news C&.notes Singing The Praises For “The World’s Largest Concert” (NAPSA)—If you're in tune with the notion that children connect with music, then you’re in harmony with millions of people around the world. An annual worldwide concert is bringing music to the ears of music lovers from approximately 175 countries. Aptly named “The World’s Largest Concert,” the WLC was created by MENC: The National Association for Music Education to celebrate the important role music plays in a child’s education. The event connects members of school communities throughout the world and reminds everyone of the importance of music education. How important is that? Studies have shown that after eight months of keyboard lessons, preschoolers showed a 46 percent boost in their spatial reasoning IQ. In addition, it has been shown that studying music has a positive effect on students’ self-confidence, socialization, discipline and ability to focus. 20" Anniversary This is the 20th anniversary of the WLC and highlights will be shown of manyof the past 19 years of concerts. This year’s WLC program will feature highlights from some of the most popular musical selections performed in the past concerts, and the televised program Co Hect with music MENC:TheNational Association for Music Education a) Striking a responsive chord for those who understand the importance of music in our schools is an annual concert that’s broadcast to six million people around the world. will include original footage. Some favorite songs from the past include “The Star Spangled Banner”(by Francis Scott Key), “Get On Board This Train” (traditional spiritual) and “One Song, Many Voices” (musie and lyrics by Markus Williams). Overthe years, the WLC audiences sang and played along with the featured performers from classrooms, gymnasiums and community centers around the world. The WLCis broadcast on PBS and the American Forces Television Network to an estimated six million people. For more information, visit www.menc.org.
