vmea Spring 2015 The Official Journal of the Virginia notesMusic Educators Association
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1 vmeanotes The Official Journalbackwards. of the Virginia MusicPress Educators Escape Association (Esc) to exit full screen. Volume LXXII | Number Two Spring 2015 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association contents Editorial Board Chair: Terry Hall – President VMEA REPORTS John Brewington – President-elect – VMEA Lois Castonguay – Vice President – VMEA 5 President’s Message (Terry Hall)
Publication Staff 8 State Executive (Linda J. Gammon) Editor: Merry Beth Hall Photographer: Art Pittman 11 NOTES Editor (Merry Beth Hall)
Publishing Address 15 VBODA (Stephen Rice) VMEA Notes 24759 Carbonate Terrace 19 VBODA Orchestra (Carrie Finnegan) Stone Ridge, VA 20105 [email protected] 21 VEMEA (Jason Kriner) 31 VCDA (Mike Horanski) Advertising Contact Merry Beth Hall 33 Research (David Stringham) 14421 Stillmeadows Road Montpelier, VA 23192 36 Collegiate (Jeffrey Marlatt) [email protected]
Layout and Design: 41 VAMHE (David Zerull) Clarke Creative Marketing and Print Lynchburg, Virginia 43 VAMEA (Annamarie Bollino) 46 Music in our Schools Month (Debra Kay Robinson Lindsay) 52 Multicultural Awareness (Cynthia B. Ramsey) 56 Government Relations (Steve King) 62 Creativity Council (Brace Hammel) © 2015 by VMEA 63 Membership Committee (Andrew Lusher) Opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of VMEA. FEATURES Virginia Music 13 NAMM Foundation Honors Best Communities for Music Educators Association, Inc. Vince Tornello, Treasurer 1627 Trailridge Road Education Charlottesville, Virginia 22903 [email protected] 49 Alexandria Choir Celebrates MIOSM 67 Portfolios: Pathway to Improved Teaching and Learning 71 What’s New in Music Technology: A Report from NAMM 2015 74 VMEA Meeting Minutes (September 6, 2014 | January 17, 2015)
Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide mutual helpfulness to its membership and to promote the advancement of music education through schools and other educational institutions. VMEA is an affiliated state unit of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Membership in VMEA is open to any individual engaged in or associated with the teaching of music, in schools or privately. Active membership dues for NAfME and VMEA are $119.00 per year and include subscriptions to Notes, Music Educators Journal, and Teaching Music. All member addressThe changesOfficial Journal should of bethe processedVirginia Music by Educators contacting Association NAfME. 2 Publication and Advertising Deadlines for VMEA Notes: Spring Issue: April 1st | Fall Issue: August 28th | Winter Issue: December 1st vmea EXECUTIVE BOARD ADVERTISER INDEX VMEA Officers President: Terry Hall - [email protected] PO Box 11, Jewell Ridge, VA 24622 Bocal Majority – 61 President-elect: John Brewington - [email protected] 2512 George Mason Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23456 CCIS – 51 Vice President: Lois Castonguay - [email protected] Christopher Newport University – 45 413 Auburn Avenue, Radford, VA 24141
Secretary: Laura Cole - [email protected] Clarke Inc – 20 1200 North Coalter Street, Staunton, VA 24401 EPN Travel – 66 Treasurer: Vincent Tornello - [email protected] 1627 Trailridge Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903 Germantown Violin Company LLC – 18 Section Presidents It’s Possible Music University – 42 VCDA: Mike Horanski - [email protected] James Madison University – 14 VBODA: Steve Rice - [email protected] VEMEA: Jason Kriner - [email protected] Lynchburg College – 7 VAMEA: Annamarie Bollino - [email protected] Messiah College – 32 VAMHE: David Zerull - [email protected] Collegiate: Dylan DiMauro - [email protected] QuaverMusic.com – 55
District Chairs Shenandoah University – 39 District I: Janet Stanley - [email protected] Smoky Mountain Music Festival – 61 District II: Carl Copon - [email protected] District III: Jay Sykes - [email protected] Spectrum of Richmond – 35 District IV: Matt Phillips - [email protected] Virginia Tech – 48 District V: Matthew Schucker - [email protected] District VI: Mandi Townley - [email protected] Western Carolina University – 29 District VII: Bruce Miller - [email protected] Yamaha – 10 District VIII: Lisa Spruill - [email protected] District IX: Dave Van Gelder - [email protected] District X: Joe LaBrie - [email protected] District XI: Michael Ehrlich - [email protected] District XII: Grayson Fore - [email protected] District XIII: Doray Walker - [email protected] District XIV: Thomas Law - [email protected] District XV: Rhonda Miller - [email protected] District XVI: Paul Shoremount - [email protected]
Ex Officio State Executive: Linda Gammon – [email protected] 24759 Carbonate Terrace, Stone Ridge, VA 20105 Notes - Editor: Merry Beth Hall – [email protected] 14421 Stillmeadows Road, Montpelier, VA 23192 CCVMEA Advisor: Jeffrey Marlatt – [email protected] 1447 Greystone Terrace, Winchester, VA 22601 VBODA String Rep: Carrie Finnegan – [email protected] 2775 Hydraulic Road Charlottesville, VA 22901 NAfME – The National Association for Music Music Spc. K-12: Cherry Gardner – [email protected] Education 1806 Robert Fulton Drive VMEA Attorney: Jeffrey Zwerdling Reston, Virginia 20191 5020 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23230 www.nafme.org Exec. Dir. VHSL: Kenneth G. Tilley 1642 State Farm Boulevard, Charlottesville, VA 22901
3 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association MEMBERSHIP REPORT vmea COUNCIL OF REVIEW
District 1 Membership numbers as of December, 2014 Janet Stanley (C) Chair [email protected] Emmanuel Barks (E) [email protected] Danielle Yonkers (I) [email protected] Active - 2,069 District 2 Retired - 137 Carl Copon (C) Chair [email protected] Meredith Brookman (E) [email protected] Collegiate -362 Ken Poe (I) [email protected] Tri-M - 1,914 District 3 Total - 4,482 Kim Rose (C) [email protected] Carol Hamrick (E) [email protected] Jay Sykes (I) Chair [email protected]
District 4 Dave Cowell (C) [email protected] www.vmea.com Annette Crandall (E) [email protected] Matthew Phillips (I) Chair [email protected]
District 5 NAfME/VMEA Councils Melissa Dull (C) [email protected] Government Relations Jennifer Smith (E) [email protected] Steve King - [email protected] Matthew Schucker (I) Chair [email protected] Creativity District 6 Bruce Hammel – [email protected] Mandi Townley (C) Chair [email protected] Jessica Wright (E) [email protected] Multi Cultural Awareness Frankie Nettles (I) [email protected] Cynthia Ramsey – [email protected] District 7 Music in Our Schools Month Darren Goad (C) [email protected] Debra Lindsay - [email protected] Vacant (E) Music Industry Council Bruce Miller (I) Chair [email protected] Jim Stegner – [email protected] District 8 Research in Music Education Lisa Spruill (C) Chair [email protected] Dr. David Stringham - [email protected] Cynthia Marshall (E) [email protected] Martin Blount (I) [email protected] Secondary General Glen McCarthy - [email protected] District 9 Allan Weberg (C) [email protected] Students with Special Needs Lynn Maletick (E) [email protected] Alice Hammel - [email protected] Dave VanGelder (I) Chair [email protected]
Teacher Education District 10 Gary Ritcher - [email protected] Karli Eddinger (C) [email protected] Tri-M Coordinator Elizabeth Linsley (E) [email protected] Joe Labrie (I) Chair [email protected] Tracy Magwire - [email protected] District 11 Michael Ehrlich (C) Chair [email protected] Vacant (E) Eric Hoang (I) [email protected]
District 12 Rita Gigliotti (C) [email protected] Maritza Sodowsky (E) [email protected] Grayson Fore (I) Chair [email protected]
District 13 Doray Walker (C) Chair [email protected] Page Durham (E) [email protected] Laura Bock (I) [email protected]
District 14 Thomas Law (C) Chair [email protected] Rebecca Karos (E) [email protected] Ryan Dempsey (I) [email protected]
District 15 Rhonda Miller (C) Chair [email protected] Kimberly Upshaw (E) [email protected] Ryan Addair (I) [email protected]
District 16 My Van Nguyen (C) [email protected] Michele Assetto (E) [email protected] Paul Shoremount (I) Chair [email protected]
4 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association president’s message
Terry Hall vmea president
A Time of Great Change feel like I need to preface this column with we could confidently step forth with strong, Ian explanation. I do have a serious thought straight steps. Those first steps may not have at the heart of the column but I have attempted taken us anywhere very important but they to present it in a light-hearted manner. I ask took us somewhere. that every reader attempt to glean the nugget Since music is both our path and, for most of of truth without being too critical of my us, our destiny and destination, we began on attempt at humor. I do not take the subject our path of half steps and whole steps; some of lightly, just the presentation. us instrumentalists, with help from Easy Steps. I am not a great fan of change just for the With every project, every series of steps, we sake of change, but sometimes we must be traveled steadily toward the final step. awakened from our comfort in order to step Think about the process of teaching and out and achieve something greater than we directing. We have an internal vision (or maybe are presently doing. Too often we become it is best to call it a sound picture) of what we comfortable with just marking time and think want the piece to sound like. We must evaluate that we are doing something important simply where we are as we start working on the because we are staying in step. music, then we choose a path or series of paths Now, having said that, I contend that there that will allow us to take the steps from where are times that the only way to do something we are to where we want to be. This section greater than we are currently doing is to step proceeds with baby steps, another section up and make a change, even if it is difficult. moves along in giant steps. We meticulously work through the process, ever alert to issues We don’t remember it, of course, but someone of balance. We must ever guard against the celebrated our first steps. Someone helped us dreaded rushin’ steps. (Insert loud groan here.) when those steps were unsteady and walked But after all of those steps, the finish line is, with us until we reached the place where hopefully, a polished performance.
5 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association president’s message
Terry Hall vmea president
(cont.)
Every aspect of our professional organization take me to task for tromping all over proper is like my metaphor-filled prelude. Whether it grammar, walk with me awhile. We must not is the cross-country course of re-districting, become so comfortable walking the path that the hurdles of adjudicators training, the path we are on that we fail to acknowledge that it to quality assessments, the trek to effective no longer leads us to the destination that we advocacy, or the path to equitable and effective want. teacher evaluation, every one of these must Whether you are traveling at 8-to-5 or 6-to- begin with those first tentative baby steps. As 5, slow march or double time, let us catch the an organization, we may stumble and we may vision of where we want to be and (do I dare have to retrace some steps before we get it say it?), take the steps to get there. right. But, if we never step out we will never go anywhere.
I am not suggesting that we will always march in step or that we will always get every step right, but let us consider the alternative. There is a saying that a well-known financial advisor and commentator is very fond of, “If we always do what we’ve always done, we’ll always get what we always got.” Now, before those double majors in Music and English
6 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association 7 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association state executive’s report
Linda J. Gammon state executive
Working Alone and With Others n order to create a quality music program Informing colleagues well in advance of special Iwe must create a team for greater success. rehearsals, field trips, and performances is It is necessary for all of us to have a unified vi- common courtesy and part of our professional sion as music educators and sell our program responsibility. no matter the size or geographical place in the We need to work on behalf of each other, not Commonwealth. We need to make meaningful just for our individual program. When was the partners with other teachers, administrators, last time a band director went to a choral event, parents, community and especially those in an orchestra director attended a marching our own department. competition, or we attended another interest Educating our colleagues and administration section session at conference? We need to is an on-going process and it is our job to foster a collective spirit where members share advocate and put musical experiences on responsibility for the success of all students — the same playing field as other subject areas. not just “my students”, but think “our students”. Making meaningful connections with other Building trust within our departments is a great subject areas for our students and helping place to start. colleagues understand the power of music and We all need to take a vested interest in the how it enhances learning is key. Educating education our students receive both before everyone in being able to understand our part and after we teach them. A teacher who in a comprehensive education of each child wishes to increase the positive impact they helps to develop a collaborative atmosphere in can have on their students needs to make a our work place. great effort in communicating with colleagues. Developing an atmosphere of collegiality Vertical articulation sustains open lines of is necessary when we need assistance, a communication between colleagues from K-12 schedule change, or just the opportunity to and beyond. Aligning a progressive program of present a performance. Communication is studies with appropriate scope and sequence is key within our department, team, and school. paramount in the success of music programs.
8 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association state executive’s report
Linda J. Gammon state executive
(cont.)
Building a successful program takes: Let’s all make an effort to become a group • A vision of what is possible within your own of music educators who are committed to a teaching circumstance. common purpose and singular set of objectives • Enthusiasm and a passion for teaching. with the utmost respect for all levels and facets of our programs. When we agree on a universal • A commitment to collaborate with peers approach to the nature and value of music even when disagreements arise. education we will achieve our goals. As leaders • Sustaining an interest of what is going on at we should embrace a workplace supported all levels. by respect, honesty and take joy in everyone’s • A dedication to building and maintaining success, not just our own. a support network of colleagues of varied backgrounds and schooling. Enjoy the remainder of the school year and take • Being patient as this process takes time but a moment to thank everyone who has helped the investment is worthwhile. with your musical journey of 2014-2015.
9 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association 10 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association From the Editor’s Desk
Merry Beth Hall NOTES editor
learned recently that I play an “androgynous” In my junior year of high school, my band Iinstrument. Studies done on musical director, Cheryl Newton, allowed me to take instrument selection and gender stereotyping home different instruments and my adventures indicate that girls have a stronger preference in musical androgyny continued. I learned to for “feminine” instruments such as flute, violin play the alto clarinet, bassoon and horn — all and clarinet. Conversely, boys have a stronger considered androgynous instruments according preference for “masculine” instruments such as to the research — with decent proficiency. It trombone, trumpet and bass. was then that I discovered that horn was my true love – a chameleon of an instrument with For me, it all goes back to 1978 when I started a dark, haunting sound that could also rise band at Marshall Road Elementary School in and soar like nothing else. As an added bonus, Vienna. My band director, Orlando Carter, was it’s the musical equivalent of golf — insanely the coolest guy on the planet to the kids in my frustrating no matter how good you get. school. I desperately wanted to play the flute, but my parents had a trombone in the house Switching to horn at age 16 and from and I was stuck playing that. From fifth grade trombone had its challenges. I spent months through ninth grade, I was the only girl playing in Jeff Bianchi’s “scale jail” until I had the trombone in my school bands. As the only girl fundamentals down. And the fine folks at JMU in my section, I had to stay several steps ahead were kind enough to tell me I needed to play of the boys to avoid constant teasing. horn to major in music there. I no longer had to choose and there was no looking back. The only That desire to play a different instrument blessing that came from playing trombone was started in fifth grade and never left. I was some jazz experience that comes in handy with mesmerized by the androgynous instruments the Beltway Brass Quintet. and tried out oboe and horn at various times only to be pushed back to trombone because When I look at bands today, I see the same low brass players were needed and I had a gender stereotypes in instrument selection. good ear. I was never a great trombonist. I had I’ve heard tales of parents thinking their son great sightreading skills (from many years of shouldn’t play flute or their daughter shouldn’t sightreading piano lessons) and average-at- play tuba because it may affect their sexuality best playing skills. and a host of other ridiculous notions. On the bright side, nobody seems to question those of
11 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association From the Editor’s Desk
Merry Beth Hall NOTES editor
(cont.) us who are androgynous instrument players. available for students to use, especially for We reap the benefits of playing in a section larger and more expensive instruments. And with both genders represented. Horn players in the classroom, we need to ensure that the are equal opportunity – we snipe at everyone. tuba section isn’t a boys club and the clarinet section a girls club. Getting the right kids on The point of all of this is: how can music the right instruments for them and fostering educators help minimize gender stereotyping an inclusive environment will help make our in musical instrument selection? First, we music programs the best they can be. need to encourage students to play the instrument for which they show the most promise. And we need to sell parents on how their children will excel on this instrument. Quality school instruments need to be
Sources of Research on Gender and Musical Instrument Selection:
1. Abeles, H. F. & Porter, S. Y. (1978). The sex-stereotyping of musical instruments. Journal of Research in Music Education, 26 (2), 65-75. 2. Abeles, H. F. (2009, June). Factors Affecting Musical Instrument Selection and Continued Participation for Students Who Play Cross-Gendered Instruments. Symposium conducted at the National Association for Music Education, Washington, D. C. 3. Delzell, J. K. & Leppla, D. A. (1992). Gender association of musical instruments and preferences of fourth-grade students for selected instruments. Journal of Research in Music Education, 40 (2), 93-103. 4. Eros, J. (2008). Instrument selection and gender stereotypes: A Review of recent literature. Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, 27 (1), 57-64. 5. Fortney, P. M., Boyle, J. D., & DeCarbo, N. J. (1993). A study of middle school band students’ instrument choices. Journal of Research in Music Education, 41 (1), 28-39. 6. Golombok, S., Rust, J., Zervoulis, K., Croudace, T., Golding, J., & Hines, M. (2008). Developmental trajectories of sex-typed behavior in boys and girls: A longitudinal general population study of children aged 2.5-8 years. Child Development, 79 (5), 1583-1593. 7. Harrison, A. C. & O’Neill, S. A. (2000). Children’s gender-typed preferences for musical instruments: An intervention study. Psychology of Music, 28, 81-97. 8. Johnson, C. M. & Stewart, E. E. (2005). Effects of sex and race identification on instrument assignment by music educators. Journal of Research in Music Education, 53 (4), 348-357. 9. Sinsel, T. J., Dixon, Jr., W. E., & Blades-Zeller, E. (1997). Psychological sex type and preferences for musical instruments in fourth and fifth graders. Journal of Research in Music Education, 45 (3), 390-401. 10. Zervoudakes, J. & Tanur, J. M. (1994). Gender and musical instruments: Winds of change? Journal of Research in Music Education, 42 (1), 58-67.
