VMEA Notes Spring 2019.Pub
Spring 2019 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association www.vmea.com
In This Issue:
18 Virginia School Districts Named “Best Communities for Music Education”
Charlottesville High School Musicians Receive National Recognition for Community Engagement Efforts Volume 75, Number 2 Spring 2019 Editorial Board vmeanotes Chair: Allen Hall, President, VMEA Annamarie Bollino, President-Elect, VMEA John Brewington, Vice President, VMEA CONTENTS Publication Staff Merry Beth Hall, Editor President’s Message (Allen Hall) 6 Art Pittman, Photographer State Executive (Linda Gammon) 9 VBODA Orchestra (Carrie Finnegan) 10 Publishing Address VEMEA (Maritza Sadowsky) 13 VMEA Notes 24759 Carbonate Terrace VCDA (Brian Kelly) 15 Stone Ridge, VA 20105 Collegiate (Jennifer McDonel) 16 VAMEA (Danielle Roby) 17 Advertising Contact VAMHE (Nancy Klein) 20 Merry Beth Hall Guitar Council (Kevin Vigil) 22 14421 Stillmeadows Road Membership (Lisette Satterwhite) 23 Montpelier, VA 23192 [email protected] Multicultural Awareness (Cynthia Ramsey) 25 Tri-M (Jonathan Schoepflin) 27 18 Virginia School Districts Named “Best Communities for Music Education” 28 Charlottesville High School Musicians Receive National Recognition for Community Engagement 29 Grogan, Houser, and Pote Join Roster of Exceptional Yamaha Master Educators 30
The Virginia Music Educators Association, Inc. (VMEA) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support ©2019 by VMEA to its membership and to promote the advancement of mu- Opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily sic education through schools and other educational insti- reflect those of VMEA. tutions. VMEA is an affiliated state chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Membership in Virginia Music Educators AssociaƟon, Inc. VMEA is open to any individual engaged in or associated Doug MarƟn, Treasurer with the teaching of music, in schools or privately. Active 607 Malcolm Place membership dues for VMEA and NAfME are $126 per year Alexandria, VA 22302 and include subscriptions to Music Educators Journal and [email protected] Teaching Music. All member address changes should be processed by contacting NAfME. Cover Photo: Art Pittman
2 VMEA Executive Board Advertiser Index
VMEA Officers Christopher Newport University 8 President: Allen Hall [email protected] James Madison University 24
President-Elect: Annamarie Bollino [email protected] Musicale 14
Vice President: John Brewington Old Dominion University 12 [email protected]
Secretary: Laura Cole Radford University 21 [email protected] Shenandoah University 18, 19 Treasurer: Doug Martin [email protected] University of Maryland 28 Section Presidents/Representatives VCDA: Brian Kelly Yamaha 5 VBODA: Doug Spruill VBODA Orchestra: Carrie Finnegan VEMEA: Maritza Sadowsky VAMEA: Danielle Roby VAMHE: Nancy Klein Collegiate: Kevin Fields
District Chairs District 1: Clint Miller District 2: Tim Rossettini District 3: Jay Sykes District 4: Crystal Cox District 5: Daniel Upton District 6: Nicole Schmitt District 7: Cari Belcher District 8: Gordon Parr District 9: Anthony Agee District 10: Kevin Engdahl District 11: Michael Luley District 12: Sarah Milhoan District 13: Jason Hackworth District 14: Rebecca Cooper District 15: Rhonda Miller District 16: Michelle Robbins
Ex Officio State Executive: Linda Gammon Notes Editor: Merry Beth Hall CCVMEA Advisor: Jennifer McDonel DOE Music Specialist: Kelly Bisogno VMEA Attorney: Bret Zwerdling NAfME—The National Association for Music VHSL Executive Dir.: Kenneth G. Tilley Education 1806 Robert Fulton Drive Contact information for the above individuals is available at Reston, VA 20191 http://www.vmea.com/index.php/general/leadership. www.nafme.org 3 Membership Report VMEA Council of Review
Active: 1,955 District 1 District 9 Retired: 124 Clint Miller (C), Chair McKenna Stenson (C) Collegiate: 320 Iris Redmond (E) Dawn WIlliams (E) Total: 2,399 Jessica Isemann (I) Anthony Agee (I), Chair
District 2 District 10 Corbin Pinto (C) CJ Redden-Liotta (C)
Corey Larson (E) Debra Lindsay (E) VMEA/NAfME Councils Tim Rossettini (I), Chair Kevin Engdahl (I), Chair
Government Relations District 3 District 11 Daniel Foose Toneika Stephens (C) Lynne Babcock (C) Andy Necessary Meghan Broderick (E) Emily Dohse (E) Frank Sampson Jay Sykes (I), Chair Michael Luley (I), Chair
Creativity Council District 4 District 12 Bruce Hammel Robin Duncan (C) Sarah Milhoan (C) Chair Annette Crandall (E) Lisette Satterwhite (E) Guitar Council Crystal Cox (I), Chair Brian FIsher (I) Kevin VIgil District 5 District 13 Multicultural Awareness Wesley Dunlap (C) Tom Dixon (C) Cynthia Ramsey Jennifer Smith (E) Vacant (E) Daniel Upton (I), Chair Jason Hackworth (I), Chair Music In Our Schools Month Vacant District 6 District 14 Nicole Schmitt (C), Chair Rebecca Cooper (C), Chair Music Education Council Stefan Castro (E) Jennifer Ofstein (E) Annamarie Bollino Scott Allred (I) Lisa Mergen (I)
Music Industry Council District 7 District 15 Jim Stegner Cari Belcher (C) - Chair Rhonda Miller (C), Chair Benjamin Garlic (E) Christian Peabody (E) Secondary General Music Council Logan Childress (I) Ryan Addair (I) Glen McCarthy District 8 District 16 Students with Special Needs Gordon Parr (C) - Chair Cristin Cini (C) Alice Hammel Cynthia Marshall (E) Michele Assetto (E) Brett Higginbotham (I) Michelle Robbins (I), Chair Tri-M Coordinator Jon Schoepflin
Contact information for the above individuals is available at http://www.vmea.com/index.php/general/leadership.
