COLUMBUS, Ga. (WTVM) – Music for All has announced the Smiths Station High School Band Program as a recipient of the 2026 Advocacy in Action Awards.
The awards highlight educators and programs that have created an event or idea that is exceptional in their field and community. The Advocacy in Action awards are presented in five categories: Community Involvement, Elementary Excellence, Innovative Fundraising, Marketing and Promotion, and Student Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention.
The Smiths Station High School Band Program received the award in the Student Recruitment, Engagement, and Retention category.
Rock On initiative expands music access
The program’s “Rock On: Expanding Access to Pop/Rock Music Programs” initiative aims to expand participation in the pop/rock band by actively recruiting students outside the traditional band program. Through outreach, workshops, and informational sessions, students are introduced to the opportunities, skills, and community available in the ensemble.
The project fosters a welcoming environment for diverse learners by highlighting accessibility, collaboration, and personal growth. Partnerships with school staff, current band members, and community supporters ensure sustained engagement.
The effort strengthens the music program and promotes inclusivity, develops student leadership, and cultivates a lifelong appreciation for music, benefiting the school and local community.
National recognition program
The Advocacy in Action Awards recognize and celebrate the commitment of school administrators, community leaders, teachers and parents who believe in music education and are advocating to ensure that it is part of a comprehensive education for all children.
The recipients will be featured on Music for All’s Advocacy in Action Archive, where their ideas will be available for music educators across the country to learn from and emulate.
Advocacy in Action is a signature program of Music for All designed to collect, recognize, and share effective practices and initiatives that support music education in schools.
Read more on https://www.wtvm.com