12 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association NAMM Foundation Honors Best Communities for Music Education
n mid-March, the NAMM Foundation Schools were evaluated based on surveys of Icame out with its list of the 2015 Best music teachers, parents, school administrators Communities for Music Education. and school board members. Applications Nationwide, 388 school districts were awarded were evaluated on funding of music this honor. Congratulations to the following programs, staffing of highly qualified teachers, Virginia school districts for being recognized commitment to standards and access to music with this award: instruction.
• Chesapeake Public Schools To learn more and to view the complete list of • Fairfax County Public Schools winners, visit http://www.nammfoundation. • Hanover County Public Schools org/what-we-do/best-communities-music- education. • Harrisonburg City Public Schools • Henrico County Public Schools • Loudoun County Public Schools • Montgomery County Public Schools • Roanoke City Public Schools • Roanoke County Public Schools • Virginia Beach City Schools
And a special congratulations goes out to the Support Music Merit Award winners. Of the 120 nationwide winners, three were schools in Virginia. These schools whose were recognized for support of school-based music education programs: • Forest Middle School (Bedford County) • Randolph Elementary School (Goochland County) • Yorktown High School (Arlington County)
13 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association BACHELOR OF MUSIC DEGREE PROGRAMS www.jmu.edu/music/degree_programs/undergraduate.html Composition MASTER OF MUSIC DEGREE PROGRAMS Performance www.jmu.edu/music/degree_programs/graduate.html Music Education Composition Music Theater Performance Music Industry Music Education Jazz Conducting 2016 AUDITION DATES DOCTOR OF MUSICAL ARTS January 23, February 6, February 15 www.jmu.edu/music/degree_programs/dma.html
Conducting, Pedagogy, Literature Performance, Pedagogy, Literature
FORBES CENTER F O R THE P E R F O R M I N G A R TS PHOTO BY BOB ADAMEK BOB BY PHOTO
School14 vmeaof Musicnotes Admissions The Official Journal MSC of7301 the Virginia Harrisonburg, Music Educators VA 22807Association 540.568.3851 [email protected] www.jmu.edu/music virginia band and orchestra directors association
Stephen H. Rice vboda president
You Never Know What You Are Going to Learn on a Spring Trip he last weekend in March, the West Poto- tail! Armed with all the information that I just Tmac Band took off on a trip to Charlotte received in our half hour briefing, ten of my North Carolina. Surprisingly, I learned a lot students and I started to climb up the tower. about being scared on this trip. To see how The teenagers were excited and bounced up this applies to VMEA, VBODA, and teaching the stairs. For me it was hard to keep up be- in general, you must read the last paragraph. cause I was carrying a half century worth of Until then, enjoy the tales. donuts around. With every step I realized I was way up in the air. Once on top of the plat- On the schedule for Friday was an activity form, it was like being on a deck with railings called archery tag, and in the afternoon, zip all around except for the area around where lining. Only someone who’s a little bit crazy the zip line was. I watched the first kid go and would take a bunch of teenagers, give them realized I was going to be next. I truly was not bows with a 4-inch marshmallow of Styro- mentally prepared for the idea of stepping off foam, and then tell them to shoot each other. with only a rope and a wire to keep me from Then came the zip lining. I’ve never been on falling to my death. As I got closer to the edge a zip line before. If I were meant to be high in I start to freak out a bit. I looked down. That the air I wouldn’t weigh as much as I do and was a mistake. I wanted nothing more than also might have wings. Regardless of that, zip to unhook myself and scamper back down lining was the activity for the afternoon. those same stairs that I had just climbed. At The first thing that one must do is to put on this point the two halves of my inner mono- the right equipment. The correct equipment logue were in a shouting match. The guide allows oneself to enjoy the activity, to be com- was professional and quietly reminded me of fortable, and most importantly to be safe. The my newfound zip line training. She reassured next step is to go to school. At the school on me that everything was safe. I sat down on the the ground we were taught how to clip on edge my feet dangling 40 feet in the air, took the trolley, how to clip on the safety cables, a deep breath, and then scooted off. My body and what to do with our hands. We were also dropped about 3 feet. My heart didn’t because taught how to brake; that’s an important de- it caught in my throat. Then the line kept me 15 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association virginia band and orchestra directors association
Stephen H. Rice vboda president
(cont.) from falling. he met Christian Hinkle, a member of the US Army Band, at our concert band camp. It’s hard for me to recall a time being so afraid Christian showed off some trumpet fireworks of that first step. After that initial encounter and Tristan was mesmerized. Even though he the other zips were much easier. I was able was well out of his comfort zone, I encouraged to enjoy the scenery going from one tree to him to take lessons. As time went on, while the next and then mercifully making it to the others were playing the Guitar Hero video ground. game, Tristan played “trumpet hero” and That experience made me think about what it became an accomplished high school musician. must be like for young musicians, particularly His senior year we were fortunate enough to those performing for the first time. We make play at the Music for All National Concert sure that our students have the right equip- Band Festival. While in Indianapolis at the ment and they are trained in how to hold and festival, students had the opportunity to take use it. We use practice as our safety net. When master classes with professional musicians. it’s time for those students to take that leap to Adam Foreman told Tristan, “No matter what, perform, we are there with a reassuring nod you play for the trumpet master class.” Again, or glance to let them know that everything is Tristan took a step into the unknown on the going to be okay. advice of one of his teachers. After he played, one of the trumpet professors at Peabody That night we heard the Charlotte Symphony Conservatory all but offered him a scholarship perform. I was moved by being able to on the spot. Later he took the leap to audition listen to one of my former students perform at Juilliard. He will finish up there in May and Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” this fall he will start his professional career as in a professional orchestra. That piece was the permanent second trumpet player in the particularly appropriate because when Tristan Charlotte Symphony. first came to West Potomac, he was quite a common freshman trumpet player. As I recall, After the concert, Tristan talked to the kids he sat in the middle of the second trumpets in on the trip about his journey to becoming a the second band. When he was a sophomore, professional musician. He talked about how
16 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association virginia band and orchestra directors association
Stephen H. Rice vboda president
(cont.) he had taken many of those scary leaps. The only safety equipment that he had with him The VBODA Executive Board was his willingness to work hard, practice, recommends the following and the encouragement of people like us constitutional change to the reminding him that it’s a great thing to chase a membership: dream. After the concert one of my freshman trumpet players was intrigued by his story. As our group was leaving, he lagged behind to The VBODA Orchestra Representative shall be added to talk one on one with Tristan. As the kids were the president’s committee under getting on the bus, Tristan said to me, “I’m the relevant section of the VBODA going to be up in Alexandria after I graduate to constitution (Article III, section 2). visit my mom. Do you think it would be alright if came to school to have Henry play for me?” Who knows? Maybe another trumpet player Please go to www.vboda.org will be ready to start taking leaps. to vote on this change As we finish the school year, I encourage you to challenge your students to take those scary leaps and soar.
17 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association 18 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association orchestra report
Carrie Finnegan VBODA Orchestra Representative appy Spring, everyone! We should all in 5th grade, then contact the 4th grade Hbe coming off of the assessment season music teachers and ask the same. high and relaxing into our spring “senioritis.” 2. Show them your program. Simply sending However, this is also the time of year to step up a letter home or making an announcement the recruiting efforts for next year, so don’t go is not enough. These students need to SEE buy new flip-flops yet. Effective recruiting can be their options to truly understand what they the difference between the life and death of your would be missing. Do everything you can to program. get into your feeder schools, tell them about When someone asks what I do for a living the your concerts and activities and convince most common response to my answer is “I them that anyone can play an instrument wish I had played an instrument when I was even if they have never touched one. younger.” When I ask why they didn’t I usually 3. Visit them. If you teach middle or high hear “because no one pushed me to.” There is school, you can have your students go to a very simple solution to this problem – push the elementary schools to play for them. them! If your school district is like mine, then If you take a small group of experienced students have already selected their classes students, consider having an “instrument for next year. However, don’t consider it too petting zoo” so the young children can see late until those classes have actually begun their instrument choices up close. Have in August. Let’s put every effort into getting your older students tell the children about those beginners to select not simply a music their own experiences and how they were class, but the instrument selection that is right beginners themselves. for them. 4. Advertise your program. Invite these Here’s a plan for recruiting: children to your spring concert by sending 1. Do your research. If you teach 6th grade invitations to the elementary teachers and beginners, this is a great time to contact asking for them to go home in their daily your elementary feeders to have them point folder. Ask the elementary PTO to advertise out the students who may exhibit a special your concerts and the beginning music talent or love of music. If your students start options for next year. If you can live stream
19 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association orchestra report
Carrie Finnegan VBODA Orchestra Representative (cont.) your concert you can advertise the link for “The beginning is the most important part of the them to watch from home. work.” - Plato
Do whatever you can these last couple months Be present. Be active. Let me know if I can to start your biggest group of beginners next help. [email protected] year. You’ll thank yourself in a few years.
20 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association virginia elementary music educators association
Jason Kriner vemea president
Welcome to 2015 reetings, VEMEA members. At the held in Alexandria. Dr. Alice Hammel led the Gbeginning of this year (Fall 2014 issue) I workshop in Hampton Roads, which was held wrote about the major milestone that VEMEA in Virginia Beach. I attended the workshop in will celebrate this year. As spring is in full Virginia Beach with Dr. Hammel and learned swing and we look back at the successful school some wonderful new things. I heard several year, it is indeed a time to celebrate those reports from the workshop in Northern milestones of the 2014-2015 year. Virginia that it was equally as beneficial. I want to thank Dr. Sadowsky and Dr. Hammel In February, VEMEA hosted the 1st annual for giving their time and talents to VEMEA Regional Professional Development and the teachers who attended. Furthermore, Workshops. The workshops were held in I want to thank John Brewington (VMEA two regional locations – Northern Virginia President-elect and Virginia Beach Public and Hampton Roads. Despite the best laid Schools music coordinator) for co-sponsoring plans, Mother Nature had her own plans. the workshop in Hampton Roads. He The date was set on the VMEA master graciously offered us a wonderful meeting calendar for Saturday, February 28th and the space in Virginia Beach Public Schools. workshop in the Northern Virginia region was held as scheduled. However, the Hampton The date for the regional professional Roads workshop had to be rescheduled development workshops is already set for next for two weeks later due to the snow. Both year. Save the date of Saturday, February 27, workshops were well-attended and I wish 2016 for our 2nd annual Regional Professional to thank those teachers who attended the Development Workshops. Our plan is to workshops and supported our first annual expand our offerings to 3 or 4 regions, hosting event. Our clinicians in both locations workshops simultaneously on the same date. focused on making modifications to lessons Members will be able to go to the workshop and activities to be suitable for students with closest to them, or choose a different workshop special needs. Dr. Martiza Sadowsky led the elsewhere in Virginia based on the topic and/or workshop in Northern Virginia, which was clinician that interests them the most.
21 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association virginia elementary music educators association
Jason Kriner vemea president (cont.) The 10th annual All-Virginia Elementary for The Old Dominion and Iris Redmond Chorus was held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 (West Point ES, West Point) accompanied the in Culpeper County at Eastern View High choir on violin for You Raise Me Up. What School. Our guest conductor was Patty Austin a great contribution of our wonderful music and our accompanist was Karen Schlosser, community here in Virginia. both faculty members of the Shenandoah Page Durham (Farmington ES, Culpeper Conservatory Arts Academy. Both guest County) was our site host and assistant. musicians did a marvelous job working She did a wonderful job of coordinating with the students and cultivating the best the local logistics – things such as making musicianship qualities from the young singers. sure the choral risers were delivered, acting The choir was comprised of 207 singers in as a communication liaison with the high 4th, 5th or 6th grade representing 42 schools school staff, arranging to have the piano in Virginia. The students performed some tuned, working with local hotels to contract very challenging literature this year and, group rates, helping coordinate lunch for despite the snowy winter, were incredibly the students, and many other valuable tasks! well-prepared for rehearsal. This year our Finally, I give a standing ovation for the guest conductor also invited teachers to sing teachers who brought students to All-Virginia with the students on Amigos and You Raise Elementary Chorus this year. Your students Me Up. We also had an improvised Dixieland were wonderful and your work with them was band for Amigos, featuring Eric Young very evident! (Price’s Fork ES, Montgomery County) on saxophone, Benjamin Garlic (Rural Retreat All-Virginia Elementary Chorus has become ES and Speedwell ES, Wythe County) on an established part of what VEMEA offers tuba, and Emmanuel Barks (Greene ES, to its members and their students. As we Richmond) on trombone and a great host of celebrate this milestone, I wanted to look back percussionists too! Marie Weber (John Tyler, at the past decade and share the history with Portsmouth) accompanied the choir on flute you.
