Music Technology in Education

Today I am in Milwaukee, WI at the MENC National Conference. It is always great to see so many of my friends at this conference, and catch up in all that has happened since the last conference. Yesterday, however, there was a buzz about two things: the new MENC website - completely redesigned, and - unbelievably to me - the announcement that the 2010 Conference in Kansas City has been canceled - meaning this is the last MENC National Conference for the forseeable future! I find this fact very hard to believe. I have been attending this conference for nearly 20 years and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the networking and learning through the various sessions and performances that have taken place. I have presented numerous times at this conference, and always felt that it was one of the premiere events at which to do so. I am sad to see it go.

Perhaps it is a sign of the times in education - so many conferences, so little money for professional development, no paid release time - that has brought MENC to this situation. I have been to many other conferences however that are vibrant and brimming with teachers (Midwest Clinic, TMEA, FMEA). My hope is that MENC finds a better way to address the needs of their membership - perhaps through lobbying efforts in Washington DC, or harnessing the success that these other organizations have had. Educators are professionals, and our national organization should be there to support them.

I welcome your comments and suggestions.