From the President

By Will Janssen

On behalf of Wisconsin Music Educators Association, a warm welcome to the 2025–26 school year. The beginning of each school year has the beauty of a fresh start, regardless of how the previous one ended. This year’s start may feel a bit more challenging as schools work through changes in federal and state funding formulas, tariff implications for music education, changes in student enrollment, new assessment strategies and more.

I’m reminded of a scene from the final Lord of the Rings book where Frodo and Gandalf contemplate living in challenging moments. “I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo. “So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

What do we do with the time given us, and the students who are in our classrooms? There are plenty of decisions to be made on a regular basis determining what kinds of experiences students will have. It can feel like each of us makes these decisions and carries the related burdens alone. But we don’t … not really. 

We can choose to be part of a larger community ― one that we connect with in person, online or at events like the Wisconsin State Music Conference. Being part of a community with other music educators helps spread out the burdens and creates more opportunity to share the joys of our classrooms. 

The sense of belonging to a valued community is important to our students, even though they may use different words to describe it. That feeling matters to the adults working in our schools. The 2025 conference is specifically designed to help the music educators of Wisconsin build community in their classrooms and connect with others through the theme of “Building Vibrant Communities through Music.”

This year’s event brings together great educators from across Wisconsin offering sessions, informances and concerts to help all of us look at the future of music education happening now. Check the Friday schedule for a new series of shorter sessions that focus on specific pedagogy concepts.

Networking continues to be a highly requested part of the schedule. Thursday morning includes groups by area of instruction; Friday morning provides a chance to meet your regional vice president. Take advantage of these to connect with colleagues, get new ideas and find resources to take home.

The exhibit hall includes the popular “Collegiate Town Hall” and space at the WMEA booth to talk to experts who are presenting Friday pedagogy sessions. Be sure to visit the Exhibit Hall and check out these features. We greatly appreciate the support of our music merchant partners in making this a valued part of the conference.

Honor those who have made a significant contribution to music education by attending the Wednesday evening “Presidents’ Reception” where WMEA awards are presented. While there, take time to greet Amanda Karhuse – NAfME assistant executive director, advocacy & public policy – welcome her to Wisconsin. Ms. Karhuse will present several sessions on effective advocacy from your classroom to the Capitol.

From Wednesday’s TI:ME technology sessions to the highly anticipated WSMA State Honors Music Project concerts, there are incredible opportunities for you to explore. Attend the Conference – you are an important part of our community.

I hope your school year is going incredibly well. See you soon in Madison!

Will