SWOFFORD, pg. 12


directors at the rehearsal, and I never saw or participated in the conference until the concert. At Tan-Tar-A, our All-State rehearsals can be easily attended and when not rehearsing, the All-State musicians can attend concerts, go to the exhibits, and get something to eat without being bussed, or chaperoned. The same would apply for our All- Collegiate groups. The additional cost for separate rehearsal areas and transportation would have to be absorbed by the affiliates (MBA, MCDA, MoASTA, & MOAJE).


One more item to consider is our exhibits. While crowded, our exhibitors love the face time. This allows you, our members, to have the personal connection and relationships with many of our esteemed vendors. We are one of few states to continually maintain a waiting list for vendors. The exhibit package at our present location is all-inclusive: electricity, Wi-Fi, as well as the freedom to move tables and design with our own staff. These are things our exhibitors have come to depend on. The exhibit bids we received were all add-ons with separate rates for electric, Wi- Fi, and some even charged for general plumbing in the hall. In our investigation of other venues, all of the work would be done by that venue’s labor on an hourly rate, and all were between 40- 65% higher just for the table.


At present, MMEA employs a staff of five, which shares a combined income less than that of a first- year teacher. If the association were to rotate between KC and STL, there would have to be a full- time position dedicated to the


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negotiations of contracts, venues and other aspects of planning for the conference, taking the voice away from our elected positions. There would also need to be a separate position that handles only registration and other administrative duties. Tan-Tar-A knows MMEA and there are many aspects of our conference that we do not have to cover with them. That would not be the case with a new venue(s) with more than one location. This area alone is very detailed and would require separate staff to manage.


As I stated, the cost is the number one factor in deciding on a conference venue, not only to the association but more importantly, to you, the member. We realize that several of our members teach at small and rural schools that do not have a PDC budget to pay for everything. Missouri has one of the lowest membership dues and conference registration rates in the country. At this time, a change in venues would easily raise your rates for both membership and registration significantly. Those raised rates do not take into account the added cost incurred by the affiliate groups, which could also possibly force those groups to raise their rates.


I urge you to ask yourself one fundamental question: Why do we come together once a year for our conference? A huge reason is camaraderie, community & support. Now more than ever, we need to come together to collaborate, grow & recharge. Changing venues loses these personal connections, amenities & opportunities that make our convention talked about nationwide. Yes, nothing is perfect and with so many stakeholders, perfection will never be had. I


MISSOURI SCHOOL MUSIC | Volume 71, Number 4


would highly suggest that anyone that has a question regarding the operation of MMEA contact a member of the Executive Board or me directly through phone or email. It is important to keep in mind that the elected officers of MMEA are all contracted music educators with a full plate of responsibilities to their respective districts, and more importantly, their families.


The task of juggling between the needs of the association and their own school district is daunting, to say the least. The board and staff of MMEA are very proud to be associated with such a great association with a wonderful, rich history. We take great pride in providing our membership the best in useful and current classroom techniques and methods. Nevertheless, with that comes the importance of fiscal responsibility and affordability to our members. I wish you much luck in your final push to the end of the year! May your pitch be perfect and your coffee be strong!


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