MARCHING.COM: National Association of Music Parents (AMP) gains momentum

Two strategic Indianapolis-based partnerships announced

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (March 14, 2012) — The National Association of Music Parents (AMP) is pleased to announce the addition of Paige's Music as a new sponsor, as well as the establishment of a new strategic partnership with Drum Corps International.

Complementing its rapidly expanding national reach, AMP is a longtime champion of Indianapolis business. AMP Founder and CEO Scott McCormick was instrumental in relocating Bands of America (now Music for All) to Indianapolis as part of the Music Crossroads Initiative of the ICVA. After leaving Music for All in late 2010, McCormick set about to create another national non-profit music organization headquartered in Indianapolis.

The organization is pleased to add the support of local music retailer Paige's Music to its growing list of supporting companies. Paige's sponsorship enables thousands of parents of beginning music makers throughout Central Indiana to have access to a free subscription to AMP to learn alongside their kids about the benefits of music education in their child's total development.

According to Paige's Music Owner Mark Goff, "It's so important for parents to be informed about the benefits of music education, and become involved from day one in supporting music in our schools. AMP gives us a great vehicle to help make this happen."

Additionally, AMP recently entered into a strategic partnership with Drum Corps International (DCI), another member of the Music Crossroads initiative that relocated from the Chicago area.

"We're pleased to align with AMP as a strategic partner," said Dan Acheson of DCI. "Parents are the foundation of a successful music education process for all students. By providing an association to gather information, share best practices and engage the positive energy of parent involvement, the quality of the student and music teacher experience will be lifted to unimaginable heights."

Launched in May 2011, AMP is a national non-profit organization whose goal is to preserve music and arts in our nation's education system through grassroots efforts. AMP believes that music should be accessible to all students and provides a partnership between parents, music educators and the community to determine the future of their child's music education.

Engaging and empowering parents to take ownership of their children's complete education, including music and the arts, AMP gives parents tools and shares best practices to help champion these curriculums in their local communities, along with proven advocacy strategies to help ensure that all children can access quality music education programs. AMP works collaboratively with established music-making advocates such as NAMM and SupportMusic.com.

The substantial academic, social and emotional benefits of music making on human development have been widely documented. U.S. Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan said: "At this time when you are making critical and far-reaching budget and program decisions...I write to bring to your attention the importance of the arts as a core academic subject and part of a complete education for all students....the arts play a significant role in children's development and learning process. The arts can help students become tenacious, team-oriented problem solvers who are confident and able to think creatively."

AMP's interactive website and Facebook page offer impactful videos, critical music education facts, webinars and conferences and a platform for parents and educators to ask questions and solve problems. AMP's resources are an opportunity to connect with like-minded parents and booster organizations across the country to implement change for the betterment of music education in our schools.

To learn more or get involved, visit www.AMParents.org.

About The National Association of Music Parents (AMP): The National Association of Music Parents mission is to build a grassroots national movement that empowers parents to defend the interests of our students and ensure that music and the arts remain an integral discipline within the core education system in America. Beyond mobilizing parents, AMP seeks to work with valued partners in both music education and in the music products industry to ensure that music and arts remain relevant on both the local and national level.

Text and image courtesy of AMP.

Copyright 2012 Marching.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published or redistributed without permission.

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National Association of Music Parents (AMP) gains momentum