FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Phone: 608-850-3566
Web: www.wsmamusic.org

WAUNAKEE, Wis. (September 26, 2005) – As first of its kind in the nation, the Wisconsin Center for Music Education is now a reality!  The Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA), owner and operator of the Center, held a grand opening celebration September 23-24 in Waunakee (just north of Madison).  The event marked the beginning of a new era with the Center as a catalyst for innovation and growth of music and arts education throughout the state.

“This grand opening was truly a celebration of so many people who share a common bond of dedication to music and arts education and commitment to its growth and development in Wisconsin,” said WSMA Executive Director Eric Runestad.

The two-day event, which was attended by the public, included tours of the Center, a grand opening ceremony, free workshops featuring the Center’s technology, an exclusive celebrity autographed guitar auction in honor of Wisconsin native and music pioneer Les Paul and more.  The celebration showcased the Center’s dedication to students, music teachers and community members through diverse music education programs and resources, and a statewide reach made possible through technology. 

Among a growing list of unique features, the Wisconsin Center for Music Education includes:

  • Pleasant Rowland Innovation Center – Instructional space for workshops and classes, statewide video conferencing and multi-media technology for professional development and student training.
  • Resource Center – Music education libraries donated by nationally known teachers and conductors (i.e., Ralph J. Houghton Honors Library, Michael E. Leckrone Library, Morris D. Hayes Choral Library, Marvin J. Rabin Orchestra Library, Jim Schutz Jazz Library, Curriculum Library in honor of Wisconsin Elementary Music Teachers, etc.); festival music (over 5,000 titles) for study, archive of WSMA State Honors Music Project, other historical archives, local/state music curriculum guides and publications/reference resources for music education.
  • White House of Music Digital Sound Studio – Digital sound technology for teaching, rehearsing and performance, plus recording, producing and editing music.
  • Yamaha Music Technology Center – Yamaha Music In Education lab, and music technology workstations for sequencing, composing and arranging.
  • Recognition Areas – Les Paul Atrium, Michael G. George Hall of Honor, Commemorative Brick Walkway, Recognition of Capital Campaign donors, program sponsors, volunteers, outstanding educators and school administrators.

The Wisconsin Center for Music Education also includes headquarters space for WSMA, the Wisconsin Music Educators Association, the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music and other arts organizations.  WSMA will help extend the reach of music education through the Center’s resources and programs. 

Fall/winter workshops and seminars at the Center include:

  • Meet the Performer – Five 90-minute sessions featuring area musicians in diverse musical fields demonstrating what they do, talking about their inspirations, education and more. October 5, 12, 19; November 2, 9.
  • World Music Drumming Circle – Fun evenings of drumming, singing, jamming and socializing. Attendees will learn to play drum ensembles with songs and movement from West Africa, the Caribbean and other cultures – no experience needed. October 10, 17, 24; November 7.
  • Technique and Pedagogy (professional development for teachers) – A track of three workshops covering the following areas: Vocal Techniques for Instrumental Teachers, Functional Piano for Rehearsal and Classroom Use (November 19); String Techniques for the Non-String Teacher, Percussion Techniques for the Non-Percussionist (January 28); Woodwind Techniques for the Non-Woodwind Teacher, Brass Techniques for the Non-Brass Teacher (February 18).
  • Writing a Professional Development Plan for a PI 34 License (professional development for teachers) – For music educators holding a Wisconsin Initial Educator License and working toward the Wisconsin Professional Educator License.  January 14, February 25 and April 1.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, including additional workshop details, online workshop registration and how to make a tax-deductible donation to support the project, visit www.wsmamusic.org/center.

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