Pennsylvania Leaders Advocate for Music Education with Federal Elected Officials during Appropriations Season
On June 11, 2025, more than 300 music education leaders and advocates convened in Washington, DC, to share the importance of music education with their federal legislators. Brett Keith (Altoona Area School District), Rebecca Sensor (DuBois Area School District), Abi Young (PMEA), Mark Despotakis (PMEA), Bryan Powell (Music Will), and Pennsylvania collegiate music education students: Abigail Drezewski, Vanessa Harper, Rachel Kroner, Amelia Lau, Keegan McLean, Hannah Oldham, Taylor Pastore, Nate Presutti and Cooper Sluka were among the many voices from across the country advocating for music education during the annual National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Hill Day.
“Teachers, by nature, are leaders—in their classroom, in their community, and most recently on Capitol Hill,” said NAfME President Deb Confredo. “The annual NAfME Hill Day provides a wonderful opportunity to engage with legislators and share the benefits of music teaching and learning. Many thanks to the congressional offices and music educators and advocates who made this year’s Hill Day a resounding success!”
“We at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association are grateful for the opportunity to meet one on one with our legislators and their staffers, to engage in productive conversations in support of music education and our students not just in our own state but across the county,” said Brett Keith, PMEA President. “These conversations, in reality, shape the future of our profession and how we all have the ability to truly support the creative and educational needs of our communities.”
When meeting with members of Congress, attendees shared their personal experiences of music education’s positive impact on their students and communities. These anecdotes helped facilitate conversation focused on how legislators can support federal programs and legislation ensuring all students have access to a well-rounded education that includes music.
NAfME advocates for federal programs that support a well-rounded education such as Titles I, II, and IV-A of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Additionally, advocates spoke with members of Congress to support legislation that can positively impact music education such as the Arts Education for All Act and Respect, Advancement, and Increasing Support for Educators (RAISE) Act.
PMEA and NAfME extend a note of gratitude to the educators and supporters who work toward ensuring music education for all students.
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The Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) is a statewide nonprofit organization of over 3,700 members, dedicated to promoting the musical development of all Pennsylvanians. The present membership evolved from a small group of band directors dating from 1933. Today, the organization includes those engaged in music instruction at all levels, from preschool through college and university, as well as those in the music industry, merchandising and publishing. The organization promotes and supports quality music education, learning and performance as well as promoting and supporting music education in schools and communities. PMEA is affiliated with The National Association for Music Education, NAfME.