their classrooms, we hope to give students a memorable, hands-on experience that helps them discover their own crea-
tive voice.”
The Wii console’s motion-sensing controls allow Wii Music users at any experience level to step up and jam,
whether playing solo or as part of a group. Using the wireless Wii Remote™ and Nunchuk™ controllers, players make
simple, intuitive movements to strum a guitar, play a trumpet or bang a drum.
“At any grade level, it’s essential to provide students with the tools and encouragement they need to be crea-
tive,” said John J. Mahlmann, executive director of MENC. “We look forward to collaborating with Nintendo to drive
awareness and advocacy for music education through Wii Music.”
Some teachers already have begun to incorporate Wii Music into their lesson plans.
“Wii Music has brought a renewed excitement to music class for students from first grade to fifth, myself and
even some of the classroom teachers,” said Helen A. Krofchick, a music teacher at Doby’s Mill Elementary School in
Lugoff, S.C. “I love how many music standards can be covered in such a short time. Students also have to use language
skills, spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination. We have a school very supportive of the arts and Wii Music has
empowered our program even more. Any system that is educational and can add a love of music to children’s lives
should be in every classroom.”
Other collaborating and partner organizations currently include San Francisco’s Blue Bear School of Music and
New York’s Opus 118 Harlem School of Music. Teachers in these programs will use Wii Music to build students’ fa-
miliarity with technology while bolstering their ability to create and improvise. Experts in the field of music say getting
kids interested in music at an early age can help build a lifelong appreciation.
“The joy of playing music is something that should be experienced by everyone, regardless of age, talent-level
or experience,” said Joe Lamond, President & CEO of NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants. “Re-
search shows that more than 82 percent of people who don’t currently play a musical instrument wish they did. Wii
Music can help address this by providing a positive introduction for millions of people who might not otherwise be in-
clined to try.”
Editor’s Note:
MENC and Nintendo are collaborating in an ongoing
program to introduce Wii Music(tm) into school music Do you have a tried and true teaching tip or lesson
programs and curriculum. The Nintendo Wii Music
plan that really works in your classroom?
program is intended to enhance the overall experience
of the students and their appreciation for music. MENC
If so, add it to My Music Class, MENC’s newest online resource exclusive to MENC
members. Your lesson or tip may be featured in future MENC promotions.
and Nintendo have worked together to select 70 MENC
members representing all 50 states in all grade levels
My Music Class is…
s Standards-aligned lessons authored by MENC members and
and curriculum areas to participate in this program.
partners.
s A place to browse lesson plans and teaching tips by teaching
These teachers will provide their feedback in a survey
area, teaching level, national standard, and rating.
(results will be made available to all members), and are
s Your opportunity to share your expertise by adding your own
lesson ideas.
also invited to post original lesson plans in My Music
s A chance to view what your colleagues in your teaching area are
doing in their classrooms.
Class. Maine’s recipient of a free Nintendo Wii system
and Wii Music program for their school is Jessica
New Uploads: Smithsonian Global Sound multi-cultural and inter-disciplinary lessons
for middle and high school levels. Keyword search: “Smithsonian.”
Hartman at Trenton Elementary School in Trenton.
Congratulations Jessica! Look for an update on this
program from Jessica in a future issue.
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