4
5 VMEA President’s Report Allen Hall
py to return the favor. Our February Fine Arts Standards of Learning visit to their conference was in- The comment period for review of formative and productive. Thanks the Department of Education to Andi, her President Elect, Keith Standards of Learning is now open Jackson, and all of the WVMEA the public. This is the opportunity membership for their well-run con- for all who work with the standards ference and willingness to share to have their voices heard. Com- with us strategies that work for ments will be received until April their members. I plan to steal a few 30, 2019 at the following address: ideas (with their permission, of Greetings to all. There’s a lot going [email protected] course)! on, so let’s get to it! VDOE is also seeking nominations Cooperation and Partnership Advocacy for individuals who are qualified VMEA wants to thank VCDA and Virginia Music Educators Associa- and available to serve on the Fine VBODA for their diligent work on our tion, in partnership with the Virgini- Arts Standards of Learning Review combined All-Virginia event this ans for the Arts and the Virginia Team. The dates for music are July spring. Special thanks to Mike Coalition for Arts Education 22-25. Please see Kelly Bisogno’s Horanski and Daniel Upton for or- (VCFME), attended the 2019 Virgin- most recent newsletter for details. ganizing the Workshops. Reminder ia Hill Day/Arts Advocacy Day this file:///C:/Users/aphall3/AppData/ to everyone that these workshops past January 31st. Thanks to Dan- Local/Microsoft/Windows/ are free to all of our members, not ielle Roby and her delegation for INetCache/Content.Outlook/ just participating All-Virginia direc- their great work on behalf of music TOKCDA7N/2019%20March% tors, and recertification points can education in Virginia. And special 20VDOE%20Fine%20Arts% be earned. thanks to Dr. Ross Walter and his 20News%20(2).pdf student brass quintet the “After Our organization is most fortunate Dinner Mints” for their performance Visits to Districts VI and VII/WVMEA to have such an event. It is truly a at our Advocacy Day breakfast. (West Virginia Music Educators As- rare example of cooperation and They truly started us off in the right sociation) Conference partnership by all involved and a frame of mind to advocate for mu- Members of the President’s Com- most uncommon event among sic to the leaders of the Common- mittee have traveled west this year state MEAs. Congratulations on wealth. to Western Virginia and West Virgin- making this a thriving reality. ia respectively. I would like to thank On June 19th we will again travel to both Districts VI and VII for their 2019 Summer Orchestra Music DC to join with the National Associ- tremendous hospitality. We were Institute ation for Music Education (NAfME) able to visit and talk about what I am happy to announce our contin- and other state MEAs to speak with issues that concern music educa- uing partnership between VMEA, our legislators about the im- tors specifically in that area of the the Virginia Department of Educa- portance of music in young peo- state. Thank you for being great tion (VDOE), and VCU School of Mu- ple’s lives. Please contact me if you stewards of music education in the sic. With the help of our new VDOE would like to join us. Our collegi- Commonwealth and for your Coordinator of Fine Arts, Kelly Bi- ates’ stories are truly moving and thoughts on how we can explore sogno, we are able to offer the Or- compelling. Remember, advocacy best practices together. Special chestra Directors Institute for or- in our profession is an everyday thanks to Cari Belcher, Logan Chil- chestral music educators, grades 6- event. Click here for the link to the dress, Nicole Schmitt and Brian 12. The purpose of the Institute is NAfME advocacy materials: Joyce for helping us coordinate our to provide intensive study in the https://nafme.org/advocacy/. And visits. More to come…. thanks again for your responsive- ness during this year’s General As- We were fortunate to have Andi sembly session. Hasley, President of WVMEA at our conference this year and were hap- (continued on next page)
6 (continued from previous page) VMEA President’s Report
Allen Hall best practices of teaching and con- ducting school orchestra class- rooms. The program will offer par- Brent Idleman, Jocelyn Vorenberg, event will come from VDOE. The ticipants rehearsal protocols and Dan Levitov, Katie LaBrie, Taylor application is on page 11 of this observations of students in the mid- Walkup, Daniel Myssyk, and Sandy issue of VMEA Notes. You can also dle and high school orchestra en- Goldie. In addition, the Institute will find it on the VMEA website. Special sembles attending The Orchestra provide sessions in rehearsal proto- thanks to Carrie Finnegan, Dr. Project sponsored by the Depart- cols, conducting, bow artistry, peda- Sandy Goldie, and Kelly Bisogno for ment of Music Education and Vir- gogy, advocacy, special learners, their work in bringing this event to ginia Commonwealth University. alexander technique, new litera- life. The three orchestras, Intensive, ture, improvisation, and classroom Con Brio, and Cantabile, will be con- strategies. Participants will also Anniversary Year ducted by Daniel Myssyk, Sandy attend a Sight-Reading Factory soft- This year VMEA celebrates its 75th Goldie, and Matthew Wilson. Chris ware training session and will be Anniversary and the 40th year of our Selby will be the headlining clini- provided numerous resources to Conference. The work we do for cian for the institute. Dr. Selby cur- use in their classroom. At the con- students in Virginia has never been rently teaches at the School of the clusion of the Institute, each partici- more urgent but it is also important Arts High School in Charleston, SC pant will be awarded 90 points for to take the time to remember all of and is author of many publications licensure renewal, pending local our accomplishments thus far, and and method books including Habits approval. particularly the contributions of of a Successful String Musician. those who have propelled us for- This is a free event and VDOE will ward in our profession. Make plans Additional clinicians include Jason pay for all on-site expenses of the to attend now so you do not miss Day, Jenna Day, Mary Wagner, Institute. The application for the this epic event.
7 8 State Executive’s Report Linda Gammon
21st Century Skills and the Arts: demonstrate their interpersonal The 5 C’s – Essential Skills for A skills of decision-making, identity, Graduate and expressiveness. They exhibit the direct expression of human Critical Thinking - When students emotion. demonstrate musical knowledge, they are able to integrate their per- Citizenship – Music is an inclusive spectives while expressing them- and engaging service to our school selves in creating, performing, and/ and communities. Though music Greetings and Happy Spring! or analyzing musical works. Produc- individuals are encouraged to think tion of a quality musical perfor- more deeply and critically about the Now is the time to see the light at mance requires synthesis of crea- world they live in. They are exposed the end of the tunnel and to pre- tive, expressive, and technical skill to the many cultures and style of pare for next year. Summer is on such self-adjustment, listening ,and music that exist in our global world. the horizon and as you finish the changing tone, pitch, and volume to year please remember to: create a balanced and pleasing Have a great summer and ENJOY Complete all Event Reports. sound. Music constantly challenges your successes of the year! St.art to plan events/sites for students to use simultaneous musi- next year. cal responsibilities. The art of mak- Look for summer programs to ing music is multi-dimensional and refresh your teaching skills. involves perceptual, cognitive, and Consider nominating a col- motor skills that interact and play a Upcoming Events league for an award for VMEA/ role in intelligence and thinking VBODA/VCDA – information and abilities. deadlines for submission are on April 27, May 4 each of the websites. Creative Thinking – Students inte- All-Virginia Guitar Send me the names and emails grate ideas while creating new Ensemble Auditions of all new District Representa- works as well as their expression tives each time they perform a work. June 1 They demonstrate knowledge and VMEA Executive Board Blue Ribbon Awards will be pre- choices when arranging, orchestrat- pared and mailed as soon as all ing, improvising, and using technol- September 7 Assessment Reports are submitted. ogy in musical compositions and VMEA Executive Board & In a perfect world, we would like to performances. Music is creative at Council of Review have them in the mail by the end of every step: creation, interpretation, April. Please remember that they and performance. September 21 are addressed to the principal. If Senior Regional you do not receive one, please Collaboration – Music requires stu- Orchestra Auditions check with your principal first and dents to collaborate within a class then let me know. On more than and/or ensemble. The discipline September 29-30, October 6-7 one occasion I have had to reprint and synergy that these groups fos- All-Virginia Jazz and resend them because coffee ter create the life skills of leader- Band Auditions was spilled on them or they were ship, decision-making, and self- thrown away by the main office! awareness. They constantly demon- October 12 strate collective problem-solving VMEA Honors Remember, we teach for life long skills for all aspects of life. Choir Auditions music learning. Communication – When students November 21-23 communicate the language of mu- VMEA Professional sic to their audiences through re- Development Conference sponse to a conductor and/or their personal interpretation, they
