Kettle Moraine Teacher Wins State Music Award
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Thays
Phone: 608-850-3566
Email: kthays@wmea.com
Web: www.wsmamusic.org www.wmea.com
WAUNAKEE, Wis. (April 1, 2005) – Kettle Moraine High School teacher Susan Chandler is the 2005 recipient of the Wisconsin Award for Excellence in Teaching Music.
The honor will be presented to Chandler at the “Puttin’ on the Ritz” scholarship fundraising event on May 14, 5 p.m. at Kettle Moraine High School.
Established in 2002 to recognize Wisconsin's finest and most exemplary music educators, the award is co-sponsored by the Wisconsin School Music Association (WSMA) and Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA). It includes a $500 grant and a plaque for permanent display at Kettle Moraine High School. A plaque will also be placed at the Wisconsin Center for Music Education, Waunakee, upon the Center's completion. Additionally, Chandler will receive a “Letter of Commendation” from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Elizabeth Burmaster.
Letters of support were written on Chandler’s behalf, as part of the nomination process. Under her leadership, "The Kettle Moraine orchestra program has significantly deepened the rich music heritage of the students and community," noted Kettle Moraine School District Administrator and 2004 Wisconsin Superintendent of the Year Sarah Jerome.
Chandler was asked to submit a personal statement titled "Why I Teach." An excerpt from her statement read: "Music is one of the highest forms of communication. In particular, orchestral music communicates feelings and images without words. Thus, music becomes my tool to teach students about managing emotions, how to be good citizens, how to put your talents to the service of others and how to reach for a standard of excellence and dedication."
Nomination applications for the 2006 Wisconsin Award for Excellence in Teaching Music will be available by September 6 by going to www.wsmamusic.org or www.wmea.com.
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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 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.