(Photos by Becky Spray and Roz Fehr)

Music Education Week 2011 began at the U.S. Capitol. Leaders from the National Association for Music Education and the All-National Honor Ensemble students attended a sunset concert by the United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own.”

It ended with many of the same Association leaders carrying one message to their elected officials on the Hill: music educators are united in their belief that every student needs access to high-quality music instruction taught by qualified teachers.

Between those two bookends, the Association brought together music teachers, students, clinicians, and music education advocates for comprehensive professional development, concerts, and advocacy updates. Among the week’s highlights:

• United States Senator Patty Murray of Washington State offered a resolution designating June 24–28, 2011, as “National Music Education Week.”
• More than 300 band, orchestra, vocal, and jazz honor students from throughout the United States rehearsed with acclaimed guest conductors, who later led them in performance as the All-National Honor Ensembles.
• MENC state, division and council leaders met as the Association’s National Assembly. They heard an update on music innovations and an overview of Association initiatives. In addition the Association’s two candidates for national president shared their visions for the future.
• Educators used their summer break to hone their professional skills and exchange information in the Marching Band, Research, Supervisors, Choral, General Music, and Instrumental Academies.
• The National Association for Music Education joined the American String Teachers Association to announce the formation of the Music Education Policy Roundtable, which will unite music educators, other arts educators and the broader education community to achieve common policy goals.
• The Association announced the founding of Give A Note Foundation, which will join music educators and business leaders in raising funds to bring school-based music programs to low-wealth and underserved areas.
• Drum Corps International kicked off its summer season with it DCI Salutes America competition.
• The U.S. Army Brass Quintet performed the compositions of three student composers at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
• Four Lowell Mason Fellows were inducted as the Class of 2010.
• Exhibitors displayed the latest in music education products and services.
   

At the event’s General Session, National Association for Music Education President Scott C. Shuler spoke of “The Wisdom of Crowds,” and discussed coalition-building, in which the new Roundtable will play a large role.

Visit http://advocacy.menc.org to watch a webcast of the General Session.

For additional stories and photos from 2011 Music Education Week, read the August issue of Teaching Music.

Music Education Week Photo Galleries

Friday, June 24
Saturday, June 25
Sunday, June 26
Monday, June 27
Tuesday, June 28