C. F. Martin & Co.® Heads to Washington, D.C., to Advocate for Music Education

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May 17, 2019, 09:27 ET

NAZARETH, Pa., May 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Representatives from C. F. Martin & Co.^® will travel to Washington, D.C., on Monday, May 20, to advocate for all children to have access to quality, comprehensive school music education programs. C. F. Martin IV, CEO, and Cindy McAllister, Director of Intellectual Property and Community/Government Relations, will join music industry leaders and artists as part of a delegation of music education advocates during the annual National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Music Education Advocacy D.C. Fly-In, May 20-23, 2019.

2018 NAMM, CMA and VH1 Save The Music Foundation Day of Music Education Advocacy on Capital Hill |
Left to right: Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), C. F. Martin IV, Cindy McAlllister, John McElroy |
Photo Credit: Kris Connor, Getty Images for NAMM — 2018 NAMM, CMA and VH1 Save The Music Foundation Day of Music Education Advocacy on Capital Hill | Left to right: Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN), C. F. Martin IV, Cindy McAlllister, John McElroy | Photo Credit: Kris Connor, Getty Images for NAMM

The issue takes on special importance as the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), which specifies music as part of a well-rounded education, is implemented in states and local school districts under programs and funding available via the federal education law. Martin and McAllister will meet with Members of Congress and other elected officials to advocate for the funding of school music programs across the nation and to discuss the multitude of benefits music education espouses, such as increased brain function, focus, and language development.

"Our mission is to communicate the value and importance of music education to our legislators," says McAllister. "We are proud to participate in the NAMM D.C. Fly-In, which gives us the opportunity to do so while uniting with our fellow music industry leaders."

The week of advocacy work will begin on Monday, May 20, with a Day of Service assisting a local school. On Tuesday, Martin & McAllister will participate in a full day of advocacy training, as well as in developing a state-level advocacy program. On Wednesday, they will head to Capitol Hill for a series of meetings with Members of Congress, their staff, and other elected officials and stakeholders in education policy.

About NAMM
The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry. NAMM is comprised of approximately 10,400 member companies located in 104 countries. NAMM events and members fund the NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan. For more information about NAMM, please visit www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266), or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

About Martin Guitars and Strings
C. F. Martin & Co.^® has been Inspiring Musicians Worldwide^® for nearly two centuries with their superior guitar and string products. Martin guitars and strings remain the choice for musicians around the world for their unrivaled quality, craftsmanship, and tone. With an unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible manufacturing practices, Martin continually drives the acoustic guitar market forward, introducing innovative features that have become standards across the industry. Connect with Martin Guitars and Martin Strings on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and via www.martinguitar.com.

SOURCE C.F. Martin & Co.