Country Music Artists Host Concert To Feed Children (NAPSA)—An annualsing-along concert that links students around the world through music will, this year, also raise money for children in need.In addition, it will be hosted by one of the most popular country music groupsofall time. 2006 will mark the 22nd an- niversary of the World’s Largest Concert (WLC), a program of MENC: The National Association for Music Education. The WLC was created by MENCtofocus attention on music in our nation’s schools. Through the support of PBS stations, educational networks and the American Forces Television and Radio Network, the program is broadcast across the United States. The concert will be broadcast on Thursday, March 9 at 1 p.m. EST to an estimated 6 million actively participating students, teachers and community members around the world. The 2006 WLC features the Oak Ridge Boys as hosts of the concert performance emanating from the Grand Palace in Bran- son, Missouri. This year’s concert will include inspirational selections such as “You Raise Me Up” and “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand)” and fun songs such as “I Got The Music (And The Music’s In Me).” The event will also feature the Choristers of The St. Louis Children’s Choirs, directed by Kathleen Pottinger and the Missouri State University Symphony Orchestra, from Springfield, MO, under the direction of Dr. Robert Quebbeman. The theme of this year’s concert is “Music: The Heart in Education.” Concert participants are en- couraged to raise money for Feed MUSIC The Heart in Education MENC: The National Association for Music Education 9 @ An annual concert event will link an estimated 6 million people aroundthe world in song. The Children (FTC), an interna- tional nonprofit relief organization that delivers food, medicine, clothing, and other necessities to children and families who lack these essentials due to famine, war, poverty or natural disaster. “Teachers give to their students and communities every day,” says David E. Circle, president of MENC. “Students need to learn from their example andthis is a real-life opportunity for them to show their commitment to help others. Together we can demonstrate music education's importance and influence in society. This is what our collaboration with Feed The Children is all about.” A free 2006 Teacher’s Guide, including the WLC vocal, piano and orchestral music, lesson plans, activities and moreis available in its entirety online at www.menc.org/wle. The guide includes fund-raising ideas and information on how to donate funds to support Feed The Children. Sibelius Music, USA is assist- ing MENCbyproviding the music free of charge at www.sibelius music.com/menc. Rehearsal CDs are available and can be ordered at www.readingkeyboardmusic. com or bycalling (801) 262-2546.
