assistance as we adjust to these curriculum revisions.
There is a continuing movement to place ever-growing emphasis on STEM subjects that will be an ongoing advocacy challenge for all of us. Missouri has a strong STEM coalition. We must advocate for a change from STEM to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math). As momentum grows to promote 21st century skills we must be ever-vigilant advocates for our students who deserve an education that includes music and the other arts; an education that promotes creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills. An education that includes music and the arts defines the 21st century skills that the business world is looking for.
The theme of this issue is Creativity. As we continue to look to the future it will be necessary for all of us to think creatively on many different fronts. Creative thinkers value ideas; their imagination is like a second skin. Creative thinkers explore options; options help us find the best answer. Creative thinkers celebrate the offbeat; by its very nature creativity goes against the grain. Creative thinkers connect the unconnected; there is great value in being able to connect one idea to another. Creative thinkers don’t fear failure; it means going out on a limb, knowing the limb sometimes breaks! (Maxwell, 2009)
Creativity is elusive. It is hard enough to describe, and difficult if not impossible to command. And yet when people tap into it, their thoughts can change our lives. Each one of us possesses creativity. Once we acknowledge its existence, it can reveal itself to us in the most wonderful ways. (Green, 2003)
SPRING 2014 |
www.mmea.net
In his classic poem “The Road Not Taken,” Robert Frost talks about two diverging roads he encountered in the woods. By taking the one less traveled, his life was changed. Frost’s point was that taking the same path as everyone else will only get you average or mediocre results. To think creatively and contribute something new we need to take a different course. Think in different ways.
We are often confused with what creative thinking is. It is not always original thinking but instead bringing together a great number of ideas that generate new thoughts. We all know from the study of great composers that they all modeled and learned from the masters that came before them. To think creatively is to dream. Dream big and work hard to think in unique ways to enrich the lives of our students with new and creative ideas about music education.
Libby Larson, a wonderfully expressive American composer, thinks of creativity as a living voice within us. She believes that this voice speaks to us all the time, but we have to make ourselves available to hear it: we always have to be in a state of readiness. (Green, 2003)
Please look for information in this issue about ideas for Music In Our School Month. MIOSM is an easy and very important way to raise awareness of music education in your school and community. I have included some ideas, but create and develop your own ideas. Please drop me a note to let me know what you did to celebrate Music In Our Schools Month.
Congratulation goes to all of our All- State ensemble members. Please consider applying to participate in the NAfME National Honors
Ensembles for October 2014. Information was distributed at the All-State member session. Additional information can be found at the MMEA web site or by writing to me.
Once again it is a pleasure to serve the membership of MMEA. I ask that you hold me true to my responsibilities and communicate to me ways that you feel MMEA can better serve you and your program.
The second semester offers so many wonderful opportunities for music making. I encourage you to think creatively and explore that road less traveled with new music and fresh innovative ideas to introduce musical concepts and skills. Have some fun dreaming, and imagine!
Reference
Green, B. (2003), The Mastery of Music. Broadway Books.
Maxwell, J. C. (2009), How Successful People Think. Center Street.
...for your church, choir, band,orchestra, and individual sheet music needs
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