WISCONSIN CENTER FOR MUSIC EDUCATION PAVES THE WAY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WAUNAKEE, Wis. (November 19, 2004) – As first of its kind in the nation, the Wisconsin Center for Music Education is about to become a reality!  The Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) announced that enough funds have been raised to begin construction on the Center, which will serve as a catalyst for innovation and growth of music education throughout Wisconsin when it opens July 2005 in Waunakee.

The Wisconsin Center for Music Education will be a state-of-the-art working facility, serving music teachers, students and community members with innovative music education programs and resources. Its statewide reach will be possible by utilizing unique communication resources and technology. 

“The Wisconsin Center for Music Education symbolizes the importance of music and the arts in our schools.  With growth of performing arts facilities in Wisconsin, it is fitting that there also be a center with a statewide mission dedicated to music education,” said WSMA Executive Director Eric Runestad.

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

• Resource Center – Music education libraries donated by nationally known teachers and conductors, festival music (over 5,000 titles) for study, historical archives and local/state music curriculum guides.
• Digital Sound Studio – Digital sound technology for teaching, rehearsing and performance, plus recording, producing and editing music.
• Innovation Center – Regional/statewide video conferencing, distance learning and online facilities, instructional space for workshops and classes and multi-media technology for professional development and student training.
• Music Technology Center – Electronic keyboard lab with computer interface, MIDI and sequencing capabilities, latest technology for music study, composing, arranging and performance, plus special classes for youth and adults utilizing the Yamaha “Music in Education” Program.
• Recognition Areas – Wisconsin Music Education Hall of Fame, Les Paul Recognition Lobby, Commemorative Brick Walkway, Recognition of Capital Campaign donors, program sponsors, volunteers, outstanding educators and school administrators.
• Early Childhood Music Center – Weekly music classes and integrated arts experiences for pre-school children, plus teacher training.

The 16,900 square foot building will also include headquarters space for WSMA and other arts organizations.  WSMA will help extend the reach of music education through the Center’s programs and resources, and will assume responsibility for owning and managing the $1.9 million facility.

“With enough money raised to begin construction, our focus now turns toward reducing the debt on the mortgage and supporting the Center’s programs,” said Runestad.

To learn more about the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, including how to make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.wsmamusic.org and select the “Wisconsin Foundation for School Music” tab.

The Wisconsin Center for Music Education will open in July 2005.  Architect's rendering provided by LMC Render and TJK Design and Construction.

The ceremonial groundbreaking on November 19 marked the beginning of the construction phase for the Wisconsin Center for Music Education.

Left to Right: Bryan McCarthy, 6th Grade Student, Waunakee Intermediate School; Kathy Bartling, Music Teacher, Waunakee Intermediate School; Gregg Butler, President, WSMA; Richard Wolf, Campaign Chair; Eric Runestad, Executive Director, WSMA; Vincent Lyles, President Elect, WFSM.

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The Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a service organization with more than 1,000 member public and private schools. Last year, over 225,000 students took the initiative to become involved in WSMA activities, including District and State Music Festivals, State Honors Projects, State Marching Band Championships and Concert Festivals. The Association 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 Foundation for School Music (WFSM) supports involvement of youth in music education experiences, primarily through the programs and services of the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA). The Foundation provides a means for individuals and corporations to invest in the lives of young musicians and has a direct impact on their efforts to achieve excellence through music.