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wisconsin foundation for school music special feature

Music for Life!

Andrea Mauch, Director of Development

Wisconsin Foundation for School Music is interested in compiling and sharing personal stories of the past, present and future in relation to how music has made a meaningful impact on lives. These stories will be shared on our web site and on personal visits with our donors. We want to tell YOUR story to spread the word that music is important and vital to our com- munities. To kick off this new initiative, I would like to share one of my music stories and hope that it will inspire you to share your stories with us.

As director of development, I have the unique opportunity to sit down and talk with many different groups of people throughout the state. In nearly every conversation, the person with whom I’m speaking shares thoughts on what music has meant to their life, their family and to their community. My children are now almost four years old and six months old, and it has become even more clear to me how important the role of music is in all of our lives and how imperative it is that we keep music opportunities abundant in our schools.

In 1945, my great grandfather came home from work and handed my grandmother, affectionately nicknamed “Daisy,” a used accordion that he had picked up at a lo- cal store. Daisy was 15 at the time and always showed an interest in music but never pursued it until that day. She had an excellent ear, and she taught herself to play many songs, such as “Beer Barrel Polka” and “Bicycle Built for Two.” At that time, money was tight for her family, so she would play at local establishments for a few nickels a night.

Not long after, Daisy was married and started a family. She lost track of her accordion and no longer played for her family. I remember a certain Christmas Eve, more than 50 years later, when my mother, aunt and uncles had gifted my grandmother with a beautiful used ac- cordion. She opened the present and stared at it, paralyzed, for at least 10 minutes. Tears welled up in her eyes. She picked up the instrument, slipped her arms through the straps, and immediately began playing “Let Me Call You Sweetheart.” It had been decades since she played, but all the notes came back as if it had been yesterday.

Music is TRULY a lifelong skill.

Daisy passed away at 77 years old a few years ago. It was an honor for me to receive her accordion, and I feel so blessed that my family wanted me to have it. I have looked at it affectionately several times, but unlike my grandmother, I lack the certain ear qualities to pick it up and play it. However, I do have the opportunity to pass this gift on to my daughter. She has shown natural ability for music since she was six months old and hummed the tune of “Edelweiss.” I have big dreams for her; to be able to play piano, guitar and Grandma Daisy’s accor- dion. Passing music on to the next generation… what could be a greater gift?

Share Your Story

How has music made a difference in your life? Do you have a special story about a family member and their experience with music? Have you ever “rallied the troops” to save a music program in your community? We want to hear your stories! Please visit www.wsmamusic.org/foundation to submit yours. Accompanying photos and videos are welcome.

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