9 VBODA Orchestra Representative Carrie Finnegan
sentation. Applications are due to sions and provide his method book the VDOE by May 3 so do not wait and publication Habits of a Suc- to take advantage of this rare op- cessful Orchestra Director. portunity. In addition to those materials, di- The institute will take place June 25 rectors will also receive a one-year -28, 2019 on the campus of Virgin- subscription to Sight Reading Fac- ia Commonwealth University and tory and ten free student subscrip- will run alongside the VCU Orches- tions. tra Project student camp. Partici- pants will have the opportunity to VMEA is grateful to the Virginia De- I am thrilled to announce an excit- observe rehearsals of the three or- partment of Education for providing ing opportunity for our orchestra chestras conducted by Daniel this wonderful opportunity to our community this summer! The Virgin- Myssyk, Sandy Goldie, and Matthew membership this summer. Print the ia Department of Education is spon- Wilson and discuss rehearsal strat- application (on the next page) and soring a fully-funded four-day pro- egies with the conductors. submit it to the VDOE by May 3. All fessional development opportunity selected applicants will be notified specifically designed for orchestra Participants will attend clinics on by May 17. directors. All orchestra directors in topics such as conducting, instru- public school divisions are invited ment repair, Alexander Technique, to apply for this institute, which is bow artistry, rehearsal techniques, “I’m a very strong believer in listen- provided at no cost to selected par- sight reading, advocacy, special ing and learning from others.” ticipants (housing, meals, materi- learners, new music reading ses- - Ruth Bader Ginsberg als, registration, instruction, and sion, and improvisation (just to parking). Participants will be select- name a few). Chris Selby from the Be present. Be active. Let me ed based on instructional training, School of the Arts in Charleston, SC know if I can help. experience in string music educa- will be joining us as the headlining [email protected] tion and balanced regional repre- clinician and will bring exciting ses-
Summer Professional Development Opportunities
Elementary George Mason University - https://masonacademy.gmu.edu/teacher-training/kodaly/ George Mason University - https://masonacademy.gmu.edu/teacher-training/orff/ James Madison University - http://www.jmu.edu/music/kodaly/index.shtml Virginia Commonwealth University - https://arts.vcu.edu/music/music-education/graduate- program/2019-courses/
Guitar Teaching Guitar Workshops - https://www.guitaredunet.org/
Orchestra Virginia Department of Education - Summer Orchestra Music Institute (see page 11)
All Levels Shenandoah University - https://www.su.edu/conservatory/areas-of-study/music-education/workshops- in-music-education/ NAfME Academy - https://nafme.org/community/elearning/
10 11 12 Virginia Elementary Music Educators Association Maritza Sadowsky, President
Today handbook series is the first erature and to meet new friends comprehensive system to update from around the state. Information and apply the Kodaly concepts to always goes out in the fall, so look teaching music in elementary for it on the VEMEA website. school classrooms. It provides teachers with a step-by-step Other Events roadmap for developing children's For more information on other mu- performance, creative movement, sic education events in Virginia, and literacy skills in an organic and visit these links: thoughtful manner. The workshop Welcome to Spring in Virginia where took place at Taylor Elementary Music In Our Schools Month Winter is at 6:00am, Spring starts School in Arlington. (March) ― https://nafme.org/ at 10:00am, Summer is at 2:00 programs/miosm/ pm, and Fall is around 4:30ish. So, Dr. Nancy Klein presented a won- dress accordingly! derful workshop in the Hampton 2019 VMEA Annual Conference Roads area on the Vocal Physiology (November 21-23) ― One thing is true, "Neither snow, of Children’s Voices and how to se- https://www.vmea.com/index.php/ nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of lect literature that is appropriate for general/news/272-conference- night stays these couriers from the young voices. Dr. Klein showed hotel-reservations swift completion of their appointed teachers how to get the best sound rounds." It almost sounds like our out of their singers through their Thank you to the VEMEA executive VMEA/VEMEA tasks. Here’s what choral conducting technique. The council, past VEMEA presidents, we’ve been doing: workshop took place at Lynnhaven district representatives, and all ele- Elementary in Virginia Beach. mentary general music educators Professional Development Grants for your work with VMEA/VEMEA. Two VMEA/VEMEA professional de- Please plan to join us next year ei- Don’t forget that the mission of the velopment grants were offered to ther as a host, attendee, or a pre- Virginia Music Educators Associa- support the endeavors of elemen- senter for the professional develop- tion is to provide leadership and tary general music teachers in the ment workshop day. Just let your professional development to en- Commonwealth of Virginia: one for district representative know of your sure quality music education, and Lisette Armstrong to co-sponsor Dr. interest as soon as possible. the mission of the Virginia Elemen- Laura Petravage, who presented a tary Music Educators Association is Kodály Today workshop for District 14th All-Virginia Elementary Chorus to advance music education in Vir- 12 teachers on February 23, to- on Saturday, April 6, 2019: ginia elementary schools. gether with Arlington Public All-Virginia Elementary Chorus Schools, and the other to Sydney (AVEC) took place at Harrisonburg Please remember to always check Johnson to sponsor Alice Hammel’s High School in Harrisonburg. Curtis our website (www.vemea.org) for workshop for District 15 teachers Nolley did a magnificent job as our information about VEMEA and any on April 22, on working with stu- guest conductor. A big thank you to upcoming events. If we can be of dents with special needs. Jason Kriner, who has been the any assistance to any of you, AVEC coordinator and chairperson please feel free to contact me at Professional Development since 2008. Thank you to Kim [email protected] or our Presi- Workshops on February 23, 2019 Upshaw, our VEMEA President- dent-Elect, Kimberly Upshaw at Dr. Laura Petravage presented a Elect, for serving as the Assistant [email protected]. great workshop on the work pre- Coordinator for this event. In addi- sented in Kodaly Today by profes- tion, thank you to all students, mu- Hopefully, when this academic year sors Micheal Houlahan and Philip sic teachers, and other individuals comes to a close, Summer temper- Tacka. Through six years of field- involved in the success of this atures will have arrived. testing with music teachers in the event. If you have never participat- United States, Great Britain, and ed in this statewide event, please Enjoy the Summer! Hungary, the authors developed a consider it for next year. It is a great methodology specifically for 21st opportunity for students and teach- century classrooms. The Kodaly ers to enjoy singing high quality lit-
13 14 Virginia Choral Directors Association
Brian Kelly, President
