The Years Ahead

“We Who Have the Destiny of Musical America in Our Hands”

“…In the 1950s and 1960s the focus turned to the responsibility of music education to the further enrichment of American cultural life. 52 When MENC President Robert Choate (1954-1956 looked to "The Years Ahead," he emphasized the development of imagination, creativeness, and adeptness, and there was a marked absence of attention to American nationalism and patriotism. 53 The change of focus was also evident in the MENC Six-Point Goal that was adopted in St. Louis in 1956 in time for the organization's Golden Anniversary observance year in 1957.…”

“…52 When MENC President Robert Choate (1954-1956 looked to "The Years Ahead," he emphasized the development of imagination, creativeness, and adeptness, and there was a marked absence of attention to American nationalism and patriotism. 53 The change of focus was also evident in the MENC Six-Point Goal that was adopted in St. Louis in 1956 in time for the organization's Golden Anniversary observance year in 1957. 54 Similarly, the report of the MENC Study Committee on Purposes and Goals of Music Education in 1958, presented by the chair, Lilla Belle Pitts, featured the development of American culture as a general goal where "everyone is accorded the right and the obligation to improve American culture by improving himself or herself."…”