C&.notes Scholarship That’s Music To The Ears (NAPSA)—High school-aged musicians of note are being hon- ored thanks to a national music program. They are being asked to join a band—and a numberofparticularly talented musicians will win scholarship money as well. Hershey’s Fund Raising and the National Association for Music Education (MENC) have created the Hershey’s All-USA High School Band, a national program that acknowledges the outstanding skills and accomplishments of high school musicians. To honor these students, teachers, administrators and private instructors can nominate a student for membership in the band. Members will be featured in a national promotion recognizing their commitment to excellence. Nominations must be postmarked by February 1, 2005, andfinalists will be announced in May. In addition, a $500 scholarship will be awarded to the principal chair in each instrument section, with additional scholarships also to be awarded. Music education programs help students discover and develop their musical talents and also teach valuable skills that prepare students to be more productive in the workforce and throughoutlife. Studies show a positive correla- tion between academic achieve- ment and participation in school music programs. Music students earn good grades, have fewerdiscipline problems and are good school and community citizens. They tend to have a better work ethic and organizational skills. These students know they need to prac- tice hard to achieve excellence. A high school music program may help some young musicians payfor college. Both Hershey’s Fund Raising and MENCsupport quality music programs in schools and have helped to develop and execute them. Hershey’s Fund Raising helps schools raise the funds to build successful music programs. Programs such as the All-USA High School Band serve as a resource to help teachers, students and music organizations achieve their goals. “Student musicians work hard to balance the everyday demands of school, family and jobs with the dedication and commitment it takes to succeed in music. We are proud to call attention to their extraordi- nary efforts and accomplishments,” says John J. Mahlmann,executive director of MENC. “This exciting program comes at a time when music education is recognized as a vital link to the success of our nation’s students.” For more information, visit www.hersheysfundraising.com or www.menc.org/allusaband.
