Hello AMEA!

 

 

 

Hello AMEA!

I trust that you all had a great summer, and that you are ready to get back to the work of educating our young people. It has been exciting to follow all of the professional development activities that so many of you have been involved in through the summer months, and I consider myself very fortunate to be amongst such consummate professionals in our most excellent profession. I want to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to represent and work for you as your President for the next two years. I will endeavor to do my best in that capacity and I look forward to the work we will do together.

Summer Board Meeting
The Governing Board had a very productive meeting in June with a very full agenda. All the represented divisions gave excellent reports concerning the depth and breadth of their respective activities and programs. There are truly some exciting things happening throughout our state. All the divisions are both healthy and vibrant, and rest assured that each division is very well represented. I am happy to report that our organization is moving forward toward our 75th Anniversary in a strong financial position and membership numbers are solid. While active membership decreased a little last year, overall membership grew by 145 due to the growth of Tri-M. Way to go Tri-M! Membership numbers in fact remain in line with recent trends and history, but let’s do our best to grow the organization. Please talk to your fellow music education colleagues and encourage them to renew their membership in AMEA, or join us if they are not already a member.

Advocacy in Our Nation’s Capitol
The 68th NAfME National Leadership Conference, Collegiate Advocacy Summit, and 2018 Hill Day was June 26th-30th. Representing Alabama besides myself were AMEA Executive Director and Editor Garry Taylor, AMEA Immediate Past-President Susan Smith, AMEA President-Elect David Raney, NAfME Chair of the Council for General Music Education Dr. Rob Lyda, and AMEA Collegiate Division President-Elect DeLee Benton. While in Washington, DC we were able to meet with representatives from the offices of Senator Doug Jones, Senator Richard Shelby, Congresswoman Terri Sewell, and Congressman Bradley Byrne for Hill Day. Our message was well received in all offices as we shared the importance of music education in a well-rounded education. We made several requests as part of the goals for the day, both legislative and fiscal. This House and Senate have done a very good job of funding the “Every Student Succeeds Act” through the appropriations process, and all parts of the law are being funded for 2019 at significantly higher levels than during Fiscal Year 2018. For specifics on Federal appropriations, authorized spending, and all things “ESSA,” please see the NAfME website. During the National Assembly many valuable sessions were presented and information was shared amongst state leaders concerning subjects such as: Position and Mission Statements, Crisis Management, Finding and Nurturing Leaders, Coalitions at the National and State Level, Budgeting, Legal Issues, Technology, Diversity, Governance, Federal Funding, and Ethics.

2019 Professional Development Conference
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room and immediately get it out of the way. Registration was a major concern at our 2018 Conference. The root cause of this problem was an issue with the NAfME Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, and our Registrar Pat Stegall, along with our AMEA Governing Board is determined to solve this for our members. In fact, we will not be using that CRM this year in order to expedite the registration process. However, the best way to mitigate this risk is to pre-register for the conference online and avoid the issue completely.

I am excited to announce that our Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, who will also be conducting a clinic session on beginning band. This year is also an Intercollegiate Band year, and we are excited to have Dr. Lowell Graham from UTEP as the conductor. We had a record number of performance applications this year and I am also proud to announce that we will be featuring more of our own students’ and teachers’ efforts at this year’s conference through some adjustments in the schedule and planning. As you know, we are returning to Birmingham for the conference this year. We will be using the BJCC Theater as our meeting space and large concert venue which will fit our events perfectly. Please make plans to attend the conference now, and plan on staying on site. The interstate highway system in Birmingham will still be significantly under construction at the time of our conference and you won’t want that impeding on your enjoyment of the conference. In addition to all the performances of our colleagues and their ensembles, there are going to be some fantastic clinics and sessions. I’m looking forward to seeing you there!

Agenda and Goals
My agenda over the next two years will be driven by the goals of Advocacy, Action, Technology, Collegiality, Standards, Knowledge, and Pride. I would like everybody to feel included, important, and crucial to the success of the AMEA. There is no stronger advocacy group than one which is united. We all play a part in the musical education and social development of our young people in Alabama, and I wish for us all to identify as one unified association. One of the main ways we will accomplish this is through advocacy efforts. I want us to become more visual in our communities, in our State Capitol, and be more culturally relevant to our populous. We will accomplish this in many ways. In addition to the standing committees spelled out in the by-laws, I am forming ad hoc committees as part of the the President’s Cabinet. The committees will be tasked with studying issues and sharing their findings with the organization. Additionally, we will be helping our state celebrate its bicentennial. There will soon be downloadable PDF arrangements of our state song on the AMEA website which I hope you will program on your various concerts and events. We will also continue with our performances in the State Capitol Rotunda during the spring legislative session. And finally, we will be a very vital component of the celebration and parade on December 14th, 2019.

