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.

NEWS AND EVENTS

Professional Development Opportunities

June 23-27, 2008 - "Planning Curriculum in Music"
Where: Wisconsin Center for Music Education, Waunakee

August 12 and October 11, 2008 - "Assessment for the 21st Century"
Where: Wisconsin Center for Music Education, Waunakee

October 3, 2008 - "Developing 21st Century Skills Through the Arts"
Where: WASCD Conference, Radisson Paper Valley Hotel, Appleton

October 29-November 1 - WMEA State Conference
Where: Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison

January 13-14, 2009 - New Wisconsin Promise Conference
Where: Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison

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

Last updated on 6/10/2008 3:22:44 PM