this event for yet another year. I’ve age and inspire to them to try learned so much from your leader- new experiences. ship and friendship and am eternal- Give them better tools to bal- ly grateful. I look forward to making ance their lives and perform next year even better, now knowing administrative functions. the details of the entire event. For this organization: As I delve deeper, I reflect upon my Complete a timeline of events own school situation. I am fortunate throughout the year for myself to have administration that sup- and the President-Elect. ports a growth mindset, especially Communicate more effectively when pertaining to the topic of con- and regularly to meet the needs As we begin to round the final turn cert assessment. This year, I gave of the organization. of the school year, it is a great time myself limited options for concert Think of further ways to move to reflect upon this year’s success- assessment. My two choices were our organization to the next lev- es and challenges. I immediately to take all ensembles to concert el. think about our organization and assessment for comments only or the amazing amount that I’ve to prepare all ensembles, take only For myself: learned in such a short time. First one group and have the rest do en- Take some time to relax with and foremost, I’ve felt the passion richment activities to fill the space friends and family this summer. that you have for the students in of concert assessment. By taking Complete projects around the the Commonwealth. I know you the latter option, I realized that the house that I can’t complete dur- want what is truly best for our stu- pressure on myself and on my stu- ing the school year. dents. Through events like concert dents was a lot less. I thought Work in smaller sections, in a assessment and the sight-reading about how they simply wanted to focused setting to enjoy the changes, I learned that by com- improve through work with me or summer more. municating effectively and listening, another clinician. They weren’t try- we can make the process better for ing to please me or achieve a cer- What are your reflections for the our students. tain rating. What was fascinating year? What is on your to-do list? was the group that did go to con- How and where will you achieve it? I then think about the All-Virginia cert assessment needed a remind- Event. I am thankful for the talents er about why we do what we Thanks for a great year and look of our conductors and accompa- do. The students asked me what forward to serving you again next nists. Allen Hightower, Pearl rating they received. It sparked an year! Shangkuan, Melvin Goodwyn, and inspirational conversation about Laura Edelbrock inspired our stu- why we do concert assessment and dents to be the very best they could how they felt about the perfor- be and we heard that in the final mance. They then realized what performances. I am also grateful to was important (and to this day, I the leadership of VCDA and VMEA haven’t told them their rating). for being supportive and helping out whenever and wherever neces- The next step is what do I need to sary. Thank you to Toni Cotturone improve my work for my students, for your consistent and detailed this organization, and myself. work. Thank you to Mandi Steele, Dana Van Slyke and Elise Krepcho For my students: for helping throughout the week- Assess their knowledge and end, guiding the choirs from place experience at the end of the to place and easing the load of the year. event for myself and for all in- Research ways to better reach volved. Most of all, thank you to my students and their needs. Mike Horanski for taking charge of Find different ways to encour-
15 Collegiate Section Jennifer McDonel, Advisor
creasingly delving into the teaching “Wow, this is scary!” Allow the thrill aspects of your program moving of your hard work and accomplish- forward. ment to sink in and ground you. Take the time to reflect on your Or maybe you are finishing your learning, skills and friendships built third year, and now you wonder, across these years. Whether you “Where is the time is going?” In one are job hunting or applying to grad more year, you may be graduating schools, it is important to give your- and looking for a job or applying to self credit for this achievement. Time to Reflect grad school! Suddenly, things start Then move forward with confidence to feel real, which can be fear- that you are well prepared for the As we near the close of another inducing. Nevertheless, reflect on next part of your life journey! academic year, it is always good to your journey, from the beginning reflect on events that have shaped through the fact that at this mo- Wherever you are on that journey, I us and helped us grow. For some, ment, you have persisted through wish you peace and courage to perhaps you have just finished your what is typically the most challeng- keep taking the next steps. Stay first year of college. No matter how ing year! connected with CoVMEA and VMEA challenging, you can reflect with – we are here to support you! gratitude on the lessons learned Then again, you may be a transfer and successes that have brought student or double major or just And from your CoVMEA president: you this far in your first year of col- need to take more time to work lege. while you get your degree. Don’t Hello all! My name is Nickole Ken- despair of challenges placed before nedy and I am the Collegiate VMEA Perhaps you’ve just completed your you. You are a model for others of President for the 2019 year. Our second year. No longer a “newbie”, perseverance and strength, and goals for this upcoming year are to you find yourself right in the middle you will be that much more pre- try to bring the collegiate side of of your degree program. Perhaps it pared because you took more time. VMEA closer together and to try to seems daunting, never-ending. Per- As a colleague of mine always says, prepare our pre-service teachers for haps you are starting to hit your “Everyone graduates on time!” Your everything they might need. Right stride. Regardless, take some time time will come. now, we are working on getting our to reflect on how far you have come social media presence current and in only two years. Your musician- Finally, you will be that graduating up-to-date to be more accessible to ship has increased. You will be in- senior. Yes! You made it! And colleges around Virginia. I'm excited for what the rest of this year brings in this position! If there are any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Have a fabulous rest of the semester!
Nickole Kennedy Collegiate VMEA President [email protected]
16 Virginia Association of Music Education Administrators Danielle Roby, President
rior rating right out of the gate. As rus, or orchestra. We teach them any seasoned professional will tell the process of auditioning, putting you, what happens after the first yourself out there to seek opportu- assessment experience is what will nities, and the rewards of hard determine where that program is work. We also guide them through headed. how to deal with disappointment at not making the cut, how to refocus I’m thinking about a first year high in moving forward, and push them school teacher who came to hear toward pursuing the next goal. I hope everyone enjoyed a time of other school groups during the days reflection and celebration in observ- proceeding her assessment. She While there are many celebrations ing Music In Our Schools Month was there to watch and learn. Her and culminating events going on during the month of March. While students played with pride and the this time of year, there are also les- the performance season seems to repertoire was challenging enough sons to be learned in reflecting be never-ending, we take the time to push them yet allowing for artist- upon one’s own leadership if serv- to examine the value of what we do ry. She also had other band direc- ing in the role of an arts administra- in the classroom day to day that tors come in and provide feedback tor. If a district is lucky enough to makes music education so vitally before the big day. I can’t wait for have such a person, they are also important to our children. the growth in that program. The rat- frequently alone in taking up the ing was a snapshot. Everything that necessary communications and I want to celebrate the contribu- happened before and after the advocacy efforts to keep the music tions of our music teachers who event tells me what the future program and staffing supported. I cultivate caring and inclusiveness holds for that program. hope that my administrative col- among the children they teach. It leagues and teacher leaders will takes a creative and deeply com- This time of year, we are also expe- continue to keep the emails and mitted individual to craft a program riencing the joys of the All-City and calls coming as we work toward that builds upon the strengths of other honor ensembles, where we common goals. Finish strong, every- every child in the group. It is inspir- showcase the talents of students one! ing to see such dedication among who have auditioned and earned a our teachers, and yet we know that coveted spot in a select band, cho- they sometimes don’t feel appreci- ated. We have to do better in that area. All of us.
