| Wisconsin
CMP Project: 25 Years of Success! |
From the Spring 2003 Issue of CMP Insight
While many educational initiatives and trends come
and go, the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance
Project has continued to move forward in the field of music education.
Unlike many of the educational initiatives and trends, CMP has reached
a milestone – 25 years of service in music education. Congratulations
to the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance
Project! As we celebrate this special anniversary, let’s take a
look at the key factors that make the CMP Project a success.
Mission
Every company has a mission. The CMP Project is no exception. Charles
Benner wrote, "…it can be concluded that performing group
participation has little effect on musical behavior other than the
acquisition of performance skills unless there is a planned effort
by the teacher to enrich the performing experience with additional
kinds of musical understanding." With this in mind, a team
of respected music teachers in cooperation with WMEA, WSMA, and
DPI, came together and created the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship
through Performance Project with the purpose of advancing performing
ensembles to perform with understanding. A clear mission was established
and after 25 years, it still remains the focus of CMP.
Board of Directors
Leadership and the framework for success starts at the top in the
business world. So too, does it exist in the field of education.
We are fortunate in this state to have the leadership and key partners
for success in the following organizations: Wisconsin Music Educators
Association, Wisconsin School Music Association, and the Department
of Public Instruction. It was the vision of these three organizations
that saw a need and came together to create the CMP Project. The
merger of educational thought and sponsorship, a merger that provides
the valuable resources and empowerment of educators, is key in the
creation and maintenance of such a successful educational initiative.
CEO
Every successful company has someone who is responsible for the
organization. This person is responsible for carrying out the mission.
Many CEO’s require the highest degree of leadership skills and vision.
We are fortunate to have not one, but two persons who continue to
steer CMP forward: in the likes of Michael George, WSMA/WMEA Executive
Director, and Jan Tweed, WSMA Program Associate. Both Michael and
Jan were on the original steering committee 25 years ago and have
not only kept the vision alive, but have empowered those around
them to bring the mission of CMP to fruition. Their dedication,
commitment, and passion for making the CMP Project a storied success
is a model for all leaders in music education and business.
Quality Service
The success of any company comes from the people who work in the
factories and offices, and likewise success in the classroom comes
from teachers. In this case, it is music educators who continue
to give their time and resources to fellow music educators. The
staff of the CMP project is a cadre of teachers that have exhibited
the finest teaching practices. Not only are they models of superior
teaching, these music educators wish to share their knowledge and
expertise with the rest of their profession. They continually give
of their time and resources through inservices, lectures, workshops,
meetings, and publications with the intent of reaching out to colleagues
and sharing their mission. And these music teachers continue to
challenge each other in order to improve their leadership, philosophy
and the future of the CMP Project. Successful corporations have
employees that work efficiently and effectively for their company.
However, the CMP Project committee members go above and beyond in
order to advance music education in the music classrooms throughout
the state.
Looking to the Future
Companies have to know their consumers' needs and wants and all
educators must do the same. The key for educators is not only what
information will students and teachers need now, but what will aid
students and teachers in the future. A corporation without a vision
has no future. The same is true for education. This is why many
educational initiatives and trends lose their inertia. The CMP Project
is a force that continues to evolve and look toward the future while
maintaining the integrity of the CMP model.
The staff continues to refine its approach to providing
valuable resources and knowledge that meet both educators and students
needs. Music teachers who have attended the annual CMP summer workshops
can attest to the magnitude of information and motivation drawn
from a staff that willingly shares its expertise and experiences.
Like corporate success, music educators must take the
time to step back and look at the tremendous success created by
the CMP Project. The CMP Project has represented Wisconsin at numerous
state and national conferences and has drawn particular interest
from many states that wish to create a CMP Project in their own
state. It has particularly influenced the music education scene
at many Wisconsin school districts. Music teachers are preparing
and teaching their students in new and exciting ways. Most important,
the impact that CMP has had on the education of students and how
students learn are astronomical. "Performing with Understanding"
is a phrase associated with the CMP Project and it is most suitable
and appropriate. Those who are part of or have been influenced by
the CMP Project know there is much more to playing or singing music.
It is the profound knowledge and in depth learning experiences that
come along with making music that make this approach to music education
special. That is what makes the Wisconsin Comprehensive Musicianship
through Performance Project a success for 25 years. Congratulations
to all those who have been involved with or touched by CMP Project.
Happy Anniversary!
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