Counterpoint: Articles & News

August 01, 2012
FOCUS ON ADVOCACY: One Man’s Vision and ‘It Takes A Village’ Focus Create Statewide Model for Music Education Program Rebuild in West Virginia

When the late Lyell Clay learned that his state, West Virginia, was ranked 47th in the nation for music and arts education, he decided to do something about it. In 1996, he contacted Mike Bates, Institutional Solutions Group, Keyboard Division, Yamaha Corporation of America, and enlisted his help to turn things around.
June 29, 2012
FOCUS ON STUDENTS: Award-Winning Student Essayists Tell School Board Members Why We Need Music Education in Our Schools

Each year, School Band & Orchestra Magazine conducts a nationwide essay contest for 4th through 12th grade students. The 2012 Essay Contest asked students to write 250 words or less
June 19, 2012
FOCUS ON STUDENTS: It’s Time for a Rock and Roll Revolution in Music Education!

A movement is spreading across the country: children want to play instruments that are most relevant to their lives, such as the electric guitar and the drum set.
May 01, 2012
FOCUS ON ADVOCACY: Building and Maintaining the Arts Advocacy Safety Net

I am a proactive parent who has been committed to arts education for over two decades. And,I marvel at how our school district, the fifth largest in the nation, has been able to keep the arts alive for our students despite an economic recession and many other pressures.
April 08, 2012
FOCUS ON ADVOCACY: “Best Communities for Music Education” Designees Discuss How the BCME Survey Helps Assess and Strengthen Music Education Programs

For the past 13 years, The NAMM Foundation has recognized the “Best Communities for Music Education” (BCME) via an annual survey that celebrates music education as part of the core curriculum in US public schools. In addition to acknowledging community support for music education, the survey provides a tool for schools to assess program elements that are necessary for children to receive an exemplary education in music.
February 29, 2012
FOCUS ON STUDENTS: Empowering Principals as School Arts Leaders is Key Strategy for Student Success

To give students the best chance of fulfilling their potential, learning in and through the arts must be part of their education. It has never been more important that schools stand united by this common cause.
February 02, 2012
FOCUS ON ADVOCACY: Wanna Play Music Like Our American Presidents Did?

Beyond the rigor and relevance of teaching to the national music education standards, the tangible evidence of all that is learned in our classrooms is an incredible tool for showing why music is an interdisciplinary essential in American education. Making connections to 21st Century Skills and Common Core Standards aligns teaching across the curriculum through a musical lens. Finding creative ways to make this evident is key, and involving students in making a Presidential Podcast focused on music is both innovative and fun.
October 01, 2011
FOCUS ON ADVOCACY: The Power and Influence of Music Parents

Parents of music students play many important roles. Two parents -- Scott McCormick (CEO of the National Association of Music Parents) and Hiram Jackson (a frequent contributor to the SupportMusic Facebook page) -- offer ways to motivate greater parental involvement. You’ll also find links to helpful books by Dr. John Benham and David Vandewalker, and resources from SupportMusic and NAfME (formerly MENC).
May 05, 2011
FOCUS ON ISSUES & DECISIONMAKING: An Overview of “Tips for Success: A HELPFUL Guide for Instrumental Music Teachers”

Tips for Success: A Guide for Instrumental Music Teachers (newly revised by the Music Achievement Council) collects invaluable secrets and advice from leading music educators. It helps make music teachers’ jobs easier because it covers many topics neglected in formal teacher education programs.
April 08, 2011
FOCUS ON ADVOCACY: The Power of Persistence – Building Community Support for Music Education

For the past 11 years, I have been the music supervisor for Loudoun County Public Schools in Northern Virginia. I also serve as the Stonewall District representative to the Frederick County, Virginia school board, a position I have held for four years.

Counterpoint: Articles & News

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