On June 24, 2026, more than 300 music education leaders, advocates, and future educators gathered in Washington, DC, to highlight the importance of music education and advocate for stronger federal support during the annual Hill Day hosted by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).
Representing the South Carolina Music Educators were Tom Finigan (Colleton County) SCMEA State President; Erik Hines (Sumter) SCMEA President Elect; Patty Foy (Spartanburg) Executive Secretary/Treasurer; Allie Dombkowski (Charleston) Government Relations Chair; April Troglauer (Loris) School Band and Orchestra’s Top 50 Music Educators and Cody Beard (Greenwood) Student Programs Coordinator for NAfME. These SCMEA Leaders were among participants from across the nation who traveled to the nation’s capital to champion equitable access to music education for all students.
The South Carolina delegation included six music educators who met with congressional offices representing communities across the state.
The South Carolina delegation included six music educators who met with congressional offices representing communities across the state.
“Music education has a transformative impact on students, schools, and communities, yet far too many young people across the country still lack access to these opportunities,” said NAfME President Cecil Adderley. “Advocating for increased access to music education is essential, and we are proud to stand alongside dedicated educators, students, and supporters who are committed to ensuring every child can experience the benefits of music learning. We are deeply grateful to the advocates who joined us on Capitol Hill to elevate this important issue.”
Upon returning to South Carolina, Tom Finigan, SCMEA President, reflected on his experience, describing the nation’s music educators as selfless, passionate, introspective, genuine, and collaborative individuals who dedicate themselves daily to their students and peers. He emphasized that the Capitol Hill Day experience creates a lasting bond among past, present, and future attendees, noting that true success lies not just in volunteering time, but in creating a meaningful impact.
Finigan praised NAfME as a passionate group of educators and leaders, both locally and nationally, who work tirelessly to ensure universal, barrier-free access to music. “Music education is bi-partisan and absolutely instrumental to success,” Finigan stated. “I am deeply honored to represent SCMEA and NAfME alongside these amazing individuals and organizations.”
During meetings with members of Congress Tom Finigan, SCMEA President, and their staff, advocates shared personal stories illustrating the profound impact music education has had on their own lives and on the students and communities they serve. Finigan and the SCMEA delegation helped demonstrate the value of music education and underscored the importance of federal policies that support a well-rounded education that includes the music and the arts for every student.
The South Carolina Music Educators Association and NAfME extend their sincere gratitude to the educators, collegiate students, and supporters whose dedication and advocacy help advance the goal of ensuring every student has access to a high-quality music education.
During meetings with members of Congress Tom Finigan, SCMEA President, and their staff, advocates shared personal stories illustrating the profound impact music education has had on their own lives and on the students and communities they serve. Finigan and the SCMEA delegation helped demonstrate the value of music education and underscored the importance of federal policies that support a well-rounded education that includes the music and the arts for every student.
The South Carolina Music Educators Association and NAfME extend their sincere gratitude to the educators, collegiate students, and supporters whose dedication and advocacy help advance the goal of ensuring every student has access to a high-quality music education.
The South Carolina Music Educators Association is the federated state affiliate of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), a collaborative community dedicated to advancing music education and supporting music educators at all levels.