22 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association virginia elementary music educators association
local hotels to contractlocal group hotels rates, to contract Jasonhelpinglocal group coordinate hotelsKriner rates, to helpingcontractlunch vemea for coordinate group the students, rates, president lunch helping and for many the coordinate students, other valuable lunch and manyfor the other students, valuable and many other valuable tasks! Finally, I givetasks! a standing Finally, ovation I give fora standingtasks! the teacher Finally, ovations Iwho give for broughta the standing teacher students ovations who to broughtfor All the-Virginia teacher students Elementarys who to All brought-Virginia students Elementary to All -Virginia Elementary (cont.) Chorus this year. YourChorus student thiss year. were Your wonderfulChorus student andthiss were year.your wonderful worYourk studentwith and thems your were was wor wonderfulveryk with evident! them and wasyour very wor kevident! with them wasI especially very evident! want to recognize three
very dedicated teachers who have had local hotelsAll- Virginiato contract Elementary group rates, ChorusAll helping-Virginia coordinate Elementary lunch Chorus for theAll - students,Virginia Elementary and many other Chorus valuable tasks! Finally, I give a standing ovation for the teachers who brought students to All-Virginia Elementary students represented every year in Chorus this year. YourProgram student s were wonderfulProgram and your work with them wasProgram very evident! All-Virginia Elementary Chorus for The Star-Spangled BannerThe Star -Spangled Banner The Star-Spangled Banner Words by Francis Scott Key Words (1773 -by1843) Francis Scott Key (1773 Words-1843) by Francis Scott Key (1773-1843) All - Virginia Elementary Mus Chorus ic by John Stafford Smith Mus (1750ic by -John1836) Stafford Smiththe (1750Musentireic- 1836)by John ten Stafford years. Smith (1750 Those-1836) teachers Program Alleluia, from Exsultate, JubilateAlleluia , from Exsultate, Jubilate Alleluia , from Exsultate, Jubilate Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Wolfgang (1756 -1791) Amadeus Mozartare: (1756 Wolfgang Marie-1791) Amadeus Weber Mozart (John (1756-1791) Tyler ES, The St ar - Spangled Banner Arr angedWords by by Francis Henry Scott Leck Key (1773 Arr-1843)anged by Henry Leck Arranged by Henry Leck Music by John Stafford Smith (1750-1836) Portsmouth); Kimberly Upshaw All Things Bright and BeautifulAll Things Bright and Beautiful Alleluia All , from Things Exsultate, Bright Jubilate and Beautiful Words by Mrs. C.F. Alexa Wolfgang nder Words Amadeus (1823 by Mozart -Mrs.1895) (1756 C.F. -1791) Alexa nder Words(1823- 1895)by Mrs. C.F. Alexander (1823-1895) Music by John Arranged Rutter by Henry Leck Music (Riverview by John Rutter ES, Music Spotsylvania by John Rutter County); and All Things Bright and Beautiful Words by Mrs. C.F. Alexander (1823-1895) Circles Circles Circles Mary Music Goetze by John Rutter Mary Goetze Mary Goetze Lynn Maletick (Bristow Run ES, Prince Circles Mary Goetze American Folk Rhapsody American Folk Rhapsody American Folk Rhapsody American Folk Songs; Arranged American by Linda Folk SpevacekSongs; Arranged American by Linda Folk Spevacek Songs; Arranged by Linda Spevacek American Folk Rhapsody American Folk Songs; Arranged by Linda Spevacek William County). Congratulations, ladies, The Old Dominion The Old Dominion The Old The Dominion Old Dominion Words and Music by Words Adele and Words MusicAbrahamsen by andAdele Music Abrahamsen by Adele and Abrahamsen thankWords and Musicyou by for Adele the Abrahamsen dedication to your Arranged by Debra Arranged Kay Robinson byArranged Debra Kay Lindsay Robinson by Debra Lindsay Kay Robinson Arranged Lindsay by Debra Kay Robinson Lindsay Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive Lyrics by Johnny Mercer students and to VEMEA. Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the PositiveAc-Cent -Tchu-Ate the Positive Ac - Cent - Tchu - Ate the Positive Lyrics by Johnny Music Mercer by Harold Lyrics Arlen by Johnny Mercer Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Amigos Music by Harold Judith Arlen Cook TuckerMusic by Harold Arlen Music by Harold Arlen As our year comes to an end, so does Amigos Amigos Amigos Judith Cook Tucker Judith Cook Tucker Judith Cook Tucker You Raise Me Up Brendan Graham and Rolf Lovland Arranged by Roger Emerson my term as your president. My term as You Raise Me Up You Raise Me Up You Raise Me Up Brendan Graham and Rolf BrendanLovland Graham president and Rolf Lovland Brendan will Graham end and Rolfon Lovland July 1, 2015 and A ll - Virginia Elementary Chorus has become an established part of what VEMEA Arranged offers by to Roger its members Emerson Arranged by Roger Emerson Arranged by Roger Emerson and their students. As we celebrate this milestone, I wanted to look back at the past decade and share the history with you. Marie Weber, who currently serves as
All-Virginia ElementaryAll-Virginia Chorus Elementaryhas becomeYearA llChorus -anVirginia established Locationhas Elementary become part anof Chorus establishedwhatConductor VEMEAhas become part offers of an Coordinawhat to established its VEMEA memberstor offers partHost of Siteto what its& members VEMEAour offers vice-president to its members will become our Local Assistant and their students. andAs we their celebrate students. this2006 As milestone, and weMeadowbrook theircelebrate students. I wanted High this milestone, Asto welookTracia celebrate back Everton I wanted at Austin the this topast milestone, lookMike decade Milam back Iandat wanted the share past to decadelook back and at share president.the past decade I andknow share that Marie will do the history with you.the history with you. theSchool history with you. Chesterfield County a great job as our new president and I 2007 Hayfield Secondary School Caroline Crocker Patrick Ware Jason Kriner & Year LocationYear LocationYearFairfaxConductor County LocationConductorCoordina tor ConductorCoordinaHost Sitetor Heidi & MelcherCoordina Host Sitelooktor & forwardHost Siteto seeing& the continued 2008 Christopher Newport Debra Kay Robinson Jason KrinerLocal & AssistantJason Kriner Local Assistant Local Assistant University Lindsay Heidi Melcher success and further growth of our 2006 Meadowbrook2006 High Meadowbrook Tracia2006 HighNewport Everton Meadowbrook News Austin Tracia MikeEverton High Milam Austin TraciaMike Everton Milam Austin Mike Milam School School 2009 Turner AshbySchool High School Curtis Nolley Jason Kriner Beth Harter organization. I want to thank the Chesterfield CountyChesterfield CountyRockingham Chesterfield County County 2010 Shenandoah University Dr. Jeffrey Marlatt Jason Kriner Katie Madrid other members who have served on 2007 Hayfield Secondary2007 Hayfield School SecondaryCaroline2007Winchester Crocker SchoolHayfield Caroline SecondaryPatrick Crocker School Ware CarolinePatrickJason Crocker Ware Kriner & PatrickJason Kriner Ware & Jason Kriner & Fairfax County Fairfax County2011 JeffersonFairfax Center for County Debra Kay Robinson JasonHeidi Kriner MelcherMike MilamHeidi Melcherthe VEMEAHeidi Melcher executive council during 2008 Christopher2008 Newport Christopher Debra Newport2008Performing Kay Robinson Christopher Arts Debra Newport JasonKayLindsay Robinson Kriner& Harriet & DebraJason JasonKay Kriner Robinson Kriner & JasonJason KrinerKriner & Jason Kriner Roanoke Heath my time as president – Marie Weber, University University2012 Lindsay Longwood University UniversityLindsay HeidiBonnie Melcher Carlson LindsayJasonHeidi Kriner Melcher William Heidi Melcher Newport News Newport News FarmvilleNewport News Washington Andrea Cottrill (past treasurer) and 2013 Patriot High School Debra Kay Robinson Jason Kriner Lynn Maletick 2009 Turner Ashby2009 High SchoolTurner AshbyCurtis2009 HighPrince Nolley School WilliamTurner County AshbyCurtis HighJasonNolleyLindsay School Kriner CurtisJason NolleyBeth Kriner Harter JasonBeth Harter Kriner Page DurhamBeth Harter (current treasurer). Rockingham CountyRockingham 2014 County Hanover RockinghamCounty CountyDr. Alice Hammel Jason Kriner Andrea Cottrill & Hanover High School Barry Flowe Thank you for your trust and faith in 2010 Shenandoah2010 University Shenandoah 2015Dr. 2010University JeffreyEastern MarlattViewShenandoah High SchoolDr. Jeffrey UniversityJasonPatty Marlatt Austin Kriner Dr. JeffreyJasonJasonKatie Kriner Kriner Marlatt Madrid Page DurhamJasonKatie MadridKriner Katie Madrid Winchester Winchester CulpeperWinchester County me as your leader the past three years. 2011 Jefferson Center2011 forJefferson CenterDebra2011 Kayfor RobinsonJeffersonDebra Center JasonKay for Robinson Kriner DebraJason MikeKay Kriner Robinson Milam JasonMike MilamKriner Mike Milam 23I especially vmeanotes want to The recognize Official three Journalvery dedicated of the teachers Virginia who Musichave hadEducators students representedAssociation every Performing Arts PerformingyearLindsay Arts in All -Virginia & HarrietPerforming Elementary Lindsay Chorus Arts for & theHarriet entire ten years.Lindsay Those teachers& Harriet are: Marie Weber (John Tyler ES, Portsmouth); Kimberly Upshaw (Riverview ES, Spotsylvania County); and Lynn Maletick (Bristow Run ES, Prince William County). Congratulations, ladies, and thank you for the dedication to your students and to VEMEA.
As our year comes to an end, so does my term as your president. My term as president will end on July 1, 2015 and Marie Weber, who currently serves as our vice-president will become our president. I know that Marie will do a great job as our new president and I look forward to seeing the continued success and further growth of our organization. I want to thank the other members who have served on the VEMEA executive council during my time as president – Marie Weber, Andrea Cottrill (past treasurer) and Page Durham (current treasurer). Thank you for your trust and faith in me as your leader the past three years. virginia elementary music educators association
Jason Kriner vemea president (cont.)
A. G. Richardson ES Butts Road Intermediate E.S.H. Greene ES Christopher Gibson - Music Ernest Stokes - Music Emmanuel T. Barks - Music Teacher Teacher Teacher Culpeper Chesapeake Richmond Culpeper County Chesapeake City Richmond City Brianna Deal Faith Delgado Alexa Amaya Anna Hansohn Jenna Hosea Antonio Lopez-Merida Bryce Hudson Lauren Ipock Keyly Salazar Taylor LaFontaine Leslie Ipock Katelyn Smoot Lindsay Johnson Elizabeth D. Redd ES Ashley Williams Anthony “AJ” Moore Betty Ann Fleenor - Music Audrey Prendergast Teacher Bristow Run ES Ashley Wright Richmond Lynn D. Maletick - Music Richmond City Teacher Christopher Academy Lasaundra Abernathy Bristow Annette Crandall - Music Yalana Finley Prince William County Teacher Jayla Hunt Sophie Aram Portsmouth City Aniyah Rose Elin Bejoy Independent school Kayla Conrad Kyle Pfrang Ellis ES Jaida Guevara Dawn Williams - Music Maryam Khalil Clara Byrd Baker ES Teacher Daniella Owusu Jason Kriner - Music Teacher Manassas JD Petro Williamsburg Prince William County Alice Roberts Williamsburg-James City Josias Montesinos County Ronald Ventura Kiera Butler Zipporah Wheeler Ava Dilday Skylar Jensen Elon ES Kelsey Judd Lauren Leeds - Music Teacher Mariah Mason Madison Heights Avery Mills Amherst County Charlotte Robbins DeVontay Lamont Davis Abigail Spann Amanda Nicole Douthat Ashley Elizabeth Tweedy Emily Wonder
24 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association virginia elementary music educators association
Jason Kriner vemea president (cont.)
Emerald Hill ES George C. Round ES John Tyler ES Cathy ter Weele - Music Cathy Drummond - Music Marie Weber - Music Teacher Teacher Teacher Portsmouth Culpeper Manassas Portsmouth City Culpeper County Manassas City Nikoyia Bryant Maya Anthony Abby Fairchild Kaylin Celestine Tucker Brooks Abigail Nguyen Denae Dwight Madison Callahan Daniel Schneider Destani Jones Ada Derby Natalie Shelton Zara Macaulay Shelby Jones Nevaeh McNeal Ashtyn Pfeiff Hampton Oaks ES Samara Tillett Julie Perham - Music Teacher Nia Winston Falmouth ES Stafford Christian Peabody - Music Stafford County Jouett ES Teacher Judith Benitez Jordan Stehle - Music Teacher Falmouth Isabel Pineiro Mineral Stafford County Emily Schieler Louisa County Alpha Aquino Jennifer Snyder Savannah Goodwin Cameryn Dalton Layla Knighton Solomon Lem Jennie Dean ES Grace Mitrenga Laura Boyles - Music Teacher Janie Smith Farmington ES Manassas Page Durham - Music Manassas City King George ES Teacher Veniel Dabipi Sierra Huber - Music Teacher Culpeper Ana Gutierrez King George Culpeper County Marcus McLean King George County Cameron Broy Danny Rodriguez Bethany Cunningham Lauren Cox Alliyanna Degree Aralyse French Noelle Johnson Joseph Goodman Maggie Minter Sarah Harsh Haley Smith Alma Hernandez Sebastián Vázquez McKenna Warren Titeara Williams
25 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association virginia elementary music educators association
Jason Kriner vemea president (cont.)
Mayfield Intermediate Park Ridge ES Pleasant View ES Margret Everett - Music Tammy Burton-Strickland - Lauren Leeds - Music Teacher Teacher Music Teacher Monroe Manassas Stafford Amherst County Manassas City Stafford County Teagan Marie Hamilton Kaylee Connelly Yuki Bengs Emily Brooke Jennings Evelyn Estrada-Cruz Miles Comer Autumn Makayla Turner Alia Haynes Caleb Novak Isabel Lucas Mackenzie Perkins Price’s Fork ES Sage McAndrew Jordan Pollaci Eric Young - Music Teacher Juliana Misas-Segovia Blacksburg Christy Pineda Parkside ES Montgomery County Kaia White Steven Miller - Music Teacher Aiden Bishop Fredericksburg Liam Fentress Moss-Nuckols ES Spotsylvania County Camden Haynes Charles Elmore - Music Megan Brooks Jase Shelor Teacher Avery Brown Lousia Morgan Cook Riverview ES Louisa County Katie Doering Kimberly Upshaw - Music Lilli Bond Kaitlyn Mickle Teacher Gracie Choi Owen Mitchell Spotsylvania Lydia Gillespie Mia Newell Spotsylvania County Kendall Hyer Olivia Yakabouski Ariana Benitez Emily Collins North ES Pearl Sample ES Joseph Ferguson Megan Truelove - Music Caroline Pope - Music Morgan Williamson Teacher Teacher Rural Retreat ES Prince George Culpeper Benjamin Garlic - Music Prince George County Culpeper County Teacher Ashley Allen Wyatt Clatterbaugh Rural Retreat Shelby Jacobs Emily Donald Wythe County Kevin Meza Kiara Jackson Kassi Davidson Kaylie Nichols Caroline Kamal Grace Smith Sana Tewari Carter Stevenson Hailey Thompson MicKayja Tatum Meredith Waldruff 26 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association virginia elementary music educators association
Jason Kriner vemea president (cont.)
Shenandoah Conservatory Stanley ES Sycamore Park ES Arts Academy Cathy Ashanky - Music Ben Temple - Music Teacher Patty Austin - Music Teacher Teacher Culpeper Winchester Stanley Culpeper County Independent school Page County Shatyia Brown Zach Fournier Abby Cubbage Trinity Duke Carly Hershberger Delilah Hooff Lia Fowler Madison Murphy Ethan Lucas Shannon Fowler Sofia Posadas Kelsey Smith Kyla Gee Samantha Seenath South ES Stone Spring ES Christian Burks - Music Niki Miragliotta - Music Temperance ES Teacher Teacher Lauren Leeds - Music Teacher Disputonta Harrisonburg Amherst Prince George County Harrisonburg City Amherst County Sarah Crowder Lydia Brown Hailee Faye Campbell Jaden Halter Victoria Moutinho Alix Nicole Grant Grace McCoy Imaan Shakoor Grace Joellon Hochstein Ryan Smith Ethan Vilarreal Christian Byron Viar
Speedwell ES Sudley ES Twin Springs ES Benjamin Garlic - Music Theresa Reiner - Music Jeff Chapman - Music Teacher Teacher Teacher Speedwell Manassas Danville Wythe County Prince William County Pittsylvania County Alyssa Irvin Amy Guzman Ellie Burley Emily Tatman Amelia Miller Lauren Hankins Tatyana Thompson Erin Hayes Spotswood ES Laelani White Tiffany McCune Heather Eberly - Music Hannah Scearce Teacher Chase Snead Harrisonburg Harrisonburg City Kai Marley Blosser Ivan Cigarroa-Ruiz Nicole Gonzalez-Trejo Owen Tompkins 27 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association virginia elementary music educators association
Jason Kriner vemea president (cont.)