Secondary band, choral and orches- tra directors have just completed a rigorous set of performance assess- ments that provide a snapshot of what is happening, yet doesn’t al- ways paint the whole picture of a teacher’s impact on student learn- ing. Just as a standardized test measures key targets, the perfor- mance assessments give us a glimpse into where students are at a certain point in time. New teach- ers enter the arena having come from a place where they are near the top of their collegiate experi- ence, and then they are held to a standard that can make them feel defeated if they don’t earn a Supe-
17 18 19 Virginia Association of Music in Higher Education Nancy Klein, President
communication and inspiration. language are also important tools These traits are as applicable to the for casting a vision. Politicians who music educator as they are to the are presenting their positions military general or the business through televised and public ap- CEO. And these are necessary com- pearances know that they must ponents of effective advocacy for practice their presentation in order music education in all genres. to be believed. This type of contact and connection with a group is also Vision important for the music educator, Vision implies so much more than who must communicate with large Leadership and Advocacy the ability to see. An effective lead- groups of very different types of er has to have a sense of vision, or people: parents, teachers, stu- As Music Educators we are required the ability to sense what can be dents, and musicians. Even with to cover many roles: musician, effectively accomplished by a group practice, however, the vision cannot teacher, community organizer, me- or organization. A false vision can be effectively communicated and diator, and always the advocate for indeed be a vision, but it will not be believed until it is clearly estab- our profession. Advocacy is a key one that is realistic for a particular lished within the leader. word for music education today, but group at a particular time. Vision for it is nothing new. Teachers who en- the music educator is two-fold, in- For the music educator, effective tered the profession more than thir- volving the immediate task at hand communication clearly involves ver- ty years ago were trained to defend (day-to-day teaching), and the bal and non-verbal techniques. Sev- their profession at every level. This broad sense of goals that are set. eral elements must be a part of the begs a definition for the term In order to have an effective vision, process, and organizational skills "advocate." According to Webster, the music educator must have are foremost. Appropriate use of an advocate is " a person who pub- an intimate knowledge of the stu- social media, email, or messaging licly supports or recommends a par- dents they are teaching, their musi- are powerful tools for effective and ticular cause or policy," and even cal strengths and weaknesses, and steady communication. Communi- more precisely, "one who pleads their readiness. They must under- cation with parents, administrators, the cause of another such as a law- stand the local school and commu- and community members are as yer." As music educators, we must nity and have a realistic connection important as communication in the be able to advocate for our profes- to the personnel and administration classroom. All of these, when imple- sion without frustration or chagrin. in their school. The visionary leader mented with consistency, will not has a well-formulated and realistic only communicate your goals and I would like to propose that advoca- idea of where they see their pro- ideas, but will establish you as a cy and leadership go hand in hand. gram going, what it will cost in re- leader that can be trusted, some- To be an advocate for music educa- sources, time, and commitment to one who is worth listening to. tion, and be effective, there are reach those goals, and a sense of leadership traits that must be de- the limits of these factors. Inspiration veloped. There is a consensus The third and most complex charac- among social psychologists that Communication teristic of an effective leader is the there is no single description that A vision is really no more than a ability to inspire the group to pur- profiles a great leader. Since lead- dream until it leaves the confines of sue his/her vision and turn it into a ership is particular to the time, the leader's self and is articulated. reality. The very word “inspire” is place, and setting in all situations, The second characteristic of an ef- difficult to wrap one’s brain around. one set of descriptors could never fective leader is the ability to com- Although we use the word frequent- adequately define the great leader. municate their vision. In the realm ly, its very definition is as intangible The characteristics of leadership of government, the politician must as the air we breathe. In actuality, will obviously vary among individu- effectively cast his vision in order to the music educator must exhibit als and social settings, but there do gain election to office. The com- confidence in his vision if he is go- seem to be some characteristics municating of a vision can happen ing to inspire anyone to join him in that appear to be common to all verbally through oratory or visually bringing it to pass, or advocate types of effective leaders These in written form. Physical appear- three characteristics are vision, ance, facial expressions, and body (continued on next page)
20 (continued from previous page) In order to breathe life into any giv- and inspiration are as important to en idea or vision, the music educa- the success of the music educator effectively for the profession. This tor must first have that life within as is his/her musical ability. These confidence within a music educator his own self. The vision and passion characteristics of effective leader- must not only be evident in his per- for it must be internally alive and ship can be developed and imple- sonal presentation of himself as a there should be evidence of this in mented by any music educator who leader, but it must be evident in his the life of the music educator. The has a desire to stand in the role of knowledge, musicianship, personal issue of trust is foundational in in- advocate for their profession. integrity, and the experience he spiring a group. The leader must brings to the program. The combi- show that he is aware of the needs An advocate does not have to be a nation of these factors is signifi- of those he is leading, and show national figure or a local celebrity. cant. There are many self-described sensitivity to their part in turning Advocacy happens on a daily basis leaders who would consider their the vision into reality. in your classroom, your conversa- vision to be worthy of the time and tions with parents, and the way you talents of others. It is not very likely, Leadership and Advocacy commit your life to a purpose. It is however, that students, parents, or Leadership is always particular to evidenced in your involvement with administrators would choose to fol- the time, place and setting in all professional organizations such as low someone who exhibits igno- situations. There is no simple for- VMEA and NAfME, in your communi- rance of their subject matter, lack mula for the development of leader- cations with and support of col- of organizational skills, or no realis- ship traits in an individual. There leagues, and even in the pictures tic comprehension of the level of are specific characteristics, howev- you post on Facebook. It is im- hard work required to achieve their er, that all effective leaders pos- portant to remember, however that vision. sess. This is no different for the mu- without visionary leaders, there will sician who finds himself in the lead- be no advocacy at any level of the The basic issue for inspiring others ership role of conducting a choir, profession. To be a music educator to follow a vision involves trust. orchestra, band, or guiding a gen- is to be that visionary leader. By People will not follow a leader if eral music program. The three char- living the life of an effective leader, they do not feel they can trust him. acteristics of vision, communication you will be an effective advocate
21 Guitar Council Kevin Vigil, DMA, Chair
cators are not themselves guitar- for Guitar Education. If you are a ists. guitar educator who is not familiar with these items, I encourage you To support guitar educators who to investigate these with a degreed are not themselves guitarists, I guitarist. wrote an article for the 2019 Winter How to change strings on differ- edition of VMEA Notes titled, ent types of guitars and what “Resources for the Guitar Teacher”. types of strings to use; I encourage you to investigate Guitar care and basic mainte- these resources as you are able. nance; Does What You Don’t Know Hurt? https://www.vmea.com/ Tuning guitar by pitch matching documents/VMEA-Notes/2019/ and with an electronic tuner; Lately I have been thinking about VMEA-Winter-2019.pdf. This is one Common scordatura tunings pedagogical content knowledge way in which to increase your con- (altered tunings); with a focus on content knowledge. tent knowledge. Private lessons Guitar position Many who teach guitar in our with a degreed guitarist is even bet- Efficient left-hand technique; school systems are not themselves ter. Right-hand technique (finger guitarists. They are fine musicians and pick style); who have been assigned to teach I suspect that many non-guitarist Clear tone production; guitar. Many teach multiple musical guitar educators don’t know what How to produce natural and disciplines including band, orches- they don’t know. Last year, I ob- artificial harmonics; tra, choir, and guitar. This is com- served a guitar class in which the Knowledge of the full finger- mon since our license