones and “Godmother of Children’s Music” Ella Jenkins. Read more here.

#2: ‘Punk Rock Church’ Every Sunday at Pete’s Candy Store in Williamsburg

Photo Credit: Bryan Derballa/Wall Street Journal

Reverend Jesse Parker spent his formative years playing in bands with names like Scare Tactic and Career Suicide. He invites you now to pray with him, as long as your heart is true and your mind is open. Read a great Atlantic.com article about it here.

#3: The Great GoogaMooga Festival is Back This May For Its Second Year

Photo Credit: Mightysweet.com

Truly a catch-all event featuring some of the best sights, smells, sounds and tastes of Brooklyn, the second annual Great GoogaMooga comes back to Prospect Park from May 17-19. The May 17 kick-off concert features some very interesting talent including the Flaming Lips, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and, you guessed it, the Darkness.

Photo Credit: theactualdarkness.com

Boerum Hill Elementary School Offers Digital Music Class to Students

“It makes us feel super cool…”

Photo Credit: DNAinfo/Nikhita Venugopal

Read the full story here, courtesy of DNAinfo.