Thanks and Moving Forward
Please join me in thanking Susan Smith for her leadership as President of the AMEA over the past two years. Susan is a tireless advocate for our profession and our students. Thank you so much Susan for your dedicated service to our organization. As we move forward into the 2018-19 school year, let’s all commit to finding that first year teacher, that new person to our state, and our fellow music educators not currently involved in AMEA and invite them to participate. My sincere wish is that you all have a great school year. Now let’s get busy educating our young people throughout our beloved State.

Have a Great Year!

Gregory L. Gumina, President

“Everybody can be great… because anybody can serve” Martin Luther King Jr.

As I write my final article as President of the Alabama Music Educators, I am struck buy how quickly the time has raced by and how many things have changed in our profession and daily life in the last 2 years. It has been a true honor to serve the music educators of our state and I appreciate the opportunity given by the membership. My journey of teaching and leadership has been molded by teachers, colleagues, mentors and family who have often said just the small things to keep me centered.  An encouraging word or a moment of interest and support might be just thing we each need. What we do as music teachers is valid and important – I have never been more convinced of this. I have been guided by a few phrases that I hope will be helpful or interesting to you as you step into the classroom each day.

Keep moving forward– Some days this is all we need to get us through.

Get 1- 3 things done a day– We all get overwhelmed by having so much on our plate. If we can focus on completing just a few things, we will feel confident and successful. I love to check something off a list!

Teach for the long haul – My mom was a music teacher her entire life and this was a big piece of her teaching philosophy.  We sometimes make decisions or react in ways that might seem the easiest or most efficient route in the moment. However, in the long run, this might not be wisest course of action.  Be careful to not allow short term outcomes override long term goals.

Don’t always apologize– As teachers and servant leaders we sometimes take the blame for things that aren’t our fault or we apologize just to make someone else feel better. This is something I have learned through the strength and guidance of my daughters.

Celebrate successes but never be satisfied– Music teachers must be our own marketing team and tell all about the successes of our students and programs.  We are our own best advocates and should tell those in our communities.  As well,  standards of success should be something that changes and continues to move forward. Don’t ever be satisfied!

You deserve to be appreciated– Sometimes it is easy to be caught in the mindset that music is a service only to a community and not an academic venture with standards and rigor. We can feel under-appreciated as teachers and administrators.  Support other teachers and this will come back many times over.

Don’t burn bridges– We are faced daily with outside negativity or challenging circumstances as teachers. It is tempting to say or email something we might regret as reaction. Try to count to 10 or run it by someone you trust before hitting send!

Model who you want those around you to be – I see so many wonderful educators in all fields I want to emulate. Our students look up to us. If we don’t like their behavior or reactions, we should take a moment to evaluate our own.

Find a hobby – Our jobs can be so all encompassing that we forget to care for ourselves. One of my mentors, Linda Gammon, taught me that having a hobby or interest outside of music was important to keep a fresh outlook as a teacher.

Every child deserves a champion – You might be the only person who sees value in a child.  Take that responsibility seriously. When they try your patience, wipe the slate clean and start over tomorrow.  My husband Robert often says  “Be on the lookout for Mozart.” We might have a Mozart in our class and we need to nature and foster that talent.

As teachers, we choose a career of servant leadership by the nature of the job.  We try to leave things better than we found it. Along the way we make a lasting impact on our students, communities and  families. It isn’t always easy and sometimes it doesn’t seem worth it. However, all it takes is that one lightbulb or “thank you” to make it all worthwhile.  AMEA is a strong organization because of the leadership of those who have come before and will continue to thrive if YOU become involved and help guide the future path.  I hear people say “I don’t know how to get involved” or “there is no place for me.” Here are some ways to get started making a connection to the state music organization:

Attend an AMEA Professional Development Conference– While we always have good attendance at conference, we want a larger percentage of the music teachers in the state to benefit from the information and performances shared. Encourage a colleague in your area or a younger teacher to attend as well.

Apply to present at conference– Our application process is live and available on the www.myamea.orgwebsite.  We are accepting applications for educational sessions and ensemble performances until June 1.  We will also be gathering applications through October 1st for our Lightning Round session which includes 6-10 minute sessions. We are also accepting applications for small ensemble chamber performances. If you have a great idea to share, this is the place!

