feature
that everyone needed to step back from the ledge – so to speak, and take the time necessary to review the program from top to bottom. There would certainly be changes, but not before everyone’s input was considered.
The Product
Throughout the course of 2010, Neenah music staff worked closely with all levels of district administration to craft recom- mendations that would be presented to the school board before the end of the calendar year. The goal was for the recommenda- tions to be accepted and implemented in the 2011-12 school year, and that is exactly what occurred. While Neenah did incur a slight reduction in K-12 music staff as part of the recommendation, more significant was a dramatic shifting of staff to better reflect the priorities established as part of the program review. Following are the significant changes adopted by the school board:
• General music instruction in grades K-4 increased 50% - from 30 to 45 minutes per week. This was the centerpiece of the recommendation as it allowed for a significant in- crease in music for approximately 2,500 students.
• The district’s Suzuki strings pro- gram transitioned from a school- day program for grades 3-4 to an after-school program for students in grades 2-5, nearly doubling student participation.
• Increased enrollment in the Suzuki strings program, and district sup- port for continued growth moving forward, allowed for the elimina- tion of the fourth grade traditional strings program.
• The fifth grade band and strings programs were retained with plans for substantive changes to recruiting and summer instruction, strengthening those programs.
• Staffing formulas were developed for all grade levels and curricular
Wisconsin School Musician
“As experienced educators are firmly – sometimes, painfully – aware,
days without challenges, large or small, simply do not exist.”
areas of the music program al- lowing staff to be assigned more equitably across the K-12 music curriculum. The net result was a decrease in high school music staff and a comparable increase in middle and elementary music staff.
District Admisinstrator Mary Pfeiffer shares her perspective on the changes. “I would be remiss if, as the Neenah Joint School District administrator, I would minimize the serious budgetary issues facing public education. With that being said, we as a district are committed and extremely sensitive to the unique role that music plays in creating healthy, inquisi- tive and educationally well-rounded stu- dents. Our staff and community recognize the importance of music in our educational mission and remain ardent supporters of its role as an integral component for nurturing the whole student. We remain solution-based in our approach to balanc- ing budgetary issues while maintaining a keen eye towards our fine arts focus,” ex- pressed Pfeiffer.
The Future
Enough time has not elapsed since the implementation of the recent curricular changes to determine the effect on music education in Neenah. That will only be revealed with certainty several years from now, if then. However, what is clear is that the music staff, working together with the administration and school board, used the opportunity created by the district’s fiscal
challenges to conduct a comprehensive review of the district’s music program. The result of this review was significant positive change for many of Neenah’s music students.
As mentioned earlier in this article, crises occur in good times and bad. Some can be perceived as major threats to your core beliefs as a music educator, while others are merely annoying. And while no one wants to exist in crisis management mode forever, all challenges must be managed and overcome to ensure your ability to continue to successfully meet the needs of your students. Treating these challenges as opportunities to enhance your program might make the difference between the future success and failure of your teach- ing career.
Gary Lemieux is in his 35th year of teaching
instrumental music. He currently teaches part time in Neenah Joint School District, where he is also the K-12 music department chair. Lemieux also taught in Almond-Bancroft School District and Reedsburg Area School District. Email:
glemieux@neenah.k12.wi.us
Orchestra Continued from page 35
Some issues are tougher to deal with than others. Budget cuts can be crippling. But we can take on the task by not accepting the bleak re- ports as where we must stop mov- ing forward. We have a powerful weapon in our colleagues, music educator organizations, commu- nities and advocacy groups. Em- brace, connect, contribute, forge ahead, grab the lemons and run with them. This term I’m shoot- ing for “Lemon Mousse Royale Flambé!”
Carrie Lane Gray teaches high school and elementary school in Appleton. Email:
graycarrie@aasd.k12.wi.us
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