Venable ES William A Walton ES Michael Salvatierra - Music Kelly Smith - Music Teacher Teacher Prince George Charlottesville Prince George County Charlottesville City Abbey Buetow Violet Craghead-Way Angelica Hanscom Sopher Fein Demond Middleton Robert Romer Trinity Raines Kaylijah Thomas Yowell ES West Point ES David Brawn - Music Teacher Iris Redmond - Music Culpeper Teacher Culpeper County West Point Kendall Ford West Point David Garcia Lindsey Bartos Sophie Jensen Keymoni Braxton Taylor Killingsworth India Dandridge Skylar Nalls Ella Danielson Hailey Reck Jessica Lee Kahlil Norris Hannah Schultz Cameron Shaw
28 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association 29 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association 30 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association virginia choral directors association
Mike Horanski president
o everything there is a season,” except As music educators we often speak about the “Tthis year, winter decided to hang evils of the high-stakes testing environments around longer and cause havoc for everyone’s in our schools. I think it is important that we events. I always look forward to spring, but not create the same situation for ourselves this year the anticipation has been greater than by placing additional pressure on ourselves. I can remember. Thank you to everyone for Assessment is a great tool and a wonderful way hanging in there during a long, and frankly to measure progress for our students and us. annoying, winter. We had canceled All-District However, it is not a complete measure of our Chorus Events, rescheduled All-Virginia student’s success or our abilities as teachers. auditions and a literal sprint to prepare for Feedback is wonderful and can provide many Choral Performance Assessments. Having points for growth. I really believe that it’s all heard from many of you this winter, it is about where you started and how far you and clear to me just how completely dedicated your students are able to grow throughout the our membership is to providing the best year, and only you and your students know all experiences for our students and also for that has happened along the way. providing a quality choral music education. The spring is an opportunity to look forward We finally made it and in a few short weeks we and to reflect on a school year almost passed. will be gathering almost four hundred students It’s a time where we as choral directors spin for All-Virginia Chorus in Tyson’s Corner. many plates all at the same time hoping not I really felt the stress of many this winter who to drop one or more. There is spring travel, were concerned about preparation time for staffing, auditions, banquets, graduations, Assessment. I spent time thinking about what concerts, etc. I hope that in addition to advice I could offer to everyone. While we all observing rehearsals at All-Virginia Chorus, want to push ourselves and our students to do you will have opportunity to attend one of the the very best we can, don’t forget that students interest sessions we have planned and take the remember most how they felt making music time to network with other directors from in your ensembles, not the superior rating across the state. I find the time I get to have that was written down on a piece of paper. networking with my colleagues at District and
31 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Mike Horanski president virginia choral directors association (cont.) All-Virginia is invaluable. If you feel like you are having a problem in your program, chances are, someone else is too. I encourage you to Discover if you qualify for a meet as many people as possible and to absorb, tuition discount at messiah.edu/graddiscounts share and vent. It is amazing how much support you can gather in a weekend to carry through the end of the year and as you plan over the summer. Earn your in Thank you for a wonderful first year as President of the Virginia Choral Directors Association. I have learned much from all of you and it has been a pleasure to get to know With a music program and faculty reflecting a national many of you. Thank you to all Event Chairs, reputation for academic excellence, Messiah College’s master’s degree in conducting will enhance your ability Hosts and to District Representatives who as an effective music educator and conductor. are the glue between the VCDA Board and Our program offers: • Three specialized tracks to advance • Faculty who are experienced music the Membership. You really make everything your education and career: educators and conductors who wind, orchestral, choral take time to mentor students happen. I am honored and humbled to serve • Graduate-level certificate (CAGS) • Coursework that is instantly such a dedicated, passionate and professional in conducting applicable to your everyday • Emphasis on summer and online work setting group of music educators. coursework, designed to fit the schedules of busy professionals
Experience the academic distinction of a nationally ranked Christian college. NOW ENROLLING 717.796.5061 messiah.edu/conducting 32 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Online | Flexible | Affordable see anew research
meet face-to-face with U.S. legislators and staff members, participate in leadership and advocacy training at NAfME Headquarters, and network with NAfME state and national leaders. Hill Day is part of NAfME’s National Assembly, held each June. In my role as chair of NAfME’s Council for Music Composition, I had the opportunity David A. Stringham, Ph. D., to attend last year’s assembly and participate in Research Council Chair Hill Day 2014. It was a privilege to collaborate with Terry Hall, Lois Castonguay, and several pring is finally here! I hope you have collegiate students from James Madison weathered the storms—and accompanying S University and Bridgewater College, each of snow days—that winter brought. It may seem whom spoke passionately and articulately to too early to start thinking about the summer, legislators’ staff members about learning and but I hope as you begin making plans, you’ll teaching music. I hope more of our colleagues consider submitting a proposal for the Research can join us this year! Poster Session at the 2015 VMEA Conference. Proposals will be due on August 15; please While NAfME Hill Day is a relatively recent watch for more information and submit an development, Hedgecoth and Fischer (2014) abstract—we welcome projects from in-service remind us that “issues surrounding the need to teachers, undergraduate and graduate students, advocate…have existed throughout the history and higher education faculty! of music education in the United States” and that “[t]he challenges we face today are much In a reminder about an upcoming deadline for like those faced by previous generations this issue of VMEA NOTES, Merry Beth Hall of music educators” (p. 54)2. In a review of suggested that articles about advocacy would nearly 200 articles related to music education be timely for our readership. With that in mind, advocacy, drawn from 100 years of Music in the paragraphs below, I’ll summarize several Educators Journal, Hedgecoth and Fischer resources related to advocacy that may be described four emerging themes: music useful to you in your community and beyond. education in community, relevance of music With apologies to others who may cover this education, value of music education, and the in their columns, collegiate members have an perpetual nature of advocacy. Summaries of, opportunity to participate in NAfME’s Hill and quotes from, a number of previous MEJ Day 20151, which includes opportunities to articles are included in their report.
1 http://hillday.nafme.org; see also Susan Lambert, “Climbing the Advocacy Summit—Be Part of the Change,” Music Educators Journal 101, no. 3 (2015), 7.
2 David M. Hedgecoth and Sarah H. Fischer, “What History Is Teaching Us: 100 Years of Advocacy in Music Educators Journal,” Music Educators Journal 100, no. 4 (2014), 54–58. 33 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association research
David A. Stringham, Ph. D., Research Council Chair
“Informances” were one advocacy tool learning. I was intrigued by parents’ comments mentioned several times in Hedgecoth and comparing music classes from their youth to Fischer’s article. Burton (2004) and Reese their children’s music classes: ‘In elementary (2009) both provide practical advice for school, we didn’t learn the things that you planning events that not only showcase showed us you are teaching the kids now’ (p. 27). student achievement but also educate If you are interested in learning more audiences about the benefits and value of about advocacy—both in terms of historical a music education.3 This approach may be context and current best practices—I hope particularly valuable as ongoing developments resources in this column, and those in the in philosophy, policy, and research4 lead footnotes, provide a helpful point of departure. to more comprehensive music education As always, please feel free to contact me practices that may be less familiar to some ([email protected]) if I can be of assistance audience members. Reese (2009) notes: to you or your students. I would be glad to [j]ust as engines continue to evolve as engineers have your suggestions of topics for upcoming contribute to our understanding of fuel columns, or help you find research related to a efficiency, so music curriculum and teaching particular topic of interest. Best wishes for a approaches continue to evolve as researchers productive end to your school year! contribute to our understanding of music
3 Suzanne L. Burton, “Educate our Advocates!,” Music Educators Journal 90, no. 5 (2004): 17–21; “Jill Reese, “Lift the Hood and Get Dirty! A Closer Look at Informances,” Music Educators Journal 96, no. 2 (2009): 27–29. See also Erin D. Zaffini, “Using ‘Informances’ in General Music,”General Music Today 28 no. 2 (2015): 13–17 and Margaret H. Berg, “Strings Attached: The Reality Show,” in Musical Experience in Our Lives: Things We Learn and Meanings We Make, ed. Jody L. Kerchner and Carlos R. Abril (Lanham, Rowman & Littlefield, 2009): 165–181.
4 See, for example: David J. Elliott and Marissa Silverman, Music Matters: A Philosophy of Music Education (New York, Oxford University Press, 2015); Edwin E. Gordon, Learning Sequences in Music: A Contemporary Music Learning Theory (Chicago, GIA Publications, 2012); National Coalition for Core Arts Standards, “National Core Arts Standards,” accessed April 1, 2015, http://nationalartsstandards.org; Edward W. Sarath, Improvisation, Creativity, and Consciousness: Jazz as Integral Template for Music, Education, and Society (Albany, State University of New York Press, 2013).
34 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association On behalf of the entire staff...
for trusting us with your Spring trip. We hope you and your students hadhankhank a memorable experience. TT ouou YY
35 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association collegiate chapter
Jeffrey Marlatt advisor cel·e·brate Dr. Bobbi Gentry to present a seminar on /ˈseləˌbrāt/ public policy. Participants discussed advocacy verb strategies and resources related to NAfME’s Hill Day. 1. publicly acknowledge (a significant or happy day or event) with a social gathering or enjoyable Christopher Newport University hosted activity. a mini-conference centered on the theme of “Why Music?” Dr. Jeffrey Marlatt, State mu·sic Collegiate Advisor, Lucia Schaefer, and Lisa /ˈmyoozik/ Pasch presented on topics related to Music noun Advocacy, Arts Integration, and Teaching 1. vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) combined Music with Poverty in Mind. Chapter in such a way as to produce beauty of form, president Callie Boone and her CNU executive harmony, and expression of emotion. board members presided throughout the day.
George Mason University completed a Music education majors across the successful “I support Music in Our Schools Commonwealth of Virginia celebrate music because…” campaign. Chapter president each day. Individually and through shared Susanna Kelley shared that chapter members experiences, we create, perform and respond took pictures of individuals and asked them to music in ways as varied as the sixteen why they supported music in our schools. colleges and universities we represent. Chapter members also held question and Bridgewater College, Christopher Newport answer forums with area music educators. University, George Mason University, Shenandoah Conservatory, and The University Shenandoah Conservatory music education of Virginia’s College at Wise offer but a few majors wrote letters of appreciation to an examples of our MIOSM celebrations. influential music teacher who helped guide their decision to study music. The letters Bridgewater College NAfME chapter accompanied Broader Minded campaign president, Miranda Fitzgerald, welcomed brochures to stress the importance of 36 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association collegiate chapter
Jeffrey Marlatt advisor
(cont.) advocacy. Chapter president Miranda Beard Music In Our Schools Month, or MIOSM, also launched a campaign titled “Shenandoah is NAfME’s annual celebration to promote Conservatory Share Your Story” so that the benefits of high-quality, music education students Conservatory-wide could share the programs in our schools. Held each March, importance of music in their lives. MIOSM has grown from a single Advocacy Day in 1973 to a month-long celebration. The University of Virginia’s College at Wise MIOSM celebrates its thirtieth year in 2015. held a mid-day recital to celebrate their “A Life without Music” activities. Building VMEA Collegiate members now accept a on their successful “A Day without Music” greater responsibility – to celebrate music campaign last year, chapter president Ryan teaching and music learning each day. We Huntington and immediate past president Wes do this by examining core values and shared Harris welcomed participants who imagined understandings of our future as a profession – their lives without music prior to their a profession that we must honor and protect. performances. We must affirm the Preamble and Mission of NAfME as stated:
Students from UVA Wise participated in a recital to celebrate Music In Our Schools Month. 37 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association collegiate chapter
Jeffrey Marlatt advisor
(cont.) PREAMBLE As Collegiate members race to the finish Music allows us to celebrate and preserve of another semester, I encourage us to our cultural heritages, and also to explore make plans for the 2015 NAfME Collegiate the realms of expression, imagination, Advocacy Summit, June 24 through 26. We and creation resulting in new knowledge. will share our passion for music education Therefore, every individual should be with the nation’s leaders and participate in guaranteed the opportunity to learn music and the annual lobbying day on Capitol Hill. to share in musical experiences. Additional leadership and advocacy training sessions are also included. Additional NAfME’s MISSION information is located at https://hillday. The mission of the National Association for Music nafme.org/. Please plan to be a part of this Education is to advance music education by exciting event! encouraging the study and making of music by all.
CNU music students hosted a mini-conference on the theme of “Why Music?” 38 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association MUSIC EDUCATORS SUMMER 2015 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
> MASTER OF MUSIC EDUCATION June 22 – July 17 Summers only and practice based Contact: Dr. Jeffrey Marlatt, [email protected]
WORKSHOPS IN MUSIC EDUCATION*
> SING, SAY, DANCE, PLAY! Kristine Wolfe July 10 & 11 Contact: [email protected]
> DEVELOPING THE INDEPENDENT MUSICIAN Dr. Carol Krueger July 27 - July 29 Contact: [email protected]
> CHORAL CONDUCTING TECHNIQUES Dr. Carol Krueger July 30 & 31 Contact: [email protected]
* CEUs and College Credit Available.
Shenandoah University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Employer.
p u r s u e yo u r passion f o r m u s i c e d u c at i o n Contact Admissions Apply Now Visit Shenandoah 39 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association800-432-2266 | [email protected] | www.su.edu/VMEANOTES SHENANDOAH CONSERVATORY
2015 SUMMER MUSIC PROGRAMS > CHURCH MUSIC INSTITUTE* > FLUTE WORKSHOP Maurice Clerc, J. Thomas Mitts & other guests Jonathan Snowden June 14 – 19 & June 21 – 26 July 12 – 17 Contact: J. Thomas Mitts, [email protected] Contact: Jonathan Snowden, [email protected] > BASS COALITION Website: www.jonathansnowden.com Donovan Stokes, Inez Wyrick, Mark Rubinstein, Kevin > CCM VOCAL PEDAGOGY INSTITUTE* Johnson, Eric Hanson, Brittany Frompovich & other Kathryn Green, Matthew Edwards & Jeannette LoVetri guests July 18 – 26 June 19 – 20 Contact: Kathryn Green, [email protected] Contact: Donovan Stokes, [email protected] Website: www.ccminstitute.com Website: www.basscoalition.com > BOCAL MAJORITY & OPERATION O.B.O.E. > SHENANDOAH CONSERVATORY DOUBLE REED CAMP AT SHENANDOAH INSTRUMENTAL CONDUCTING CONSERVATORY SYMPOSIUM* Ryan Romine & Stephen Key Tim Robblee, Kevin Sedatole & other guests July 28 – August 1 July 8 – 11 Contact: Jennifer Auerbach, [email protected] Contact: Tim Robblee, [email protected] Website: www.bocalmajority.com Website: SCBands.org > NATIONAL JAZZ WORKSHOP* Shenandoah Conservatory unites aspiring Matt Niess, Alan Baylock, Golder O’Neill, artists and scholars with distinguished and Craig Fraedrich & Robert Larson caring faculty in a community that prepares July 12 – 17 individuals for meaningful, satisfying Contact: Matt Niess, [email protected] careers in the arts. Website: nationaljazzworkshop.org * CEUs and College Credit Available. Shenandoah University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Employer.
