Thank you for your interest in MENC: The National Association for Music Education! You're in good company; MENC has more than 130,000 dedicated members. This tour will give you an overview of MENC's many products, services, activities, and programs—all the information you need to get the most out of your membership! (If you’re not already a member, we hope you’ll join us soon!)

When you want to reach MENC concerning your membership, call MENC Member Services toll-free on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time at 800-828-0229. A variety of resources and the answers to many of your questions can be found on the MENC Web site at www.menc.org.

(Information is current as of June 2007 and is subject to change.)

Introduction

MENC was founded in 1907 when 104 music supervisors from school districts in 16 states answered an invitation to take part in a special conference for school music supervisors in Keokuk, Iowa. Today, MENC has more than 130,000 members involved at all levels of music education from preschool through college and in all areas of music education, including general music, chorus, band, orchestra, mariachi, and music teacher education. As such, MENC is the largest national association dedicated to the advancement of music education and to professional growth opportunities for its members.

Mission

To advance music education by encouraging the study and making of music by all.

Objectives

Through its many programs, activities, publications, and conferences, MENC addresses all aspects of music education and works to ensure that every student shall have access and exposure to a balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction. By promoting the best possible music education for all children and advancing music education as a profession, MENC's objectives are to:

• Provide information, resources, and services for music education professionals.
• Provide a forum for the exchange of ideas through publications and meetings.
• Promote music as an essential area of study.
• Foster the use of the most effective techniques and resources in music education.
• Investigate curricular needs and develop resources for effective music education.
• Develop criteria, guidelines, and evaluation procedures for music education.
• Encourage excellence in music education by recognizing individual achievements and contributions to the profession.
• Maintain an effective liaison with national and international organizations that have allied interests in arts and music education.