MENC's first Music Education Week in Washington's purpose was twofold: to celebrate the value of music education and to give those in the profession the chance to come together and explore ideas and techniques both old and new. Most of the celebrating was reserved for special events such as the Jazz Academy Showcase concert featuring celebrated saxophonist Joshua Redman on Thursday, the U.S. Air Force Band and Singing Sergeants gala on Friday, and the Teaching Music Awards ceremony on Monday. Most of the exploring occurred during the five two-day "academies," mini-conferences within the larger one. But in truth, celebration and exploration commingled with frequency. This article presents the highlights of MENC's inaugural Music Education Week in Washington, DC.