September Message from the CEO and President

Dear friends of Music for All,

The school year is underway, and with it comes one of the most thrilling times of the year, the Bands of America season! Across the country, stadium lights are turning on, buses are loading, and students are pouring their hearts into performances that showcase months of dedication and teamwork. It’s more than competition; it’s a celebration of artistry, community, and the transformative power of music education.

From the first music and movement by five-year-olds in kindergarten music class to the breathtaking performances of high school ensembles on national stages, high-quality music programs build more than musicians, they build confident, resilient young people. When students have access to these opportunities, they gain values that last a lifetime: discipline, empathy, creativity, and the ability to work together toward a common goal. That’s why expanding access and supporting excellence in music education remains at the heart of Music for All’s mission.

As we launch another incredible season, we also look to the future with great anticipation. Music for All has spent more than 50 years empowering students and educators, and the next 50 hold even greater promise. We envision a future where every child, regardless of zip code or circumstance, can experience the life-changing power of music. That means building innovative programs, expanding advocacy efforts, forging stronger collaborations with those who share our mission, and finding new ways to celebrate and support the arts at every level.

The journey ahead is exciting, and it belongs to all of us. Together, we can ensure that the next half-century of Music for All reaches even more students, uplifts more communities, and champions the essential role of music education in our society.
Here’s to an extraordinary school year, an unforgettable Bands of America season, and a bold future for music education that we will create, together.