Adopted by the Board of Directors on June 28, 1989

Middle grade educational practices have been in the throes of tumultuous change in the 1980's. Movement away from the high school model and toward a student centered, exploratory curriculum has created what many have termed the Middle School Philosophy." The resulting shift of educational priorities within this model has affected music education dramatically in many of our schools.

Recognizing this fact, the WISCONSIN SCHOOL MUSIC ASSOCIATION, after an extensive study of current state wide practices, acknowledges the following as their belief regarding what should be the status of music offerings in our Wisconsin middle schools and junior high schools.

WE BELIEVE:

• That general music experiences should be an integral part of every child's middle grade experience on ALL grade levels. Schools which are not offering this option should closely examine schedules of schools that do.
  
  
• That performance opportunities in band, orchestra and chorus should be available as elective options to all middle grade students and that small group or individual lessons should be an integral part of each performance curriculum.
  
  
• That students enrolled in instrumental or choral music should have opportunity for both large group and small group instruction during the school day.
  
  
• That music curricula should be concept based and sequential and should include opportunities for creating and describing music, as well as performing music.
  
  
• That middle grade students should be allowed to experience performance in both vocal and instrumental groups.
  
  
• That performance music classes should meet regularly throughout the school year and not be subject to interruption from alternate exploratory options.

If education in the 21st century is to be the key ingredient in our survival as a free nation of creative thinkers and doers, it must indeed mean more than reading, writing and mathematics. Quality education means total education - which includes thinking, feeling, moving, singing, playing, dancing and creating. These also are basics.

Music is a fundamental mode of learning and expression. Students who are to possess the understanding and meanings which make music possible must be supplied with programs of instruction that allow this to develop.