EWU student Lanae Hexum is preparing to experience a whole new aspect of her education. The second-year music education student was recently named the Collegiate President of the Washington Music Educators Association (WMEA) for 2020–2022.
“Being awarded this position is a complete honor,” says Hexum. “It means that my passion and drive for not only fine arts, but education, is being recognized.”
The new position will add to Hexum’s already busy schedule: She plays the clarinet in EWU’s Wind Ensemble and the oboe in EWU’s Symphonic Band. And for the next two years, she’ll also be advocating for music in some pretty high places.
In her role as Collegiate WMEA President, Hexum will travel to Washington, D.C. with other collegiate music association members from across the country. There they will lobby in support of music and arts education-related issues in face-to-face meetings with legislators on Capitol Hill. Hexum is also planning similar trips to Olympia to promote music education programs before state lawmakers.
“Since I am the collegiate representative, I am the voice for all collegiate music educators in the state of Washington,” Hexum explains.
Hexum plans to make advocating for music education a priority in her career as well. After graduation she aspires to teach music at the middle school level before moving into school administration.
“No one will want to make budget cuts from the arts when the superintendent says no,” Hexum says with a laugh.
