WAI's celebration of music ed ignites student engagement throughout North Country

TICONDEROGA | We Are Instrumental just wrapped up a four-county-wide March Madness practice marathon/initiative for a month-long celebration of music education. We Are Instrumental (WAI) has announced the results of its 2026 Music March Madness, a region-wide initiative that united students, educators, artists, and communities in a month-long celebration of music education. Launched with a widely shared kickoff video, the program quickly built momentum across participating schools. Students engaged in a friendly, bracket-style competition centered on consistent practice, collaboration, and musical growth. Celebrity supporters amplified the program's reach, including Dean Norris (Breaking Bad), Zachary James (Hadestown), Drake Bell (Drake & Josh) and TikTok creators Smooth Papi and AJ & Big Justice. A friendly maple-syrup wager between Assemblymen Cashman and Simpson added to the regional rivalry. The personalized shoutouts—naming schools and theNorth Country/ADK region directly—added energy and visibility, helping students feel recognized beyond their classrooms. ACROSS NINE SCHOOLS, STUDENTS LOGGED: ● Nearly 300,000 total minutes of practice ● 6,400 minutes on scales ● 29,000 minutes on solo repertoire ● 41,000 minutes on ensemble music PARTICIPATION ACROSS FOUR COUNTIES Participating schools: Boquet Valley, Corinth, Newcomb, North Warren, Peru, Plattsburgh, Ticonderoga, Tupper Lake, and Willsboro. CELEBRATING STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT Ticonderoga Central School was named this year's champion. AWARDS INCLUDED: 1st Place (Ticonderoga): Trip to a live performance at Proctors Theatre or the Flynn 2nd Place (Peru): Pizza party 3rd Place (Corinth): Ice cream party Select standout students from Peru and Corinth will also join the Proctors/Flynn experience alongside Ticonderoga students and teachers, reinforcing WAI's commitment to inclusion and shared opportunity. The performance experience reflects a core WAI principle: music enrichment strengthens educational outcomes. IMPACT BEYOND THE COMPETITION While structured as a competition, Music March Madness produced broader outcomes: Increased visibility for school music programs Strengthened student engagement and practice habits Fostered collaboration across schools and communities This program revealed what's possible when students are not just encouraged to practice, but inspired to belong to something larger—their effort, consistency, and pride in their work reached an entirely different level. It underscores how targeted, regional initiatives can overcome geographic barriers and ensure students in rural areas feel visible, connected, and engaged," said Executive Director Evan Mack. "The prize isn't just an award—it's another enrichment opportunity, because access to these experiences is often what most directly shapes student outcomes." LOOKING AHEAD: SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES With participation now spanning four counties, WAI is seeking local business sponsors and community partners to expand the program in 2027. Opportunities include supporting student incentives, artist engagement, and enrichment experiences.Businesses and community members can contribute by sponsoring program elements, funding student experiences, or supporting participating schools directly. For more information visit weareinstrumentalny.org/2026-march-madness.

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WAI's celebration of music ed ignites student engagement throughout North Country

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