More than 4,000 people are expected at the multi-venue Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) conference, which showcases not only the influence of music in the schools but also where music education ranks among school priorities.
“We believe music education is important for all students,” said Scott Barnes, WMEA acting president. “Research shows music students stay in school, they do better, they tend to graduate and go on to college. They benefit from this for their entire lives. This is a chance for us to come together and look at ways to better our craft and reach more kids.”
The push for more science, technology, engineering and math — or STEM — has been linked to a shift away from electives such as music. Barnes sees it differently, comparing it to the STEAM push where advocates add arts to that well-known acronym.
Recent changes to high school graduation requirements have produced mixed blessings. Last year, the Washington State Board of Education approved the increase of the number of high school credits required for graduation. One of the positives of the changes was doubling the minimum number of arts credits from one to two, Barnes said.
However, the credit increases in other subjects like science — part of the STEM push — and languages means students more likely shift attention to those subjects rather than commit to four years of music or other arts.
“People are dealing with younger bands” as a result of the new credit requirements, said Troy Bennefield, the Washington State University marching band director.