PRESIDENT ELECT’S MESSAGE Deb Shofner, Kimball Middle School
Conference, Internet, Networking: Opportunities to Nourish Your Creative Mind
Te 2012 Illinois Music Education Conference is just around the corner. As stated in the IMEA Mission Statement, “We are dedicated to the advancement of your profession . . . and to you as an individual music educator.” You may be ready for some inspiration, some new ideas, and some old ideas with a new twist, or the opportunity to renew old friendships.
“Te Creative Mind” is the theme for the 2012 Convention. Te state music convention is another avenue for you to find new ways to become more creative in your teaching. Te ideas may come from attending many of the various clinics and/or performances that are offered, or, from the time spent discussing various teaching strategies with your colleagues. In my 30+ years of attending the state music convention, I have always come away with at least one new idea. During my years at the Honors Band Chairperson I would have people ask me, “how can you enjoy the convention when you stay in this room for 2 days?” I may not have had the chance to visit the various sessions that were being offered, but I was watching and learning from some of the best conduc- tors/musicians/composers from across this nation. Also, it was such a “rush” to work with and watch 15 years worth of outstanding student musicians from across our state. I strongly encourage you to spend time in one of the All-State or Honors rehearsals there is much to be learned by watch- ing these outstanding conductors and students!
Some of you reading this article will not have the opportunity to attend the state music convention for various reasons. I have found some additional opportunities to discover new and creative ideas that can be used in my teaching. Te internet
has become a useful tool to many of us! Tere are many useful tips on a new site via Facebook–Band Directors Group. Tere are over 7,000 directors in this group so you can imagine all of the sharing that happens here! It is absolutely amazing. It was the “brain-child” of one of our Illinois directors, Mr. Brian Wis, and has blossomed into a very useful resource.
I have always found “networking” to be another useful tool for new and creative ideas. I have played in the IVCC Wind Ensemble for approximately 20 years. Tis group is comprised of IVCC students, community members, and music educators. Following our weekly rehearsals, many of the music educators will go out for a late dinner and spend time discussing issues in music education–local and global. We also share teaching strategies, how to handle classroom management, etc. Tis once a week networking over the years has been a valuable part of my life as a music educator.
During November I hope I have the chance to network with many of you! I will be visiting IMEA District Festivals on November 12th and 19th. If you see me at the Illinois Music Education Conference in January, please say “HI”! I look forward to seeing many of you throughout this school year!
Deborah Shofner Kimball Middle School 451 N. McLean Blvd. Elgin, IL 60123 P: 847.888.5290 F: 847.608.2749 E:
dashof92@gmail.com
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Illinois Music Educator | Volume 72 Number 1
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