p u r s u e yo u r passion Contact Admissions Apply Now Visit Shenandoah f o r m u s i c performance 40 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association800-432-2266 | [email protected] | www.su.edu/VMEANOTES2 virginia association of music in higher education
David Zerull president PECIAL. Music needs to be special in the period (the performers, producers, composers, Slives of our students. We sometimes argue programmers) were selective, being sure to that music as a subject in the schools is basic, broadcast or produce recordings of the finest but the art itself and the experience of it needs performances of the finest music. As popular to be special. music expanded, so did the opportunity to hear it. I am not assigning a quality to popular In the early years of our country, to hear music of that era or this, but suggesting that music one needed to make it or be in the easy access to music has turned music into presence of others who were performing. In a a ubiquitous and seemingly never-ending musically silent world, the experience of music cacophony of sound. We have invented words was special. When the Boston School Board to describe this phenomenon- elevator music, considered making vocal music a curricular musical wallpaper and others. Wherever you subject, the intent was to teach children to go and whatever you do, there is music. It is sing so that they could participate and make available on personal devices, in automobiles, their own music. Yes, there were other benefits satellite stations…just about everywhere. (which will be discussed in a future column), but principally the addition of vocal music I wonder about the implications of this for would make music ever more special and make music education. I wonder if Stravinsky (1947) it possible for more children to make and was right when he wrote “today radio brings experience it. music into the home at all hours of the day and night. It relieves the listener of all effort except Music educators were clear in their mission. that of turning the dial”… and... “the very But the role of the music educator changed undertaking which seeks to make people like in the early twentieth century with the music by giving it wider and wider diffusion, commercial success of the radio and very often only achieves the result of making phonograph. Access to music was more the very people lose their appetite for music “effortless”, and you did not have to be in the whose interest was to be aroused and whose presence of performers or make it yourself. I taste was to be developed” (p. 135). suspect that music was still special as there was a limited amount of music to broadcast and It seems that part of our job is to make music record, and because decision makers of the special again by reinvigorating our students 41 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association virginia association of music in higher education
David Zerull president (cont.) to the art of music and inviting them, to use teachers opening the door to the exploration Stravinsky’s words, to “become the composer’s of the wonder of our art so that it becomes partner” ... so that “with instruction and and remains special to our students. education” ... “he may not only grasp the Stravinsky, I. (1947). Poetics of Music. main features of the work as they emerge, but Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. that he may ever follow to some degree the changing aspects of its unfolding” (pp. 133- 134). How we do that at every age and at every level requires that we be sensitive musician/
Contemporary Music Theory & Modern Musicians’ Lingo red &! Visit http://Getting-Music.com Co-Autho irginia!! rinted In V P ★★★★★ WHAT THE REVIEWS SAY ★★★★★ “For the serious student…it is indispensable! A fresh perspec=ve to theory basics. Very readable with large clear illustra=ons.” • Phyllis Pieffer , NCTM, Reviewer, American Music Teacher, official journal of the Music Teachers 424374 Na=onal Associa=on (MTNA), October 2014
“Systema=c layout of material takes...confusion out of the study of music theory. A truly excellent resource.” • Dr. David Martynuik, Associate Professor of Music, Indiana University of Pennsylvania
“Excellent text for music classes at all levels... intelligently compiled...highly recommend it.” • Fred Irby, Professor of Music, Howard University $19.95 Director, Howard Univ. Jazz Ensemble Instructor Discounts
42 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association virginia association of music education administrators Annamarie Bollino vamea president appy Spring, Music Supervisors and growing teachers and building programs. Of HEducators! I hope this article finds you the six steps, I went back to my philosophical well, in good spirits, and focusing on the race to roots, incorporating Rock’s first step into my the finish…the end of the school year. coaching regime. ‘Think About Thinking’ is a powerful coaching tool that can be used to help I’ve been reading and thinking recently about improve the way people think, not necessarily leadership and its impact on our teacher what they are thinking about. growth and student learning. An educator or administrator’s day is typically packed from Consider this quote by Mihaly Csikszentmihayli: the beginning to the end (with the inevitable “What we pay attention to, and how we pay work to be done during the evenings or attention, determines the content and quality of life.” weekends). One such statistic actually identifies Whether I look at my personal or professional that teachers make around 1500 educational life, I find that there are always too many things decisions a day. Imagine the profound impact to accomplish in the course of a day. One these decisions have on our students. That strategy I use to combat this classic lack of time urged me to consider the impact my leadership is to work as efficiently as possible. What is the choices have on the teachers I serve. quickest way to get from point A to point B? Of I have always favored more of a coaching course you all know what to do. Have a clear role when working with staff and have goal, outcome, or expectation. Use the agenda found a wonderful book that aided in my to stay on task. Use a problem-solving approach path to deepening my leadership capacity. that focuses on solutions. Ask questions that are Quiet Leadership: Six Steps to Transforming targeted toward that end result. Performance At Work is a fairly straightforward An exercise in Rock’s book related specifically read by David Rock that describes six steps to this problem. He challenges the reader to to transforming performance by having tally the number of times in a day or a meeting conversations that can positively impact the that you focus on problems versus the number way people think and grow professionally. of times you focus on solutions. His argument Each of these six steps is specific and valuable is that if you are focusing on the latter, you can independently. However, they are meant to be change your habit simply by becoming aware a part of the bigger picture. I equate it to the of what your default mode. It seems like such elements of music — rhythm, notes, dynamics, a simple concept, right? But from personal technique, etc. — all coming together to create experience, it was often frustrating to see a beautiful musical performance. Since reading the tally marks balanced evenly, rather than this book, I have become inspired again to accumulating on solutions. I found it difficult to channel my inner ‘coach,’ strengthening and redirect the conversation when team members lifting myself out of the proverbial management so often wanted to focus on that quick rut and focusing on important things like 43 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association virginia association of music education administrators Annamarie Bollino vamea president (cont.) anecdotal story or another example of how the feedback throughout the process, not just problem was impacting their daily instruction after the final product is unveiled. Whether or student learning. Recognizing when to steer the conversation is after the fact or during the the conversation with questions towards a process, I consider the types of questions I am solution by using questioning beginning with asking. I believe coaching is about asking the ‘What’ instead of ‘Why’ has been extremely right questions and guiding teachers to the beneficial to using my time, and therefore my solution or conclusion within their thought colleagues’ time, more efficiently. process. What is the value of dictating every missed opportunity, every lesson gone badly if Rock also highlights the importance of we don’t subconsciously guide our colleagues positivity in Quiet Leadership. One of my to change their habits or thought processes greatest pleasures as a leader is recognizing in order to become more reflective in their people for a job well done. As a leader, we owe teaching practices? it to teachers to find the good things in every performance or classroom observation. That While Rock’s first step, ‘Think About is not to say we aren’t just as responsible for Thinking’ is only one part of the package, it having the difficult conversations in order to is the step that helped reconnect me with my improve instruction and learning, but that’s a sense of professional purpose. Leadership topic for another time. is incredibly multifaceted and we are all at different places on the continuum. Invariably, This time of year, I always consider the my style can shift weekly depending upon the impact of positivity and specific feedback, tasks or challenges I am presented. especially in light of performance assessment. Even though this is simply one performance, I hope I have inspired you in some way to one demonstration of our students’ musical reflect upon your leadership style and what you knowledge, we take the results very seriously hope to accomplish in your school divisions, and personally. And we absolutely should take whether with your teachers, students, board the opportunity to learn from our experiences members, or communities. This is the time of and the performances of our students. What is year when it often becomes difficult to be an teaching if not a learning experience? While on inspirational leader. There are endless items this topic, I must say that I am very proud of to juggle and deadlines to meet as we forge our processes in Virginia, as our adjudicators ahead to the end of the school year. If you find do a wonderful job highlighting the positives yourself in the same rut as I was, just remember: yet at the same time finding those opportunities EACH of you makes a positive difference in the to provide specific feedback for growth. lives of music teachers and students every day. Continue to encourage them as you continue to After a performance isn’t the only time for inspire me to be a better leader. coaching. It is my responsibility to offer
44 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association 45 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Music In Our Schools Month
Debra Kay Robinson Lindsay Chair
Celebrating Thirty Years of Music In Our Schools his year marks the 30th anniversary visit five schools where student ensembles Tof the National Association for Music will perform her song “Always Sing.” A Education’s (NAfME) Music In Our Schools highlight at each location will be a special Month® (MIOSM®). People around the private concert by RaeLynn. Give a Note country joined in the celebration. Every Foundation, in partnership with the National year, MIOSM is commemorated in March Association for Music Education, selected to highlight the critical importance music each school to be honored as part of education serves in every student’s education, the Music In Our Schools tour for their music and the amazing role music teachers serve programs’ outstanding achievements and for in preparing our nation’s next leaders and recognizing the important role music education innovators. plays in their students’ daily curriculum.
The Concert for Music In Our Schools Month: In an innovative online concept for the annual Concert for Music In Our Schools Month®, student video performances from across the U.S. and Europe were featured on the NAfME website throughout March. All music students, educators, parents, and supporters were The “Music Makes Me ______!” theme encouraged to view these videos in celebration encouraged teachers, students, and supporters of the importance of school music programs. alike to raise awareness of the benefits of The Concert for MIOSM (formerly known as learning music, and the ways that music can the World’s Largest Concert) features songs empower and enrich lives. appropriate for K–12 students.
Bus Tour: From March 7-14, during a week- long bus tour powered by Radio Disney, Valory Music Co. singer/songwriter RaeLynn will
46 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Music In Our Schools Month (cont.)
47 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association 48 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Alexandria Choir Celebrates MIOSM By Alexandra Eaton, NAfME Legislative Policy Advisor
Students in the Alexandria City Public Schools Elementary Honors Chorus. n March 24th, students from ten directly related to the county curriculum) that Oelementary schools came together for they would be able to sing together. their Elementary Honors Chorus’s spring I later became the president of the Virginia concert in honor of Music In Our Schools Elementary Music Educators Association and Month’s 30th Anniversary. The enthusiastic active in advocacy of public school music. One ten-year-olds were brought together by a year I invited Lee High School local school program that was started last year as the chorus to sing with us since I knew that my brainchild of 40-year veteran teacher Debra very high percentage Title I students would Lindsay and was profiled by NPR for MIOSM never have the joy and luxury of private music in their first year. Despite the new program, lessons. I felt it was my duty to give them Ms. Lindsay is well-known in Virginia and has this opportunity sing their hearts out. I also a long history as not only a music teacher, but supported my local middle school teacher in also as an advocate. his recruiting efforts. I knew that in Title I “I remember hearing about MIOSM twenty middle and high schools music programs are years ago. Since becoming an active member underrepresented, teachers lose positions, in the last ten or so years, I have always taught and children miss out. If the needs for these the songs to my students because I felt it was students are not met, they may never have important for elementary students in all grade this kind of opportunity again. It was an easy levels to have some songs (other than those decision.”
49 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Alexandria Choir Celebrates MIOSM (cont.)
This year, the program was also taught by congratulated and embraced. Lindsay says Denise Swanburg, and has grown and become she loves seeing her students perform in this even more involved in MIOSM. The students annual event and the way the community rally’s recorded Always Sing and Why We Sing to take around them. “There is no doubt that without part in the MIOSM Concert and were eager my making the MIOSM Concert a big deal that to talk about their love of music. “My favorite many would not know about how wonderful thing was meeting new friends from all the it is to see our children taking a political stand schools in my district. I really like to be on stage about why music is important, why they like it, it makes me feel famous and important,” Said and why they want it to continue. I can also tell Naol, a ten-year old Alexandria student. Marie, you that the students’ families and my school another chorus participant, agreed. “I liked administration and communities have always singing in a choral group because it makes me been supportive. I believe they know music is feel happy and makes me want to sing more. important in our public schools and they want My favorite song was ‘Always Sing’, because I it to continue for every child every week of liked the tempo and lyrics. RaeLynn is pretty the school year. As long as I am an elementary cool, too. I watched her other videos.” music educator, you will find my students and many supporters among those who celebrate Parents, administrators, and community guests MIOSM.” were brought to their feet at the end of the seven song concert and the two teachers were
From left to right: Alexandra Eaton (NAfME), Debra Lindsay, Denise Swanburg.
50 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association 51 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association multicultural awareness
Cynthia B. Ramsey Council Chair
‘Of and From’: Expanding our Vision of Multicultural Music Education
reetings, beloved colleagues. Thank you in preserving and passing on the traditions of Gfor all you do for the music students in diverse cultures1. It is in this manner that they Virginia’s schools. Take a look at how many also gain knowledge about diversity, tolerance, concerts you have provided your school and and cultural understanding. Feel free to community (no wonder we are so tired). As experiment. Discover new ways to make and this school year winds down, we finally have perform music while celebrating the cultural time to take a breath, reflect on our pedagogical diversity of your students. practices, and begin to plan our next musical ‘Of and From’ journey. What multicultural topics will you Multicultural music education includes the weave into your 2015-16 curriculum? teaching of music from diverse cultures You only have to look into the faces of our as well as teaching students from diverse students to see the increasing cultural diversity cultural backgrounds. The concept of present in our music classrooms. I am certain Multicultural Music developed from three that you ask yourselves quite often: How can I distinct, yet interconnected fields: music enrich my student’s musical experiences? What education, multicultural education, and types of music will enhance student learning? ethnomusicology2. With a commitment This opens up the perfect opportunity to to multicultural goals, teachers can help explore your philosophy of Multicultural familiarize students with the musical heritage Music. When students listen and respond to of different cultures, regions, and ethnic music from different cultures, they play a part groups. Through participation, sharing,
1 Isenberg, J. & Jalongo, M. (2010). Creative thinking and arts based learning: Preschool through fourth grade (5th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.
2. Herbert, D. & Karlsen, S. (2010). Editorial introduction: Multiculturalism and music education. The Finnish Journal of Music Education, 13(1), 6-11.
52 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association multicultural awareness (cont.)
Cynthia B. Ramsey Council Chair
(cont.) and cooperation, music connects children • Use pictures, YouTube, or other audio with other members of their culture and the and video samples of original instruments greater society. This pedagogical philosophy is to give your class an idea of how the reflected in our songs, choral and instrumental instruments look and sound in their cultural works, as well as listening experiences. contexts.
Looking for a new ‘twist’ – consider cultures • Invite musicians from other cultures who unfamiliar to your students. Feel free to live near your school into the classroom to create units of study that highlight Virginian demonstrate their instruments. traditions (Monacan Indians, Appalachia) • Make instruments that resemble the look or music from Hawaii (mele-hula), Zydeco and sound of the real thing. The creative (Southern Louisiana), or the Wild West (Music opportunities are endless. For example, you of Buffalo Bill’s Cowboy Band). Use the songs, may want to check out the Carrot Clarinet3 chants, dance, and drumming rhythms to focus and Mr. Curly4, the contra bass clarinet on the development of musical concepts and made from a garden hose. Created by skills. Remember to include other fields and Sidney Pollak, these instruments are at the disciplines including stories, arts and crafts, heart of creativity. and historical time lines to enrich learning. For additional ideas and teaching resources on Low on Monetary Resources? Buy, Borrow, incorporating multicultural music education or Make Instruments in your classroom, consider the following • Native instruments from many countries websites. are now available online as well as from Resource One: Multicultural Lesson Plans your local music stores/dealers. Do not and Resources (Edmund J. Sass, Ed.D.) be afraid to ask your colleagues as well http://www.eds-resources.com/edmulticult.htm as area colleges if you can borrow their instruments. This resource provides an extensive collection 3. Pollak, S. (2014, June 1). Carrot Clarinet TedxSydney [Video file]. Retrieved from
4. Pollak, S. (2010, April 4). Mr. Curly (contra bass clarinet) [Video file]. Retrieved from
53 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association multicultural awareness (cont.)
