Music

Music is perhaps the most abstract of the arts. It has no tactile or visual reference points and can only be apprehended aurally. This very limitation provides music its peculiar power - its ability to engage the imagination more readily than the other arts. A strain of music can quickly transport one to far places, other times, and conditions both familiar and unfamiliar. Its power to stir emotions and a communicate such ideals as reverence, beauty, or patriotism more deeply than words is well-known. The religious awe evoked by the Missa Solemnis or the Hallelujah Chorus can be more intense than language can inspire or express. Performances of Sibelius' Finlandia were prohibited by occupying powers because of the strong feelings of patriotism it aroused.

One's ability to participate fully in the art of music opens the door to personal fulfillment and expression as well as to valuable experiences throughout life. The Wisconsin Education Standards j, k, and L promote this goal by providing musical learning experiences through the elementary years and further opportunities for such experiences through the middle and high school years. To help districts in this effort, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction provides support for curriculum, instruction, and assessment by

• disseminating the Wisconsin's Model Academic Standards for Music Education and providing professional development in their implementation,
• developing and disseminating the curriculum guide, Planning Curriculum for Music
• providing professional development for teachers in curriculum writing, instructional planning, and student-involved assessment,
• pursuing common goals with state and national professional education organizations, and
• working with teacher educators in preparing new members of the teaching force.

Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA), 1005 Quinn Drive, Waunakee, WI 53597, 608-850-3566

The Wisconsin Music Educators Association exists to improve the quality of music education in Wisconsin by representing the shared interests and needs of music educators and fostering their professional growth.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Professional Development Opportunities

June 22-26, 2009 - Comprehensive Musicanship Through Performance Workshop
Where: UW-Stevens Point

August 3-4, 2009 and October 10, 2009 - Student-Centered Learning in the Arts (formerly Assessment for the 21st Century)

October 28-31, 2009 - WMEA State Music Conference, "Creativity to the Core"
Where: Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison

For further professional development opportunities, click here.

For questions about this information, contact Melvin F. Pontious (608) 267-5042

Last updated on 5/8/2009 9:50:51 AM