In the final act of the Broadway musical hit Wicked, Elphaba and Glinda bid farewell to each other by singing the song “For Good”. One phrase expresses my feelings for this moment.
I’ve heard it said…That people come into our lives for a reason…Bringing something we must learn…And we are led…To those who help us most to grow…If we let them…And we help them in return…Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true…But I know I’m who I am today…Because I knew you. –Glinda
Over the past two years, you trusted me to lead the Elementary Division and while I hope I earned and sustained your trust, something unique happened: YOU changed me. Whether through our talks, our countless hours of singing and dancing alongside each other, or our sharing of great ideas, I believe we became better together. My personal growth is more apparent in how I teach my classes, seek out meaningful professional development and even how I interact with my colleagues and it’s all because of you. Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to learn and grow with you. I truly have been changed For Good!
As the school year draws to a close, know that what you have done for your students, school and community has not gone unnoticed. Your dedication to the music discipline is apparent in everything you do, and you are thought of highly for it. How many times this year have you received emails from parents thanking you for what you do? How many kid notes and drawings have you found hidden in the strangest places in your room after a long and hard day? How many former students still run to hug you in public or send you social media messages of thanks? I’m sure these instances are innumerable, all because you came in to lives and changed them. How many students can you say changed you? Over the summer as you recharge your batteries, ponder these questions, remember these students, cherish each moment and prepare for the next school year as a new group of students will come into your life and change you For Good.
Speaking of For Good, I hope that you will continue your support of the 2019-2021 Elementary Board of Directors.
- President: Betty Wilson
- President-Elect: Sarah McLendon
- Treasurer: Lori Zachary
- Secretary: Rob Lyda
- Hospitality: Kristi Howze
- Past-President: Phil Wilson
- Festival Director: Melissa McIntyre
Please continue support our Elementary Music Festival on Friday, October 18, 2019 at the Eastmont Baptist Church in Montgomery. Melissa McIntyre, our new festival director, has already been hard at work securing clinicians, preregistering schools and a host of other things. We are very fortunate to have as clinicians Dr. Madeline Bridges from Belmount University, and our own Dr. Becky Halliday from the University of Montevallo. Please see our Facebook page for the clinician’s biographies and to sign-up. For more information, contact Melissa McIntyre Ameafestival@gmail.com. Also, please make plans to attend our joint workshop on Saturday, October 19, 2019 where Dr. Bridges and Dr. Halliday will continue to instruct us.
Remember that our 2020 AMEA Professional Development Conference is moving to back to Montgomery and will occur on January 16-18, 2020. Please consider applying for your choral group to perform at the 2020 conference. The deadline is June 1st. Also, we want to know about the great things you are doing in your classroom. Consider applying to present a session. Click here for both applications https://www.myamea.org/2020-amea-professional-development-conference/.
Thank you for all you do to make sure the students in Alabama are receiving the best music education possible. For questions or updates, please contact us at elementaryamea@gmail.com.
See you in October,
Phil R. Wilson, President
Elementary/General Division Elementary Calendar of Events
2019 Young Voices Festival
April 26-27, 2019
University of Alabama
Contact: meredithcdevore@gmail.com
World Music Drumming Level I
Crestline Elementary, Hartselle
June 3-7, 2019
Contact: gregory.pearcy@hartselletigers.org
Orff Level II and III
Samford University
June 17-28, 2019
Contact: lhardin@samford.edu
Kodály Levels I, II & III
University of Montevallo
July 8-19, 2019
Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church in Mountain Brook Contact: ahalliday@montevallo.edu
East Alabama Music Workshop
Grace United Methodist Church, Auburn August 24, 2019
Contact: lydarob@me.com
