General Music teachers are the true "work horse" of Music Education.  If students have a positive General Music experience, they are much more likely to seek out additional musical experiences, like band, orchestra and chorus in Middle and High school.  Conversely, if students have a negative General Music experience, they may shy away from exploring other musical options.  We are the ones who teach the students to read and write music, sing and play instruments with the correct technique, and work collaboratively with their peers in ensemble experiences.  Our class is the first opportunity students have to improvise, create music on their own and experience the true joy of a performance even if it is in a classroom setting.  General Music teachers are also the "go to" person when it comes to adding some culture to presentations such as, a ribbon cutting ceremony, Volunteer Appreciation Day, Grandparent Day, and many more.  General Music teachers have been participating in Arts Integration before it was even popular.  We are on the cutting edge.  We are the ones that get things done.  Celebrate your contributions to society and your ability to enable our students to be come literate consumers and producers of music!