Milwaukee Teacher Honored with State Music Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Thays
Phone: 608-850-3566
Email:
Web: www.wsmamusic.org and www.wmea.com
WAUNAKEE, Wis., (May 25, 2006) – Wisconsin Lutheran High School band teacher Richard Mannisto has just been named recipient of the 2006 Wisconsin Award for Excellence in Teaching Music – a statewide award co-sponsored by the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) and Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) recognizing the state’s finest and most exemplary music educators.
Richard Mannisto was formally honored at the Wisconsin Lutheran High School Awards Banquet in Milwaukee on Wednesday, May 24 at 6 p.m. In addition to a $500 cash award and personal momento, a plaque was presented for permanent display for Wisconsin Lutheran High School. Mannisto’s name has also been added to the plaque on permanent display at the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, Waunakee.
Letters of support were written on Mannisto’s behalf as part of the nomination process. Superintendent James R. Kleist nominated Mannisto for the award and referenced his ability to elevate student involvement in the learning process. “His rehearsals are filled with enthusiasm, humor, creativity, concrete examples for teaching difficult music and marching routines, and every student always knows each rehearsal’s objective,” noted Kleist.
“Mr. Mannisto strives to share his passion for music, inspiring both students and adults with his excellent teaching,” said former student Amy Vogt.
Mannisto was asked to submit a personal statement titled "Why I Teach." An excerpt from his statement read: "Hardly ever does teaching feel like a job, it truly is a passion for me – a chance to make a difference for the next generation… The relationships we build in large and small group settings literally last a lifetime…"
Nomination applications for the 2007 Wisconsin Award for Excellence in Teaching Music will be available in September by going to www.wsmamusic.org or www.wmea.com.
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The Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a service organization with more than 950 member public and private schools. Each year, more than 220,000 student participants take part in WSMA activities, including District and State Music Festivals, State Honors Projects, State Marching Band Championships and Concert Festivals. WSMA, also owner and operator of the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, is governed by a Board of Directors made up of superintendents, principals and other officers from all over our state. WSMA believes music is a basic human need and that all children have the right to experience all that music offers them.
The Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) is a membership association of music educators, school administrators, and others interested in seeing the youth in Wisconsin receive a well-rounded education that includes a comprehensive music program taught by certified music teachers. WMEA is the state affiliate of MENC: The National Association for Music Education.