historian & retired members


demonstrating the importance of the arts in our lives, in the creative process and prob- lem solving, we can add to the justification for the absolute necessity of having music in the schools. As Fred Leist proposed, it is the duty of every one of us to justify the continuance of music in the schools.


Fred Leist


music educators to band together for the benefit of the thousands of young music students in the state of Wisconsin.3


During this meeting, a constitution was ad- opted, stating the following objectives:


The WMEC will attempt to promote music by:


• Endeavoring to stimulate the study of and the desire for good music in the schools and communities of the state.


• Aiding in and securing greater recognition of music as an integral part of the school curriculum.


• Aiding in the development of units in each community, which serve as outlets for music interests, abilities and activities.4


What an extraordinary set of goals for the young WMEC. Fred Leist, Eva Mae Struckmeyer and Harvard Erdmann were the first three presidents of WMEC. Their leadership along with university and state music education professional led the way to the first state convention, the hiring of WMEC Executive Secretary Richard Gaarder and a host of other programs and initiatives to aid in the development of providing music educators the tools to grow, progress and meet the needs of their communities.


Think about it. Are these goals so dif- ferent from our goals today? With all the knowledge gleaned from research,


Wisconsin School Musician Music at S


t. Norbert College, a nationally recognized liberal arts institution, offers degree programs in music education, liturgical music and performance.


Located north of Milwaukee and Chicago on the banks of the beautiful Fox River, St. Norbert College offers students the opportunity to interact with a dynamic faculty of exceptional teachers and performing artists.


Music scholarship audition dates for admission in fall 2011: January 29 & February 5, 2011


Auditions available in voice, winds, brass, percussion, piano and organ.


Schedule an audition at www.snc.edu/music/auditions or call the music department at 920-403-3112 21


In today’s age, communication and tech- nology have allowed for many alternative ways to provide excellence in education. Following our visit with Fred, my friend Pam and I thought… Imagine how things have changed, will continue to change with the development of technology (list- serves, YouTube, archived programs, digital magazines, etc.)... Yet, there’s still that need to connect in person. Those guys, our founders, seemed to have a lot of fun getting together, besides accomplishing a lot. I say, we will, too. Attend the 50th anniversary celebration in Madison during the Wisconsin State Music Conference this October. Imagine the future!


Notes:


1. “The Birth of the State Music Conference” by Richard Wolf, WMEA Chair, Historian and Retired Members, Wisconsin School Musician, September 2000, p.43


2. “1960 – Wisconsin Music Educators Conference – 1985,” compiled by Dan Torkelson, Wisconsin School Musician, February 1986, p. 6.


3. “Wisconsin Music Educators Conference Officers 1960-61,” Wisconsin School Musician, February 1960, Vol. 29, No. 2, p. 1.


4. “1960 – Wisconsin Music Educators Conference – 1985,” compiled by Dan Torkelson, Wisconsin School Musician, February 1986, p. 6.


Kristine McLain is a retired music educator who lives in Fond du Lac. Email: kvmclain@charter.net


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