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Elementary/General Division


Pass on the Passion! Sara Womack, President, Elementary/General


As many of you know, my grandfather recent-


ly passed away after a long and happy life. As a result, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about the legacy he left behind. Gramps was a thoughtful and caring person, who was always ready with a smile, kind words, and a hug. He served in the Army Air Corp during World War II and his career was spent with U.S. Steel, first in Birmingham and then in Pittsburgh, but his lifelong passion was music. He played a houseful of instruments, sang, and gave oth- ers the opportunity to experience his passion for music as a square dance caller. At home, Gran and Gramps gave in to Dad's every musical whim, from the accordion to the ukulele. The banjo is what stuck. Some of my favorite pictures from this time show Gramps and Dad sitting around the house playing banjo, guitar, and bass. When Dad began to take gui- tar lessons, he would run home to share whatever he had learned that day and they would play into the night. Gran and Gramps made music an essential part of family life.


Later in his life, as my brother and I were


growing up, Gramps would always attend our per- formances. Elementary school Christmas programs, middle school renditions of "When the Saints Go Marching In," halftime shows in the freezing cold, wind ensemble performances at spaghetti suppers, jazz band gigs at art shows, and percussion ensem- ble concerts in beautiful recital halls were some of the places Gramps frequented with video camera in hand. When he was no longer able to play music, Gramps still surrounded himself with musicians by lis- tening to and talking about music. Even in his death, his passion for music has comforted our souls. Interlaced in all the papers found regarding funeral arrangements were two newspaper clippings dis- cussing the honor of having Taps sounded at the funerals of veterans. Gramps received his final musi- cal whim when one of my father's longtime friends played Taps at his funeral.


I am very fortunate to have this musical lega-


cy in my family, but many of our students never expe- rience the same passion. Their families never sing silly songs or play on pots and pans. They don't sing hymns at church or talk about great musicians. It falls to us, as music teachers, to pass on this passion that we all possess. All of us have a Gramps, someone that has demonstrated their undying passion for music by sharing it with others. We can each be that person for our students. What are you doing to show your passion?


Announcements


The conference was a great success. For the first time, the Elementary/General Division sponsored multiple performing groups. Please think of applying as a performing group for next year. We would love to have another fantastic showing next year!


Look out for information regarding next year's Elementary Music Festival to be held in the fall. This year, the Festival included almost 200 fourth and fifth grade students from twenty schools performing qual- ity literature in great facilities under the leadership of an incredible clinician. This tradition will continue next year. Information will be sent in April.


The bylaws for the Elementary/General Division were recently revised. You can access the updated document on the AMEA website. New officers were elected at the recent business meeting. Sharon August, Liberty Park Elementary School in Vestavia Hills, will serve as President-Elect. While Beth Davis, Somerville Road Elementary School in Decatur, will serve as Treasurer and Karla Hodges, Clay Elementary School in Jefferson County, will serve as Secretary. I would like to thank Rhonda Tucker, Louisa Elmore, and Anne Bell-Alford for their out- standing leadership during their terms.


Please do not hesitate to e-mail me if you have any questions, comments, or concerns - sara@music.org. Thank you to everyone who stepped up during my absence at the AMEA In- Service!


Upcoming Elementary/General Events: Southern Division MENC Conference in Charleston, South Carolina - February 8-10


Alabama AOSA Spring Workshop with Marilyn Humphreys at Edgewood Elementary School - Saturday, February 24


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AMEA/AOSA Joint Workshop with Melissa Berke at Greystone Elementary School - Saturday, September 15 ala breve


February 2007


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