endorse- students were playing a piece titled, board; ments are grouped into two very “Rasgueado”. While the students Fingerboard logic; general areas: Vocal/Choral and were playing the right notes and Common chords; Instrumental. Endorsements in oth- rhythms they were not using the Movable chords; er fields like World Language are rasgueado technique. This would Literature for solo and ensem- much more specific: Spanish, Ger- be the equivalent of playing Bar- ble; man, French, Latin, Russian, Man- tók’s String Quartet No. 4 (Allegro Guitar history; darin, American Sign Language, etc. Pizzacato) without pizzicato. I asked Where to find music published Until there is a time that the instru- the students and the teacher if they for guitar (beyond the major mental endorsement is broken knew what rasguado was; nobody music publishers); and down more specifically (Band, knew. In short, it is a right-hand Bowed Strings and Fretted Strings), strumming technique that is often Pedagogical content knowledge is music teachers will continue to be associated with flamenco guitar certainly not only about content. ‘Jacks of All Trades’. playing. All the teacher needed to The ability to convey knowledge to do was to look up the word online students in a way that they will un- Many guitar educators in our and he would have found many derstand and apply is just as im- schools are career switchers who YouTube videos demonstrating this portant. I have had experience with hold performance degrees in guitar, technique. The moral of the story is guitarists who were inadequate gui- but took additional classes for certi- to research the music that you tar educators and I have met sever- fication. These teachers are very teach. al non-guitarists who are fine guitar knowledgeable in their content ar- educators. These teachers are ea. There is a growing number of The incident mentioned above Jacks of All Trades and Masters of guitar educators who hold degrees brings up a question. Does what One: teaching. in music education with a concen- you don’t know hurt? While it would tration in guitar. These teachers be impossible for me to list all the Whether or not you are guitarist or generally have a good balance of elements that an effective guitar a non-guitarist guitar educator, I content and pedagogical educator would need to know, the encourage you to reflect on those knowledge. While I do not have the following list is based primarily on things that you may not know that data (at this time), I would suspect the Best Practices for Guitar that you don’t know. that many, if not most, guitar edu- are being created by NAfME Council
22 Membership Committee
Lisette Satterwhite, Chair
Greetings from your VMEA Member- tending our regional VEMEA profes- ship Chair! I hope you have had a sional development workshops in successful assessment season, February. At our workshop in Arling- Learn more about and are keeping your heads above ton, these new attendees ranged water with planning spring musi- from a veteran teacher who has VMEA membership cals, solo and ensemble festivals, been involved in an Orff chapter but at spring trips, recruiting, graduation never VMEA, a teacher new to Vir- ceremonies, and concerts galore! ginia, and one from a parochial https:// school. To me this is an important www.vmea.com/ We are still working on reaching as signal of growth; we are expanding many music teachers as we can in our audience and therefore, ex- index.php/general/ the Commonwealth of Virginia. New panding our positive reach in the about-vmea/notices. teachers and teachers new to the music education of Virginia’s chil- state email me quite frequently to dren. Special recognition is due to ask about our organization or for our excellent presenter and work- guidance with elements of VMEA shop leader, Dr. Laura Petravage. schooled and private-schooled stu- that they want to offer to their stu- Her high level of professionalism, dents to participate in Solo and En- dents, such as district and state- expansive content knowledge, and semble festival. Since several of wide events and auditions. For the expertly facilitated instructional her students do not have a band most part, public school secondary time showed these non-members director, she is their only likely con- instrumental and choral teachers the quality of the workshops and nection to the benefits offered are joining VMEA without hesitation events that VMEA provides. It is my through VMEA, unless the students’ and in high numbers. Where I still hope that these new workshop at- parents research our organization. need your help is focusing on those tendees will become members and Our musician world is small; please who fall outside this category. will share their experience with share our organization with your their friends and colleagues! freelancer or private lesson teacher The Virginia Elementary Music Edu- friends to see if they or their stu- cators Association continues its Dare I say it and sound like a buzz- dents could benefit from what we efforts to increase membership word-obsessed administrator, I ask offer. across the Commonwealth. Some you to “think outside the box.” A small but encouraging improve- private lesson teacher contacted Lastly, summer is coming! Take the ments have taken place recently, me with questions regarding the time this summer to write an article such as non-members of VMEA at- logistics required for her home- for VMEA Notes! I know how hard it is throughout the year to take time for a publication, but if you do it over the summer, your colleagues (and your future licensure renewal) will thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Best of luck with this last quarter, and I look forward to seeing many of you at the spring VMEA events!
Lisette Armstrong Satterwhite [email protected]
23 24 Reimagining Inclusion and Multicultural Awareness Diversity in Music Education Cynthia Ramsey, Chair
Music is the universal language: Inherently diverse in culture and Campbell & Herbert (2000) remind Getting Started tradition. Recently in my Secondary us that “one of the greatest There are numerous resources Methods class, students were invit- strengths of utilizing popular music available for music educators to ed to participate in a symposium in the classroom is not only its rele- learn about ‘Culturally Responsive about diversity in music education. vance to our students in their every- Teaching’. I invite you to check out After a lengthy discussion, the stu- day lives, but that popular music the music diversity library at Lesson dents created their position state- may be among the most powerful Planet (https:// ment: “As educators, we believe discourses available to students as www.lessonplanet.com/lesson- that music should be taught to ALL a means by which to construct per- plans/music-diversity/all)4. You will STUDENTS, and that students sonal identity and interpret social find curriculum development at a should learn/perform ALL MUSICS.” experience (p. 15)”3. Remind your- click of the mouse. Lesson Planet This statement supports the Decla- self, if our mission is to expose all has uploaded over 13,000 educa- ration of Equity in Music for City students to a wide variety of music, tional resources (lesson plans, vide- Students which calls for every stu- then we will have to diversify the os, interactive compositions, work- dent in every city in America to have styles of music we teach, create, sheets, unit plans) that encompass access to a robust and active music and perform. the wide span of music education 1 life . from Pre-Kindergarten through What Else Can We Do to Implement Higher Ed. Over 300 resources are Since music speaks to anyone and Cultural Diversity in Our Curriculum available on diversity in music. Here everyone around the world, it are a few examples for grades 9- stands to reason that music educa- We understand the need for diversi- 12: tion should embrace diversity. ty, but how do we start? Music edu- Many prominent music organiza- cators can put implementation into Sondheim: Voice of Cultural tions, including NAfME, have official action by: Change: Students explore Stephen statements addressing diversity in Sondheim's contributions to musi- music education (https:// Knowing your community. How cal theatre in the context of the dra- nafme.org/about/position- does the makeup of population matic cultural shift that occurred in 2 statements/inclusivity-diversity/) . and their musical interest in- American life in the late 1950s, As the United States becomes more form our pedagogical deci- 1960s, and 1970s. diverse, it becomes imperative for sions? our students to be exposed to a Making it a point to know the The Influence of Latin Music in variety of musical styles, cultures, musical tastes of all students. Postwar New York City: Music has and genres. What music(s) do your students often been called the international listen to? language that transcends cultures But how DO you incorporate cultur- Selecting one (or several) di- and regions. Students will investi- ally responsive teaching in your mu- verse musical selection(s) (not gate the impact of Latin American sic program? Let’s begin with an familiar to you). Create learning music on New York City culture in examination of our curriculum. Are activities and perform this work the years following World War II. we providing opportunities that ex- on your next concert. Included in this lesson are music amine the traditions, values, and Continuing to advocate for ‘the performance suggestions, video, music traditions of a wide variety of benefits of music’. This will help graphics, and images to create a cultures? It is not just taking a week all parents believe that “this clear picture of how the Latin beat or month to study the folk music of music class is important for my resonates in all forms of music. Mexico. It is about building a curric- child”. ulum that enables students to ex- Recruiting students from vari- perience, discuss, and perform mu- ous backgrounds to become sic that is culturally and socially guest musicians at your next relevant. concert. This will allow your stu- dents to meet and appreciate The inclusion of diverse musical students with a diverse set of genres helps us to connect with our musical skills. students while modeling a culturally (continued on next page) responsive learning environment. 