Mayor
Karl Dean and Country Music Stars Casey James, Sarah Darling, Striking
Matches Honor Music Teachers at NAfME’s 2013 National In-Service Opening
Night Concert
Karl Dean and Country Music Stars Casey James, Sarah Darling, Striking
Matches Honor Music Teachers at NAfME’s 2013 National In-Service Opening
Night Concert
Over 3,500 Teachers, School Administrators & Students Packed Grand Ole Opry House for Inaugural Event
NASHVILLE, TENN. (October 28, 2013) – Last night, Sunday, Oct. 27, country music stars Casey James, Sarah Darling, Striking Matches
and the city of Nashville honored music teachers nationwide for all
they do to support quality music education in schools during a special
concert at the Grand Ole Opry House. The concert kicked off the National Association for Music Education’s
(NAfME) 2013 National In-Service Conference, which is being held now
through Oct. 30 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean welcomed the packed house of
over 3,500 concert attendees saying, “I think it’s pretty clear that a
quality arts education and in particular, a quality music education, is a
key component to a well-rounded, successful education program. Arts
education is not a frill, it is not optional — not if we are going to
give our students the tools they need to live rich and rewarding lives.”
and the city of Nashville honored music teachers nationwide for all
they do to support quality music education in schools during a special
concert at the Grand Ole Opry House. The concert kicked off the National Association for Music Education’s
(NAfME) 2013 National In-Service Conference, which is being held now
through Oct. 30 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
Nashville Mayor Karl Dean welcomed the packed house of
over 3,500 concert attendees saying, “I think it’s pretty clear that a
quality arts education and in particular, a quality music education, is a
key component to a well-rounded, successful education program. Arts
education is not a frill, it is not optional — not if we are going to
give our students the tools they need to live rich and rewarding lives.”
Rising country duo Striking Matches (Justin Davis, Sarah Zimmermann),
who were signed to new label, I.R.S. Records Nashville, earlier this
week kicked-off the music for the night with harmonizing vocals and
blazing guitars. “This is an amazing honor for us to be here and perform
for you,” said Davis. “No offense to any of my other elementary school
teachers but the only name I really remember is my music teacher!”
who were signed to new label, I.R.S. Records Nashville, earlier this
week kicked-off the music for the night with harmonizing vocals and
blazing guitars. “This is an amazing honor for us to be here and perform
for you,” said Davis. “No offense to any of my other elementary school
teachers but the only name I really remember is my music teacher!”
Powerhouse vocalist Sarah Darling followed
their set with her four-piece band, belting out hit single “Home To Me,”
and other crowd-pleasing songs like “Ho Hey” (The Lumineers) and
“Missing You,” (John Waite). Attendees filled the Grand Ole Opry House
with the glow of cell phone lights during the jaw-dropping delivery of
her final song, “Landslide.” She closed expressing her gratitude for
NAfME honoring her with the “Stand For Music” Award earlier this year
and the work of all music educators.
their set with her four-piece band, belting out hit single “Home To Me,”
and other crowd-pleasing songs like “Ho Hey” (The Lumineers) and
“Missing You,” (John Waite). Attendees filled the Grand Ole Opry House
with the glow of cell phone lights during the jaw-dropping delivery of
her final song, “Landslide.” She closed expressing her gratitude for
NAfME honoring her with the “Stand For Music” Award earlier this year
and the work of all music educators.
American Idol finalist and
headliner Casey James ended the night with an acoustic set including his
hit “Crying on Her Suitcase,” to an enthused crowd who sang along to
every word. “Music education is very important to me and I’m glad I can
be a part of it,” he said. “I really appreciate what you all are doing
for aspiring musicians.”
headliner Casey James ended the night with an acoustic set including his
hit “Crying on Her Suitcase,” to an enthused crowd who sang along to
every word. “Music education is very important to me and I’m glad I can
be a part of it,” he said. “I really appreciate what you all are doing
for aspiring musicians.”
Outlining the vision behind the “Music
Makes Us” program, which has been supported by Nashville’s music
industry community, other local businesses and community leaders, Mayor
Dean emphasized that cities can and should be ensuring
students receive a quality music education in the schools, even in
tough economic times. “What I want to leave with you is that it can be
done,” he said. “Thank you for all you do in your local communities to
make sure music remains a priority.” NAfME President Nancy Ditmer then presented Dean with a special award in honor of all of his work.
Makes Us” program, which has been supported by Nashville’s music
industry community, other local businesses and community leaders, Mayor
Dean emphasized that cities can and should be ensuring
students receive a quality music education in the schools, even in
tough economic times. “What I want to leave with you is that it can be
done,” he said. “Thank you for all you do in your local communities to
make sure music remains a priority.” NAfME President Nancy Ditmer then presented Dean with a special award in honor of all of his work.
Pictured on the right, Artists also
participated in a Q&A for students prior to the concert, answering
questions they had about breaking into the music industry and the
challenges of achieving long-term success.
participated in a Q&A for students prior to the concert, answering
questions they had about breaking into the music industry and the
challenges of achieving long-term success.
The concert kicked-off a slew of other
entertainment events to take place during NAfME’s conference this week,
including a performance by more than 670 students selected as part of
the All-National Honors Ensemble – the most skilled high school musicians in the country. Following Nashville At-Large City Councilman Ronnie Steine’s Keynote Address and other professional development workshops today, NAfME will host a fundraiser for their
Give A Note Foundation for members at the Wildhorse Saloon tonight.
entertainment events to take place during NAfME’s conference this week,
including a performance by more than 670 students selected as part of
the All-National Honors Ensemble – the most skilled high school musicians in the country. Following Nashville At-Large City Councilman Ronnie Steine’s Keynote Address and other professional development workshops today, NAfME will host a fundraiser for their
Give A Note Foundation for members at the Wildhorse Saloon tonight.
For additional program information, please visit
http://inserviceconference.
NelsonD@nafme.org or Amanda French at
amanda@marqueepr.com.
http://inserviceconference.
NelsonD@nafme.org or Amanda French at
amanda@marqueepr.com.
National Association for Music Education,
among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only
association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME
advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources
for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional
development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students
and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of
students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching
levels for more than a century. With more than 70,000 members, the
organization is the voice of music education in the United States.
Follow NAfME on Twitter (
twitter.com/nafme) and on Facebook (
facebook.com/nafme).
among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only
association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME
advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources
for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional
development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students
and teachers. The Association orchestrates success for millions of
students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching
levels for more than a century. With more than 70,000 members, the
organization is the voice of music education in the United States.
Follow NAfME on Twitter (
twitter.com/nafme) and on Facebook (
facebook.com/nafme).