IV 
116TH CONGRESS 
1ST SESSION 
H. RES. 216 
Expressing support for designation of March 2019 as Music in Our Schools 
Month. 
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
MARCH 11, 2019 
Ms. VELA´ZQUEZ (for herself and Ms. NORTON) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Education and Labor 
RESOLUTION 
Expressing support for designation of March 2019 as Music 
in Our Schools Month. 
Whereas music has been present in every known human cul-
ture throughout history and modern times; 
Whereas music is one of the most important manifestations 
of our cultural heritage, as it embodies our national iden-
tity and illustrates our shared history; 
Whereas music education helps communities share ideas and 
values among cultures and generations, promoting a more 
cooperative and inclusive citizenry; 
Whereas singing has existed in American classrooms since be-
fore the signing of the Declaration of Independence; 
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•HRES 216 IH 
Whereas, in 1838, music as its own curriculum was first 
adopted by public authority in the public schools of Bos-
ton, Massachusetts; 
Whereas the development of a musical people has been and 
remains dependent on a public commitment to the teach-
ing of music in all schools; 
Whereas State legislatures and educational agencies have 
supported music as part of the regular school curriculum; 
Whereas the Every Student Succeeds Act identified music as 
part of a well-rounded education; 
Whereas music is a means for exploring the emotional and 
aesthetic dimensions of the human experience; 
Whereas music holds intrinsic value as an art form, providing 
opportunity for self-expression, fellowship, and spiritual 
fulfillment; 
Whereas research has documented that participation in school 
music promotes student engagement, leading to improved 
social and academic outcomes, particularly for at-risk 
students; 
Whereas research has documented that participation in school 
music also promotes cognitive, social, and emotional de-
velopment, exercising skills valuable to the workforce 
such as motivation, attentiveness, self-discipline, team-
work, persistence, empathy, respect, and leadership; and 
Whereas racial minorities and students who are of low-socio-
economic backgrounds are less likely to have access to a 
high-quality music education: Now, therefore, be it 
Resolved, That the House of Representatives supports 
the designation of Music in Our Schools Month and recog-
nizes— 
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•HRES 216 IH 
(1) the fundamental importance of music to the 
Nation’s culture; 
(2) the long history of music as an integral part 
of the Nation’s schools; 
(3) the disparate access to high-quality music 
education that exists across the country; and 
(4) the need to do more to support the teaching 
and learning of music in public schools. 
Æ 
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