from the editor
Welcome to the 2026–27 school year, also mark- ing volume 97 of Wisconsin School Musician.
As an insightful resource produced by music education
devotees dating all the way back to the late 1920s, WSM is an embodiment of our theme, “Music Minds, Bigger Minds.” The publication represents a shared collection of knowledge that fosters and supports the growing minds of music educators and students through lifelong learning.
In the pages ahead, find a variety of content that brings to life the essence of “Music Minds, Bigger Minds.” From articles authored by regular columnists to orga- nizational news and updates, discover a variety of ways to jump-start your school year with cognitive stimulation through all that music offers.
The Sept. WSM edition also features a preview of the 2026 Wisconsin State Music Conference, which shares the same theme. Plan now to meet up with friends and colleagues for amazing networking and professional development while sharpening your skills and advancing music educa- tion by attending this year’s conference, Oct. 28–31 in Madison. Take in sessions covering all aspects of music educa- tion, business and educational exhibits, WSMA State Honors Concerts and more. Especially, don’t miss featured speaker Anita Collins, neuromusical educator, as she joins Wisconsin music educators at this year’s conference.
May your school year be filled with inspira- tion, growth and the joy of helping young minds flourish through music.
WISCONSIN SCHOOL MUSIC ASSOCIATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President • Steve Michaels •
steve.michaels@westby-norse.org Superintendent, Westby Area School District
President-Elect • Angie Houston •
ahouston@hgsd.k12.wi.us Principal, Howards Grove Middle School
Past President • Steve Plank •
plankst@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us Principal, Wauwatosa East High School
Secretary/Treasurer (Executive Director) • Laurie Fellenz •
lfellenz@wsmamusic.org, Oregon
District Representatives
NORTHERN • Daniel Hopkins •
dhopk@csdmail.com Principal, Cumberland High School
WEST CENTRAL • Joshua Fiege •
fiegej@prescott.k12.wi.us Principal, Prentice High School
WESTERN • Steve Michaels •
steve.michaels@westby-norse.org Superintendent, Westby Area School District
SOUTHWESTERN • Jeff Worzella •
jeff.worzella@ngsd.k12.wi.us Principal, New Glarus High School
NORTHEASTERN • Sarah Anderson •
sanderso@marinette.k12.wi.us Teaching, Learning & Technology Director, Marinette School District
CENTRAL • Kevin Moore •
moore_k@afasd.net Principal, Adams-Friendship High School
EASTERN • Angie Houston •
ahouston@hgsd.k12.wi.us Principal, Howards Grove Middle School
SOUTH CENTRAL • Mark Hoernke •
mhoer@poynette.k12.wi.us Principal, Poynette High School
EAST CENTRAL • Charles Urness •
urnessc@sdoj.org District Administrator, School District of Jefferson
SOUTHEASTERN • Steve Plank •
plankst@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us Principal, Wauwatosa East High School
Wisconsin Music Educators Association President: Randal Swiggum • Madison
wmeapresident@wmeamusic.org
President-Elect: Marcy Russell • Platteville
wmeapresidentelect@wmeamusic.org
Past President: Will Janssen • Mount Horeb
wmeapastpresident@wmeamusic.org
Wisconsin Association of School Boards Lauri Asbury • Neenah •
lasbury@wasb.org
Kevin Thays, Editor
State Arts Advocates District 1–3: James Scheuer • Owen •
jamesscheuer@gmail.com District 4–6: Rick Parks • Marathon •
rickrandsparks@gmail.com District 7–10: Ben Heninger • Madison •
heningerb@gmail.com
Past Board Member Representatives
Jon B. Gilliland • Fond du Lac •
jonbgilliland@gmail.com Gregg Butler • Fall Creek •
gbutler11@gmail.com
4 September 2026
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80
