The National Association for Music Education Makes Policy Roundtable Official
With the American String Teachers Association on hand, Formalization of The Music Education Policy Roundtable Takes Place at National Assembly
RESTON, VA (June 29, 2011) — The National Association for Music Education and American String Teachers Association (ASTA), this week officially formalized The Music Education Policy Roundtable, the freshly minted coalition of music education associations that, since this past February, has been collectively advocating under that informal banner.
Joined on stage for the ceremonies by Executive Director Michael A. Butera and ASTA Executive Director Donna Sizemore Hale, President Scott C. Shuler offered the following remarks on the announcement, “With the formalization of The Music Education Policy Roundtable complete, a tremendous leap forward on this front has been taken, and as leaders of this association, I feel that we should all be very proud. I want to thank Donna Sizemore Hale and everyone at ASTA for their association’s substantial commitment to music advocacy and to making the Roundtable a reality.”
ASTA President Kirk D. Moss issued the following statement, “The American String Teachers Association is pleased to join with The National Association for Music Education as Music Education Policy Roundtable members to buttress the call for music advocacy action and to build strength in numbers of historic proportion. Through the Roundtable, the voice of music teachers just grew louder, and America’s students again have the promise of a well-rounded education.”
Chris Woodside, assistant executive director for advocacy and public affairs, followed up the announcement with an overview of what Roundtable will provide to the field in terms of advocacy credibility. Strong coalition advocacy, staff expertise, information services, unique opportunities, credibility, networking, and flexibility, on behalf of all associated groups, were just some of the attributes of the new coalition discussed during the proceedings.
The presentation concluded with a commitment from all leaders on hand to bring more music education associations into the fold, and with a promise to begin reporting out on Roundtable progress to all members of both associations.
See photos from the announcement.
The American String Teachers Association, founded more than 60 years ago, is a membership organization for string and orchestra teachers and players, helping them to develop and refine their careers. ASTA’s members range from budding student teachers to artist-status performers. The organization provides a vast array of services, including instrument insurance, an award-winning scholarly journal, discounts on publications and resources, annual professional development opportunities, and access to collegial network of colleagues throughout the string profession.
The National Association for Music Education, among the world’s largest arts education organizations, marked its centennial in 2007 as the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. Through membership of more than 75,000 active, retired, and pre-service music teachers, and with 60,000 honor students and supporters, NAfME serves millions of students nationwide through activities at all teaching levels, from preschool to graduate school. NAfME’s mission is to advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all. Since 1907, NAfME 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. NAfME‘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. NAfMEis located in Reston, VA.
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