In the last issue, I quoted
Sara Womack, AMEA President Oprah
Winfrey as saying, “Nothing happens until you decide. Make a decision and watch your life
move forward.” Almost 800 people made a decision to participate in this year’s conference to move their life forward and refocus their teaching with innovative, engaging, and relevant strategies to impact student learning. I appreciate everyone who attended and made the event possible. Executive Director Garry Taylor worked tirelessly to ensure the conference’s success. In addition, each Division President developed an amazing slate of clinicians and performing ensembles that offered refreshing and rejuvenating professional development. Visit page 42 for a detailed overview of conference feedback from President- Elect Dr. Carl Hancock.
Regrettably, the Governing Board, along with the majority of the AMEA membership, was disappointed with the performance of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra (ASO). We felt insulted and disheartened with the lack of enthusiasm displayed by the musicians and the apparent disconnect between Gabriel Kahane and our interests. It seemed that
the ASO was not concerned with our mission or purpose as music educators of Alabama.
The AMEA leadership expressed our displeasure with the performance to the ASO administrators, who have written a letter of apology to our members (see page 9). They have assured us that the ASO shares our passion for music education and appreciates our impact on the students of Alabama. Therefore, they have offered to return to our conference next year at no cost to perform a more traditional program in collaboration with the members of AMEA. The conference schedule has been tweaked, so that the ASO performance will not decrease the number of school performances. The Governing Board is hopeful that this experience will build a stronger relationship with the professional musicians in the state and offer professional development and inspiration to Alabama’s music educators.
Goalposts Update Previously, I outlined goalposts that would guide our organization over the course of my term and into the future. The AMEA Governing Board has made great progress towards the goalposts of increasing
membership
Whether you sing in the choir, dance in a musical theater production, play an instrument in a band, have a passion for opera, or lead worship for your church, the University of Mobile Center for Performing Arts has the program for you!
of underrepresentedpopulations, strengthening
relationships with current members, and intensifying advocacy efforts with a strategic design.
First, connections to younger members have been established through a new award for music educators that are just beginning their careers. The Outstanding Young Music Educator Award, which will be presented for the first time in January 2014, honors members that have shown a special dedication to and enthusiasm for music education in their third to fifth year of teaching. Download a form from our website to nominate an exceptional young music educator that has made an impact on music education in Alabama.
Another goalpost is building relationships with the music industry in Alabama through membership opportunities. A change in our bylaws, which was approved at the recent business meeting, created an industry membership category. This benefits AMEA by increasing our membership base and gaining more insight into how the music industry can assist our programs. Benefits to the industry members include a discount on advertising and exhibit prices, a representative on the Governing Board in an ex-officio capacity, as appointed by the President, an industry column in the Ala Breve, and a link to the industry members on the AMEA website. If you would like to nominate a member of the music industry to serve on the Governing Board, please send an email to
sara@music.org.
Next, we are making connections to our more
experienced and retired
If you desire a university that prepares you to make a difference in today’s culture, UMobile is for you!
center for performing arts The course of study is music - the four-year journey is the real education!
To schedule an appointment to audition:
cpaauditions@umobile.edu or call
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members by honoring our history. Dr. Frank Buck, who has been appointed as AMEA Historian, is working on a listing of previous winners of the Outstanding Music Educator Award, Outstanding Administrator Award, and the Barbara Odom Service Award. He is also compiling biographical sketches of AMEA Past Presidents for publication in our magazine and on our website. Dr. Buck’s work, found on page 39, is reflective and motivating!
con’t on page 9 February/March 2013
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