wisconsin music educators association president
Turning Challenges Into Opportunities Richard Tengowski, WMEA President
As my WMEA pres- idential term winds down, I would like to reflect on some of the challenges that WMEA has faced, but more important- ly, the imaginative opportunities that manifested them-
selves from those challenges.
WMEA is a strong organization of some of Wisconsin’s most dedicated teachers. They are individuals with many different talents and personalities and deep down inside, they are all caring and passionate people who love music and sharing it with others. These are the people I turn to when there are challenges. This is what binds all of us together into a wonderful fraternity and friendship, better known as WMEA.
In 2010, we shared in WMEA’s 50th an-
niversary where we celebrated our past and imagined our future. This was a special year and while we were honoring our past, as an association we continued to move forward with new ideas and vi- sions for the future. In 2011, we celebrated the fact that teaching and learning music from early childhood all the way to adult- hood has a lasting and profound impact, provides growth, pleasure and meaning in life. Again, we shared new ideas that reinforced the simple fact that music lasts a lifetime.
After looking back, I noticed a common thread. Simply put, just like our state motto, music education in Wisconsin is moving forward. Never did WMEA rest on our laurels, accomplishments or tradi- tions. While we embraced our strong tradi- tions, we continued to challenge the status quo, continued to refine our pedagogy, and continued to adapt, change, evolve and improve the state of music education. I believe that Wisconsin music teachers know that if they stand still, the world of education will pass them by.
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Over the last year, all of education in Wisconsin has had its challenges. While the field of education seems to be at a crossroad, music teachers continue to take the high road and serve their students to the best of their abilities. Never have I seen the resiliency of music teachers more than during the state music conference. While release time was a challenge to obtain for some teachers, many music teachers made the effort to attend the conference. In addition, our future music teachers’ – Collegiate National Association for Music Education (CNAfME) members’ – partici- pation was at an all-time high. That bodes well for our profession and for the future of music education in Wisconsin. Music teacher attendance at the conference re- mained strong. More importantly, there was a new level of excitement and energy at the conference. As release time becomes even more of a challenge in 2012, I am hopeful and confident that this resiliency will carry forward to the next state music conference.
Wisconsin is fortunate to have such a strong music association and many states look to Wisconsin for innovation and leadership. While most states are having a slight decrease in membership, Wisconsin stands out as one of only a couple states whose membership is actually increasing. What is surprising is that this is occurring during some of the most challenging times in education in our state. As we move forward, we need to continue to encourage new music teachers to become actively involved within the WMEA network. They are our friends in music and will need our support.
WMEA leadership has faced challenges of the past and will continue to move forward. I am proud to say that even dur- ing these challenging times, WMEA has stayed true to honoring its mission. As an organization we have remained focused on our strategic plan, served our members with professional development opportuni- ties, valuable resources, and most vitally
“Wisconsin is fortunate to have such a strong music association and many states look to Wisconsin for innovation and leadership.”
we have listened to our members. This year we have heard the voice of music teachers who have offered insightful sug- gestions. Our conference planning session participation was extremely high and the planning for the next conference is on pace for what will be an invigorating event. We are making changes to sessions and scheduling to make it easier for state music educators to attend. It is safe to say that WMEA is working hard to make positive changes for music education and meet the needs of WMEA members.
CODA
As I conclude my term as WMEA presi- dent, I would like to thank Michael George and the WSMA staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment to serving the music teachers of the state. Thank you to our partner organizations, Wisconsin School Music Association and Wiscon- sin Foundation for School Music, for the support and positive collaboration. Thank you to the WMEA Executive Commit- tee, Board and Council. Your leadership will carry the WMEA far into the future. Last but not least, continued success and perseverance to all the hard working and forward thinking music teachers through- out Wisconsin. Thank you for allowing me to serve you. It has been an honor and a pleasure.
Richard Tengowski teaches grades 6-12 instru- mental music at Kohler Public Schools. Email:
tengowskir@kohler.k12.wi.us
April 2012
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