Prescott High School Principal Josh Fiege was recently invited to attend the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) June conference as its keynote speaker. NAfME's focus is to support music educators through a collaborative community that advocates for equitable access to music education. It aims to enhance the music education profession and promote lifelong engagement with music.

Putting “Ideas Into Practice” was the theme of this year’s conference theme with “roll up your sleeves” collaboration sessions spanning four days to turn ideas into action. In his keynote, Fiege stated, “I am a music appreciator, not a creator,” and shared anecdotes of students who found a sense of purpose, belonging, success and support from Prescott’s music programs, when they had not elsewhere. He encouraged leaders to be curious and have empathy for the challenges music teachers are against, such as feeling undervalued and isolated in their (oftentimes) sole positions per school or district. He also shared strategies he uses to encourage PHS music teachers: autonomy to support innovation, empowerment by allowing extra time for idea generation, and recognition - whether a quick note to express “I noticed…” or an underlying acknowledgment of the importance of their music program.

“When I compare our educators with the focus and initiatives that NAfME is emphasizing for the national scale, I can confidently say our teachers are on the cutting edge of delivering the best quality music education to students. Each of our teachers in the district brings different strengths to their work with students; I think this is what makes our music department so well rounded,” Fiege noted.

Prescott’s music and theater departments have flourished in recent years and have received numerous state awards. The Prescott community has also been an extraordinary supporter of music and theater productions.

Over 300 participants attended the invitation-only event which drew leaders from all over the United States to D.C. to discuss music and the arts and the need for future advocacy to increase these offerings in schools. Participating leaders ranged from collegiate leaders (pre-service teachers), current teachers, an Executive Leadership team from the six NAfME districts in the U.S., their national board, state MEA presidents and leadership teams, and business/corporate partners as well. The agenda also included a Hill Day where participants met with congressional leaders to discuss/advocate the future of arts in schools.

“There are a lot of people relying on the leadership of NAfME -  students who don’t know that right now their access to music depends on the successes of this organization, and music teachers who need supportive champions to help them build and protect their programs… You are a tremendous group of people, and I can tell by the passion in the room that you will help bring the language of music to each and every child.”

In 2023, Fiege was awarded the Distinguished Administrator Award by the Wisconsin Music Educators Association, and has played cameo parts in recent PHS theater productions.

Submitted by Prescott School District