ARIZONA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION
FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER
CONFERENCE REFLECTION FROM THE PRESIDENTS
AMEA PRESIDENT JENNIFER HAMILTON:
Thank you for a successful 2016 AMEA conference! With its positive and welcoming atmosphere and first-rate clinics and performances, I was inspired to see AMEA's collective vision in action. Here are a few impressions gathered from conference attendees:
- Mark Lyons described an “atmosphere of excellence” surrounding the conference
- From NAfME President Glenn Nierman “The teachers were warm and welcoming. I had some excellent dialogue in my sessions and in the halls following the sessions”
- “I brought a new teacher with me and it was so rewarding to me to see her enjoyment of the conference.”
- From an upcoming teacher: “I woke up less naive today then I was Friday morning! I woke up feeling better prepared to navigate the teaching moments that I now know that I don't know. I woke up with new colleagues and friends.”
- From Arts Education Specialist for the Arizona Department of Education Robert Waller: “What an amazing group of talented, dedicated, and passionate educators, teaching artists, and Arts Education advocates. I was deeply moved by the Hall of Fame awards luncheon – from the absolutely delightful performance of the Brisas Mallet Masters to the heartwarming and inspirational awards presentations and acceptance speeches. And I will never forget the palpable wash of heavenly voices sweeping over me during the choral performance of The Star Spangled Banner. I still get goosebumps just thinking about it"
How to implement new ideas from conference in your teaching?
· Gradually introduce one idea at a time. Many times I have implemented new ideas with outstanding success. There have also been times when I have been less successful, either because I did not have a firm grasp on the material or because my students did not have the necessary background knowledge. Approach these moments as an opportunity to reteach the concept, fill in learning gaps with your students, or invent a different way to teach a concept. These processes are valuable within themselves!
· I have never attended a conference or clinic that has changed my life or completely overhauled my pedagogy; however, I have acquired ideas, strategies or inspirations that stand the test of time and become a part of my teaching “toolbox”. The best ideas remain in my repertoire permanently and are passed on to my students and colleagues.
· Good luck implementing new ideas and strategies!
ACE PRESIDENT DARIN SHRYOCK:
Thank you all for a wonderful conference. As always, the reading sessions were very popular. From one of our constituents, "Well done!!! Dr. Grasas & Dr. Ames have been AMAZING!!!" There were many positive comments on the variety of sessions. Greg Hebert and GayLin Tutnik provided some interesting ideas during their session. Some great discussion occurred regarding the Regional and All-State Audition process in the ACE meeting. We will continue to evaluate the process and seek input from Arizona Choir Educators.
AZSGM PRESIDENT ANNEKA BERGSTRAND:
What a wonderful AMEA conference! I hope many general music teachers were able to attend this year; we sure had a wonderful variety of sessions. Curriculum design and implementation, assessments, classroom management, songs, dance, movement, and games were among some of the sessions offered this year. NAfME President Glenn E. Nierman gave a motivating keynote speech, and was present throughout the conference. How great to have national music education representation! Other conference highlights include the University Concert on Friday evening, Hall of Fame luncheon (congrats George Hattendorf, music educator of the year!), various ABODA and ACE performances, and many more! The Arizona Music Educators Association certainly doesn't disappoint when it comes to the annual conference! Also, please look for information about our upcoming make and take workshop. Contact AzSGM President, Anneka Bergstrand, with more information at annekabergstrand@gmail.com.
ABODA PRESIDENT BILL HUMBERT:
Wow! I just attended my 25th AMEA In Service Conference and this morning dumped all the books, brochures, and business cards onto the kitchen island so as to make sense of it all. So many learning opportunities were made available from both in state and out of state clinicians. And the concerts…WOW!!! So many fine ensembles performing in one place from middle schools, high schools, and the university level. There is some amazing teaching going on in our state. The conference was truly a great event! In a way, I’m still basking in the after glow, the great sessions, and the colleagues I was able to hang out with. And, on the other hand, I feel a little overwhelmed from all of the information received.
Now what?
The conference organizers have e-mailed to me an invitation to complete a post-conference survey. I’ll complete that ASAP and before my memory fades. I’ve got a stack of new books and handouts to read that will keep me busy for weeks. I’m looking forward to using some of the new teaching ideas I received at my next rehearsal.
