The Michigan Music Conference, for school bands, orchestras and choirs, features performances, professional development sessions, and workshops and is yet another way the social justice warriors are reaching our teachers and ultimately our children. During the past several months we have seen how CRT, SEL and gender theory has been woven into math, English, science & social studies curriculum through classroom lessons and school libraries. These foundations of critical theory are also beginning to invade music programs.
In January 2023, the 18th annual Michigan Music Conference took place in Grand Rapids. Music students from across the state performed during this conference including GHHS Choir and GHHS Chamber Orchestra. While the students were busy with performances, faculty had the opportunity to attend lectures and workshops; several of which focused on CRT, SEL, etc... Here are screenshots that show some of the events.
Dr. Derrick Fox from the University of Nebraska; "Cultivating Inclusive Communities is a series of workshops focused on improving Diversity, Equity, Access, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIAB) in the choral community.
This 4-part workshop is specifically designed for choirs. Choral directors, ensemble members, and organization board members are led through activities, discussions and provided resources to develop their voices in the work of DEIAB by learning about the lived experiences of minoritized and marginalized people. Our work will be focused on creating inclusive pedagogical practices, policies, procedures, language, actions and experiences that honor the voices in your choir and community."
Heather Shouldice: "Her research interests include music teacher beliefs and their relationships to teaching practice, musical development and musical identity in young children, and issues related to gender in music education."
Our teachers are targets of critical theory Marxian teachings, because they have the ability to influence the next generation of Americans. Before the principles of critical theory can reach large numbers of children, they must reach the teachers. These ideas began to invade American culture primarily through university sociology departments. Within the universities they reached all types of students including those studying education. Graduates of many teaching colleges are bringing the ideas into their classrooms. Current teachers are introduced to this programming through conventions and professional development. If teachers adopt these ideologies, they too will pass the beliefs onto our children which will prolong the devastating destabilizing effect on society.
Individuals with special interest in both music and education come together each year at conventions to network and grow. They should be left alone to enhance their music and teaching skills, and not be encouraged to endure the divisive critical theory agenda that is wedging its way into all facets of education.