INFORMATIONAL

  March has been officially designated as Music In Our Schools
  Month (MIOSM) by the Music Educators National Conference, a
  professional association with nearly 70,000 members. This year
  commemorates the twenty-fourth national observance of MIOSM,
  a time when music education becomes the focus of schools
  across the nation. The World's Largest Concert (WLC) is a
  highlight of MIOSM and emphasizes the value of music in every
  child's education. This concert has been endorsed by the
  American Association of School Administrators and the National
  PTA.

  The theme  Music Power!" was chosen for both the WLC and MIOSM
  to remind everyone of the positive influence music has in our
  lives. Music has the power to improve learning skills and
  performance in all areas of study, to connect cultures and
  communities, to link students to their history and traditions,
  and to give them lifelong pleasure.

  On March 12 at 1 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, the 14th annual
  WLC will be broadcast nationwide by PBS and overseas by the
  Armed Forces Television Network to link 8 million students in
  song. In Virginia, the WLC will be broadcast by WNVT (53) in
  Falls Church/Goldvein, WVPT (51) in Harrisonburg, WCVE (23) in
  Richmond, WBRA (15) in Roanoke, WMSY (52) in Marion, and WSBN
  (47) in Norton. 

  The Canadian Brass will host this international celebration
  originating at the Wisconsin Civic Center. They will be joined
  by the Madison Children's Choir, the Madison Boy Choir, and
  the Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra. The WLC will feature
  the musical selections  Don't Let the Music Stop,"  Who Can
  Sail,"  Jamaican Market Place,"  This Land is Your Land," and
  "God Bless America." 

  A teacher's guide containing reproducible student music, piano
  accompaniments and performance instructions for the 1998 WLC,
  along with tips for celebrating MIOSM, is available now from
  Music Educators National Conference. Write to WLC Coordinator,
  MENC, 1806 Robert Fulton Drive, Reston, VA 20191 and enclose
  $3.00 for shipping.

  For additional information about MIOSM or the WLC, contact
  Theresa Lee, Fine Arts/Music Specialist, Virginia Department
  of Education (804/786-8078).


  JLD/pl