MENC: A Century of Service to Music Education 1907-2007.

MENC: A Century of Service to Music Education 1907-2007, by Terry Ponick and edited by Frances Ponick. M. T. Publishing Company, Inc. (www.mtpublishing.com; [phone]), 2007. 152pp. $34.95.

This historical documentation is compiled by the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) Review Committee with special acknowledgements to named MENC members, listed publications and letters of congratulations from United States President George W. Bush and MENC Executive Director, John J. Mahlmann.

The 10 chapters describe the growth of the organization during each decade from 1907 through 2007. The reader will enjoy reading how MENC developed public school music through the changing course of American history. As the organization's first chair, Frances E. Clark was affectionately named the "Mother of the Conference" for her devoted support by spreading her philosophy of music education.

The pages are interlaced with historical sidebars, colorful graphics and timelines (featured in contrasting colors). Because of the position of the inserts, the reader may choose to simply read the book, or include the inserts as they progress through the narrative. These inserts demonstrate to the reader how historical events also influenced the development of public school music with regards to war, depression and after the tragedy of September 11, 2001. It is interesting to observe how MENC seized the opportunity to bond America with music, not only within the public schools, but also throughout the nation.

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Elizabeth A. Dennis, MENC's graphic designer, illustrates the book with colorful archival photos accompanied with informative period antidotes. The photos are well placed on the page and compliment the corresponding text.

The book concludes with a list of MENC awards, Music Hall of Fame Honorees, past conference locations, the MENC Centennial Canon and an index.

I found this book to be an excellent musical resource, and written for a musician who would appreciate the chronological placement of musical and historical events.--Reviewed by Diane Higgins, NCTM, Charlotte, North Carolina