"Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), that it is the sense of the Congress that music education grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of a well-rounded academic curriculum and should be available to every student in every school" --United States Congress. Senate. 109th Congress, 2nd Session. H.Con.Res. 355

In the country as a whole, music programs in many areas are threatened by budget cuts, testing mandates and scheduling conflicts--all despite research on how participation in the arts enhances academic achievement, supports social development, and provides a well-rounded education. 

The Congressional Associates Program is a program ASTA is going to be focusing on this fall.  It gives free ASTA memberships to Senators and Members of Congress who support music education.  We will be encouraging ASTA members to write their representatives, asking them to join the Congressional Associates Program.  Keep an eye out for updates about this fantastic program. 

Please, click here for a downloadable pdf file of the Congressional Associates for Music Education brochure and application.  You may print the file and send it to your Congressmen and Senators asking them to join.  Also, visit our Capwiz site for a letter to send with the application. We need your help to make this program a success!