American Music Education 1941–1946: Meeting Needs and Making Adjustments during World War II

Abstract

and the societal changes that occurred over the next five years were felt in every facet of the nation. These societal changes were shaping educational policy and practice even as American music educators attempted to continue their programs in the face of material shortages, large numbers of teachers leaving the profession to join the service, and governmental restrictions on travel. As contemporary American music educators confront the challenges of teaching in times of world tensions, a reflection on events of the past may provide some perspective as to how the profession may function and remain strong during periods of social and political crisis and hardship. Historically, drastic changes in the economy brought massive societal transformation, and educational policies and programs were affected by these changes. Voices from the past, such as that of music educator Lillian Baldwin in 1943, are reminders of contemporary events: What about the children caught up in this net of forced brutality, the youngsters who hear and see and sense the violence and cannot rationalize it?1 While many Americans then and now share this concern, music educators commonly hold the belief that young peoples involvement in musical experiences may help alleviate a fear of the seemingly illogical events of wartime and world tensions. An examination of the Music Educators Journal (MEJ) from 1941 to 1946 provides a unique reflection of the response by music teachers associated with the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) to the political and societal changes during World War II. Articles and letters published in the MEJ reflect the perspectives of music educators at home as well as those who had left their positions to serve their country in musical or non-musical positions. Advertisements presented a picture of the growing interest in patriotic music and materials for use by many different types of performing groups, in general