Laurie Nason Fellenz has been the executive director of Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA), Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) and Wisconsin Foundation for School Music (WFSM) since July of 2018. She also serves on the board of directors for Madison Youth Choirs and Opera for the Young, both located in Madison, WI.
Prior to her appointment as executive director at WSMA, WMEA and WFSM, Laurie served the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) as Fine Arts Coordinator from September 2010 to June 2018. Laurie also served as an Instrumental and General Music Educator in MMSD from 1991-2010 at Cherokee Heights Middle School, Sherman Middle School, and Van Hise Elementary School.
WSMA has been an influential part of Laurie’s life since junior high in Stevens Point, WI. It was through her own opportunities to grow musically, supported by great teachers and experiences with WSMA Solo & Ensemble and State Honors auditions, that working with and on behalf of students through music education became her life’s work. WMEA and the State Music Conference have been invaluable resources throughout her career.
Laurie holds a Bachelor of Instrumental Music degree from UW-Eau Claire (1991) and a Master of Science degree in Educational Leadership from Cardinal Stritch University (2008). She is recipient of the Madison Youth Choirs – Carrel Pray Music Educator of the Year Award (2017), Wisconsin Arts Education Association Distinguished Service Award (2013), Hall of Fame Award – Tommy Awards Excellence in Musical Theater Program (2012), MMSD Team Distinguished Service Award (2004), and Laurie was recognized as a Top Notch Teacher by WISC-TV (2007).
