More than $33,000 in music instruments, equipment, and educational resources will be awarded to school music programs this March as part of Big 10+, an annual initiative hosted by Heid Music in celebration of Music In Our Schools Month.
Observed each March, Music In Our Schools Month is a national advocacy effort led for more than 40 years by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) to raise awareness about the importance of music education for every child and to reinforce that schools are where all students should have access to high-quality music programs.
Running March 1–31, Big 10+ invites students, educators, parents, and community members to submit original, music-inspired photos that highlight the impact of their school music programs. Participants are encouraged to rally their communities to vote daily, with cumulative votes determining which programs receive first selection from the prize pool.
The Big 10+ prize pool includes a wide range of instruments, classroom equipment, accessories, printed materials, and educational experiences, ensuring multiple schools benefit from the initiative.
As a company rooted in music education since 1948, Heid Music believes music is an essential part of a well-rounded education, supporting academic achievement, attendance, social-emotional growth, creativity, and confidence. Music In Our Schools Month provides an important opportunity to spotlight the work of music educators and to remind families and community leaders that protecting and strengthening school music programs requires ongoing advocacy, especially in a state where arts funding remains critically low.
“Music In Our Schools Month is something we proudly celebrate each March, but supporting school music programs is part of who we are every single day,” says DeDe Heid, Heid Music president. “Heid Music was built on partnerships with schools, and that foundation continues to guide us. Our annual contest gives schools the opportunity to be loud and proud about the incredible impact their programs have on students and their communities. It is also a reflection of the strong, long-standing relationships we share with our quality vendors, who help make initiatives like this possible.”
Participants are encouraged to share submissions on social media using #MusicInOurSchools and #Big10Plus, and to tag @HeidMusic to help amplify awareness and participation. Anyone may enter by submitting one photo per day, and voting is open daily through March 31 at 11:59 p.m. CST.
Full contest rules, prize details, photo submissions, and voting information are available at HeidMusic.com/Big10Plus.
About Heid Music
Founded in 1948, Heid Music is a family-owned music retailer dedicated to strengthening music education and supporting musicians in the communities it serves. With five Wisconsin locations in Appleton, Green Bay, Madison, Oshkosh, and Stevens Point, Heid Music partners with schools, educators, and arts organizations to provide instruments, rentals, repairs, and educational resources. Through community initiatives, educational partnerships, and advocacy efforts, Heid Music invests in music educators and students while also supporting local musicians and performances. Guided by the belief that music is essential to a well-rounded education, Heid Music works to ensure music remains accessible and impactful for musicians of all ages. To stay involved in all-things Heid Music, follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,YouTube, Tik Tok, and LinkedIn, or visit heidmusic.com.