March is Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM)

March 2013 is Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM). The 2013 Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM) slogan is "Music Education* Orchestrating Success." Music for the Concert for MIOSM is up on the NAfME website, including the student-composed piece - "The Power of Music" which is an excellent advocacy song. Go to: musiced.nafme.org/concert

Please find below answers to frequently asked questions about MIOSM. Thank you so much for all that you do for your students through music!

What is the Concert for Music In Our Schools Month?
The Concert for Music In Our Schools Month is the new name for The World's Largest Concert. The World's Largest Concert is a sing-along concert that was a highlight of MIOSM® since 1985. Linking students around the world through songs and lesson plans provided by the National Association for Music Education, the WLC reached an estimated 6 million students, teachers, and music supporters over the years.

Starting in the 2011-12 school year, the concert became "The Concert for Music In Our Schools Month."

When is the 2013 Concert?
Schools are encouraged to sing all or any number of the 2013 Concert songs, view the student performances which will be on the NAFME website in March, have a school-wide sing-along, or a formal concert at any time during the entire month of March 2013 - Music In Our Schools Month. The official date and time for The Concert for Music In Our Schools Month is the second Thursday of March at 12 p.m. Central Daylight Time.

How can my students' performance be featured on the NAfME website during March 2013?
Teachers must submit Student Performance Proposals by September 28, 2012 for their students' performance to be featured on the NAfME website in March 2013. After the concert selections are posted on the NAfME website in mid- August, teachers can choose their songs and create proposals for submission to the Concert Coordinator. Proposals are selected according to the criteria listed in the Proposal Guidelines musiced.nafme.org/files/2012/07/Student_Performance_Proposal_Form.pdf.

Where can I purchase a copy of the Concert video?
The 2012 video is still available for purchase online or by calling 800-336-3768. In 2013, the Concert performances will be online, free of charge.

May I use the Concert for MIOSM music in other concerts throughout the year?
This music is for use during Music In Our Schools Month 2013, only. Any other use is strictly prohibited. All copies must be collected and destroyed by March 31, 2013.

NAfME is able to provide the music for the 2013 Concert for Music In Our Schools Month because the copyright holders have generously granted us permission to do so. Teachers are permitted to reproduce sufficient copies of this music for use in preparation for and performances of the 2013 The Concert for Music In Our Schools Month only. When you reproduce the music, please be sure that the copyright notice appears once on each piece.

How do I use music that appears too difficult from my young students?
The Concert songs are chosen to appeal to students ranging from K-12. Teachers can reach all ability levels by teaching just the melody lines, rhythm instrument parts, or other elements of the songs that are accessible to their students individually. Individual songs may also be divided and sung by different groupings and classes of students.

By watching and discussing the concert video, all students can learn about stage presence, phrasing, diction, musicality, performance practice, and many other musical elements.

How are the songs selected for the Concert?
The Concert repertoire is selected by a team of member teachers of the National Association for Music Education and the Concert Producer, an NAfME staff member. Music is chosen to appeal to students K-12, keeping in mind the needs and preferences of our member teachers as expressed in a 2011 nationwide survey.

NAfME welcomes the input of members as music is considered for future concerts. Suggestions can be sent to the attention of the Concert Producer, Susan Lambert at SusanL [at] nafme.org.