elementary general music
Partnerships and Networking Kathy Bartling, WMEA State Chair, Elementary General Music
Elementary general music teaching is often a solitary ex- perience. We find ourselves being the only music teacher in a building and in small school districts possibly the only elementary general
music teacher in the district. So, how do we gather support for ourselves as music educators and for our programs?
The definition of support systems from the Miriam-Webster dictionary is “A network of people who provide an individual with practical or emotional support.”
I am going to focus on two areas of support: partnerships and networking. Partnerships help with opportunities for students, equipment and advocacy and primarily deal with the practical end of supporting the program. Networking ad- dresses the emotional and professional support that the individual music educator needs to grow, learn and continue in their journey as a music educator.
PARTNERSHIPS – Develop partner- ships that bring opportunities and practical support to your program.
PTO/PTA Groups – Be a volunteer with these groups. Work at their bake sales and fundraisers. Make connections in the parent communities. Then be vocal about your needs as well. They may have fund- ing for instruments, field trips, artists in residence and projects. Then if they fund some instruments, feature those instru- ments in your next concert and acknowl- edge their support. These groups can also provide support for chaperoning, concert assistance, advocacy and positive com- munication with other parents.
Music Booster Groups – Many school districts have music booster groups that are dedicated to supporting music educa- tion. Their focus may be on funding high school traveling, uniforms and equip- ment but there are still opportunities for support here. Connect with this group and with the cooperation of your high school colleagues convince them that an investment in the elementary program is the foundation for success of their high
school programs. Possibly even coordinate a matching funds proposal for a specific project between your PTO and your music boosters. Many of your boosters may have kids at more than one school or more than one level.
Outreach Programs – Look for oppor- tunities for your students in partnership with other musical groups. The Madison Symphony has a wonderful outreach program with “Up, Close and Personal” that brings orchestra members out to the schools. They also sponsor great chil- dren’s concerts. Milwaukee, Appleton, Green Bay, Eau Claire also have great programs that partner with schools. They often offer reduced ticket prices for schools in need. Most universities in the state have outreach programs as well. Check out traveling groups like Opera for the Young. Research what is available in your part of the state.
Grants and Foundations – Each county in the state has an arts grant process. Apply to local foundations and arts groups for funding for field trips, artists in residence and projects.
“The Pablo Center at the Confluence is a reflection of the broad support for the arts in the Eau Claire community. We’re excited for our students to utilize its innovative artistic spaces, and we look forward to new creative and collaborative performing opportunities.”
Gretchen Peters, Ph.D. Chair and Professor of Musicology
The Pablo Center at the Confluence
A Community and University Collaboration Supporting the Arts
See more at
uwec.ly/mus-the 46
Music and Theatre Arts
April 2018
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