Cynthia B. Ramsey Council Chair
(cont.) (over 200) of General Multicultural Lesson Resource Four: Multi-Cultural Education Plans on diverse topics such as Multicultural Internet Resource Guide (Dr. Jon Reyhner) Music, Teaching Tolerance, Civil Rights, http://www2.nau.edu/~jar/Multi.html Immigration, and Refugees, to name a few. This guide to over 50 web sites was created Resource Two: TeacherVision (in Partnership to assist multicultural educators in locating with NAfME) educational resources on the Internet. https://www.teachervision.com/ Resources include photo galleries, stories, multiculturalism/resource/8388.html maps, radio programming, and email pen- pals. Several sites include lessons, pictures, A series of 33 multicultural music resources problems, quizzes and links to other subject designed to introduce your students to music related links. from different cultures. Activities explore the diverse history and musical traditions in America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Check Once again, THANK YOU for the superior job out the links for details in making native you do with Virginia’s children. Your efforts instruments, playing traditional song and are greatly appreciated and continue to play dances games, studying musical notation as an important role in the musical development well as composition and creativity. of the next generation. Let me know if I can Resource Three: Songs for Teaching: Using be of assistance to you and your students. I am Music to Promote Learning more than happy to assist you. Have a restful http://www.songsforteaching.com/ summer. diversitymulticulturalism.htm
A collection of 67 musical resources, this website provides a wide array of multicultural music designed to build an appreciation of diversity.
54 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association 55 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association government relations
Steve King Council Chair
Activities activities. Several times I was unable to get to • 7 days in Richmond Richmond due to the 21” of snow around my house that would just not go away. This forced • Attended House Education Reform Sub- me to use the telephone and email to talk with Committee meetings folks to share our concerns. • Attended House Education Committee meetings So, for the many of you who sat at home • Attended House Rules Committee meeting watching your Spring Break melt away, I shared your pain! • Attended Senate General Laws and Technology meeting I have shared with you previously that the • Met with Fine Arts Administrators legislative process is “messy” at best — at times • Met with General Assembly members or predictable, but more often than not, the final legislative assistants form of a bill has little resemblance to the bill presented initially. Some legislation that has • Distributed position statements to General failed over several years suddenly is passed due Assembly members to fine tuning of the bill or, as was the case this • Monitored development and progress of year, a change in the majority in the Senate, bills with a willingness to support the bill. Another • Attended Arts Advocacy Day factor influencing bills this year is that this is an The Virginia Coalition for Fine Arts Education, election year. Members of the legislature will including VMEA, continues to be actively be running on their records. These factors can engaged in monitoring legislation that could influence the direction of a bill in a committee have an impact on fine arts education. I have meeting or on the floor. Each year so many represented VMEA and the Coalition the past factors come into play. It is vitally important to five years during this process. For this short realize the influence that individuals, VMEA 45-day session I have listed above the variety and VCFAE members can have in helping shape of activities in which I have been engaged since legislation and its final outcome – both positive my winter article. Like most of you, the difficult and negative. A bill may become law simply winter weather has also had an impact on my because an individual has strong contacts with 56 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association government relations (cont.)
Steve King Council Chair (cont.) legislators. A bill may be passed as a legacy to a annual topic, it seems. Sen. John Miller’s annual member of either house. It is not easy to watch physical activity bill made it as far as the House these things happen, but I witnessed it as the Elementary and Secondary Education Sub- state song bill moved through both houses. I am Committee before failing. SB 823 passed out convinced the merits of our arguments were of the Senate with much support. The bill was strong; however, in the end, the forces cited modified somewhat from last year in that it above ruled. The house bill promoting “Our required 100 minutes of physical activity grades Great Virginia”, “O’ Shenandoah” with new K-5 with a minimum of 20 minutes per day on lyrics, was offered by Speaker William Howell. average. Any sort of “physical activity” would As one delegate told me, “the Speaker does not have counted, including recess. often offer a bill. When he does it gets ‘special Sen. Miller is committed to this bill and its attention’.” And, indeed it did. It did, however, intent to promote physical activity. I fully find a new companion, “Sweet Virginia Breeze”, expect that we will be following similar a popular beach tune thirty plus years ago. So, legislation again in the 2016 session. we now have a “piggy-back” song as our official “traditional” state song and the old beach song It is important to note that the current law as our official “popular state song.” Perhaps provides only guidelines, not requirements, someone could add a couple other folk songs for a physical fitness program of at least 150 and more contemporary songs to write a “songs minutes per week on average. Local school of Old Virginia musical!” It could be a great way boards have had general flexibility on how to get our communities involved. to implement the law and continue to have this flexibility. Also note that recess cannot be Below is a summary of the specific bills we counted as part of the 150 minutes according were watching during the 2015 session of to Virginia Board of Education policy. This the General Assembly. Not much new — just situation remains a source of concern for us. remember it is an election year! Homeschool Participation in Interscholastic Physical Activity Programs Legislation pertaining to physical activity Del. Robert Bell offered his annual bill, this continued to be an issue for us again – an 57 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association government relations (cont.)
Steve King Council Chair (cont.) year’s bill HB 1626, providing that students homeschool students to participate in many receiving home instruction may participate in VMEA-sponsored activities. HB 1626 passed interscholastic programs. The bill specifically both the House and the Senate. The Governor targeted VHSL and student athletics in the vetoed the bill. The General Assembly will public schools. VMEA, school principals likely not have enough votes to override the and superintendents, have concerns with veto. regard to the impact of this legislation on our State Song student activities long term. This is borne out The VMEA Executive Board voted in January through comments by Del. David Ramadan, to encourage the General Assembly to involve 87th district. In his February 20 newsletter VMEA in the selection of any new state song. he stated, “HB 1626 would allow schools to Through direct contacts with legislators permit homeschooled students to participate and/or their aides, email, phone calls and a in competitive extracurricular activities like legislative alert to our membership, we waged sports, forensics and band.” The Senate added a campaign requesting the opportunity to help the following clause to the bill: Nothing in select an appropriate state song. I attended this section shall require a local school board the House Rules Committee and Senate to establish a policy permitting participation General Laws and Technology Committee in interscholastic programs at its schools by meetings. The presentations of the bills, HB students who reside in the school division 1475 and SB 1128 for “Our Great Virginia”, receiving home instruction. This really based on “O Shenandoah” with new lyrics, in was an election year maneuver to send the each committee meeting featured Dr. James message that members voted for the bill, but Robertson, Professor Emeritus, Virginia Tech that localities would ultimately control the and his video of the premier performance of the implementation. Under this clause, if the bill new song by the Richmond Symphony Chorus were signed into law it would be the burden of in the rotunda of the state capitol building. Both the homeschool community to persuade their committees were moved by the performance. local school board to make policy allowing for implementation. It must be noted that VMEA During discussion of HB 1475 in the House has policies that provide opportunities for Rules Committee meeting Speaker Howell, 58 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association government relations (cont.)
Steve King Council Chair (cont.) House Rules Committee chair, and patron Other Bills of HB 1475, did not allow the public an Below is a sample of bills that may be of general opportunity to speak to the bill. interest to the membership (some reflect the election year influence): A companion bill for HB 1475 “Our Great Virginia,” SB 1128, was offered in the Senate HB 1303 - SB 900 - Public schools; Standards General Laws and Technology Committee. of Learning assessments. Requires the A second bill was then offered, HB 1362, Department of Education to make available recommending “Sweet Virginia Breeze” as our to school divisions certain Standards of state song. The General Laws and Technology Learning assessments by December 1 of the Committee recommended that both songs school year in which such assessments are to be adopted as official state songs. “Sweet be administered or when newly developed Virginia Breeze” was to be designated the assessments are available, whichever is later. state “popular” song and “Our Great Virginia” The Governor has signed the bill. would be designated the state “traditional” HB 1320 –Teacher licensure renewal: Every song. Ultimately both bills, HB 1475 and HB person seeking renewal of a license shall 1362 passed both houses and were sent to the complete all renewal requirements, including Governor for his consideration. The Governor professional development in a manner had indicated that he supported the state song prescribed by the Board, except that no person bills. seeking renewal of a license shall be required I wrote a letter to the Governor on our behalf to satisfy any such requirement by completing to share our concerns. A request by our coursework and earning credit at an institution membership and others to do the same was of higher education. The Governor has signed made. Sen. Ruff, committee chair, did allow me the bill. to speak to the bill. The Governor has signed HB 1615 - Standards of Learning; integrated SB 1362 and HB 1475, so we now have two assessments. Permits the end-of-course state songs – “Our Great Virginia” and “Sweet and end-of-grade Standards of Learning Virginia Breeze.” assessments prescribed by the Board of
59 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association government relations (cont.)
Steve King Council Chair (cont.) Education to be integrated to include multiple THANK YOU to all who participated in our subject areas. The Governor has signed the bill. calls for help with legislation this year. It is critical to understand that as few as fifteen HB 1675 - SB 982 - Graduation requirements; contacts can get the attention of a legislator. local alternative paths to standard units of Your help was very important. We are also credit. Requires the Board of Education, in indebted to members of the education lobbyists establishing course and credit requirements for group representing several school divisions, a high school diploma, to permit local school Virginia School Boards Association, Virginia divisions to waive the requirement for students Superintendents Association, principal to receive 140 clock hours of instruction to associations and others for their continued earn a standard unit of credit upon providing support and advice. I sincerely appreciate your the Board with satisfactory proof, based on support these past five years. Board guidelines, that the students for whom such requirements are waived have learned Please continue to share the value of what we the content and skills included in the relevant do with your delegate and senator, local school Standards of Learning. The Governor has boards and others who help make budget and signed the bill. curricular decisions. Educating them ahead of time builds a broader base of support for our SB 1021 - Standards of Accreditation; work to provide life-changing experiences for instructional time. Authorizes local school our students. Have a great summer – with no boards to count up to 15 minutes per day snow! of recess in their calculation of the required instructional hours for the standard school day at the elementary school level. The Governor has signed the bill.
60 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, AND HIGH SCHOOL BAND, CHOIR, AND ORCHESTRA www.SMMFestival.com or call:1-855-766-3008
61 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association creativity council
Bruce Hammel Council Chair
ews on the composition festival front! If you’re looking for some relaxing summer NAfter conferring with a number of reading, but also want to discover new educators in Virginia, we have agreed that ways to include more improvisation and current high school seniors should be offered composition in your curriculum, here are the opportunity to submit compositions for the a couple of suggestions to consider: Music festival. Concerns about graduated students Outside the Lines: Ideas for Composing in whose compositions have been selected to be K-12 Music Classrooms by Maude Hickey; performed at the conference have been allayed and Musicianship: Composing in Band by seeing the success some other festivals have and Orchestra, ed. by Clint Randles and had using Skype to bring the composers and David Stringham. If you haven’t yet found a performers together. The benefit of allowing way to start integrating improvisation and seniors to share the fruits of their musical study composition into your curriculum, you might certainly outweighs any disadvantages that we find an idea or two here that would help you can see. The registration page for compositions get started. is up and running at: http://goo.gl/forms/ S4eHRKr31G, but there will be a more user- friendly link on the VMEA website soon!
62 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association membership committee
Andrew Lusher chair reetings, VMEA members. I am Andrew We are the only people who know just what GLusher, choir director at Grafton High it is we do — like how difficult it is to get 150 School in York County and the new VMEA kids on and off risers. We know the challenges Membership Chair. of wanting to breed quality while our administration wants quantity. We also know As a college student, NAfME membership was the joy of witnessing how music can transform, a requirement to successfully complete the teach, and heal our students. It is because of education program. I had no other incentive these familiar experiences that an organization to join. When I was hired in York County, the such as VMEA is a valuable resource, a place school’s bookkeeper automatically signed me where we can communicate, share, and help up and a few weeks later a membership card colleagues throughout Virginia. was in my mailbox. It sits in my desk drawer until needed at auditions or assessments. The Virginia Music Educators Association works to: I volunteered to serve as membership chair because I think it is important to promote 1. Provide professional development the benefits of being a member. VMEA opportunities for music educators. membership is more than a piece of paper that a. Annual professional development sits in our desk drawer. Membership should not conference just be a requirement to graduate or to take my b. Elementary grant program kids to auditions. Membership in VMEA should c. Annual ensemble assessments be wanted and valued. It should be a necessary resource for every music educator in the state. 2. Advocate on behalf of music education. My goals for my tenure in this position are: a. Membership in Coalition for Fine Arts 1. To help VMEA continue to be an invaluable Education resource for new and experienced b. Government Relations Chair who professionals. acts a voice for music educators, communicating directly with elected 2. To help teachers know that they belong to officials and monitoring legislative a supportive community where it is okay to matters affecting VMEA seek help and foster new ideas. c. Communicates with members with 3. To help individuals find value in their regard to legislative alerts membership. d. Coordinates important advocacy 4. To help music education remain as a strong responses from music educators and vibrant cohort in Virginia education. 63 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association membership committee
Andrew Lusher chair 3. Foster involvement in a professional is to blend the bad with the good. While the community. truth for that may be up for discussion, there is a. Networking a simple truth about strength in numbers. An organization like VMEA, which already works b. Collaborating hard to serve its members, could do so much c. Aiding colleagues who seek answers or more for advocacy and offer more innovative help teaching resources if we strengthen our 4. Present students with opportunities for membership numbers. further learning and music making. This summer NAfME is offering a pool of a. Tri-M resources to help support a membership drive b. District/state ensembles for VMEA. The goal is to increase membership c. Conference honor ensembles in all areas, from elementary and secondary d. Assessments teachers to college faculty and students. With this push the organization will continue to 5. Offer an array of resources. remain healthy and strong, to have a louder a. NOTES - The VMEA Official Journal voice in Richmond and Washington D.C., b. Music Educators Journal and Teaching and to offer teachers greater opportunities to Music engage in a professional community where c. VMEA and NAfME websites with colleagues are able to network, collaborate, and resources and links support each other. d. Networking and people-to-people In order to successfully make this push we contact have to overcome a few challenges. The largest challenge is the mere fact that we are unable to As I write this I feel a bit like the preacher on gauge the number of memberships versus the Sunday mornings who stands in the pulpit and number of teachers statewide. We do not have gives a sermon on the importance of going to an accurate number of public or private school church every week. In reality, the ones who teachers, college professors or students, and need that sermon are those who are probably retired or private teachers. It is hard for us to still home fast asleep. I write this not only to reach out and locate prospective members. remind our current members of the importance of membership but also to place a call for help. I am looking for individuals who are interested in helping to solve our challenges and to help My band director once joked with me that I coordinate and execute the membership drive have an easier job due to the ‘choir effect’ — by joining the Membership Committee. VMEA where the more voices you have the easier it 64 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association membership committee
Andrew Lusher chair is an organization that is run by its members for its members. When we teachers have a strong organization that we can rely on to speak up for us and to foster professional communication it helps us in our mission to offer the best education to our students. At the end of the day that is the most important thing: providing a quality music education.
Please contact me if you’re interested in serving on the membership committee or have a suggestion. Be on the lookout this summer for our membership push and please invite colleagues to be a part of this important professional community.
