FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Thays
Phone: 608-850-3566
Web: wsmamusic.org
WAUNAKEE, Wis. (July 1, 2020) — Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) recently launched “Wisconsin Music Strong” (WMS) — a coalition hosted by WSMA at wimusicstrong.wsmamusic.org as a new resource in support of music education in Wisconsin during COVID-19 education shifts.
WMS provides a place for all people, organizations, associations and businesses to receive accurate, up-to-date state and national education information as Wisconsin school leaders create 2020-21 school models that ensure access for students to a well-rounded education inclusive of music and the arts.
“Wisconsin Music Strong is poised to become a significant resource during the COVID-19 response impacting Wisconsin K-12 schools as well as state colleges and universities,” states WSMA Executive Director Laurie Fellenz.
The WMS coalition, also working with Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Teaching and Learning Department, is made up of organizations that acknowledge and affirm the following:
- Music and arts education for Wisconsin students is an important part of a well-rounded education already supported by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Wisconsin Administrative Code PI-8, and Wisconsin 2019-Act 85.
- Music and arts education support the critical social and emotional well-being of Wisconsin students, and this is true both through distance learning or in person.
- Music and arts education nurture the creation of a welcoming school environment where students are able to express themselves in safe and positive ways.
- Music and arts education is part of the mission or belief statements of the organization, association, or business.
In order to ensure music and arts education are available to every student in Wisconsin, each organization’s representative agrees with working together to address the most pressing issues facing Wisconsin school districts, educators, families and students as they move toward the 2020-21 school year.
This agreement includes the following:
- Identify, share and communicate out cited information that supports local and state level decisions related to education in Wisconsin.
- Align work and communications to support Wisconsin music and arts educators as they navigate toward the 2020-21 school year.
- Allow the Wisconsin Music Strong website to link to their organization’s website, and when appropriate, link the Wisconsin Music Strong website to their site and/or materials.
- Agree to use this website to share information that is relevant to the purpose of the coalition and not to directly advertise products or for personal/organizational financial gain.
Organizations that have signed on to become part of the coalition to date include Wisconsin School Music Association (host), Wisconsin Music Educators Association, Wisconsin Foundation for School Music, Arts Wisconsin, Wisconsin Choral Directors Association, Hal Leonard, Madison Youth Choirs, Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestras, White House of Music, Heid Music, Brass Bell Music Store, Beyond the Notes Music Festival, Instrumental Music Company, Ward-Brodt, Madison Symphony Orchestra and Schmitt Music.
Visit https://wimusicstrong.wsmamusic.org/ to learn more about WMS.
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Wisconsin Music Strong (WMS) coalition was created in response to education shifts caused by COVID-19 related issues. WMS provides a place for all persons, organizations, associations and businesses to receive accurate, up-to-date state and national education information as Wisconsin school leaders create 2020-21 school models that ensure access for students to a well-rounded education inclusive of music and the arts.
Founded in 1932, Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a non-profit service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Students from member schools are eligible to participate in WSMA programs, such as District and State Music Festivals, Concert Festivals, State Honors Music Project, State Marching Band Championships and Student Composition Project. WSMA is governed by a board of directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from all over the state. WSMA believes music is a basic human need and that all children have the right to experience all that music offers them.
