Oshkosh Mayor Matt Mugerauer proclaimed that March 2026 will be recognized as Music In Our Schools Month at the City Council regular meeting Feb. 22. 

“I encourage all the residents (of Oshkosh) to celebrate and acknowledge this everyday, but especially in March that music education is an essential part of every student’s well-rounded education,” Mugerauer said.

The Music in Our Schools Month campaign by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) started 41 years ago to bring awareness to the importance music education has in a child’s academic journey.

This March, the campaign will once again run under the theme “United Through Music,” and NAfME President Cecil Adderly said that music educators and music educator advocates remain united through music as they celebrate the month. 

“We invite supporters to join us this month and throughout the year to share the importance of music education in the lives of students, and stand with music educators, who are making such positive impacts in their communities around the country,” Adderly said in a press release. “… Together we can provide students opportunities to meet the future prepared and in community with their peers.”

Delaney Smith, a senior at Oshkosh West high school, said that music was a catalyst towards her self-acceptance while growing up.

“I struggled with my self-confidence, feeling like I failed to fit in with anyone,” Smith said. “However, my music classes served as an escape. Not only did I finally fit in by being in an ensemble, I actually excelled and became my section’s leader.”

Smith said that she hopes to pass along the acceptance to others with aspirations to become a music teacher who gives that same feeling to future students who need it most. 

“Anyone can sing, and just like in life, everyone deserves a chance,” she said.

Callie Rudoll, a junior at Oshkosh North high school, said that being a member of the band is more than just music to her.

“It’s a place where I feel comfortable and confident being myself,” Rudoll said. “I’ve learned the importance of discipline, dedication and teamwork. With endless support from all the music teachers and my peers, I have also developed some of the closest relationships.”

Ryan Lindley, a choir teacher at Perry Tipler Middle School, asked for people to advocate for the Oshkosh Area School Districts music programs by learning about what the programs do early, attending concerts and talking to members about their experiences.

You can learn more about celebrations, the purpose of Music In Our Schools Month and get lesson plans at nafme.org/advocacy/music-in-our-schools-month/.