Many thanks, Andrew Lusher [email protected]
65 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association 66 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Portfolios: Pathway to Improved Teaching and Learning By Joseph Pergola
hankfully, the education profession is Successful teachers continually evaluate the Tonce again focusing on the importance of teaching and learning process. They determine “assessment”. The first big push for embedded the learning level of their students and refine assessment accompanied the introduction of their instruction for greater success. Improved the National Standards which called for the student learning is an outgrowth of information systematic assessment of student learning. The necessary to judge student understanding, newest education initiatives such as Common measure student progress and examine student Core, Annual Professional Performance thought processes. Teachers who are successful Reviews and others designed to improve question what they can do differently, what new student learning have once again brought materials can they use and what new instructional assessment front and center as a critical approach can they take for improved results. element in the teaching/learning process. It’s There are many forms of assessment and time to reexamine portfolio assessment in many assessment tools. Classroom assessment light of today’s push for evidence of learning. can include a wide range of options. These Comprehensive assessment is the most options can be divided into two (2) categories. significant factor in the pursuit for better Most assessment proponents recommend student learning. Improved learning is totally “Formative Assessment” which is on-going or dependent on successful teaching and successful embedded assessment, continually observes teaching is dependent on improved teacher student learning and evaluates the scope instruction. Successful teachers continually and pace of student learning so the teacher evaluate the teaching and learning process. They can reflect on their instruction and refine determine the learning level of their students their teaching. Assessment that determines and refine their instruction for greater success. student competency only at the conclusion Improved student learning is an outgrowth of a specific instructional period of time of information necessary to judge student is “Summative Assessment”. This form of understanding, measure student progress and assessment is used to determine if students examine student thought processes. Teachers have mastered specific competencies and who are successful question what they can do identify instructional areas in need of differently, what new materials they can use and attention. The critical element in both forms what new instructional approach they can take of assessment is the tool or tools used to for improved results. In other words, successful administer the assessment. teachers assess learning because assessment There are many assessment vehicles improves instruction. available. Most assessment vehicles provide 67 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Portfolios: Pathway to Improved Teaching and Learning By Joseph Pergola
(cont.) good information about specific aspects of student responsibility for their own learning student learning at a specific point in time. by requiring students to contribute specific For example; a “rubric” rates knowledge or appropriate content. It requires students to skill about a specific instructional topic. An critique their own work, thereby reinforcing “observation report” supplies data about the learning. This process of demonstrating specific endeavor being observed. The only strengths and recognizing weaknesses assessment tool that contains multiple forms motivates students to achieve at a higher level. of assessment is “Portfolio Assessment”. Student participation in portfolio assessment It is both simultaneously formative and promotes lifelong learners. summative. Portfolio assessment captures the What is the benefit of portfolio assessment process of learning and contains samples that to the teacher? exemplify a student’s knowledge of essential Portfolio assessment makes instruction more learning at various stages of instruction. productive because it helps teachers measure What is a Portfolio? their own effectiveness as well as the amount A portfolio is an assessment vehicle that of student learning actually taking place at contains a purposefully selected collection a given point in time or over a long period of student work designed to show student of time. Portfolio design helps teachers effort, document student progress, reveal focus instruction on essential learning and student strengths, create awareness of sequential development. There is no better student weaknesses and informs the teacher, assessment vehicle for demonstrating learning student and parent of the status and progress to supervisors and communicating growth to of a student. It is not just a pile of student parents than a well-constructed portfolio. work accumulated over a semester or year. Portfolios can exist in many forms. There are Portfolios enhance the assessment process printed portfolios, on-line portfolios, teacher by revealing the range of student skill and managed portfolios and student managed understanding. Portfolios align assessment portfolios. Regardless the type or format, all with specific student learning objectives and portfolios focus on building and maintaining a overall instructional goals. collection of student work. How do portfolios benefit students? What are the characteristics of an effective The use of portfolios in the assessment portfolio? process gives students an opportunity to The content of a useful portfolio must address demonstrate and record the knowledge and the desired instructional goals set for the skill they have gained. Portfolios help develop 68 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Portfolios: Pathway to Improved Teaching and Learning By Joseph Pergola
(cont.) individual student or the entire class. It should • Teachers must set “benchmarks” contain within itself multiple assessment that represent the goals for student information gathered from various assessment development. tools. To serve as a superior assessment • Teachers must identify the “essential vehicle, portfolios must show the level and learning” appropriate for their specific rate of student growth and development over grade level. a period of time. The most important content in a good portfolio is sample student work. • Teachers must organize selected learning The student work selected for a portfolio objectives in a scope and sequence that should show evidence of development and promotes “sequential learning”. must contain samples of students’ best work • Teachers must educate their students about to demonstrate evidence of learning. One the purpose and goals of the portfolio. of the unique characteristics of portfolio assessment is the ownership of each portfolio • Teachers must determine students’ by the student. Portfolio assessment makes the responsibilities in the development of the student a partner in the learning process by portfolio. making them equally responsible for their own Phase 2: Selection and Collection learning. It requires students to select samples • Teachers must select the content of the of their work they believe show growth and portfolio based on the identified learning demonstrate learning. Portfolios provide objectives. students with the invaluable opportunity to reflect on their learning, thereby giving them • Teachers must be sure portfolio content a clear understanding of what they know and demonstrates what students know and are where they need to improve. able to do.
Portfolio Development • Teachers must develop criteria for the There are three (3) major phases in the selection of learning artifacts chosen by the development of an effective portfolio: teacher and the students. Planning and Organization, Selection and Phase 3: Assessment and Reflection Collection, Assessment and Reflection. • Teachers must develop an evaluation Phase 1: Planning and Organization procedure for tracking and grading This initial phase of portfolio development portfolio content. requires teachers to make decisions about desired and necessary learning objectives. 69 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Portfolios: Pathway to Improved Teaching and Learning By Joseph Pergola
(cont.)
• Teachers must use the best assessment Joseph Pergola is the retired Director of Fine tools when evaluating individual learning Arts from the William Floyd School District on activities. Eastern Long Island, New York. A graduate of the New York College of Music, he received his • Teachers must use portfolio content as a undergraduate degree and teacher certification source for informing themselves as well from Dowling College, a Masters Degree from as parents and supervisors about student SUNY Stony Brook and his Administrative Degree progress. from C.W. Post University. During his tenure • Teachers must be sure their students at William Floyd, he taught elementary, middle understand the criteria for assessing their school and high school band. His performance portfolio . ensembles received the highest rating at New York Summary State Ensemble Adjudication for 21 consecutive years. After being named Director of Fine Arts, • Portfolio assessment accomplishes the William Floyd Music Department was named numerous objectives simultaneously. a NAfME Model Music Program. The New York • Portfolios create a partnership between the State Theater Association and the National Theater teacher, the student and the parent. Association also named Mr. Pergola Administrator of Year. • Portfolio assessment provides teachers with vital information about the effectiveness of He serves as a member of the New York State their instruction and the rate and range of Council of School Music Administrators and a students’ progress. member of the Advisory Board of the New York State Band Directors Association. Mr. Pergola is a • Portfolios help students become aware of published author with four (4) books to his credit their strengths and weaknesses. and serves as a frequent clinician at NAfME • Portfolios promote self-reflection for both Conferences throughout the United States. He the student and the teacher. currently works for the National Education Service Company as Director of Education and • Portfolios allow parents to gain insight Arts Development and is a member of the adjunct to the progress their children are making faculty at C.W.Post / Long Island University. toward mastery of expected goals.
70 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association What’s New in Music Technology: A Report from NAMM 2015 By Mike Klinger
love mid-January when I can leave the into any MIDI software such that found in Icold and grey Pacific Northwest and GarageBand, and this product will convert head toward the warmth and clear skies of the track into a MIDI track. Think of the Anaheim, California, for the annual National possibilities of this. I was blown away by their Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) demonstration. convention. I always look forward to all the The Piano Maestro app for iPad by JoyTunes new and exciting developments heading our is free download for music teachers and way as music educators in music technology. students. Simply download the app at This year, I was not disappointed. www.joytunes.com and register as a teacher You may have heard that MakeMusic Inc. (the or student. It is a fascinating new approach company that created Finale and SmartMusic) to learning how to play the piano. Simply put relocated to Boulder, Colorado to merge with your iPad on the music rack of the piano and a company called Peaksware. Some positions launch Piano Maestro, load in a song, and at MakeMusic were eliminated, and a number hit play. As the music scrolls along, you can of employees who received offers to join the play along as built-in iPad microphone hears new venture in Boulder chose not to make your playing and shows the notes you are the move, precipitating the rumor that the playing along the way. If you have a lab with company had gone out of business. Not true! I headphones, the app will also work through met with Peaksware president Dirk Friel a MIDI connection on an electronic midi and the company’s marketing director Sonia keyboard. Once you have finished a level and Bertek, who reassured me that things are get your passing score, you move onto the moving forward. Peaksware develops software next level. Over four million people have now platforms that connect creators, instructors, downloaded this tool. and performers and helps them set specific MusicPlayAlong is a free download and is an goals. You get expert instruction that can help accompaniment app (audio MP3) for music both user and software perform at the highest practice. It provides an electronic music levels. Rest assured that Finale and Smart score with high-quality accompaniment and Music are ongoing, supported products. synchronized music tracer. It is a dream Software Apps companion for all music students. You can I found three smaller software/app companies slow down or speed a piece up by 50 percent that offer promise for the music education without changing pitch or sound quality. market. Imitone ($25) translates sound into There are “song collections” for specific MIDI, the language of digital music. Simply instruments and categories as well. Finally, put, just play or sing through a microphone please check out a couple of my own favorite
71 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association What’s New in Music Technology: A Report from NAMM 2015 By Mike Klinger
(cont.) web-based tools: Weezic is free, and you only streaming to your smartphone or PC. New pay for access to the songs you wish to play. built-in stereo condenser microphones feature MatchMySound is also free and is currently in shock mounting and are mounted in a true beta stage. Both are wonderful practice tools XY pattern for perfect stereo imaging. A pair for your students. of XLR inputs is also available for four-track recording, and all four feed into an improved Digital Audio microphone preamp and AD/DA stage. The Probably the biggest news at NAMM 2015 DR-22wl ($149) also has Wi-Fi for transport was that Avid Technology would now be control, file transfer, and audio streaming to offering a free version of Pro Tools called Pro your smartphone or PC. Other innovations Tools First. It will allow for sixteen tracks like the Scene Dial make it easier than ever to of audio, MIDI, virtual instruments, and capture great-sounding recordings and share auxiliary tracks. Storage in the cloud and them online. The DR-22wl also has the XY allows you to store up to three projects. If you pattern microphones for stereo recording. want to work on a new project, then simply bounce a project to disc and store it onto your There were a number of new audio interfaces hard drive. Avid also announced Pro Tools 12 announced at NAMM as well. Focusrite Audio Academic ($299), coming out in the second Engineering introduced two new models quarter of this year. Both Pro Tools 12 and Pro that look promising for music educators. Tools First will allow for song collaboration The iTrack Dock for iPad ($199) is a in the cloud, and a new Marketplace portal comprehensive, studio-quality iPad recording built into the software that will offer users the interface featuring dual Focusrite microphone capacity to purchase extra sounds, effects, etc. preamps for plugging in two microphones The Marketplace also will serve as a portal plus two line inputs for guitar or bass, an where musicians can get paid for their work instrument independent stereo monitor and on song collaborations. Sibelius and Media headphone output, and a USB port for class- Composer are also Avid products. Look compliant MIDI instruments and controllers. for them to follow in a similar fashion with The iTrack Dock provides everything required collaboration and Marketplace portals in new to record, monitor, and control music on versions soon. Lightning iPads—with precision Focusrite digital conversion at up to 24-bit, 96-kHz Tascam introduced two new handheld sampling. It even charges and powers the iPad recorders at NAMM. The DR-44wl $299 is at the same time. The iTrack Studio ($199) is a four-track recorder that includes Wi-Fi a complete recording package for iPad, Mac, for transport control, file transfer, and audio and PC. This is a great low-cost solution for 72 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association What’s New in Music Technology: A Report from NAMM 2015 By Mike Klinger
(cont.) school labs. It includes iTrack Solo audio interface, CM25s, studio condenser mic/ cable, HP6s stereo headphones, 1.2m device link cable, USB cable, and recording/mixing software.
M-Audio introduced the Deltabolt 1212 Thunderbolt 12-channel interface ($499). It comes with Octane X preamps, audio performance up to 32-bit, 192-kHz, full duplex 12-input/12-output simultaneous recording in a compact desktop form.
Honorable Mention Here’s something your students will greatly enjoy: Korg introduced the new Little Bit Synth Kit ($159). It’s a build-you- own synthesizer kit that comes complete power adapter, oscillator, keyboard, micro- sequencer, envelope generator, filter, delay, mix, split, speaker, battery and cable and instructions (download). How fun is this?
Mike Klinger is the owner of The Synthesis Midi Workshop (www.midiworkshop.com), which specializes in educational sales and training in music technology. He offers music technology courses online and at his Retreat Center in Carson, Washington, in the Columbia River Gorge.
73 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Virginia Music Educators Association Annual Meeting of the Executive Board
VMEA Executive Board and Council of Review September 6, 2014, 12:30 pm Holiday Inn, Staunton, VA MINUTES
1. Call to Order – Lois Castonguay, President Introduction of Presiding Officers
2. Review of Voting Procedures – Curtis Nolley
1. Call to order – Terry Hall, President a. Introduction of Presiding Officers b. Terry asked that we be polite if he makes jokes.
2. Review of Voting Procedures – Linda Gammon (Acting Parliamentarian) a. Terry shared a message from Curtis Nolley, parliamentarian, stating reason for his absence today. Terry has appointed Linda Gammon to act as parliamentarian for today. b. Terry shared information of the role of district reps and district chairs. Also noted that changes to dates of district events must be approved by VMEA President for insurance purposes. c. Moe shared information regarding expectations for completion of forms for events and role of district chair/rep in this process. Forms are located on VMEA website. It is important to use current forms. Clarification – this includes section presidents, All-Virginia events. Carrie Finnegan does reporting for Senior Regional Orchestra. d. Moe – 2014 Blue Ribbon Award recipients will be posted on website next week. e. Moe – please use website! Updated manual is there!
