from the editor


Imagine a diver slipping beneath the water’s sur- face, vanishing from view. To the casual ob- server, they’re gone. But be- neath, in the


unseen depths, discovery and effort unfold – a world of movement, preci- sion and dedication.


Music educators live in a similar real- ity. What may appear effortless – a perfectly tuned ensemble, a classroom alive with music – is the product of countless dedicated hours. The lesson planning, the paperwork, the emo- tional investment of nurturing young musicians – much of it happens below the surface. The result is magical, but the work? Often, invisible.


So, how do we bring the invisible into the light? We can start by ac- knowledging it ourselves – naming the challenges, sharing experiences, and advocating for what is needed to continue advancing music education in an ongoing quest to make a meaning- ful and lasting difference in the lives of our youth.


This issue is about illuminating that unseen passion and dedication to our mission, and bringing to light vital behind-the-scenes work that makes a quality music education possible. It’s about shifting paradigms by viewing the full scope of music education to include the invisible work in a bright, positive light.


In the spirit of our theme, “The (In)Visible Work,” we explore ways to outsmart burnoute for music education and rediscover joy in the journey. After all, beneath the surface of every great music curriculum is a teacher doing extraordinary work.


WISCONSIN SCHOOL MUSIC ASSOCIATION


BOARD OF DIRECTORS President • Steve Plank • plankst@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us Principal, Wauwatosa East High School


President-Elect • Steve Michaels • steve.michaels@westby-norse.org Superintendent, Westby Area School District


Past President • Rich Appel • rappel@horicon.k12.wi.us Superintendent, School District of Horicon


Executive Director • Laurie Fellenz • lfellenz@wsmamusic.org Oregon


District Representatives


NORTHERN • Dan Hopkins • dhopk@csdmail.com Principal, Cumberland High School


WEST CENTRAL • Vacant


WESTERN • Steve Michaels • steve.michaels@westby-norse.org Superintendent, Westby Area School District SOUTHWESTERN • Vacant


NORTHEASTERN • Richard Parks • rparks@marathon.k12.wi.us Superintendent, Marathon 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 • Rich Appel • rappel@horicon.k12.wi.us Superintendent, School District of Horicon


SOUTHEASTERN • Steve Plank • plankst@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us Principal, Wauwatosa East High School


Wisconsin Music Educators Association Will Janssen, President, Mount Horeb, wmeapresident@wmeamusic.org Randal Swiggum, President-Elect, Madison, wmeapresidentelect@wmeamusic.org Brad Schneider, Past President, Verona, wmeapastpresident@wmeamusic.org


Wisconsin Association of School Boards Barbara Herzog • Oshkosh • bherzog@wasb.org


State Arts Advocates


James Scheuer • Owen • jamesscheuer@gmail.com Ben Heninger • Pardeeville • heningerb@gmail.com


Past Board Member Representatives


Jon B. Gilliland • Fond du Lac • jonbgilliland@gmail.com Gregg Butler • Fall Creek • gbutler11@gmail.com


Kevin Thays, Editor 4 April 2025


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