As we begin our fall semester, there are a few items to address in preparation for the 2018 conference in Birmingham.

The HED recital this year will feature student chamber ensembles (vocal or instrumental), so please let me know if you have a group that would like to perform. We would love to have a diverse program that represents institutions from across Alabama.

Each year, the AMEA Professional Development  Conference offers a poster session for students and faculty who are engaging in innovative and rigorous studies toward the advancement of music education locally, nationally, and globally. This session gives faculty members an opportunity to meet with colleagues from across the state that may have similar research interests. The deadline for submitting a poster is Monday, November 6, 2017 by 11:59 p.m. CST. More information can be found here: http://amea-research.org.

The 2017 revision to the Alabama Course of Studies for Arts Education is complete and will be highlighted this year at the conference. In lieu of a panel discussion, the HED will host a presentation about the conception, framework, and format of the new CoS. We will also feature sessions regarding EdTPA, choral leadership, Universal Design, mentoring, and international band music. A music teacher educator roundtable discussion will give HED members an opportunity to discuss issues pertaining to supporting pre-service music teachers.

I wish you much success as you return to your classrooms. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments (ahalliday@montevallo.edu). I look forward to seeing you in Birmingham!