25 (continued from previous page) Using Cross-Genre Comparisons to will be able to assist you. Find the Message in Hip-Hop: Stu- Music and Creativity in Ancient dents analyze two cross-genre We are committed to diversity in Greece: Take a look into the many songs written in the early 1980s for music education. Let’s reimagine ways in which music played an inte- lyrical content and social commen- our curriculum, broaden our tradi- gral role in the culture of ancient tary. They consider the artistic merit tions; and continue to share our Greece. Rooted in ancient Greek of hip hop music in today's culture. passion for teaching ALL musics to mythology and the common medi- ALL students. um through which all core disci- Say It Loud! A Celebration of Black plines were taught and studied, Music in America: Students watch a your students will discover how for video that highlights the role of art- 1 Yale School of Music. (2017). ancient Greeks, music was also the ists' images throughout the history Declaration on equity in music for basis for understanding the funda- of Black music in the United States city students. In A Report on the mental interconnectedness of all and describe the influences of the 2017 Symposium on Music in things in the universe. civil rights movement on Black cul- Schools. New Haven, CT: Yale ture. School of Music. Arabic Folk and Popular Music: Egypt, Lebanon, and Spain: How 2 National Association for Music many of us have actually listened to Reimagine and Reconfigure! Education. (2019). Inclusivity and Arabic folk or pop music? Learn By no means, should you forgo the diversity in music education: A posi- about the many facets of folk music current pedagogies you practice in tion statement. Retrieved from common to Lebanon, Spain, and your classroom. Our music pro- https://nafme.org/about/position- Egypt with this well-organized grams provide exceptional experi- statements/inclusivity-diversity/ presentation. Islamic cultural influ- ences for our students. Continue ences are traced throughout each your efforts while you reimagine 3 Campbell, P. & Hebert, D. (2000). region based on folk music tradi- how to reach more students. Per- Rock music in American schools: tions. haps you integrate guitar and folk Positions and practices since the instruments into your concert per- 1960s. International Journal of Mu- Music and the American Identity: formances, begin a rock band with- sic Education,36, 14–22. Does Music Unite or Divide Ameri- in the school day, or encourage stu- cans? How does music reflect and dents to write songs and compose. 4 Lesson Planet. (2019). Music di- influence American culture? After a Take a look at blog sites that exam- versity teacher resources. Retrieved journaling response to these cen- ine the ‘other’ ways that students from https:// tral questions, your students will learn about music outside of our www.lessonplanet.com/lesson- examine primary source docu- classes. Updated just a couple of plans/music-diversity/all). ments, listen and respond to a wide weeks ago, the Top 100 Music Edu- range of music, and the whole class cation Blogs and Websites to Fol- engages in a “Public Issues Discus- low in 2019 can be found at sion”. https://blog.feedspot.com/ music_education_blogs/ Eric Clapton Crossroads: Slices of American Pie: Students examine political, cultural, and social move- Do not be hesitant to call upon the ments through music. An explora- collegiate music education faculty tion of the music from 1960 will (and music education majors) in assist students to better under- your area. Many colleges have ac- stand the complexity of the time cess to a wide variety of resources period. Students will watch Eric including steel drums, world per- Clapton Crossroads Guitar Festival cussion, native flutes, and other Chicago to launch an investigation folk instruments. Inquire about into and discussion of how the elec- workshops and masterclasses that tric guitar and guitarists have would benefit both your students changed the sound of the blues and our future educators. If you are over time. An engaging way to ex- unsure where to start, feel free to plore the relationship between mu- contact me sic and culture. [email protected]). I will put you in contact with someone who
26 Tri-M
Jon Schoepflin, Coordinator
gins results in less interest and chapter is a group of kids do. It is makes your job harder as the spon- the activities you do with your chap- sor. Having the new and the old ter that make the difference in your meet together will help to plan out community and the lives of your the future of the chapter and is a students. great time to review the bylaws. Have a “Crossover Meeting”. During What do you play as a group? Our Whether it’s hiking, biking, garden- this meeting, the veterans can let memberships are made up of all ing, or just relaxing on the back the new students know what went classes in music education. Howev- deck, getting outside with friends well, and most importantly, what er, you do not have to go purchase and family is one of the hallmarks NOT to do in the future. Many of the or rearrange major works of musi- of Spring. We make plans for our ideas for the next school year come cal literature. The fact that you summer, but the Fall and new from the meeting this year. show up and play anything, is the school year are so far away it first step. Showing up says you care doesn’t even register on our radar. Teach high school? How do you get about that organization or its peo- We’re tired and ready for a break freshmen into your Tri-M? - When ple. Your audience will appreciate However, here are a few things you your feeder school has a Jr. Tri-M anything you play. There are plenty can do now to make sure your Tri-M Chapter and you do not have those of free online arrangements such is ready for the Fall: rising freshmen as part of your as One Size Fits All Band Books chapter, you lose not only numbers, (OSFABB.com). You can modify Plan to renew your chapter next but also the insight those students these for the purposes needed. year. If you had a chapter in the bring to your chapter. If your feeder past and did not renew for the doesn’t have a chapter, you get Does your Tri-M: 2018-19 school, make the commit- freshmen to be in your high school Hold a trombone to the mouth ment now to reactivate your chap- Tri-M the same way you get them to of a 6 year old and teach them ter this Fall. Remember, Tri-M is not be in your music program: you re- to form an embouchure? about Band, Chorus, Orchestra, or cruit them. (Refer to the bylaw re- Sit next to a student from an- Guitar, but about Music Education. view section so you have a process other school and help them Your active chapter can really high- in place for students to come into learn the first 5 notes on the light the power in music education your chapter as they enter your flute? in your school and community. school.) If you want students, you Donate a classroom set of new have to go where they are and get rhythm sticks to an elementary Review your chapter bylaws. If you them to come with you. Under- music class because their old don’t have bylaws (or can’t find standing that the high school pro- ones gave the kids splinters them), a Google or NAfME site gram that needs the middle school Purchase a new flute or clarinet search will bring up templates for students, and not the other way for a school with a student who you to use. Remember, your bylaws around, is crucial for building Tri-M wants to play, but can’t get an are your constitution. Great bylaws too. instrument? tell the reader how your organiza- Build an inventory of string in- tion operates and the procedures What does your Tri-M do? How are struments so kids in an inner you follow. They should also be up- they different than other school city all have the chance to learn dated each year, preferably by the groups? Every school is different, to play the violin, viola, cello, or graduating executive board that just as the communities they serve bass? had to operate under them. They are different. Put in your bylaws Perform for patients receiving will know best what procedures that your members will SEE the dif- medical treatments, leaving were limiting and how to update ference they make in their commu- them with new socks to keep them. nity. The simple word “see” means their feet warm in the winter your chapter will not be the type of Deliver boxes of food to the Who will be in Tri-M next year? I chapter that just raises money for homeless shelter, helping to recommend that you bring in new an organization. Sending a check in put it away on the shelf? members to your Tri-M BEFORE the mail and walking away is not summer. Waiting to bring in mem- really what Tri-M is about. What Make your Tri-M a group that does ber until after the school year be- makes Tri-M different is that your things next year!
27 18 Virginia School Districts Named “Best Communities for Music Education”
Congratulations to the 18 Virginia school districts that are among the Best Communities in the nation for music education. The award program, sponsored by the Nation- al Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Foundation, recognizes outstanding efforts by teachers, administra- tors, parents, students and community leaders who have made music education part of a well-rounded education. Designations are made to districts that demonstrate an exceptionally high commitment and access to music edu- cation.
