NAMM delegates meet with students at D.C.’s Eastern High School during the Day of Service.
NAMM’s Mlynczak addresses the delegates at the Capitol.
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) speaks to the NAMM delegation.
their “pitch.” A few highlights included an opening panel from Amanda Karhuse, NAFME as- sistant executive director of advocacy and public policy; Claire Kreger-Boaz, NAMM public policy manager; Connie Myers, Nelson Mullins senior policy advisor; and Lynn Tuttle, American String Teachers Association executive director. Their discussion, titled “Understanding Federal Education Fund- ing and Policies,” addressed the importance of keeping funding for music education at the present level of $1.6 billion. That fig- ure would be, in Washington parlance, the “ask” during NAMM’s meetings on Capitol Hill. The panel discussed details of ESSA, in particular, continued funding for Title I, Title II and Title IV Part A. The next panel discussed the economic impact of the arts and included Nina Ozlu Tunceli, Americans for the Arts’ executive director; Claus von Zastrow, Arts Educa- tion Partnership’s assistant director; and David Dik, Young Audiences for Learning National’s executive director. During this discussion, panel members explained the economic power of the $151.7 billion music industry and showed delegates the scope of for-profit and non-profit arts and culture sectors, which represent $1.7 trillion of the nation’s economy and 5.4 million jobs. The keynote speech was delivered by Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-SC), who shared insights from his own music and theater background, which included playing clari- net in his high school marching band and orchestra, as well as the alto saxophone in the school’s dance band. In 2013, NAMM honored Rep. Clyburn with the Support Music Champion award for his leadership and support for music education. On Tuesday evening, NAMM delegates gathered for a reception on the ninth floor rooftop of Nelson Mullins’ offices. During the event, Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR)
spoke about work she’s currently doing on pro-music-education legislation with col- leagues on both sides of the aisle. A long- time music and arts supporter, Bonamici has joined nearly every NAMM Fly-In held in Washington, D.C. to date. NAMM TAKES CAPITOL HILL All day Wednesday, NAMM members held nearly 200 meetings with some of Capitol Hill’s most consequential elected leaders. Jeremy Chapman, co-owner of the Acoustic Shoppe in Springfield, Missouri, was attending his first NAMM Fly-In and reported having meetings with staff from the offices of Josh Hawley (R-MO), Robert Onder (R-MO), Eric Schmitt (R-MO) and Eric Burlison (R-MO). Chapman said the NAMM training ses- sion was “a great experience” but he was a little nervous going in. He said he expected pushback, but found everyone to be sup- portive of music education and many had experience with music in their own schools — with Rep. Onder’s staff even saying that if funds were to get cut, Chapman should contact their office for help. Chapman added that all of his meetings “acknowledged the value of music education.” “[I] was pleasantly surprised and did my best to champion the cause,” Chapman said. “I plan to follow up with everyone I met. And Eric Burlison even said he will visit my store.” Erin Kessler, marketing director of Maple Leaf Strings in Ohio, who was attending her second Fly-In, visited the offices of Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Jon Husted (R- OH), Mike Carey (R-OH) and Warren Davidson (R-OH). “[I] found the people we talk[ed] to are still human — and music unites us all,” Kessler said. “Everyone was willing to listen, and no interaction was negative. The offices feel exactly the same as last
year. Nothing crazy going on. Strangely, it boggles my mind. I was preparing for the worst, but I was pleasantly overjoyed and surprised.” Fly-In veteran Lee Raymond, former owner of High Strung Violins and Guitars in Durham, North Carolina, met with the offices of Ted Budd (R-NC), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Mark Harris (R-NC) and Valerie Foushee (D-NC). Raymond said Rep. Harris’ staffers ques- tioned the propriety of investing federal funds in music education, but after pulling out NAMM’s Careers in Music flyer, which emphasizes employment opportunities in music fields, the meeting back was on track. “This is the crucial year,” Raymond said. “Now that I have sold my business, I have time to go to the PTA meetings and advocate.” This year’s Fly-In was potentially best summed up by Jenna Day, who is also a NAMM board member. “This year marked my 10th NAMM Fly- In, and I’m filled with gratitude to be part of an organization so deeply committed to ensuring that all children have access to a quality music education,” Day said. “It’s a mission that transcends politics and personal beliefs — a cause rooted in the well-being and future of our students. What struck me most was how, regardless of who you are or what you believe, the Fly-In created a space for listening, for reaching across the aisle, coming together — something we don’t do often enough in today’s world.” “Advocating for music education is an industry-wide effort,” Mlynczak added. “It’s not just an event for the people who were in D.C. in May. It continues to unfold the rest of the year. Everyone in the industry should come once. Everyone who attended this year did not regret it.” NAMM is set to announce the date and schedule for the 2026 NAMM Fly-In later this year. MI
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