WMEA News Will Janssen, President-Elect
2022 Wisconsin State Music Conference Highlights
2022 marked the return of a full in-person conference with student performers. Attendance returned to pre-pandemic levels while a full slate of sessions and exhibitors created an exciting time of professional growth and personal connections.
The conference opened with the President’s Welcome Reception on Wednesday night and closed Saturday afternoon with the spectacular WSMA Middle Level State Honors Project concerts. In between, members were encouraged to consider how our pro- fession is in a time of “Shifting Paradigms in Music Education” with presentations on topics about understanding the challenges our students face, what content we include in our classes, the resources we draw upon and more.
The return of performing ensembles from across the state was a highlight of this year’s conference. Several presenters with a national presence (such as Scott Edgar, Yorel Lashley, Jazzmone Sutton and Omar Thomas) were alongside the many gifted educators from Wisconsin who shared and inspired attendees. WSMA High School State Honors ensembles provided incredible performances and their conductors implored every audience to support the benefits of arts education.
The 2023 Wisconsin State Music Conference is already in the final planning stages with the theme of “Music of All, Music for All.” The conference returns to Monona Terrace October 25-28.
Educators from American Samoa Travel to Wisconsin
Four music educators from American Samoa traveled to Wis- consin in October to attend the Wisconsin State Music Confer- ence. They went to several sessions focused on elementary general music instruction, attended performances by a number of ensembles including Honors concerts, and made connections with music industry vendors who could assist them in expanding music education instruction in their school district.
Aspiring Music Majors Returns
Nearly 60 high school juniors and seniors participated in this year’s Aspiring Music Majors program, held on Friday of the Wisconsin State Music Conference. While at the conference, stu- dents heard presentations from various colleges and universities across the state that offer music majors; got to ask questions of current college students (see photo above); attended conference sessions, visited the exhibit hall and met with representatives of many colleges. Parents got a chance to talk directly with college representatives as well, learning about admissions procedures, financial aid and other information to help them guide their chil- dren in the college selection process. Aspiring Music Majors is part of WMEA’s efforts to help encourage secondary students to continue with music education after high school.
WMEA District Vice Presidents “Wow” the Crowd
The six district vice presidents of WMEA made a splash at the President’s Welcome Reception to start the 2022 Wisconsin State Music Conference. They presented a music performance highlighting their efforts on behalf of the state’s educators. It was a highlight of the evening!
Performers (vice presidents) included Renee Rademaker, North- west; Ginger Marten, North Central; Carrie Backman, South Central; Amelia Armstrong, Southwest; Bridget Duffy-Ulrich (appearing by photo!), Northeast; and Erica Breitbarth (also appearing by photo!), Southeast.
WMEA President Brad Schneider (far left) and Executive Director Laurie Fellenz (far right) meet with music educators from American Samoa including John Mailo, Tilofia Apelu Moetala, Alice Timoteo and Malele Kitiona.
30 January 2023
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