I have had the opportunity to attend a MMM assembly at a local Middle School. The concert was absolutely incredible. Going Second, turned the Middle School auditorium into a full-blown rock concert complete with lights and effects.
The band, Going Second, really works their magic by engaging with the students and speaking honestly about the challenges they face; peer pressure, drugs, bullying, loneliness. The band members can easily relate to the students and encourage them through their music. Following the concert, band members met with a music class and talked with a smaller group of students. They answered student's questions about pursuing music, staying in school and finding ways to support each other.
I've read letters and comments from students and faculty who participated in a MMM concert assembly. The reported outcomes are fantastic; 68% of teenagers claimed that they are less likely to get involved with drugs compared to before the MMM assembly, and 47% of students agreed that MMM helped them realize how important a good education is. Teens are facing serious challenges today. In Utah, we have one of the highest rates of teen suicide. This program positively impacts teens by motivating and inspiring them to live drug free, get involved with music and stay in school. I'm proud to be a volunteer board member for MMM.
It was a coincidence that I learned about MusicMakesMusic, but once I heard the story how it started I was inspired. It took very short time to learn about their achievements - hundreds of assemblies at schools across the mountain states, simple messages communicated with students in an engaging manner, hundreds of testimonials - and it was all truly deserved, which is something I had to see first hand.
Their assemblies are set in a way that does not interfere with school activities, team is so efficient, and once assembly starts energy of students and staff is palpable, interaction with students is exemplary. MMM has 4 main messages for students - get involved with music, stay in school and continue your education, avoid drugs and alcohol and do not engage in bullying - are communicated in a very creative interactive way that resonates with students. Students who perform with the band is another way of engaging students.
MMM has made and is continuing to make a substantial contribution to music and arts in most direct way, by engaging students.
It's truly amazing what this organization has accomplished, and WILL accomplish in the future for students. I volunteered for just one day with the group to help set up their "presentation", or ROCK CONCERT if you will, and soon found myself with goosebumps! The students we're so captive and you could FEEL the entire school auditorium roar with excitement and enthusiasm. Even though I never volunteered for MMM (music makes music) again, I still vividly remember how great of a thing these guys are doing! They're just great!
Review from Guidestar