2021 WMEA Proactive Advocacy Summit (1/19/2021) Many Wisconsin teachers have expressed concern about how support for music education may look post-pandemic. WMEA is offering an advocacy summit on February 16, 2021 from 6:30-8:30pm to support educators with tools and resources for local conversation about 2021-22 student needs, allocation, scheduling, and resources. Educators and administrators from across the state will share effective… Continue Reading
WI DPI – Arts Education School Operating Considerations (Updated November 23, 2020) (11/24/2020) The latest "Arts Education School Operating Considerations" (November 23, 2020) information has been shared on the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Arts Education website: https://dpi.wi.gov/.../Arts_Education_Considerations-_11... Feedback about this matter can be shared directly with DPI by through email at: COVID-19questions@dpi.wi.gov or through their online contact form at https://dpi.wi.gov/user/21526/contact. Continue Reading
NFHS 3rd Round- Preliminary Studies Release on November 13, 2020 (11/13/2020) At 12:00 Central on Friday, November 13, the National Federation of State High School Associations will release information from the 3rd round of preliminary studies related to COVID-19 mitigation. The following will be available: A one-page summary Aerosol Production and Mitigation Effects Efficacy of Bell Covers and Masks Keyhole Expellation of Aerosol Refined APS Data… Continue Reading
WI DPI November 6 Infection Control/Mitigation Measures Update for Arts Education (11/13/2020) On November 6, the Department of Public Instruction updated their document, "Interim COVID-19 Infection Control and Mitigation Measures for Schools", to include the following information (document pgs 13-14): The playing of wind instruments indoors is not recommended by DHS. The use of bell covers to mitigate risk of dispersing respiratory droplets is not supported due… Continue Reading
2020 Wisconsin State Virtual Music Conference – Registration Open! (9/20/2020) Registration for the 2020 Wisconsin State Virtual Music Conference, October 25-30 has begun! Join us during the late afternoon and evening for a week of timely and engaging sessions, networking, and an opportunity to check out the online exhibitor booths! Feature social events include a networking mixer, an evening “Live at the Piano Bar,” WSMA… Continue Reading
Celebrate National Arts in Education Week – September 13-19, 2020 (9/13/2020) National Arts in Education Week is a national celebration recognizing the transformative power of the arts in education. Passed by Congress in 2010 through House Resolution 275, the celebration is designated to bring attention to this cause for elected officials and educational decision makers across the country and to support equitable access to the arts… Continue Reading
Copyright Guidance for Distance Learning released by NFHS and NAfME (9/11/2020) How Does the TEACH Act Help with Virtual Music Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic? NAfME and the NFHS have released joint Technology, Education, and Copyright Harmonization (TEACH) Act copyright analysis aimed at helping music educators teaching in virtual environments. Teachers engaging in distance learning this fall must understand the copyright laws in this environment. The TEACH Act provides certain protections for music… Continue Reading
James Weaver Shares Details of the Performing Arts Aerosol Study (9/1/2020) In August, an aerosol study commissioned by the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) and a coalition of more than 125 performing arts organizations has generated a second set of preliminary results that provides further optimism for mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on performing arts activities.… Continue Reading
Taking Beginning Band Online: A Spring Success Story (8/19/2020) Beginning on Monday, March 16, all Elmbrook Schools will move to virtual learning and no students will report to school. “Well, that’s awesome. An extra week of spring break,” I thought. I was completely unaware that my life, as well as my family’s, my friends’, my colleagues’ and my students’ lives were all about to… Continue Reading
2020-2021 WSMA Membership and Programs (8/19/2020) Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) has posted our program updates for the 2020-2021 school year. Our team is excited to announce three of our programs will be available virtually during Fall 2020 - Solo & Ensemble Festival, Student Composition Project, and Middle Level/High School State Honors Project. Updates about WSMA Aca U are anticipated in… Continue Reading