Anthony "Tony" Atienza is an experienced music teacher and director who has taught at academic institutions like San Diego State University, Southwestern College, and Lakeside Middle School. Earlier in his career, Tony Atienza served as president of the California Music Educators' Association (CMEA).

1. The CMEA's
Legally
Authorized to
Jam Campaign
Tony Atienza

2. Introduction
• Anthony "Tony" Atienza is an experienced music teacher and director who has
taught at academic institutions like San Diego State University, Southwestern
College, and Lakeside Middle School. Earlier in his career, Tony Atienza served as
president of the California Music Educators' Association (CMEA).
Affiliated with the National Association for Music Education, the CMEA works to
ensure all students in California have equal opportunities to study music as part
of their school curriculum. In achieving this goal, the organization recently
launched the Legally Authorized to Jam! campaign, which aims to engage
supporters and identify legislative opportunities for the advancement of music
education. The name of the campaign is derived from Education Code Sections
51210(e) and 51220(g), which state that music programs must be offered to
students between Grade 1 and 12 in California public schools.
The campaign is part of the larger Stand Up 4 Music coalition, which comprises
more than a dozen music education organizations. These organizations meet on
an annual basis in January to select crucial advocacy issues for the coming year.
Then, on Stand Up 4 Music Day in May, they visit the State Capitol with student
ensembles throughout California to host a press conference on the Capitol
steps.