National Music Week “MUSIC, A KEY TO THE FUTURE”                                          

May 3-10, 2009

National Music Week Essay Contest

q    $50 Award
q    7-12th Grade
q    Due February 1, 2010
q    Topic: “Music, A Key to the Future.”
q    Under 500 words.
q    Complete Form AR13-1
q    Winner will read essay at the Thanksgiving Point Annual Luncheon

Why Celebrate National Music Week?
 A National Music Week observance gives us an opportunity to focus the attention of all Americans on music as a dynamic means of communication between people and a satisfying channel of personal expression.  music, not more than ever a national need, can serve as a great force for maintaining peace and harmony among peoples.  In the words of National Music Week's founder, Mr. Charles M. Tremaine,
 "Music Week is, to some extent, different from all the other special 'weeks.'  It is a 'drive' for music by the friends of music, but is also the occasion for participation in and receiving of pleasure, thus making it independent of any propelling force from behind.  It gathers its momentum as it goes along from the enjoyment it brings.  Its strength comes from the universal, yet sometimes unconscious human need for music, and participation ranges all the way from the elaborate concert and pageant to the simple home musicale with a place on the program sometimes even for the five-finger exercise beginner.  Music, permeating the atmosphere, enters many new places where it is welcome."
 Music is one of the most sublime of human pursuits, and is subscribed to by all races and creeds.  Its use promotes understanding, friendliness and sympathy among all people.  Through music, the composer expresses a variety of moods; the listener experiences a mystical awareness that transports him from the cares and troubles that beset humanity.  Music is the language of all peoples.  Whether used nationally or internationally, music is a great force in creating peace and harmony.
 The National Federation of Music Clubs again recognizes the importance of music in the life of our nation and invites all "friends of music" to participate in this great week of celebration.
 Here Are Some Ideas to Begin Your Celebration of National Music Week!
 Business Firms, Banks and Malls can:

·         Sponsor noonday concerts.

·         Prepare special Music Week displays.  Mention National Music Week in advertising

Public and Private Schools can:

·         Plan Choral, Band and Orchestral concerts by all ages in schools, malls, etc.

·         Prepare brief special music during the lunch hour or opening announcements

·         Encourage student participation in the Essay Contest. Print or read the winner's composition

·         Plan poster displays or contest for all ages for the week.

Libraries can:

·         Feature a "National Music Week Book Shelf."

·         Schedule concerts throughout the week for adults and children.

·         Have displays of instruments, musical scores, photos of musicians, etc.

Service Clubs can:

·         Use music at all meetings held during Music Week.

·         Invite a musician to speak on "The Value of Music in the Community."

·         Sponsor a concert or give a scholarship for a young musician.

Churches can:

·         Place an announcement of National Music Week in their bulletin.

·         Sponsor choir festivals, community choral singing, or concerts.

·         Include the May Together We Sing suggested song in their service.

·         Arrange special programs for hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

Music Clubs can:

·         Order supplies soon from National Headquarters and distribute them.

·         Ask for Mayors Proclamations of NMW and distribute them.

·         Plan special programs for clubs, malls, nursing homes, etc.

·         Inform Arts Councils and Chambers of Commerce about NMW dates and themes and ask that they be listed in their calendars.

·         Put announcements of NMW in symphony or other musical programs.

·         Invite all of the groups above to participate!

After All That Work, Can My Group Receive An Award?
 YES! If you want your music club or other participating groups to receive awards, follow these guidelines:

1.      Complete the Report and Entry Form (AR 12-1)

2.      Note that all programs and other events for Music Week must occur within the specified dates of National Music Week.

3.      Send publicity, programs, photos, etc. for each event.  Newspaper clippings must include the name of paper, date of article, and city.  Please underline in red each mention of National Music Week or National Federation of Music Clubs.

4.      To be ELIGIBLE for awards, you must mention the National Federation of Music Clubs and National Music Week in the program.  For example:

NATIONAL MUSIC WEEK
Date
Theme of the Year
 Sponsored by the National Federation of Music Clubs
 *Newspapers: To be eligible for any awards, NFMC and NMW must be mentioned and each clipping must have the date, name of newspaper, city, and state included.
 *Radio-TV: Awards based on half-hour or more feature programs, scripts (AR 12-9) available from NFMC Headquarters.
 *Displays: Awards are based on individual quality.  Supply pictures if possible.
 PLEASE NOTE; Local groups should express appreciation to their mayor and governor for proclamations made since NFMC awards are not presented to them.
 5. Finally, enclose your Report and Entry From in an envelope and mail to your state chairman (name and address listed on pages 12 & 13 postmarked by May 22.)
 These suggestions may help as you plan for your communities National Music Week Celebration.   Adapt and expand them to fit your local needs and means — but DO CELEBRATE!

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