Stauffer to represent BHS at NAfME Hill Day
Director of Music & Education Bill Stauffer will represent the Barbershop Harmony Society at the National Association for Music Education’s “Hill Day 2026” in support of federal legislation and programs that advance high-quality music education.
"After a day-long training session, roughly 300 NAfME members and partners spend the following day meeting with legislators from their respective states and districts to advocate for measures that promote equitable access to music education. As a member of both NAfME and BHS, I can say that the Venn diagram of our mutual aims is almost a perfect circle.
"What makes this experience so powerful is that it champions what we already know to be true: the myriad benefits of music education. As barbershoppers, we know anecdotally and viscerally what singing does for us — the joy, the peace, the stress relief, and the human connection that come from making beautiful art together. We also know from evidence-based research that music education positively affects cognitive function, social-emotional learning, and academic achievement. Put simply, music is good for you.
"What may not be as self-evident is the behind-the-scenes work that goes into music education advocacy. As every BHS/NAfME Music Educator of the Year will tell you, it takes years — and the partnership of students, parents, colleagues, administrators, and yes, legislators — to build and sustain life-giving music programs".
Want to add your voice in support of arts education? Visit NAfME and Save The Music Foundation to learn how you can support their work. In the meantime, sing! Connect with your local music educators to see how your chapter can support their efforts. Partner with community organizations that promote music and the arts, and learn from one another as you grow together.
Remember: music is good for you — and for all of us.