wisconsin music educators association president


study, students engage with an extraordi- nary art form and academic subject, one that connects people to that which makes us uniquely human. Music education mat- ters, not because of positive correlations to GPA or test scores or attendance, but because music brings meaning to our lives and makes the world a better place. It’s time we celebrate these realities – for the good of the students we serve.


Provide Meaningful Music Education Experiences – Impactful advocacy relies on the assumption that teachers are doing all they can to support meaningful music education experiences for all students. The WMEA Music Standards provide a guide for teachers to help students create, perform, respond and connect to music in meaningful ways. Comprehensive Musicianship Through Performance (CMP) provides inspiration for teachers to approach music education in student- centered and holistic ways that move well beyond drilling music for a performance. Likewise, it is imperative that we actively seek ways to expand music education in


order to meet the needs of all students; this includes performance and classroom- based music offerings at all grade levels, as well as the study of music of all in an effort to provide music education for all. Ultimately, it is up to us to share thoughtfully-designed music curriculum with all students as part of a well-rounded education.


Be Resolute – Impactful advocacy takes time and effort. We need to be strategic and persistent in highlighting the value of music education with students, parents, administrators, school board members, community members, and more. Find opportunities to showcase the benefits of music education – both in terms of the ideas summarized above as well as pertinent, timely research, and purpose- fully celebrate the learning process that takes place in music classrooms, whether through classroom invitations, as part of public events, via newsletters, through daily email notes, and more. Finally, be sure the language you use connected to music education is student-centered and


presents music as academically equal to other subject areas as part of a well- rounded education.


The bottom line is this: all students de- serve a meaningful music education as part of a well-rounded education. As stated in the WMEA Position Statement Music Education for ALL Wisconsin Students, “Intentional engagement with music leads to a richer and more meaningful life, as it helps students appreciate beauty, express emotion, develop creativity, value them- selves and those around them, and connect with the global community.” It is up to us to bring these ideals to reality. Be sure to connect with a member of the WMEA Advocacy Committee if you need support along the way.


Thank you for all you continue to do – for our students!


Paul Budde is associate professor of music at UW-River Falls.


Email: paul.budde@uwrf.edu Apply to Perform at the State Capitol!


Once again WMEA will be sponsoring concerts in the state capitol during the month of March. Criteria for Selection


Procedures


To best showcase music education in Wisconsin the following selection criteria is used:


• Considered together, the groups invited will represent all grade levels – elementary, middle,


high and collegiate.


• Considered together, the groups invited will portray a wide variety of types of


performing organizations.


• Considered together, groups from all areas of the state will be represented.


• In order for as many students to have the opportunity to participate as possible,


groups that have not performed at the capitol in the past will be considered first.


• Applicant must be a WMEA member. WMEA will request preferred dates from the capitol.


• Request forms will be available at wmeamusic.org by Oct. 1.


• Download and complete the request forms. Then send the completed forms to WMEA


State Chair Kathy Bartling*.


• Requests must be submitted by December 1, 2021.


• Dates listed are tentative and subject to change by the capitol.


• Capitol will confirm in January.


• If selected you will be notified by January 15. * Requests must be made through the State Chair! Contact information will be found on forms.


Questions: Contact Kathy Bartling at kathybartling@gmail.com or 608-836-3886. Wisconsin School Musician 7


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