Scott C. Shuler had a “really good” band teacher in high school. When he headed off to college, even though he planned to major in physics or psychiatry, he decided to continue studying trumpet. Why? Because he enjoyed making music.
By the end of his freshman year, when he had been getting up at 5 a.m. “just for fun” to practice his trumpet, he decided his heart was really in the music, not psychiatry. “I am lucky that I was attending the University of Michigan where they have an excellent music school, so I could switch to the music school and receive a great music education,” he said.
That decision ultimately led Shuler to a Ph.D. from the Eastman School of Music and a distinguished career as a public school and college music educator. A prolific writer and arts advocate, he has championed the cause of music education on the local, state, and national levels. He is now the arts education specialist in the Connecticut State Department of Education.
Beginning July 1, Shuler will bring that expertise to his new role of MENC president-elect. Members elected him to that office in elections that concluded in March. He will serve as president in 2010-2012.
Of his selection, Shuler said, “Music educators make an important contribution to children’s lives and therefore deserve the best possible support in every area, through professional development, through opportunities for communication with expert peers, and through strong advocacy. As the central organization for music and music educators, MENC must be the hub of the great collaborative effort to provide that support.”
Shuler added, “Being president of MENC is a great responsibility. I humbly thank the members for their trust and will live up to it by working on behalf of children.”
Barbara L. Geer assumes the presidency of MENC July 1, taking over from Lynn E. Brinckmeyer, who becomes MENC’s immediate past president.
—Roz Fehr, April 4, 2008, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education
