Lena Teacher Honored With State Music Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Phone: 608-850-3566
Web: www.wsmamusic.org
WAUNAKEE, Wis., (May 28, 2009) - Lena Public Schools instrumental music teacher Connie Kramer has been named recipient of the 2009 Wisconsin Award for Excellence in Teaching Music -- a statewide award co-sponsored by Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) and Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) recognizing the state’s finest and most exemplary music educators.
Connie Kramer was formally honored at the Lena High School Spring Concert the evening of May 5. In addition to a $500 unrestricted cash grant, there is a plaque for display at Lena High School. Kramer’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 Kramer’s behalf as part of the nomination process. Parent Eric Blazek was one of three who nominated Kramer for the award and referenced her drive to support students both in and outside the classroom. “I have seen first hand how Connie can embrace and empower students that otherwise may not get many breaks in life or even much guidance from anyone,” noted Blazek.
“I heard her say once, ‘Yes, I teach music, but most of all, I teach children,’” said Mary Ann Glime, director of bands for Gillett Public Schools.
Robert Werley, former district administrator for Lena Public School District, also credits Kramer for her leadership with students. “Students who others may least expect to step forward elsewhere, step forward in the music room in the ways of musical solos, student directors and project leaders,” he expressed.
In order to be eligible for the Wisconsin Award for Excellence in Teaching Music, candidates must have at least 10 years of certified music teaching experience in a public and/or private school and have been involved in service with WSMA and WMEA. Additionally, three people with different relationships to the candidate must submit nominations.
For more information on all WSMA and WMEA programs and services, go to www.wsmamusic.org and www.wmea.com.
PHOTO CAPTION: WSMA Program Director Theresa McKinley honors Connie Kramer with 2009 Wisconsin Award for Excellence in Teaching Music. Contact Kevin Thays for high resolution press photo.
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Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) is a service organization with more than 1,000 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 Music Project, 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.
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.