Start a Tri-M Music Honor Society Chapter – This is great way to grow support for your music program at your school and to encourage collaboration within the arts programs. It can also bring recognition for your students at the level of the other academic honor societies in your school.  High School and Junior High School chapters alike can bring schools together with very little effort and highlight what you are doing in your music program.

Support a collegiate CNAFME chapter – If you have a college CNAFME chapter near you, invite them into your classroom for hands-on experience.

You might also offer to speak to the group about what you do in the classroom each day.

Division clinics  and service– Each of our AMEA Divisions offer multiple sessions and clinics throughout the year.  From the Elementary Orff and Kodaly workshops to the All State Choir or Orchestra Festivals and Summer ABA Conference, there are many chances to make connections and get involved. We are always looking for those to serve as district officers and state officers and that level of service usually starts with moving a riser or music stand and pitching in at any event.

Congratulations to our new President Elect, David Raney and Recording Secretary, Carla Gallahan.  Your willingness to serve is much appreciated. Special thank you to the most recent Past Presidents, Dr. Carl Hancock and Dr. Sara Womack for their guidance and patience.  Thank you to Greg Gumina for your help and support and your never-ending optimism. The calming daily leadership of Garry Taylor has guided each president during his tenure and the strength of the organization is a direct result of his steadfast commitment to the betterment of music education in Alabama.

Finally, thank you to my family for your support and ability to focus my daily walk.  I appreciate the time you have given up in the interest of AMEA and for your constant love and encouragement.

Remember to get involved and teach for the long haul!

Susan

“Some people give time, some money, some their skills and connections, some literally give their life’s blood. But everyone has something to give.”  Barbra Bush

“Any great art work … revives and readapts time and space, and the measure of its success is the extent to which it makes you an inhabitant of that world – the extent to which it invites you in and lets you breathe its strange, special air.”

― Leonard Bernstein

 There are times in life that the stars seem to align, and we experience music making at a level that affects us. As educators, we are trained to spend much of our days looking for mistakes to correct… making it difficult to enjoy music. But sometimes we experience musical performances that allow us to transcend that role of mistake fixers to actually enjoy listening to music. We had several moments like that at the 2018 AMEA Professional Development Conference.

 AMEA 2018

When reaching out to artists for the 2018 conference I had a goal to highlight parts of our organization that might not always have the focused attention of our membership and be a draw for all to enjoy.  I believe we can all have an appreciation for our differences and will be better musicians and teachers if we are more empathetic to our colleagues as we all TEACH MUSIC!

The Alabama Symphony performance was fantastic and to experience a concert in their home hall was even more enjoyable.  The programming, facility and musicianship displayed were all excellent. The management team from the orchestra was very hands on and even had a booth in the exhibits.  They are dedicated to supporting music education in our state and have education concerts scheduled for rural and urban students who might not have the chance to hear a live orchestra.

When I made the connection with Voctave about performing at AMEA, I knew it would be a difficult sell for those who had not heard of them or experienced the original ensemble all of them have performed with – the Voices of Liberty at Epcot. As I sat in the concert with tears streaming down my face and the 3rd spontaneous standing ovation was happening, I knew that we had experienced something very special and had breathed rare air. Representatives from all divisions told me how much they enjoyed both concerts.  As President of AMEA it is not always clear the path to take – but I have never been more sure after these concerts and moments of cohesion between the divisions of AMEA. This coupled with the Peter Boonshaft Keynote and the Honor Choir and All State Jazz Band concerts, I was thrilled with what we were able to bring to the membership this year.

I was amazed at the resilience and fortitude of our organization, presenters and vendors in the wake of frigid temperatures and icy conditions.  As the AMEA board met via multiple conference calls before the conference to discuss how to handle the weather issues – our concern for members and students were always at the forefront of our minds.  If at all possible, we wanted the performing groups to be able to perform after all their preparations and for our membership to benefit from the clinicians and sessions offered. Though some members were not able to attend, the show did go on and with a few schedule modifications – all student groups were able to perform. It is my hope that every educator came away from the conference with a new idea or technique that will guide their teaching in the future or make them feel refreshed and rejuvenated for the second half of the year.

Thank you!

Before my time on the AMEA Board I had had no idea how integral each board member is to the conference.  Each division president is the point person for their portion of the conference and basically run a conference within a conference. I want to take a moment to thank them and highlight the portions of the conference they oversee.

Garry Taylor and Rusty Logan are our Executive Director and Assistant Director.  They oversaw communication with each ensemble, clinician, vendor and the venue. From awards given to the food at luncheons to the projectors in each presentation room – they are working to make the conference happen for the entire previous year.

Carl Hancock, our Immediate Past President, oversaw the FAME program and the Past Presidents luncheon.

