School Music is the Focus for Thousands of Music Educators at the 61st National Biennial In-Service Conference of MENC: The National Association for Music Education RESTON, VA (October 11, 2007) — MENC: The National Association for Music Education, which marked its Centennial in 2007, announced the preliminary schedule for its 61st National Biennial In-Service Conference, April 9-13, 2008, in Milwaukee, WI. The conference theme is “Touch a Life, Teach Music.” Thousands of music educators from across the country are expected to attend. “Teachers spend most of their waking moments serving their students,” said MENC President Lynn M. Brinckmeyer in a statement to MENC members. “The MENC national conference in Milwaukee will provide you an opportunity to rejuvenate and reconnect. Our outstanding clinicians, speakers and performers are guaranteed to touch your life with their music and inspirational ideas. I hope you’ll join us!” Brinckmeyer is assistant professor of music and director of choral music education at Texas State University. Renowned musical performers and speakers highlight the conference schedule. The “Milwaukee Showcase” on Wednesday, April 9 will feature the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra directed by Margery Deutsch and the Milwaukee Children’s Choir and Youth Chorale directed by Emily Holt Crocker. The Ahn Trio will bring their elegance and virtuosity to the Thursday, April 10 evening concert and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band will perform Friday evening, April 11 with an additional performance on Saturday, April 12 with the student winners of the Marine Band Concerto Competition. Featured General Session speakers include Sarah Jerome, president of the American Association of School Administrators; Colonel Michael J. Colburn, director of “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band; Steven Van Zandt, best known as Silvio Dante on The Sopranos and as guitarist for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band; and Andrea Peterson, the 2007 National Teacher of the Year. In other special events, Ryan Camara and Kalani will bring enthusiasm to the World Rhythm Drumming Event; John Jacobson will lead the singing at the Get America Singing… Again! event; “Dr. Tim” Lautzenheiser will inspire students at the Student Leadership Conference; Greg Gilpin will introduce choral literature at reading sessions; and The African Children’s Choir will delight attendees with the joyful music of their homeland. In addition, the conference will feature educational sessions, industry workshops, technology labs, student performing groups from around the nation, and music industry exhibits. Educators who register by February 15 receive the early bird rate and a chance to win free conference registration or two nights lodging. For registration information, call 800-336-3768 or 703-860-4000. The conference events will occur in downtown Milwaukee at the Midwest Airlines Center (Milwaukee’s convention center), Milwaukee Theatre, and the Hilton Milwaukee City Center and Hyatt Regency Milwaukee hotels. The official conference hotels are all located within walking distance of the Midwest Airlines Center and the Milwaukee Theatre. Hotel reservations can be made from MENC’s Web site or by calling Connections Housing (MENC’s housing company) at 1-800-262-9974, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. est. For air travel, the General Mitchell International Airport (MKE) is Wisconsin’s largest airport and is located eight miles south of Milwaukee. Midwest Airlines is the official carrier for the 61st MENC National Biennial In-Service Conference. Educators can book Midwest Airlines flights online at midwestairlines.com, by phone at 1-800-452-2022, or through an agent; use promo code CMZ1572 to save up to 12% off airfare. If traveling by car, rail, or train, Milwaukee’s downtown is easily accessible. For more information, visit Milwaukee’s official tourism Web site at www.milwaukee.org. MENC: The National Association for Music Education, the world’s largest arts education organization, marks its centennial in 2007 as the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. More than 130,000 members represent all levels of teaching from preschool to graduate school. Since 1907, MENC has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. MENC’s activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education. ###
