MTNA represented on Capitol Hill - Association News - Music Teachers National Association - Brief Article

American Music Teacher, August-Sept, 2002

MTNA Executive Director Dr. Gary L. Ingle represented the association when a group of music education experts met with the U.S. House of Representative's House Education Caucus to discuss the new "No Child Left Behind Act."

Among its many provisions, the law defines music and the arts as core subjects, authorizing funding for public school music education. Leaders called for increased recruitment and retention efforts for music teachers and the need for more research and data regarding school music programs and funding.

"While this law applies directly to school music programs, MTNA members also will likely see a favorable impact," says Ingle. "A renewed emphasis on music education in the schools could translate to more students seeking private instruction to augment their school music education."

The House Education Caucus is a nonpartisan group co-chaired by Representative Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Representative Bob Clement (D-TN). Blunt was a trustee of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, when Ingle was a vice president at the university. Blunt later became president of the institute.

"MTNA is fortunate to have a close friend and advocate on Capitol Hill," says Ingle. "Education always has been an important part of Roy's work, and his influence will serve our members well."