Greg Gumina, our President-elect, helped facilitate registration and assisted with the conference as needed

Pat Stegall, our Registrar and Treasurer, worked with NAFME to move our registration process forward.

Doug Farris, ABA President, facilitated the division meetings and sessions.

Kim Bain, Jazz Chair, facilitated the four All-State Jazz Bands rehearsals and performances.

Sam Norlund, AOA President, facilitated the division meetings and sessions.

Ginny Coleman , AVA President, facilitated the division meetings and sessions, the Honor Choir, and the moving of risers.

Phil Wilson, Elem/General President, facilitated the division meetings and sessions, and the moving of many classroom instruments.

Ted Hoffman, Collegiate Advisor, facilitated all collegiate sessions and the collegiate luncheon and reception.

Madison Baldwin, Collegiate President, facilitated the division meeting and the collegiate luncheon and reception.

Becky Halliday, Higher Education President, facilitated the division meeting, sessions, reception and HED recital.

Carla Gallahan, Recording Secretary, recorded all meeting minutes and reported to the membership.

Becky Lightfoot, Industry Representative, made many suggestions that are current policy and continues to guide our path

The AMEA Board knew moving to a new venue would have some challenges and opportunities. The BJCC and the Sheraton complex offer the AMEA Professional Development Conference more space and room to grow.  Many of you have made suggestions and these were discussed at our post conference meeting. While there were some rough edges we encountered, we have already started adjusting the schedule, flow and placements of portions of the conference for next year.

AMEA is only as strong as its members and leadership and your experience with the organization is what you make of it.  I encourage each of you to get involved in your divisions and volunteer to help with the AMEA as you can. It is certainly fulfilling to be an advocate for music education in Alabama and the conference is the embodiment of the organization’s impact on the arts.

Thank you again for all you do each day in the classroom. Music is our subject, but teaching is our passion and calling. Don’t let the ups and down of the school day rob you of remembering that YOU make an impact on the future of children and while they might not remember every detail taught – they will remember how they felt about music in your class.

Susan

I hope this note finds you all adjusting to your teaching schedule routine and enjoying brightening the lives of all you teach. My letter this month comes as an update on what has been happening since the last issue and all that we can expect for the coming months for AMEA. By now, I hope you have all seen our wonderful newly updated website. Past President Carl Hancock has done a masterful job of designing, consolidating and updating our AMEA website. We want this to be a source of current information and research for all members. You can reach any of the executive board through the site if you have questions or concerns.

It has been inspiring to watch the work and dedication of your AMEA Executive Board in the last 2 months. When the schedule came out for a round of meetings across the state for the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Community Engagement Tour highlighting the benefits to Alabama public school students and professionals as well as detail how ESSA will complement Alabama’s Plan 2020, your division Presidents, Vice Presidents and other leadership jumped in to represent you at each of the meetings. Their attendance and the questions they asked have moved the committee to action regarding music and the arts having a place at the table in the discussion on the structure of how to incorporate the support of the arts in our state. I appreciate their commitment to AMEA and the cause for music education.

Meetings and attendees:
August 9 Montgomery Meeting – Susan Smith and Andy Meadows
August 16 Auburn Meeting – Carla Gallahan and Phil Wilson
August 18 Shelby County Schools – Becky Halliday, Ted Hoffman
August 23 Birmingham City Schools – Greg Gumina, Sam Nordlund
August 25 Mobile County Schools – Linda Byrd
September 6 Huntsville City Schools – Pat Stegall
September 13, Tuscaloosa – Carl Hancock, Josh Mayer, Ginny Coleman

I encourage every AMEA member to start a conversation with your principals and school board members about ESSA and what it means at the local level. Resources are available at Governor Bentleys website (http://governor.alabama.gov/essa/ )and also the NAFME website (http://www.nafme.org/take-action/elementary-and-secondary-education-act-esea- updates/)

From the Southern Division

– President Elect Greg Gumina, Executive Director Garry Taylor and I attended the Southern Division meeting in Atlanta and heard from each state on the activities of their MEAs. As well, we had training on the implementation of the new National Standards and the efforts of NAFME to encourage diversity in leadership and serving the needs of the membership. I have asked each division to encourage all members to become involved in our organizations to better reflect the makeup of our organization and students we serve.

Conference Update
The AMEA Professional Development Conference is an event we all look forward to as a time to reconnect with colleagues and to hear wonderful clinics and concerts. We are excited about our Keynote speaker Scott Lang who is not only a motivational speaker, but is the force behind the Be Part of the Music movement. Lynn Tuttle will join us as well for our Leadership Breakfast and FAME sessions. Lynn is the Senior Regulatory Policy Advisor for the National Association for Music Education and will give us all insight into the progress of ESSA and how we can make an impact at the local level.

