Greetings! I hope your semester has gotten off to a smooth start. January may seem far off, but be assured that the AMEA has been hard at work preparing an exciting professional development conference for its membership. The Higher Education Division looks forward to welcoming presenters from across the region who will be speaking on an eclectic mix of topics, including advocacy (Dr. Rob Lyda, Auburn), conducting practices (Dr. Blake Richardson, University of Alabama), copyright (Barry Morgan, Cobb County, GA), web content (Dr. Jane Keuhne, Auburn University), collaboration (Dr. Becky Halliday, University of Montevallo), EdTPA (Dr. Nancy Berry, Auburn University), and video game music (Dr. Mark Laughlin, Georgia Southwestern State University). Mildred Lanier (President-Elect), Katrina Phillips (Secretary-Treasurer), and I were fortunate to review the applicants for these sessions, and we feel that these presenters demonstrate a great deal of experience and expertise that will enlighten and engage our membership.
The HED luncheon will take place on Thursday. This is a good opportunity not only to address divisional business, but also for intercollegiate fellowship. If the need arises, I am happy to add items to our meeting agenda. That evening, the Collegiate Division will join us for a combined mixer, giving faculty and students a venue for conversation in a relaxed atmosphere.
In addition, the HED will host a panel discussion featuring studio teachers, students, and accompanists who will share the process of performance preparation. The session title is I’ll follow you: The role of the accompanist in collaborative playing, and it is scheduled for Thursday, January 19 at 2:15. This session will focus on the interaction between applied faculty, student, and accompanist in performance preparation. Topics may include selection of music, rehearsal techniques, communication, and other aspects of accompanying that may maximize successful performances. These panelists will then perform on the Higher Education Division Recital at 4:30 that afternoon.
As always, I look forward to the excitement and rejuvenation brought by the AMEA Professional Development Conference. Please don’t hesitate to contact me to reserve your spot at the luncheon, or if you have questions, comments, or suggestions: hed_president@myamea.org