Arlington Public Schools Bristol Virginia Public Schools Chesapeake Public Schools Fairfax County Public Schools Hampton City Schools Hanover County Public Schools Harrisonburg City Public Schools Henrico County Public Schools Loudoun County Public Schools Montgomery County Public Schools Newport News Public Schools Powhatan County Public Schools Roanoke City Public Schools Roanoke County Public Schools Spotsylvania County Public Schools Stafford County Public Schools Virginia Beach City Public Schools Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools
And congratulations to the four Virginia schools that re- ceived the SupportMusic Merit Award (SMMA) from The NAMM Foundation! A SMMA Award is an opportunity for an individual school (public, private, parochial or charter) to be acknowledged for its commitment to music educa- tion. It is a "school-only" distinction awarded as part of the Best Communities for Music Education program.
Browne Academy (Alexandria) New Kent High School (New Kent) Smart’s Mill Middle School (Leesburg) Stonewall Jackson High School (Manassas)
28 Charlottesville High School Musicians Receive
National Recognition for Community Engagement Efforts
The Charlottesville High School mu- of the Concert for Charlottesville another-event/. sic program is a triple-gold winner featuring headlining musicians in the 2019 Music for All Advocacy such as Dave Matthews, Pharrell “Building bridges between schools in Action Awards for its 2018 music Williams and Stevie Wonder. Held and communities starts with identi- collaboration with students from at University of Virginia’s Scott Sta- fying what we already share,” said Metro Nashville Public Schools. dium, the concert was attended by Thomas. “Students in a Virginia over 50,000 people and live- choir and orchestra were eager to Recognized for excellence in three streamed on such platforms as Fa- collaborate with students in a Ten- categories, Community Service Pro- cebook, YouTube, Tumblr and Huff- nessee choir because we all speak ject, Community Engagement, and Post. the same musical language; we Community Event, members of the share the culture of rehearsals, CHS Orchestra and CHS Choir “We are thrilled to receive this practice, and performance. The stu- joined talents with the “Fab 5,” a recognition for our students’ efforts dents in Nashville recorded a video student quintet from Pearl-Cohn for community advocacy through for us, we responded with an invita- Magnet High School in Nashville to music,” said Cooke. “The collabora- tion, and the resulting collaboration perform Bebe Winans' hit song, tion created immeasurable positive was awe-inspiring for our students, "Right Now (We Need One Anoth- feeling and healing within our teachers, and community!” er)." The efforts were a direct re- school communities, our local com- For more information about Music sponse to the deadly events of Au- munities, and beyond—including a for All, please visit gust 11-12, 2017 in Charlottesville, follow-up gathering to record a sec- www.musicforall.org. VA. ond song in support of the Park- land, Florida survivors.” Related links: Under the leadership of CHS Or- http://charlottesvilleschools.org/we chestra Director Laura Mulligan Charlottesville High School’s sub- -welcome-nashville-students-and- Thomas and CHS Choir Director Will mission will be part of the Music for staff/ Cooke, the students performed the All Advocacy in Action website, http://charlottesvilleschools.org/ song at a school-wide assembly at which is a clearinghouse of practi- concert-for-charlottesville-features- Charlottesville High School followed cal advocacy examples that can be chs-music-video/ by various locations around the city, adapted and replicated by pro- http://charlottesvilleschools.org/ including the street where Heather grams nationwide. To read more chs-choir-reunites-with-nashvilles- Heyer lost her life. Video footage of about the project and see the vid- fab-5/ the collaboration was shared with eo, visit https:// the community via social media and advocacy.musicforall.org/ broadcasted on a jumbotron as part submission/right-now-we-need-one-
Want to get involved? Learn more about the Music for All Advocacy in Action awards at https://advocacy.musicforall.org/
29 Grogan, Houser, and Pote Join Roster of
Exceptional Yamaha Master Educators
Yamaha Artist Services Indianapolis understanding of the process that ments with state Music Education announced today that it has named leads to success. Associations; district meetings for Jeffrey Grogan, Barry Houser and music teachers and fine arts de- Michael Pote to its esteemed Mas- Michael Pote is partments, district-wide in-service ter Educator Program. director of bands days; and clinics at middle schools, at Carmel High high schools, colleges and conserv- They join 19 other distinguished School in Carmel, atories. academics, clinicians, consultants Indianapolis. and authors who provide inspiring Named the 2019 Other master educators include: professional development opportu- Indiana Outstand- Daniel Berard, Grain Valley High nities and artistic music collabora- ing Bandmaster School, Missouri tions for music educators at the by the Gamma Dr. Travis Cross, UCLA, Califor- local, state and national levels. Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, He has led nia the Carmel High School ensembles Dr. Rodney Dorsey, Indiana Uni- Jeffrey Grogan is to win numerous nationally recog- versity, Indiana the director of nized awards by dedicating his work Douglas Droste, Ball State Uni- orchestral activi- to improving students’ listening and versity, Indiana ties and profes- critical thinking skills through pur- Cheryl Floyd, Hill Country Middle sor of music at poseful practice using focused rep- School, Texas (retired) the Wanda L. etition to build musical reflexes. Richard Floyd, University of Tex- Bass School of as at Austin, Texas (retired) Music at Oklaho- “Jeffrey Grogan, Barry Houser and Kevin Ford, Tarpon Springs High ma City University Michael Pote represent many fac- School, Florida and artistic director of the Oklaho- ets of musical excellence,” said Larry Gookin, Central Washing- ma Youth Orchestra in Oklahoma John Wittmann, director of artist ton University, Washington City, Oklahoma. He is international- relations and education, Yamaha (retired) ly acclaimed as both a conductor Artist Services Indianapolis. Jerry Junkin, University of Texas and teacher who ensures that stu- “Whether it be conducting notable at Austin, Texas dents know and understand the orchestras, hugely successful colle- Craig Kirchhoff, University of value of focus, teamwork, passion, giate marching bands or nationally Minnesota (retired) and communication in their respon- renowned high school wind ensem- Gary Lewis, University of Colora- sibility to the music and each other. bles, it would be hard to name do Boulder, Colorado three men who affect students’ Anthony Maiello, George Mason Barry Houser is lives more profoundly.” University, Virginia the associate Marcia Neel, Clinician & Con- director of bands, The Yamaha Master Educator Pro- sultant, Nevada director of the gram was developed in 2016 in Kevin Sedatole, Michigan State Marching Illini conjunction with Yamaha Corpora- University, Michigan and director of tion of America to reinforce the Dr. Emily Threinen, University of the Fighting Illini company’s longstanding commit- Minnesota Athletic Bands at ment to music education and music Marguerite Wilder, Middle the University of educators. The Yamaha Master Ed- School Clinician & Consultant, Illinois, Urbana-Champaign in Urba- ucator group, as well as the es- Georgia na, Illinois. As a nationally recog- teemed roster of Yamaha Perform- nized guest conductor and clinician ing Artists come together to inspire To learn more about the Yamaha for both the marching and concert teachers and students at the mid- Master Educator program, contact mediums, he holds a firm belief dle school through collegiate levels [email protected] or visit that the students are the most im- to realize their full potential. Yama- https://yamaha.io/MasterEducator portant part of teaching and that ha Master Educators take part in they must have a comprehensive speaking and conducting appoint-
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