The Face of the Assocation . . . Executive Director’s Message
We’re Here for You! Sandy Steele WMEA Executive Director W
elcome back to another school year. I hope you’ve returned fully recharged
and have hit the classroom with renewed excitement. At this time, plans are well under way for the 2018-19 year of WMEA
music events.
It was a busy and productive summer for WMEA. Beginning with the annual NAfME National Assembly in Tyson’s Corner, VA, and continuing with the conference planning and site walk- through, as well as the Northwest Division planning meeting in Portland.
NAfME National Assembly For more than a decade, the annual NAfME National Assembly has been held near Washington, D.C. This four-day series of meetings and informational sessions is an opportunity for representatives from every state to meet and discuss the state of music education throughout the country. Along with the National Executive Board, the Councils of State Executives, Editors, and Presidents, also meet to discuss the state of our organization and plan for the future.
Numerous topics, including diversity and inclusion, were a part of this year’s discussions. We said thank you to Immediate Past President Denese Odegaard, welcomed Incoming President Kathy Sanz, and heard from Executive Director Michael Blakeslee.
I was honored to again be asked to lead a session on “Managing a Small State Association.” My session, The Power of Small, included topics ranging from governing board materials, member surveys, and evaluations, to branding, logos, and public image. My thanks to Steve Schofield for tech support.
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One of the highlights of the Assembly was Hill Day, where 400+ music educators and collegiate members visited their elected representatives on Capitol Hill. WMEA President Lila Kennah, President Elect Steve Schofield, and Collgiate attendees Michealla Dukart and Nick Hoskins met with Representative Liz Cheney, and Senators Mike Enzi and John Barrasso. Our thanks to NAfME Immediate Past President Denese Odegaard and NAfME Public Policy Advocate Tooshar Swain for joining us at the meeting with Senator Enzi.
January WMEA Conference We’re planning, scheduling, and preparing for a terrific conference in Casper. See pages 30-31 in this journal for more details. From a great slate of guest clinicians, to outstanding All-State conductors, and a performance by the Boston Brass, this year’s conference is sure to have something for everyone. Take advantage of reduced rates by pre-registering online at
www.wyomea.org. Registration opens on October 1st.
Northwest Division Conference Head to the Portland Oregon Convention Center, February 14-17, 2019, for a fantastic two days of sessions and the Northwest Honor Ensembles. You’ll enjoy keynote speaker Larry Livingston, and headliner clinicians Charles T. Menghini (Band), Richard Meyer (Orchestra), Jill Trinka (Elementary), Janet Barrett (Elementary), and Therees Hibbard (Choral). NAfME President Kathy Sanz, NAfME CEO Mike Blakeslee, and Policy Director Lynn Tuttle, will also be in attendance. Remember that your membership must be current for your students to participate in All-Northwest ensembles.
2019 All-National Ensembles At this year’s National Honor Ensembles in November, NAfME members have a unique professional development opportunity, as ensemble directors, to attend the Directors’ Academy. Renowned conductor-clinicians will lead each academy: Paula A. Crider - Band, Dr. Matthew H. Spieker - Orchestra, and Victor C. Johnson - Choral. Visit
nafme.org/ANHE
State of the Association I’d like to say a personal word of thanks to our immediate Past President Brent Rose, for his leadership during the past two years. And I look forward to working with President Lila Kennah and her vision for the future of the association.
This association is here for you, the music educators of Wyoming. Our website -
www.wyomea.org - holds a wealth of information at your fingertips. Your district handbooks (and the Presidents, themselves) can also help answer questions. Look to the monthly Breezetune for quick updates and helpful links. Let us know what you need and how we can help!
And if you’re not already a member - join us today!
Sandy Steele is a veteran music teacher in Wyoming, where she taught choir and AP Music Theory for 32 years. Sandy has served WMEA as Treasurer, Manager, Choir Vice President, NAfME Northwest Mixed and Treble Choir Managers, and currently Executive Director and Editor. She lives in Denver, Colorado, where she enjoys being near family and experiencing the myriad of things the city has to offer.
Wyoming Windsong
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