From the President... Steve McLendon, AMEA President


...we are morally obligated to provide our children with a


large variety of musical opportunities. Music educators with eclectic skills are the future of music education.


“A place for everything and everything in its place,” was one of my mom’s favorite platitudes. As cliché as that phrase is, the fact remains that we like to label things and put them in a specific category. As a matter of fact, we prefer it that way. We’ve become a nation that specializes in specialties. If you’re a doctor, you choose from over fifty specialties of medicine. If you’re an attorney, you don’t just practice law. You must choose what kind of law you’ll practice. If you’re a music educator, you choose what kind of music you’ll teach. After all, we don’t ever want to be mistaken for that “other kind” of music teacher.


When asked about our


higher education, we rarely leave it at “music education.” Instead, we quickly follow up with, “I’m a band director,” or “I’m an orchestra director,” or whatever the case may be. Some state education departments endorse this narrow approach by certifying teachers on specific tracks like, instrumental, choral, or general music. I’m afraid our profession has unwittingly narrowed music education through their focus on contests and performance festivals. The fact is, however, this narrow outlook is contrary to the best interests of music educators and students.


I’ve come to realize that, after thirty years of being a band director, I’ve got to expand my professional skills and take a more eclectic approach to music education. Our schools are changing and what worked twenty years ago does not


necessarily work today. The hallways and classrooms are full of students from a variety of socio-economic, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. If some students earnestly want to learn how to play steel- drums, then it’s my job to provide them with an opportunity. Mariachi, African Drum, Gamelan, Recorder, and Salsa are just a few of the non-traditional ensembles that are successful elective courses in schools across the country. We, as music educators, have taken a sacred oath to pass on the gift of music. The fact that this art takes on many forms does not give us an excuse to ignore students who are willing to learn.


Expanding our approach to music education is not easy. We are most comfortable with what we know best. However, I submit to you that we are morally obligated to provide our children with a large variety of musical opportunities. Music educators with eclectic skills are the future of music education. These skills increase job opportunities and reduce burnout. There is a growing trend in middle schools and some high schools for band, orchestra, and/or choir teachers to teach at least one section of general music or music appreciation. Also, students benefit from educators with a broad range of skills and attitudes.


Your first opportunity to expand your approach will be at our conference in January.


I encourage you to take in a


clinic that you may not have considered before. If you really want to do something daring, go to a clinic sponsored by another division!


You might be inspired to


incorporate some of the clinician’s techniques. At the very least, you’ll meet someone new.


We are fortunate to have at our disposal the incredible conference facilities of the Renaissance Hotel in Montgomery. This will be a new beginning for our conference and I encourage you to take full advantage. Dr. Scott Shuler is our keynote speaker.


MENC, Dr. Shuler is an engaging and entertaining guest speaker.


As the president of He has a


unique outlook for the future of music education. I can assure you that you will not want to miss what he has to say. Also, Dr. David Bronner with the Retirement Systems of Alabama will be speaking. Dr. Bronner is the financial genius behind the successful investment programs of the RSA. He is also a dynamic presenter.


AMEA is your professional conference. If you’ve ever complained that no one understands what you go through each day, you need to attend! The In-Service Conference is packed with people who have been there or are there now and understand. I promise you can learn how to perform your job more effectively and with less stress! January is the perfect time to sharpen your skills and renew your teaching spirit. I look forward to seeing you there!


Pre-register now for the 2011 AMEA In-Service Conference! January 20 - 22, 2011


Renaissance Montgomery Hotel at the Convention Center Use the pre-registration form in this issue or register on-line at www.alabamamea.org


Call the hotel and ask for the AMEA conference rate - 1-334-481-5000 6 October 2010


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