1. 96% of US astronauts performed in the fine arts during their school years, including Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. Mr. Armstrong was a talented euphonium player in middle and high school band.
2. President Ronald Reagan was a trumpet player and was drum major in his high school band.
3. President Bill Clinton was a three year All-State band member on saxophone.
4. David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs attributes much of his mental quickness and coordination to the study of keyboard and saxophone.
5. National Association of Secondary School Principals reports 66% of all college freshmen drop out after the 1st year. In contrast, 96% of band students graduate from Universities.
6. American Medical Association states that the #1 admittance to medical schools are students that majored in music as undergraduates. Pre-med majors are #2.
7. It is a fact that music students represent the top of the academic scale in US schools. They are averaging 68 points higher on SAT exams.
8. Admission criteria into most major universities put at the top of the list commitment through the senior year to an extra-curricular activity.

PS. Today’s music? Émile Waldteufel with the gorgeous España (Op.236). Enjoy!