from the desk of the executive director


Going Above and Beyond Laurie N. Fellenz, Executive Director


“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of apprecia- tion.”


~ Dalai Lama


This has been a year of going “above and beyond” like no oth- er. As we close out


2020–21, we bring to an end the school year that may never look like any other. Yet, we also walk toward the future hav- ing learned so much about ourselves both individually and as a profession. It is es- sential to end this year with appreciation and gratitude to three incredible groups – adjudicators, board/council/committee members and music educators.


Adjudicators


As we embarked on a festival shift like no other in March 2021, there was one group that immediately said, “What do you need?” and “How can I help?” The nearly 325 musician educators that comprise the group of WSMA virtual festival adjudicators are a phenomenal team, and they have stepped up in every way possible to ensure that thousands of Wisconsin musical youth receive quality, uplifting feedback. Additionally, there have been several adjudicators who do- nated their time to the association as they are aware of the significant impact that shutting down our regular programs and services has had on our long-term health as an organization. We thank you for the generous contribution of your time in service of music education.


Throughout the virtual festival experi- ences, our staff has received many positive comments from music educators, adju- dicators and students. As one adjudica- tor shared about adjudicating recorded performances, “The written word has its limitations and musicians by nature are aural, oral and kinesthetic learners. Not being able to directly ask a student


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“how they thought they did etc.” was a drawback in that adjudicator/student relationship and in the learning process for the student. But – without this effort students would have been short changed even more in their music efforts this school year and personally I would have missed out on some of the best performances I have judged in the last decade. Kudos to all. Students, teachers, accompanists, parents and WSMA staff.”


As a student from Westwood High School stated, “Virtual Festival taught me how to connect with the world without having the world right in front of me.” The con- nections that adjudicators made with Wis- consin students through written feedback that in many circumstances was sent to students within 1–2 days of video submis- sion has been so appreciated by students, educators and families statewide.


Thank you, to each and every one of our virtual festival adjudicators for sharing your expertise and feedback. Your support has been invaluable.


Boards, Council and Committees This has been a year like no other, and without strong visionary leadership, we would not have been in the same position to weather this storm. Listed in our publi- cation are the board and council members of Wisconsin School Music Association, Wisconsin Music Educators Association and Wisconsin Foundation for School Music. I encourage readers to take a mo- ment to look at the long list of volunteers who provide incredible support to your professional associations and foundation. They have worked steadfast and intently on ensuring that membership has received quality information as well as providing necessary advocacy throughout this pan- demic year.


Both WSMA and WMEA have a long list of committees, and between them


“…with appreciation and gratitude to three incredible groups – adjudicators,


board/council/committee members and music educators.”


there are over 200 volunteers that sup- port programs and services provided by the respective associations. Please know that each and every one of you shares a valuable contribution to decision-making and visioning that continue to serve our profession in a profound way. Without your time and dedication, the work truly would not be possible.


I’d like to especially thank the executive committee leadership from the following individuals:


WSMA & WFSM – Rich Appel, Rick Parks, Steve Plank, Gregg Butler, Bernie Fiedler and Jon Gilliland


WMEA – Paul Budde, Kati Seiter, Brad Schneider, Lynn Seidl, Will Janssen and Chris Powers


This has been a year where executive committees have grappled with complex issues big and small, and their support has meant the difference between sheltering and remaining relevant and in service. Thank you for choosing the path of service to members even though it meant more potential long-term risk. This next year will be another complex one, and I know we are in good hands with the incredible leadership from this group.


Continued on page 11 April 2021


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