Tell the Story: Practical Advocacy for Music Education
Clinic Synopsis:
Music educators are powerful advocates when they clearly communicate the value of music learning. In this session, participants will develop a concise advocacy message connecting student musical growth to real-world employability skills such as creativity, collaboration, and problem solving while exploring practical ways to engage communities, industry partners, and local leaders in supporting strong music programs.
Anne Fennell
- Biographical Information
Anne Fennell is the Immediate-Past President of California Music Educators Association, NAfME’s Western Division President-Elect, and recently retired UTK-12 Music Program Manager for San Diego Unified School District in San Diego, CA. She holds a bachelor’s in music education, a master’s in educational leadership studies, and Orff-Schulwerk Levels I-II-III. Her experiences include 38 years in education, 32 of those teaching music composition and steel drum ensembles (grades 9-12), Kindergarten-Grade 8 music through Orff-Schulwerk, and leading vocal and instrumental ensembles in civic, professional, and national performances. Anne is a published author and presents nationally and internationally. She has received numerous awards, including the 2024 NAMM Believe in Music Award, 2020 Technology in Music Education National Teacher of the Year, 2017 MSA National Teacher of the Year, and top 10 GRAMMY Music Educator, 2016.
Mary Luehrsen - Biographical Information
Mary Luehrsen serves as Professor of Practice in the School of Music at the University of South Carolina and supports music majors as they develop as musical and artistic leaders in communities and organizations. Mary was the director of public affairs and government relations for NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants for 23 years and was the founding executive director of the NAMM Foundation (2006). As a leader in policy and advocacy efforts, Mary developed NAMM’s Washington DC Advocacy Fly-in that trains NAMM business leaders as music education advocates working on federal, state and local levels. She also created NAMM’s GenNext and Music Education Days programs that host thousands of university music faculty, students and music educators at the annual NAMM Show to inspire career options in music, connections with the music industry and advance opportunities for music learning. Luehrsen also created the NAMM Foundation’s Nonprofit Management Institute held at the NAMM Show that supports and trains leaders and staff of over 300 music service organizations with goals to strengthen their effectiveness. Luehrsen focuses on rallying talents and energies of people and organizations to advance opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to know the joys and benefits of making and learning music.
Kimberly Deverell - Biographical Information
Kimberly Deverell, a distinguished graduate of San Diego State University with Magna Cum Laude honors in Music Education, comes from an extensive background in music retail spanning 26 years. Her journey in the industry has seen her rise from an instructor to management roles, culminating in her current position as the West Coast Regional Sales Manager at Eastman Music Company. With a steadfast commitment to the music industry, Kimberly actively advocates for music education. Her contributions extend to promoting music and arts in schools at local, state, and federal levels. She was a participant in the inaugural Women of NAMM (WON) Leadership Summit and dedicated four years to serving on the NAMM Board of Directors. Kimberly's passion for music and its transformative power to change lives drives her continuous efforts to make a positive impact.
James Weaver - Biographical Information
Dr. James Weaver is the CEO and President of Music for All. A native of Aberdeen, South Dakota, Weaver has served as a teacher, administrator, and national leader in music education across district, state, and national levels. He began his career as the director of orchestras in Perham, Minnesota, then returned to Aberdeen Public Schools, where he led a period of unprecedented program growth and competitive success. He went on to serve as assistant executive director of the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA), launching new statewide fine arts programs and modernizing adjudication systems. Later, as district administrator of fine and performing arts for the Sioux Falls School District, Weaver oversaw music, visual arts, speech, debate, theatre, and adaptive arts across 37 schools, managing a team of 140 and leading a full K-12 curriculum redesign. In 2016, Weaver became Director of Performing Arts and Sports at the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), where he led major national initiatives in performing arts advocacy, professional development, and copyright compliance. He played a pivotal role as co-chair of the International Performing Arts Aerosol Study, helping over 125 organizations navigate a safe return to school music and arts programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Weaver currently serves as president of the National Music Council and holds appointments to several national arts boards and policy groups. His leadership continues to shape the future of school music through innovation, advocacy, and coalition building.
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