wsma board perspective In the Spotlight:
WSMA President Lee Zarnott Presented by WMEA President Richard Tengowski
The following interview, conducted by WMEA President Richard Tengowski, shares a perspective of WSMA President Lee Zarnott. This interview is an example of the positive, ongoing collaboration that exists between boards of organizations headquartered at the Wisconsin Center for Music Education.
Q: What is it that draws you to be on the WSMA Board?
A: The same thing that draws me to the board at this time sparked my interest nearly 10 years ago when I first had the opportunity to serve. To begin, the energy, enthusiasm and student centered approach at WSMA is one of the reasons I have been and will continue to be involved. I also un- derstand that music and the arts in general find themselves in a very different time. Clear direction, leadership and vision from the boards of WSMA, WMEA and WFSM are vital to ensure current and future pro- gramming continues and flourishes. Any time an administrator can be involved at a statewide level to support education he or she should embrace the opportunity. The work to which I have been witness including but not limited to performance initiatives such as Launchpad and WSMA State Honors Music Project and organiza- tional efforts such as the WSMA Strategic Plan has been enjoyable. Of note is the behind the scenes work of the Wisconsin Center for Music Education staff in bring- ing WSMA into the 21st
century with web
development now in progress called “My Center” (more news to come soon on this). I have grown due to my experiences with those at the center and with fellow board members and can honestly say that I have taken more from these relationships than I have been able to give.
Q: What is your music background?
A: This will fall under the category of, “if I only knew then what I know now.” My music background is not what you might assume. I was a pretty typical kid who in middle school and my first year of high school participated in both vocal and instrumental music (still have my WSMA medals from 1978-1979). Unfortunately like some, after my ninth grade year I made the decision to no longer be involved with music. I justified this choice at the time by thinking that I had better things to do or wasn’t interested in music anymore. In reality, I didn’t want to make the com- mitment to be a better musician at that time and the effort to improve was one that I wasn’t willing to make. This is a decision that I regret and it is an anecdote I share
“Your students don’t care what you know; they want to know that you care.”
with students who make shortsighted deci- sions in feeling they no longer want to par- ticipate in activities at school. When I look back at my own experience, it reinforces the need for greater appreciation of what music is and does, and the sacrifice and commitment that all our students make. Upon arriving at Mayville, I had a small role in West Side Story and have had a few parts (only narrating) in our Christmas concerts. My daughters don’t allow me to sing in the car when their friends are along, and although I am at a disadvantage at times with my peers on the board who have extensive music backgrounds, I hope my support and appreciation of music is evident. In my free time I enjoy attending
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our district’s music events with my family and two weekends ago had spent a won- derful Saturday at New London watching our show choir perform.
Q: Is there a music teacher in your past that influenced you?
A: I’m always wary of questions such as this so in advance I apologize for those I have worked with who I may forget but I know have positively impacted students…in my past, Mary Greisen and Tom Mackin and currently, Sandy Pol- cyn, Todd Krueger and Russell Diggins. The life-long dedication of educators like Mary and Tom and the many lives that they influenced is truly amazing and they can never be thanked enough. Early in my teaching and administrative career I learned from Sandy Polcyn the immeasur- able impact a quality person with endless creativity and drive can have on a school and community. Currently, Russell Dig- gins and Todd Krueger inspire me daily with their knowledge, tireless effort and high expectations for student success. What I appreciate most about educators like Mary, Tom, Sandy, Russell and Todd is that first and foremost they are quality people who want nothing but the best for their students and school.
Q: What is one word of advice that you would offer to a young music teacher?
A: Principals can never give just one word so with the help of Russ and Todd here it goes:
Observe as many experienced teachers as you can. This will help you determine what you want your program to be and not be like. Be an active participant in your district’s mentoring program and establish relationships with teachers outside your department.
April 2011
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