music activism

music a ctivism is extremely important to every music educator... especially when the economy is struggling. You may not think about your me N c/ omea membership as actively supporting you and your program. membership is often the first step in becoming a “music activist”.

Nationally, meN c is working and supporting all efforts to keep music in schools through the membership of more than 75,000 active, retired, and pre-service music educators. Since 1907, meN c has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. meN c serves millions of students nationwide through activities at all teaching levels. MENC’s mission is to advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by ALL.

omea actively supports music education in oregon. We are excited about the accomplishments of omea this year! Past President Steve Zielke labored to develop and have oregon’s first music education Standards adopted (view at www.oregonmusic.org). President christopher Silva has worked non-stop behind the screens to provide omea with solid leadership and a constant vision to sustain the organization and keep it headed toward growth. members of the executive board give countless hours to support you and your students because they are “music activists”.

the all-State conference in January was exceptional! First VP Jeff Simmons master-minded a conference that offered more sessions and performances than any conference in recent history. He also reached out to develop a supportive relationship with Susan castillo, the State Superintendent of Public education. think about the conference chairs and their tireless dedication to you and to your students. the conference is a “group activist project” that takes the skills and devotion of many music activists!

We had so many teachers and pre-service teachers attend the conference that we barely fit everyone into the banquet hall to hear turtle Is-