3. Confirmation of the Agenda – Terry Hall a. Adjudicators training – included in Old Business under Standards of Assessment Committee b. Motion: Change beginning time of meeting to 12:30 pm, and to accept agenda: Mike Horanski c. Second: Marie Weber d. MOTION PASSED
4. Roll Call – Laura Cole
5. Approval of Minutes of the June 7, 2014 Meeting – Laura Cole a. Motion to approve: Annamarie Bollino b. Second: Marie Weber c. MOTION PASSED 74 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Minutes
6. Financial Reports a. VMEA Treasurer – Vince Tornello i. See handouts relevant to treasurers report ii. Account balance is $149,250.45 iii. Motion to approve, MOTION PASSES b. Section Treasurers i. Choral – Toni Cotturone/Mike Horanski 1. Account balance is $96,090.60 ii. College – Vince Tornello 1. Account balance is $4,160.02 2. Clarification – this section should be changed to “VAMHE” (Virginia Association of Music in Higher Ed.) iii. Elementary – Page Durham/Jason Kriner 1. Account balance is $11,859.88 iv. Instrumental – Steve Turner/Steve Rice 1. Account balance is $117,137.46 v. Administrators – Robin Yohe/Annamarie Bollino 1. Account balance is $6,738.01 c. Other Treasurers i. Conference – Dan Schoemmell 1. Account balance is $209,059.99 ii. VMEA “NOTES” – Merry Beth Hall 1. Account balance is $20,161.72
7. Reports a. Section Presidents i. Choral – Mike Horanski 1. Highlight for conference – Dr. Henry Leck 2. Working to clean up literature manual 3. Offering a CPR training 4. All Virginia Event a. Sheraton Premier in Tysons Corner b. Conductors: SATB – Brady Allred, SSAA – Chris Aspaas ii. College – David Zerull 1. Off and running! 2. Meet in November to develop initiatives in researching assessment, teacher evaluation/retention iii. Elementary – Jason Kriner 1. Everything is great in their world! 75 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Minutes
2. Excited for clinics at conference, co-sponsoring clinician Dr. Henry Leck 3. 10th annual All VA Elementary Chorus Patty Austin, Guest Conductor, held at Eastern View High School, Culpeper 4. Regional Professional Development workshop held February 28, 2015 iv. Instrumental – Steven Rice & Carrie Finnegan 1. Working on cleaning up operation sections of manual 2. Start 75th ann. Commissioning of works – Middle School band/orchestra piece Mike Oare composer, following year – string orchestra, 3rd year – major wind works, Mason Bates composer 3. Next year’s All VA event held at Christopher Newport University a. Symphonic Band – Lawrence Stoffel, California State University, Northridge b. Concert Band – Damon Talley, LSU c. Orchestra – Tony Maiello 4. Carrie – new VBODA administrative handbook is online, login as a member using NAfME number, listed under documents (after login) v. Administrators – Annamarie Bollino 1. Excited for conference, annual job fair Friday morning 2. Scott Schuler presentations 3. National Arts standards have been adopted and are online 4. The summer, many members wrote sample curricula based on new VA standards 5. Kelly Parkes, President Elect of VAMHE– Chair for assessment a. Determine and respond to needs of VMEA regarding teacher assessment, evaluation b. Will work with section presidents and send info to district reps. District reps, please respond to email from Kelly seeking information. b. VMEA “NOTES” Publication Staff Report – Merry Beth Hall i. Issue going to printer on Monday for layout (Oct. 1 print date) ii. Terry – kudos to Merry Beth for hard work and improvement to this area c. MIOSM – Debra Lindsay i. Title of this year’s MIOSM will be in Notes ii. Would like to share how teacher’s celebrate MIOSM in their classrooms and highlight districts – will be contacting district reps d. Department of Education – Cherry Gardner i. No report e. VMEA Professional Development Conference 2014 – Linda Gammon i. 3 general sessions 1. Thursday 8:00 pm, United States Navy Band, Sheraton 2. Friday 9:15 am, Awards and Speaker – Peter Boonshaft, Sheraton 3. Saturday 1:00 pm, All VA Jazz and Honors Choir, Roper ii. Pre-registration goes through Oct 31, $70, please register online or mail-in 76 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Minutes
iii. First year teachers can print a mail in form and return by Oct 31, fee will be waived iv. Rooms are available until mid-Oct at VMEA price v. 2014 and 2015 in Norfolk vi. 2016 and 2017 at Homestead vii. Will continue to look for space that would meet our needs – approx. 55,000 square feet for clinics and performances and 600 hotel rooms viii. There will be a 5K race in Norfolk on Saturday morning, 8 am. This will impact traffic, availability of rooms, restaurants. Waterside Drive will be closed to traffic for a time. 264 East is now a toll road/EZ pass required. There is also a Christmas parade on Waterside Drive on Saturday afternoon. Park and rides are available at 264 interchange. ix. Terry – 2nd year for All VA Guitar Ensemble – please encourage teachers in district to attend/have students participate, same for Honors Choir and All VA Jazz f. Government Relations – Steve King (details of report in handout for today’s meeting) i. VMEA is a founding member of VA Coalition for Fine Arts Coalition ii. Jean Shackelford, worked for over 10 years as the original VCFAE legislative liaison. Thank you to Jean! iii. Updated website for Coalition – included in today’s handout iv. Update on DOE projects v. Shared information about Cherry Gardner’s work, included in handout vi. Shared information about recent changes to national standards vii. We continue to expect issues to come up related to PE requirements and homeschooled student participation in interscholastic activities g. Tri-M – Tracy Magwire i. No report h. Elementary Grant Program – Jason Kriner i. Things are going great! ii. Awarded grants last year iii. Paperwork will go out Oct 1 for grants this year i. Leadership Symposium – John Brewington i. Have information that was sent to section presidents regarding leadership symposium (established program to encourage and support young teachers, 2 year appointment) ii. Dr. Scott Shuler will be coming to speak to the symposium j. All Virginia Guitar Ensemble 2014 – Glen McCarthy i. Dr. Miroslav Loncar, Loudon County, will be clinician ii. Music has been selected and sent to students iii. Question regarding homeschooling eligibility – this is a clarification which can be done by President’s Committee iv Clarification – MENC should be changed to NAfME in the constitution/bylaws 1. Terry – constitution/bylaws have been revised. Revisions will be posted on website, voted on at conference 77 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Minutes
k. Up-Date on search for Membership Chair and Creativity Chair – Terry Hall i. Vacancies for both positions, we are seeking individuals that are interested in serving ii. Terry shared mission statement on newly formed Council for Creativity iii. Terry shared Description, Responsibility and Goals for Membership Chair l. New Participation Fee (2014-15) – Terry Hall i. Terry shared background and reasoning for the June 2014 decision to implement new participation fee (25 cent event fee per student) ii. Joe Labrie – question regarding Solo and Ensemble – student performing in multiple ensembles. Clarification – one fee per student per event m. Participation Report – Vince Tornello i. Vince shared student participation by district, events and section (provided as handout for today) n. Conflict of Interest – Moe Turrentine i. Each 5013C must keep a copy of this document signed for members ii. For those in attendance – if Moe gave this form to you, please return it at the end of this meeting iii. Terry – thank you to all past presidents and Moe for their
8. Old Business a. Standards of Assessment Committee – Steve Rice/Mike Horanski i. This is the adjudicators training ii. Andrew Loft – approximately 95 people have attended sessions, completing applications. Have had issues with submitting recordings, those are being resolved. iii. There will be training sessions at conference, All VA events and one in the summer iv. Lisa Spruill – “ditto” 1. Choral trainings are planned to align with the band training 2. Dates, location and how to register for training will be posted on website 3. Note - adjudicators forms and rubrics are vastly different from band 4. Terry – point of clarification – VCDA is in process of revising adjudicators rubrics and forms b. District Study Committee – Michael Ehrlrich, Jack Elgin i. While handouts are distributed – Linda Gammon gave description about a session at conference ii. Jack Elgin distributed proposal for re-districting draft, and asked that district chairs and reps take this document to ask for input from district iii. Clarification – this report includes schools that are registered in VMEA and VHSL (most private schools are not included) iv. Discussion and vote at January 2015 meeting, for implementation July 1, 2015 v. Deadline for comments submitted is December 19, 2014 vi. Clarification – a new district would increase the number of participants in All VA chorus c. Honoring Members Committee – Debra Lindsay i. Thanks to Harriet Heath, Emmanuel Barks and Marie Weber for serving on committee 78 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Minutes
ii. Information will be posted in conference program, VMEA website, NAfME website d. All-Virginia Groups in same location – Mike Horanski i. Research into possibilities ii. Mike has visited Richmond – Altria Theater iii. New development from last meeting – visited with Richmond Region Tourism to learn more about visiting city, transportation, sponsorships iv. VCDA – not a huge change in operation v. VBODA does not currently arrange housing for students, looking into options for this vi. Date – April 6-8, 2017 e. Assessment Rubrics – John Brewington i. Short meeting following this meeting 9. New Business a. Confirmation of new state executive i. Report from committee, motioned and seconded as such 1. Welcome to Linda Gammon!! 2. Linda – looking forward to new position. Also noted that there will be another position available now – Conference Coordinator!
10. Announcements a. Vince – Form 990 (IRS form) tax return is available in VMEA office and his office for perusal b. Terry – i. District chairs – Event forms due as soon as possible ii. This is an election year for district reps and district chairs – those results are due to the VMEA office by May 1, 2015 (district reps and chairs can serve two terms) iii. Request for reimbursements for this meeting due to no later than September 20, 2014 iv. Strategic Plan Work Session – January 16, 2015 – Section Presidents, VMEA Officers, NOTES Editor – Holiday Inn Conference Center, Staunton, VA v. Location of January 17, 2015 – Executive Board meeting Holiday Inn Conference Center Staunton, VA
11. Meeting adjourned at 2:36 pm a. Motion to adjourn: Mike Horanski b. Second: Steve Rice c. MOTION PASSES d. After adjournment, members moved to section meetings for district reps of VBODA, VCDA and VEMEA.
Respectfully submitted, Laura Cole, VMEA Secretary
79 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Virginia Music Educators Association Annual Meeting of the Executive Board
Executive Board Meeting January 17, 2015, 12:15 pm Holiday Inn Conference Center, Staunton, Virginia MINUTES
1. Call To Order – Terry Hall, President Introduction of Presiding Officers
2. Review of Voting Procedures – Curtis Nolley
3. Confirmation of the Agenda – Terry Hall A. Motion to confirm – Michael Ehrlich, Second – Marie Weber. MOTION PASSED
4. Roll Call – Laura Cole
5. Approval of Minutes of the September 6, 2014 meeting– Laura Cole A. Motion to approve – Marie Weber, Second, AnnaMarie Bollino. MOTION PASSED 6. Financial Reports A. VMEA Treasurer i. Budget/Finance – Vince Tornello ii. See handouts relevant to treasurers report iii. $146,558.69 current financial assets B. Section Treasurers i. VCDA – Toni Cotturone/Mike Horanski, balance $79,958.06 ii. VAMHE – Vince Tornello, balance $3,553.73 iii. VEMEA – Page Durham/Jason Kriner, balance $16,826.34 iv. VBODA– Steve Turner/Steve Rice, $143,874.70 v. VAMEA – Robin Yohe/Annamarie Bollino, $2,310.77 C. Other Treasurers i. Conference – Dan Schoemmell, balance $210,537.98 ii. VMEA “NOTES” – Merry Beth Hall, balance $28,312.63
7. Reports A. Section Presidents 80 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Minutes
i. VCDA – Mike Horanski 1. Successful events at conference, great attendance from 2. All Virginia Event at Sheraton Premier in Tysons Corner 3. Performance of Shenandoah by James Erb, octavos donated by Alfred Publishing ii. VAMHE – David Zerull 1. Working on mission statement iii. VEMEA – Jason Kriner 1. Successful events at conference, great attendance in general and among collegiate and first year teachers. Thanks to VCDA for partnering in sponsorship of sessions. 2. 1st annual regional profession development workshops – one held in VA Beach and one held in Northern VA, free for members. Plan to expand in future years. 3. 10th annual All-VA Elementary School Choir guest conductor Patty Austin, Eastern View HS in Culpeper iv. VBODA – Steve Rice & Carrie Finnegan 1. Great conference 2. 2015 All VA event will be held at Christopher Newport University 3. Expanding professional Adjudicator training, CPR/defibrulator training, hopefully copyright session 4. 1st of 75th Anniversary Commission piece premiered this year – Michael Oare, middle school, string orchestra and concert band 5. 2016 – Brian Balmages, string orchestra 6. 2017 – David Maslanka, symphonic band work 7. All VA auditions – hope to use iPads for wind registration to speed registration and tabulation process v. VAMEA – Annamarie Bollino 1. Great conference, successful job fair and good attendance of collegiate members 2. Representatives attending Arts Advocacy day in Richmond this Wednesday 3. Section meets in February 4. Advocacy – presenting at elementary and secondary school administrators conferences B. Introduction of new position – Council for Creativity Chair – Terry Hall. i. Bruce Hammel, chair 1. Propose a VMEA Composition Festival, published in VMEA Notes. Students in grades K-11 submit compositions to be evaluated by committee of composers. 4 categories of submission. Representatives receive opportunity to perform composition at event at VMEA. VMEA cost – none. Student application fee $10. Goal is educational – every student receives feedback. 2. Motion to approve establishing the VMEA Composition Festival: Council for Creativity, Second - Debra Lindsay. MOTION PASSED C. Introduction of new Membership Chair – Terry Hall i. Andrew Lusher, chair 1. Membership drive August through November, in conjunction with NAfME
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2. Forming a committee to assist. Please see Andrew after meeting if interested, and share information with district. D. VMEA “NOTES” Publication Staff Report – Merry Beth Hall i. Winter issue of NOTES is in digital conversion process ii. NOTES are currently self-sustaining (financially) E. MIOSM – Debra Lindsay i. March is just around the corner! ii. Would like to include a place on website to upload photos illustrating how we celebrate music throughout the state (Moe/Linda – can be done if permission is obtained for students’ photos to be posted online) iii. Will be represented in March issue of Teaching Music magazine F. Department of Education – Terry Hall for Cherry Gardner i. Cherry is seeking cooperation from VA Council for Fine Arts in Education as well as VMEA ii. Setting up a meeting with State School Superintendent G. VMEA Professional Development Conference 2014 & Plans for 2015 – Linda Gammon i. Conference planning ii. November19-21, 2015 in Norfolk iii. Hotel registration links open on website February 2, 2015. Conference registration links open on August 1, 2015. iv. Session/performance/demo groups application on website v. Conference selection committee meets mid-May, final selections made at June meeting vi. Conference executive committee approved the following division of Conference Coordinator position and individuals: 1. Conference Coordinator: Jeffrey Marlatt 2. Associate Conference Coordinator: Michael Ehlrich 3. Conference Registration Coordinator: Laurel Phillip 4. Conference Technology Coordinator: Jonathan Phillip vii. Thank you especially to this year’s registration workers for diligence viii Registration fee and hotel costs intended to be same as 2014. It looks as though we can offer free registration for 1st year teachers. Suggestion to promote to college students before they graduate in May, and info H. Government Relations – Steve King i. Steve stressed the importance of speaking as a unified voice for Fine Arts ii. We are encouraged to visit website for VCFAE iii. General Assembly – please see handout iv. Please watch for updates on VMEA website, especially over next 4 weeks, and please act quickly v. House Bill no. 1472 includes creation of state song “Our Great Virginia” (proposed lyrics in handout) vi. Motion to request that Steve King discuss the State Song with the appropriate delegate to have representatives from the VMEA on the committee to select a new State Song: Harriott Heath, Second – Jason Kriner
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vii. MOTION PASSED I. Tri-M – Tracy Magwire i. Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser has been named the national chair for Tri-M ii. Improvements have been made to Tri-M website iii. Melissa Hall is southern region representative to Tri-M advisory board iv. A Virginia school was selected as runner-up for Tri-M Chapter of the Year: Wilson Middle School, Paige Edwards advisor J. Elementary Grant Program – Jason Kriner i. Awarded 2 grants: District 10 – workshop with 2 time Grammy Award winners Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, District 15 – holding a choral conducting workshop with Dr. Dean Enstminger, will involve Shenandoah University collegiate members K. Leadership Symposium held in November 2014– John Brewington i. Successful partnership at conference with VAMEA ii. Charged members to begin to volunteer (chair, or job-shadow) iii. Looks forward to continuing of this initiative. Section presidents nominate members. iv. John thanks section presidents and VMEA for collaboration v. Discussion of selection to coordinate with conference hotel registration, particularly when conference is at the Homestead L. All-Virginia Guitar Ensemble 2014 & 2015 – Glen McCarthy i. Event went well, thank you for support ii. Auditions are held in spring to allow for preparation for event iii. Alan Hirsch conductor for 2015
8. Old Business A. Standards of Assessment Committee – Steve Rice, Mike Horanski i. Reported recommendations for VCDA/VBODA adjudicator training ii. Information is on website, experiencing issues with submission iii. District reps – important to remind district that at this time, it is suggested to have an adjudicator on panels that have completed this training (not required at this time) iv. Discussion of where we are with timeline, question of when dates will be set for requirement to be implemented. Committee will present a proposed timeline at June meeting. B. District Study Committee – Jack Elgin, Michael Ehrlich i. Terry Hall has extended the comment/suggestion period through May 1. Committee will make a recommendation at June meeting, with a possible September 2015 vote. Current recommendations are on the website. C. All-Virginia Groups in Same Location – Mike Horanski i. Currently in a holding pattern. VBODA Executive Board is not ready to move forward with plans. VBODA has sent a survey to the membership that will be completed on February 1. ii. Earliest implementation now 2018. 83 vmeanotes The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association Minutes
D. Assessment Rubrics – John Brewington i. John will present recommendations at June Executive Board meeting
9. New Business A. Motion that the policies and procedures of the VMEA Honors Choir be updated to reflect changes in clarity, order, and the usage of technology in communication and registration: Brian Kelly, Second – Mandi Townley MOTION PASSED
10. Announcements A. Request for Reimbursements for this meeting – Must be received by the Treasurer within two weeks of this meeting. DEADLINE is January 31, 2015 B. Location of the June 6, 2015 – Executive Board, Holiday Inn Conference Center – Staunton, VA C. September Executive Board meeting will be held at alternate location in Staunton D. Recognition of Moe Turrentine, as this is his last meeting. Terry thanked Moe for his years of service. E. Linda – handout with new mailing and email addresses for VMEA State Executive F. Linda – this is a year for Officer Nominations, elections will be held at conference G. Linda – Blue Ribbon School applications and declaration form on website H. Linda – this is a year for District Representatives elections
11. Motion to Adjourn: Scott Lambert, Second – Steve Rice MOTION PASSED, 2:27 pm
Respectfully submitted, Laura Cole VMEA Secretary
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