Purpose of the Award:
An annual recognition of creative music curriculum that foster imaginative, creative and innovative teaching practices in music education. Awards may recognize classroom experiences, extensions of the classroom, and school/community/business relationships or partnerships.
Who is Eligible:
At least one nominee must be a NAfME/WMEA member or NAfME Collegiate member. Self nominations are accepted and encouraged.
Criteria:
Selection will be based on evidence of imaginative, creative and innovative teaching practices in a music education setting. Nominees will be asked to submit the following:
- One page nomination application; nomination can allow for self-nomination and nomination of others.
- One or two page summary of the creative teaching and learning practice. Evidence of student learning is the most important of all the criteria.
- Two letters of recommendation supporting the creative teaching practice and highlighting student learning.
Deadline:
All materials must be submitted by July 1.
Applications submitted after July 1 will be considered for the following year.
Presentation of Award:
Award will be presented at the Wisconsin State Music Conference in October.
Recognition:
Video footage highlighting the creative music program will be created and recognized on the WMEA website. Award recipients will also be highlighted in the September or January issue of Wisconsin School Musician.
Previous Award Recipients
| Year | Recipient(s) |
|---|---|
| 2024 | "Cosmic Cadences: A Journey Through Music and Space" Lisa J. Werner - St. Bruno Parish School |
| 2023 | "Northwoods Marching Band" Benjamin Burish, D.C. Everest Joseph L. Finnegan, D.C. Everest Austin Kappel, Antigo Forrest Mann, Northland Pines Bethany Puffer, Three Lakes William Richter, Lakeland Union Tyler Schuster, Mosinee Elli Wilk, Merrill |
| 2021 | "Make Music Oregon" - Laura Burns & Nate Mendl COVID-19 Teaching and Learning (ALL Wisconsin Music Educators ) |
| 2020 | "Non-semble” Curriculum - Middleton High School Educators Douglas Brown Steve Kurr Jamie Pitt Eric Rothacker Michael Ver Voort |
| 2018 | Lakeview Elementary After-School Arts, Madison |
| 2017 | Anthony Cao, Madison |
| 2016 | Michael Hayden, Wauwatosa Brad Thew, Viroqua |
| 2015 | Chris Gleason, Sun Prairie Aaron Juhl, Chilton |
| 2014 | Christine Hayes, Whitewater Matt McVeigh, Fond du Lac |
| 2013 | Jackie Vandenberg, Jackson Robert Rosen, Stevens Point Honorable Mention Karla Hulne; Belltallica Handbell Choir Anthony Cao; Madison West Choral/Contemporary Studies Michael Ross; Adopt a School Choir Program-MYC/Lincoln Elementary |
