Press Releases

CMA Receives Friend of Education Award from MNEA for Support of Music Education in Public Schools
May 4, 2010

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – CMA received the 2010 Friend of Education Award from the Metropolitan Nashville Education Association on May 4 at the National Teacher Day Banquet in Nashville. The award recognizes the Association’s support of music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools through the “Keep the Music Playing” program.

Wendy Pearl, Vice President of Corporate Communications at CMA, accepts the 2010 MNEA Friend of Education Award, May 4, 2010.

Half the net proceeds from CMA Music Festival are donated to the cause through a partnership with the Nashville Alliance for Public Education. To date, CMA has donated $3.3 million to benefit music education programs for Nashville’s 76,000 public school students. This money has been used to build music labs and purchase more than 3,000 instruments and much-needed supplies.

“It means a great deal to be recognized by the teachers,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. “We may provide the raw materials – the trumpets, tubas, and trombones – but the teachers are the ones on the frontline inspiring their students to create music, which is the foundation of CMA’s mission.”

“MNEA and Nashville’s teachers cherish the artists who contribute their time to help provide our students with musical instruments,” said Erick Huth, MNEA President. “The CMA Music Festival helps sustain Nashville’s reputation as Music City USA!”

“By putting instruments in the hands of students, CMA is providing the resources and opportunities these students could not have afforded on their own – giving many of them a strong reason to remain in school,” said Pam Garrett, Executive Director of the Nashville Alliance for Public Education. “CMA is very deserving of this honor.”

Artists perform at CMA Music Festival for free. In appreciation of their dedication and time, CMA donates half the net proceeds from the Festival to “Keep the Music Playing” on their behalf. When the program began in 2001, it was known as CMA’s “Cause for Celebration!” and from 2001-2005, CMA contributed more than $800,000 to more than 100 worthy causes. In 2006, the CMA Artist Relations Committee decided to channel those financial resources into a single cause – music education.

Music makes a difference. Last year, Metro public schools’ performing arts students had a 98% graduation rate.

CMA Music Festival is an unparalleled music experience celebrating America’s music, bringing the community together with fans from around the world. Now in its 39th year, CMA Music Festival was held on June 10-13, in downtown Nashville. Dubbed the “crown jewel of Country Music Festivals” by USA Today and winner of the International Entertainment Buyers Association’s 2004, 2006, and 2008 LIVE! Award for Festival of the Year, the event features four jam-packed days of music with concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more.

Click here to download the pdf