Here are all the students and teachers participating in the Spring 2010 Recital.

It's kind of like "Where's Waldo" isn't it? Can you find yourself or your teacher?

Do you have photos you want to share from this recital?  Feel free to send in your own photos for us to share!  Email cs@alongcamemusic.com

A school in Madison, Wisconsin asked that question of their 7^th and 8^th grade band students; the answers are amazing and wonderful as shown below.  Music exercises the soul – I never thought about music in that way but it is really true.

Why don’t you take a few minutes out of your busy day and ask your children, grandchildren or even co-workers why music is important to them (I’ll do the same and ask my grandchildren).
Report your findings back on the Along Came Music company’s blog site… as a company that provides in-home private music lessons we believe very strongly in the importance of music in every person’s life.

Here are some of the statements given by the students in response to the questions, “Why is music important in your life?” and “Why is music important to the world as a whole?”:
(We’ve highlighted some of our favorites!)

♪        “Music is important to life because it brings happiness, tells stories, and adds detail to plays, movies, and many other things in life.  I don’t think I could live without music!”

♪        “Because sometimes, words aren’t enough.”

♪        “Music is a universal language that everyone can appreciate.”

♪        “Music can tell stories.  It is also a very good way to pass the time.”

♪        “Because music is basically in everything you do.”

♪        “Music exercises the soul.”

♪        “Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without ‘O Christmas Tree’!”

♪        “By playing music, I get to learn something unique and new.”

♪        “Music expresses who you are and your personality.”

♪        “Music is a way of learning about different cultures.”

♪        “Life would be really boring without music!”

♪        “Music is important in my life because it helps me understand things, and makes life more interesting.”

♪        “It is entertaining.  It expresses our feelings without talking.”

♪        “Music is what keeps me going when I do homework.”

♪        “What would a scary movie be without scary music?!”

♪        “It can add mood to something that wasn’t visible otherwise.”

♪        “Music adds color and without it, the world would be very plain.”

♪        “Music is an outlet for everyone.  It is a way of expressing yourself.  It is a way to be creative.”

Through our membership with the MMTA we learned of a program called MusicLink.  MusicLink, the MMTA and Schmitt Music will be sponsoring a Play-A-Thon where students gather pledges similar to  sponsored races or walks.  Pledges are made per song, so if a student’s family pledges $5 and the student plays two songs the family donates $10. 

All donations are tax deductable and a receipt will be offered.  Students of all instruments can play up to two songs apiece, in any style.  They can even play in duets!  Pledges gathered will be pooled together and used to help disadvantaged children get music lessons, access to instruments and printed music, etc. 

We have asked our students to participate in the Play-A-Thon and are hopeful that many will choose to perform.  The performance will be held at the Mall of America on May 1st and 2nd.  We are so excited to make donations to MusicLink and their very important program through the participation of our students!  If you are interested in participating, please fill out the application to participate.   To pledge donations for a student’s performance, fill out the pledge form and follow the instructions on how to submit the form and your donation. 

For information directly from MMTA about the MusicLink Play-a-thon, click here.