Principal Barry Applewhite, Administration

Barry Applewhite has had the honor of sharing music education with students and colleagues in Milwaukee, Wisconsin since 1991. He received his bachelor’s degree in music merchandising and music education, and his first master’s degree in music education at Western Illinois University. He also received his second master’s degree in leadership and supervision from Cardinal Stritch University. Presently, he is completing his doctoral degree in Leadership, Learning and Service at Cardinal Stritch University.

A former music teacher at Milwaukee North Division High School, Milwaukee High School of the Arts, Milwaukee Lake Band and Director of the UMOJA Community Marching Ensemble, Barry has enjoyed many musical moments as an educator in the Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) district. While under his direction, his ensembles have represented MPS in performances throughout the United States. The climax of his teaching career was seeing his students/ensemble awarded grand champions at the Disney World Music Festival in Florida and having his ensemble perform on the west lawn of our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. While a music educator, Barry is always active with several committees in Milwaukee and throughout the State. He has worked with several community organizations and is proud of the work that was done with Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, City At Peace Through the Arts, VH1 Save the Music, Wisconsin Educators Association Council and the National Educators Association.

Barry is currently serving as Music Curriculum Specialist for MPS where he has seen a total reversal of music programs throughout the district. Supervising and managing all music programs for the district is an enlightening experience. Students as well as teachers are given the opportunity to grow personally and professionally. Much of the work that is done within MPS Music has been featured in publications of Wisconsin School Musician magazine as well as other educational publications. As an addition to his roles for MPS, Barry has also taken on the role of Principal for Milwaukee High School of the Arts (MHSA). For the last two years he has been able to work collaboratively with staff, students, parents and community to salvage a school that is so desired in the Milwaukee community. Barry has enjoyed seeing a change in moral for staff, students and parents when just two years ago the school was set to close it’s doors. Currently, MHSA is one of the top schools in the district.

While serving as the Music Curriculum Specialist and Principal, Barry continues to be a strong advocate for strengthening the profession of music education, music curriculum and delivery of instruction in our urban schools. The arts have a very important role in providing students with a well-rounded education and should be offered to all students. He has continued to be a successful presenter and clinician, presenting at National School Board Association Conferences, Wisconsin Music Educators Association Conferences, Metropolitan Milwaukee Alliance for Black School Educators, Music Educators National Conference and the Urban Music Leadership Conferences to name a few. Through consistent support and advocacy from teachers, administration and community, students receive the gift of the arts, making them life long learners. Working along with advocates such as, VH1 Save the Music, Time Warner Cable, Wisconsin Arts Board, Local Foundations, Arts Based Collaborative, Wisconsin Arts Task Force and Milwaukee Arts Task Force, Milwaukee Public Schools has been able to initiate major change in arts opportunities for all students in MPS.

Barry still performs professionally throughout the nation, while also continuing his private teaching. Currently, Barry serves as President Elect for the Wisconsin Alliance for Arts Educators, Vice-President of the Southeast District of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association and Vice-President of the board of the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Personal Statement

We as educators have the greatest opportunity: to develop and mold our youth into becoming productive citizens. Music helps to make this a reality; the decrease in arts programming in school systems continue to be the leading topic of discussion during budget times. Music is an academic, and the elimination of music would be a disservice to our youth and future.

Research has shown the power of the arts and what it does for educating all children, as well as increasing academic achievement. We must all realize that music/arts is and must remain an integral part of the educational process.

Einstein once wrote: The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift.

The major task of providing viable music programs in our schools can be overwhelming. When confronted with the undulating task of updating and developing teachers and students on the innovations of music resources and technology, we must be adamant and focused on the power of music education and how its successful implementation helps to develop the child’s brain. A knowledgeable teacher is powerful and a student who has been given the tools to comprehend has been given the passage toward a successful future. I am proud of the many programs that have been developed in our school district, community and throughout the nation. Why can’t music education be one of the answers for our youth; reinforcing other academic areas, helping to engage students or helping students bridge the gap for academic achievement? The proof is in the research and we must view a sound music education as a valid resource for education.

My goal: Strive for the best for all children, and I know that providing a strong education in music gives our students the greatest opportunity for success.