1000 Students Sing the National Anthem in Nation's Capital

The national spotlight focused on music education on June 13, 2008, as 1,000 students from across the country, YouTube sensation the “Cactus Cuties,” the U.S. Marine Band, and delegates from the Mrs. America organization performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the U.S. Capitol. The performers were celebrating the national anthem and the importance of music education. 

A new Harris Poll released in June 2008 found that Americans overwhelmingly support teaching the national anthem in schools and agree music education impacts success in other subjects.

• Watch the performance and other video clips from the event.
• View the Harris Poll.
• Read more about the event.

--Elizabeth Lasko, June 18, 2008. © MENC: The National Association for Music Education