Now, I wonder what else I should add to my TO DO list to best leverage all that I learned at the conference.
Notes to Self…
Friendly follow-ups need to be timely. At the conference, we all collected business cards, brochures, and perhaps made a new Facebook friend or two. Now it is time to make that follow-up phone call or send out that email…stay connected. Maybe even find time to have a cup of coffee with someone or share a slice of pie at a local eating establishment…spend time together and keep sharing ideas…you know, collaborate.
Pay it forward. You gained new insight, learned a few new techniques, been inspired, and made new contacts. It’s time to share with your fellow music educators, colleagues, and friends. What else can I do? Of course! Let’s ask anyone who might read this article for suggestions, tips, and ideas. So if you’ve read this article this far, that’s your cue.
- What do you do after attending a conference?
- What follow up actions have worked well?
… And, when should we get together for that cup of coffee? Don't hesitate...give me a call. Enjoy the ride.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2016 HALL OF FAME AWARD RECIPIENTS
2016 MUSIC EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR GEORGE HATTENDORF
PRESENTED BY ROB NICHOLS, 2015 MUSIC EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
O.M. Hartsell Excellence in Teaching Music Award Recipient Debbie Hutson
O.M. Hartsell Excellence in Teaching Music Award Recipient Jenny Nichols
O.M. Hartsell Excellence in Teaching Music Award Recipient Danny Schmidt
O.M. Hartsell Excellence in Teaching Music Award Recipient Diana West-Acuna
Career in Teaching Music Award Recipient Bill Humbert
Ardrey Commemorative Presidential Award Recipient Renee Shane-Boyd
George C. Wilson Leadership / Service Award Recipient Dennis Smith
Raymond G. Van Diest Arts Advocacy Award Recipient Brenda Mayberry
Raymond G. Van Diest Arts Advocacy Award Recipient Chris Gilmore
Raymond G. Van Diest Arts Advocacy Award Recipient Paul Bower
Excellence in Music Administration Award Recipient Earl Armstrong
John C. Faris Honored Music Educator Legacy Award (Kirsten Marusich on behalf of Mark Marusich)
William E. Richardson Retired Music Educator Service Award Recipient Joyce Bertilson
ESSA: LEARN WHAT THE NEW FEDERAL EDUCATION BILL MEANS FOR MUSIC TEACHERS AND STUDENTS
By now, we are aware of the wonderful news about the passage of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and how music is now being listed as a stand-alone subject. NAfME is offering a FREE WEBINAR providing insight into ESSA while also highlighting advocacy resources provided to you as you prepare for state and school district implementation.
March 1, 2016 at 2:00pm (4pm Eastern time)
To Register, click HERE:
Presenters:
Chris Woodside, Assistant Executive Director, Center for Advocacy and Constituency Engagement
Lynn Tuttle, Senior Regulatory Policy Advisor
Shannon Kelly, Director, Advocacy
Thomas Stefaniak, Director, Constituency Engagement and Organizational Development
Participants will:
*Learn "what is ESSA?"
*Learn about NAfME's advocacy activities related to ESSA over the past several years.
*Understand how music education is addressed in ESSA and what specific funding streams are available.
*Find out how to spread the word and effectively advocate for enhanced music education funding in your state or school district through ESSA.
*Access NAfME's ESSA resources and learn how to get involved in our annual Collegiate Advocacy Summit.
CAN'T ATTEND THE WEBINAR?
CLICK HERE FOR EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ESSA, PROVIDED BY NAfME
AMEA UPCOMING DEADLINES
ABODA Deadlines
- All-State Audition Registration 2/26
- ABODA State Concert Festival Registration 3/18
- ABODA State Jazz Festival Registration 3/18
- All-State Participation Registration 3/25
ACE Deadlines
- Elem School / Junior High Spring Choral Festival Registration 3/4
- All-State Participation Registration 3/25
AMEA ELEM / JUNIOR HIGH Deadlines
- Northern AZ MS Band / Choir / Orch Festival Participation 3/11
- ABODA Elem School / Middle School State Band Festival Registration 4/8