Heart of the Arts, Policy Debate, Copyright & Much More
Welcome to the January Performing Arts Newsletter...
a monthly newsletter for all state administrators overseeing Music, Speech, Debate, Theatre and Academics. Please feel free to share the information with those in your state.
Heart of the Arts Award
(Nominations due February 2021)
This award seeks to recognize those individuals who exemplify the ideals of the positive heart of the arts that represent the core mission of education-based activities. The award may be given in recognition of a specific act or for an activity of longer duration.
For example, it could be awarded to an individual (or group) that:
has demonstrated exemplary “heart,” sportsmanship and/or citizenship in participation as it should occur;
has exceeded normal expectations in assisting others within the school or community; or
has overcome adversity or a challenging circumstance.
Last year we tied a record with 25 nominees and would like to break that record this year. Every state association and affiliate member should be submitting a nomination for the Heart of the Arts Award.
Seventy-six delegates from 29 states and 4 national organizations attended the NFHS Policy Debate Topic Selection Meeting December 28-29 via a virtual format this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Seven topic reports were presented by authors who, for the past 11+ months, researched each topic area.
There will always be a lot of questions about copyright compliance. Copyrighted materials are used in many high school activities from music, speech, theatre, cheer, and dance as well as most school based athletic events. The resources found on this page can act as a guide to understanding the complexities of the U.S. Copyright Law.
Performing arts state leaders and administrators all across the country continue to adjust to the fluid COVID-19 landscape.
“It has been difficult watching students grieve the loss of their performing arts experiences,” said Susie Knoblauch, assistant executive director of the Illinois High School Association and IHSA administrator for speech, drama, debate, music, tennis and spirit. “Our experiences this spring, summer and fall led us to believe that setting goals to conduct virtual events can energize these student populations.”
When it comes to tools for making sure ‘the show goes on,’ the ability to utilize virtual platforms is a tremendous advantage for associations sponsoring performing arts. The transition process took longer in some states than others but after devoting weeks and months to research and logistics, almost every state has been able to provide its students with online festival options.
Topic: Effects of COVID-19 on Middle School Athletics and Activities
Why It's Important: The reality is the pandemic has touched all levels of sports and performing arts, and while media coverage has made that impact known within the collegiate and professional ranks, others – especially those below high school – have not seen anywhere near the same attention.
Despite their tendency to be overlooked, the importance of middle school programs cannot be overstated. In many cases, they present children with some of their very first opportunities to develop lasting interests and serve as a valuable introduction to the same lessons and lifelong values associated with high school participation.
