president’s The Crescendo Foundation A year ago the NJMEA Board of Directors entertained the idea
of creating a foundation that would provide alternative funding sources to enable students and teachers to participate in programs and activities that enrich their musical experience. Further discus- sion lead to a proposal that was approved by the Executive Board to pursue this topic. Ron Beaudoin, our Corporate/Industry Chair, spearheaded the drive to establish the foundation. Ron spent an extensive amount of time researching agencies that could assist us in our goal. The executive board approved a contract with Rooftop Communications to create a logo, mission statement and marketing strategies. Debbie Sfraga went to work researching the legal require- ments and filing the necessary paperwork with the state and the Cre- scendo Foundation was formed The Crescendo Foundation is a non-profit corporation that will
be operated exclusively for educational and charitable purposes. The Articles of Incorporation has been submitted and the By-Laws have been written. The initial Board of Directors has been appointed by the NJMEA Executive Board and they will serve a one year term. The Board of Directors includes Nick Santoro, Joe Mello, Bob Morrison, and Ron Beaudoin. I believe this foundation will have a positive impact on our students, colleagues, and our profession. Additional information will be available on our NJMEA website and future issues of TEMPO Magazine.
Music Advocacy
Once again NJMEA was well represented on the annual “NAfME Capitol Hill Day” which took place last June 27th. This national event allows every state music education association the op- portunity to advocate for music education with their Senators and Congressmen. It was a very exciting day with bus loads of state music education leaders being transported to our nation’s capitol to spread the word of the importance of music education in our schools. Joining me as representa- tives from NJMEA were Bill McDevitt and Bob Frampton. This year we were for-
tunate to have four out- standing and articulate col- lege students accompany us as we visited the legislative offices of Senator Cory
TEMPO 2
message
JOSEPH JACOBS 609-335-6429
JJacobs@Veccnj.org
Website:
http://www.njmea.org
Booker, Senator Bob Menendez, Congressman Frank LoBiondo, Congressman Frank Pallone, Congressman Albio Sires, Congress- man Scott Garrett, Congressman Donald Payne, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, and Congressman Rush Holt. The collegiate representatives from NJ were: Mary Onopchenko (Rowan Univer- sity); Nicole Olearchik (Kean University); Ashlie Morro (Rowan University); and Jason Weinstein (Montclair University). These stu- dents added a different and refreshing perspective on the challenges and the impact of music education in their lives. Our meetings with the Legislative Assistants were very
encouraging. The dialogue was excellent and we received support and understanding from all of the Legislative Assistants who seemed to be genuinely interested in our concerns. Our discussion points included: • That Congress should maintain the arts as a core academic subject in any reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
• The U.S. Department of Education should develop and carry out the process of collecting and disseminating federal data pursuant to the status of music education programs.
• Music educators should be evaluated by qualified individuals using reliable measures germane to their field. • School day accessibility to music education programs should be increased across the country.
• Funding should be made available to music programs through all appropriate ESEA-authorized programs particularly Title 1 monies. • Charter schools should provide students with a comprehensive education including access to sequential, standards-based music education.
• Awareness of the bipartisan Congressional STEAM caucus. The addition of music and the arts as core subjects is vital to enhancing unique skills that contribute to real-world success. It was a very productive day but we must all continue to advo-
cate and express our passion for music education. Our students are depending on us.
Professional Development
Congratulations and thanks to Joe Akinskas and his outstand- ing team of music educators on a very successful NJMEA Summer Workshop VII. This annual event took place on August 5th at The College of New Jersey. There were excellent sessions on choral music, technology, instrumental music, special education, classroom music,
OCTOBER 2014
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