Dr. Dackow Named Lowell Mason Fellow

Hershey Symphony Orchestra Conductor Named 2008 Lowell Mason Fellow

HERSHEY, PA - On May 1, 2009, the National Association for Music Education announced its Lowell Mason Fellows for 2008.  Hershey Symphony Music Director Dr. Sandra Dackow was among the 2008 recipients. 

Lowell Mason (1792-1872) is credited with introducing music instruction to American public schools and establishing teacher training in music education. This honor, presented in his name, recognizes outstanding music educators or advocates. Dr. Dackow, among the 2008 Fellows, will be formally recognized in a June 18 ceremony during MENC's 2009 Music Education Week in Washington, DC.

Dackow is being recognized for contributions to music education, her leadership of the Hershey Symphony Orchestra, her service as President of the Conductors Guild, and her award-winning status as an ASCAP arranger.

According to the National Association for Music Education, "Lowell Mason Fellows are individuals have furthered MENC: The National Association for Music Education's mission of music education for all. Music educators, music education advocates, political leaders, and key decision makers are eligible for designation. The names of the Fellows are permanently displayed at the National Center for Music Education in Reston, VA (home of MENC)."

 "Through the centuries, people have been selected for various kinds of designations on many different standards of judgment. The honor of being designated a Lowell Mason Fellow is one of the highest awards MENC can bestow on individuals who have made significant contributions to music education in our nation," said Barbara L. Geer, president of MENC. "Their dedication and accomplishments in music have benefited thousands of students across our country, which makes them outstanding in their particular work. For that reason, we salute them this year."

MENC: The National Association for Music Education, the world's largest arts education organization, marked its centennial in 2007 as the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. More than 142,000 members and supporters include educators representing all levels of teaching from preschool to graduate school. Since 1907, MENC has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. MENC's activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education. MENC is located at the National Center for Music Education in Reston, VA.