Country Music Artist Sarah Darling Accepts the “Stand For Music” Award from NAfME

TYSONS CORNER, VA. (Saturday, June 29, 2013) — Nashville recording artist Sarah Darling  was presented with the “Stand For Music” Award tonight by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) at their 2013 National Leadership Assembly in Washington, D.C. for her commitment to helping to preserve music in our nation’s public schools. Darling met with legislative representatives and staff members from her home states of Tennessee and Iowa on Capitol Hill yesterday in hopes of encouraging them to back legislature that keeps music and arts a priority in public school curriculum.

NAfME President Nancy Ditmer  presented the award saying, “The ‘Stand For Music’ Award is not given every year, because there’s no guarantee that in each 365 day period, there will be a worthy individual. Toting with her the same leave behinds, “Share Your Story” books and legislative requests as the rest of us, Sarah made her way up to Capitol Hill, took on a full slate of visits, and made our case for the success of America’s schools. In a time when celebrities and politicians say all the right things but often do not back up their words with actions, Sarah Darling is a wonderful exception. So thank you Sarah. Your assistance will help ensure our next generation will have the same opportunities that you had to develop the diverse array of skills that we know only music education can provide.”

From the age of four, Darling aspired to sing country music. She credits those supportive educators in her life that helped nurture that dream through her most vulnerable years.

“I don’t know if I would have had the courage and belief in myself to truly chase after this dream if it weren’t for my pre-school teacher,  Sherry Vanderploeg and middle school music teacher Stephanie Rumple. They saw my passion for music and honed my talent, giving me the most incredible gift and chance for success in all aspects of my life,” she says.

“I believe it is so important for our nation’s leaders to understand the immense benefit music education has in young people’s lives — no matter what career they pursue. Music entertains, inspires and heals. I’m honored the NAfME has given me the chance to be heard.”

Currently promoting her latest single, “Little Umbrellas,” (now available on iTunes), country music fans can tune in on Monday, July 1 at 12 p.m. EDT to the homepage of Parade.com for the online exclusive World Premiere of the song’s new music video.

See Darling out on the road this summer opening select dates on tour for country icon Alan Jackson and performing her own headlining shows nationwide.

For more information on Sarah Darling, visit:

www.sarahdarling.com

Facebook.com/OfficialSarahDarling

@SarahDarling

For more information on the NAfME, visit:

www.nafme.org