The deadline to nominate a 2010 Lowell Mason Fellow is December 31. MENC created this special honor that recognizes Mason’s place in history. Mason, a composer and music teacher, is considered the “father” of music education.
Designating an individual as a Lowell Mason Fellow recognizes him or her for special contributions to the field of music education.
Past designees have been music educators, music education advocates, political leaders, industry professionals, and others who have contributed to music education in a unique way.
Recipients will be honored by the posting of their photo and archievements on the Lowell Mason Fellows website, and their names will be added to the Fellows wall at MENC’s headquarters. The Class of 2009 was honored at a ceremony at MENC’s Music Education Week in Washington, DC.
Making A Designation
Lowell Mason Fellow designations also provide an opportunity to support the efforts of MENC with a donation in the Fellow’s name. The $1,000 contribution that accompanies each designation goes to MENC’s Fund for the Advancement of Music Education to support future generations of music educators through the organization’s programs and resources.
The donation reflects of the importance of the candidate’s contributions to music education, but does not guarantee their selection as a Fellow. Individuals or groups may designate Fellows.
Efforts to Save the Lowell Mason House
Admirers of Mason are working to save his birthplace in Medfield, Massachusetts.Local officials recently approved moving the historic Lowell Mason House at 25 Adams Street, where Mason was born, to a new location near Hinkley Pond on Green Street.
The Lowell Mason Foundation is now working to raise the money necessary to move and secure the house before winter. Development threatens the house in its current location.
One prominent music educator urges saving the house. Music education historian Michael Mark, a member of the Music Educators Hall of Fame, wrote to a newspaper in Medfield:
“Mason’s heritage lives on today in the magnificent school bands, orchestras and choruses that enrich the lives of students and communities throughout the country. America’s incredibly rich music culture can be credited, in large part, to the success of its school music teachers.”
On September 25, the Lowell Mason Foundation participated in the annual “Discover Medfield Day.” The Foundation used the day to educate visitors and garner support for the house.
Students from the Medfield High School, including the “Groove Merchants,” performed at the house to demonstrate the importance of music education. More than 10,000 people attended the event.
For more information about designating a prospective Lowell Mason Fellow, contact Susan Lambert or call 800/336-3768.
2009 Fellow biographies
Nominate a 2010 Fellow
Saving the Lowell Mason Birthplace
Music Educator Weighs in on Preservation
-Roz Fehr, October 7, 2010 © MENC: The National Association for Music Education
