VH1 Save The Music: Press

MEMPHIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT DR. CAROL JOHNSON RECEIVES ANNUAL AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SUPPORT OF MUSIC

Singer Macy Gray to Help Present Award During American Association of
School Administrator’s 139th National Conference on Education

Award given by the VH1 Save The Music Foundation and
NAMM: The International Music Products Association

Paul Houston, Executive Director, AASA; Macy Gray; Dr. Carol Johnson, Superintendent, Memphis City Schools; Laurie Schopp, Director of Programs and Policy, VH1 Save The Music Foundation; Dr. Eugene White, President, AASA and Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools celebrate Award For Distinguished Support Of Music.

New Orleans, LA, March 1, 2007 – Dr. Carol Johnson, superintendent of the Memphis City Schools has been named the recipient of the third annual Administrator Award for Distinguished Support of Music Education. Dr. Johnson was chosen for her commitment to ensuring that music education is part of the core curriculum in all public schools in the Memphis City Schools.

The award is co-sponsored by the VH1 Save The Music Foundation and NAMM: the International Music Products Association and will be given on March 1 at the opening session of the American Association of School Administrator's (AASA) 139th National Conference on Education in New Orleans. The award is presented each year at AASA's national conference to one superintendent or school CEO who has exhibited outstanding commitment to restoring music education in his or her school district. This year, singer Macy Gray will be on-hand to help present the award to Dr. Johnson.

In 2003, when Dr. Johnson became superintendent of the Memphis City Schools, she brought to the position a strong belief in advocacy for music education and its role in educating the whole child. “Music transcends income and race, culture and language, religion and disability. No student should leave Memphis City Schools without a music education,” said Dr. Johnson.

As the leader of the Memphis City Schools, she has continued to defend the need for music education even in the face of adversity and budget cuts. “There is a mounting body of research that shows that students who have a comprehensive education in music and the arts perform better academically. There is no substitute for the learning that music and the arts bring into the lives of our children. The gift is priceless,” added Johnson.

“Dr. Johnson’s commitment to music education programs throughout Memphis City Schools truly embodies the intent of this award,” said Paul Cothran, VH1 Save The Music Foundation Executive Director. “Each Memphis City School student that is affected by the benefits of music is a testament to Dr. Johnson’s commitment to music education.”

Joe Lamond, President and CEO, NAMM, said that Dr. Johnson’s consistent support of music education resonates with a recent Harris Poll study conducted by NAMM and MENC: The National Association for Music Education, which found that 96 percent of public school principals believe that participation in music education encourages and motivates students to stay in school longer, and 89 percent agree that music education contributes to higher graduation rates.

“The more school administrators understand and support the social, academic and wellness benefits of music education, the more the tides will change to ensure that every child has access to experiencing music making hands-on,” Lamond said. “We commend Dr. Johnson’s efforts to support music programs in the Memphis City Schools.”

"AASA is proud to honor Dr. Johnson for her commitment to music education in the Memphis City Schools," said AASA Executive Director Paul D. Houston. "Music education is such an important part of the K-12 educational experience. In the current era of test-based school reform, creative activities such as music education are being squeezed out of the curriculum at schools nationwide. Providing a strong music education program is an important component in giving our children the skills they need to succeed in life, not just succeed on tests.”

Gray stated, “As a musician and as someone who believes in music education I couldn’t be happier to help present this award. Dr. Johnson is a true inspiration and her work is to be commended. I hope many more public school officials continue to give students the tool of music to better their lives.”

Since 1999, the VH1 Save The Music Foundation has provided 28 Memphis City Schools with $715,000 worth of new musical instruments to jumpstart the district’s instrumental music programs. The success of the programs has been maintained by the continued support of Superintendent Johnson. NAMM member music retailer Amro Music helped deliver the instruments and continues to work with the school district as the program has grown.

Research consistently shows that musical study develops critical thinking and self discipline skills and improves a child's early cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities, self-esteem, SAT scores, ability to work in teams, spatial reasoning skills, and school attendance. Researchers have also found that children involved with music education are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college and are less likely to be involved with gangs and substance abuse.

Gray exploded onto the music seen in 1997 and won her first Grammy for her debut album, “On How Life Is.” Since then Gray has continued to have success in the music world with her critically-acclaimed 2003 release, “The Trouble With Being Myself.” When not recording her own albums Gray collaborates with artists including Carlos Santana and Queen Latifah, and on soundtracks such as “8 Mile” and “Chicago.” Gray also works to give back to her community. In 2005 Gray opened the M. Gray Music Academy in North Hollywood, Calif. The new music academy teaches students recording techniques, voice and drum lessons and gives them insight into the world of music.

AASA (www.aasa.org), founded in 1865, is the professional organization for more than 13,000 educational leaders across the United States. AASA’s mission is to support and develop effective school system leaders who are dedicated to the highest quality public education for all children. AASA’s major focus is standing up for public education.

Since VH1 Save The Music was created in 1997, more than $34 million worth of new musical instruments has been donated to 1,400 public schools in 80 cities, improving the lives of more than 800,000 children. VH1 Save The Music’s many honors include the Governors’ Award (a special Emmy Award), the George Foster Peabody Award for broadcast and cable excellence, and many Beacon Awards.

NAMM is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the international musical instruments and products industry. NAMM’s activities and programs are designed to promote music making to people of all ages. NAMM is comprised of more than 9,000 Member companies. For more information about NAMM, interested parties can visit www.namm.org or call 800-767-NAMM (6266).

Contact:
Maura Wozniak/VH1
212-846-7325
maura.wozniak@vh1staff.com

Amy Vogt/AASA
703-875-0723
avogt@aasa.org