Our Intercollegiate Band will be conducted by Dr. John Locke, conductor of the University of North Carolina Greensboro Wind Ensemble. Working to support and strengthen our ties to the music industry community, AMEA has scheduled a reception on Thursday evening in the Exhibits from 9-10:30 with entertainment from 151st National Guard Jazz Combo. We hope this will give our members and vendors additional time to visit and make connections. Remember to register early and reach out to other members to do the same.
Due to responsibilities associated with running for local office, our newly appointed Assistant Executive Director, Mildred Lanier has had to step down. The AMEA board approved her replacement, Dr. Rusty Logan. We look forward to working with Dr. Logan in this role and know he will hit the ground running in supporting our Executive Director Garry Taylor and our Professional Development Conference!

Remember over the next few weeks to be a little selfish as teachers tend to think of everyone around them and not take care of themselves. We exist as an organization to encourage educators, so please let us know what we can do to support you in your mission to enrich the lives of your students each day.

I am honored to write my first article for the Ala Breve as the President of AMEA. It is an honor and privilege to serve and support those who have chosen teaching music as their life’s work. I would like to share some of the goals for the next two years of our organization and hope you will join me in our forward movement while embracing our history and traditions.

1. Build Bridges
As music teachers we are often the only arts teacher in our building or department, so it is vital to the longevity of our careers and discipline that we reach to other divisions for additional support and shared resources. While President, I hope to reinforce these connections between divisions and teachers as well as our community at large. Our discipline is supported by music vendors for the resources we need to teach students in our classrooms. We rely on our music industry colleagues to make our conferences and student events possible. Our relationships with those partners is very important to the success AMEA. We will look to embrace, expand and reinforce those partnerships over the coming years.

2. Encourage and Support Teachers
In a world where arts educators and teachers in general seem to be lacking support and resources for continuing development, it is my hope we will work to encourage and support new and veteran teachers. I will work to reach and serve the under- represented populations of AMEA and support the involvement of all. Leadership potential identification and mentoring are an important part of what our organization can bring to our community at large. We all want AMEA to be vital and robust in its mission. I believe we will succeed with involvement from a variety of people from every size and type of school.

3. Plan for the Future
We will continue to review and revise our documents, bylaws, and procedures for maximum efficiency and transparency as we build upon the strong foundation of our organization. We will update our strategic plan every two years revisiting our path as an organization. We have moved forward with the plans to hire an Assistant Executive Director. We welcome Mildred Lanier in this position after an exhaustive search and know she will bring much to the organization. I really don’t think any of us can fully appreciate what Garry Taylor does for AMEA and I am pleased we will be able to give him the support needed to make the conference run smoothly. I have also called on each division to continue to look past “what we have always done” to “what we would like our organizations to look like and be able to do?”

4. Recognize and Encourage Success
Our state has wonderful music teachers who make an impact on our communities, schools, and students. I believe it is the responsibility of AMEA to promote and recognize those in our organization for their longevity and those who are making an impact on our discipline on a regional and national level. We will refine our awards for membership to better highlight those who have served as well as add awards for programs and teachers who strive to the highest levels of performance and education.

In June, the AMEA leadership team traveled to Washington DC for the NAfME Hill Day and National Assembly June 22 – 25, 2016. Greg Gumina, Sara Womack, Savannah Smith, Latrice Green, and I met with representatives from Senator Shelby’s and Senator Sessions’ offices as well as those from Congresswoman Roby, Congresswoman Sewell and Congressman Gary Powell. It is very moving to have the chance to come together with other state MEA organizations to meet with our elected officials and tell them about the great things music teachers do for the students of Alabama.

One of the main items discussed with the legislators was the funding of the Every Child Succeeds Act and how important it was for all students in our state. For the first time, funds will be available through your localities for music education as a part of a well- rounded education. It is very important that each of us gets involved with the decisions on funding at the local school board level.

In summary, one of the wonderful parts of beginning a new school year is the clean slate we start with literally and figuratively. We can change the things we thought ineffective from the previous year and we can highlight what we have found to be successful teaching tools. I hope you will try to find a mentor teacher to help if you are new to the profession. If you are experienced, I hope you will take the time to help a younger teacher. We have the best jobs in the best country in the world. Take time to make a positive impact on other teachers as well as your students. Any and all suggestions for AMEA are appreciated and encouraged. Please feel free to email any of the board if we can help you in any way.

Have a great year!

Susan