Vmeanotes - In This Issue: 2021 VBODA Sidney Berg Scholarship Winner
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Fall 2021
vmeanotes
The Official Journal of the Virginia Music Educators Association
www.vmea.com
In This Issue:
2021 Election Candidates
2021 VBODA Sidney Berg Scholarship Winner
vmeanotes
Volume 78, Number 1
Fall 2021
Editorial Board
Chair: Annamarie Bollino, President, VMEA
Alice Hammel, President-Elect, VMEA
John Brewington, Vice President, VMEA
CONTENTS
Publication Staff
Merry Beth Hall, Editor
Art Pittman, Photographer President’s Message (Annamarie Bollino) 4
State Executive (Allen Hall) 6
Publishing Address Government Relations (Steve King) 7
VMEA Notes VBODA (David Webb) 9
2106 E. Broad St.
Richmond, VA 23223
VBODA Orchestra (Carrie Finnegan) 11
VCDA (Dana VanSlyke) 12
Advertising Contact VEMEA (Kimberly Upshaw) 14
Merry Beth Hall Collegiate (Jennifer McDonel) 16
2106 E. Broad St. VAMEA (Katrina D. Chaney) 17
Richmond, VA 23223
vmeanotesed@gmail.com VAMHE (Sandy Goldie) 19
Guitar Council (Kevin Vigil) 21
Membership (Lisette Satterwhite) 22
Music in Our Schools Month (Marie Weber) 23
2021 VBODA Sidney Berg Scholarship Winner 23
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Ashley Cuthbertson) 24
2021 Election Candidates 25
The Virginia Music Educators Association, Inc. (VMEA) is a
nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide support
to its membership and to promote the advancement of
music education through schools and other educational
©2021 by VMEA
institutions. VMEA is an affiliated state chapter of the Na-
Opinions expressed herein are those of the tional Association for Music Education (NAfME). Member-
individual authors and do not necessarily ship in VMEA is open to any individual engaged in or asso-
reflect those of VMEA. ciated with the teaching of music, in schools or privately.
Active membership dues for VMEA and NAfME are $130
Virginia Music Educators Association, Inc.
Steve Turner, Treasurer per year and include subscriptions to Music Educators
114 Powhatan Dr., Williamsburg, VA 23188 Journal and Teaching Music. All member address changes
treasurer@vmea.com should be processed by contacting NAfME.
Publication and Advertising Deadlines for VMEA Notes:
Fall: Sept. 10 Winter: Jan. 7 Spring: Apr. 8
2
VMEA Executive Board Advertiser Index
VMEA Officers Christopher Newport University 18
President: Annamarie Bollino
bollinoa@staffordschools.net George Mason University 17
President-Elect: Alice Hammel
hammela@me.com Ithaca College 11
Vice President: John Brewington James Madison University 15
john.brewington@vbschools.com
Secretary: Jenny Ryan Longwood University 13
Jennifer_ryan@ccpsnet.net
Old Dominion University 10
Treasurer: Steve Turner
treasurer@vmea.com
Radford University 6
Section Presidents/Representatives
VCDA: Dana VanSlyke Shenandoah University 8
VBODA: David Webb
VBODA Orchestra: Carrie Finnegan Virginia Commonwealth University 17
VEMEA: Kimberly Upshaw
VAMEA: Katrina Chaney
VAMHE: Sandy Goldie Yamaha 5
Collegiate: Bailey Kinsella
District Chairs
District 1: Ryan Addair
District 2: Ashley Landon
District 3: Storm Burks
District 4: Donny Allen
District 5: Jon Wilson
District 6: Michael Hand
District 7: Casey Page
District 8: Jackie Stetina
District 9: David Mann
District 10: Steve Jacoby
District 11: Dustin Brandt
District 12: Bill Podolski
District 13: Sarah Harkrader
District 14: Ben Lombardo
District 15: Gene Welch
District 16: Jordan Markwood
Ex Officio
State Executive: Allen Hall
Notes Editor: Merry Beth Hall
CCVMEA Advisor: Jennifer McDonel
DOE Music Specialist: Kelly Bisogno
VMEA Attorney: Bret Zwerdling NAfME—The National Association for Music
VHSL Executive Dir.: Kenneth G. Tilley Education
1806 Robert Fulton Drive
Contact information for the above individuals is available at Reston, VA 20191
http://www.vmea.com/index.php/general/leadership. www.nafme.org
3
VMEA President’s Report
Annamarie Bollino
state department of education arts Virginia event in April 2022 by host-
education data. VMEA is part of the ing a breakfast for honored guests
Virginia Coalition for Fine Arts Edu- prior to the performances on Satur-
cation, which has partnered with day. This work will primarily be ac-
the Virginia Commission for the Arts complished through our Advocacy
and the Virginia Department of Edu- and Government Relations Commit-
cation to fund and build an arts ed- tee. If advocacy is your passion,
ucation data dashboard with Quad- contact Dr. Steve King to join the
rant Arts Research. This public committee!
Welcome to a bright new school dashboard will be available to high-
year! This year has all the hope and light the overall status of arts edu- Advocacy occurs at all levels—
newness of a freshly sharpened #2 cation in Virginia schools through national, state, and local. VMEA
pencil. Although it isn’t exactly as the use of student enrollment data leadership is committed to continu-
we envisioned it, the new school by school. The data will allow us to ing advocacy work at the state level
year has brought some positives 1) celebrate where music education and supporting local divisions and
and those need to be celebrated. is thriving and 2) identify areas for teachers with professional develop-
There is music playing and singers growth, with the ultimate goal of ment, talking points, and materials.
singing from our rehearsal halls increasing student access to and By developing relationships with
again and our classrooms are filled participation in music education in Virginia policymakers, we intend to
with students ready to make music Virginia. A session at Conference in continue guiding the development
together! Rehearsals are happen- November will dive into greater de- of policy, which can have a great
ing. Performances are scheduled. tail about the project. impact on values and attitudes to-
Music is alive and well in Virginia! wards music education. We should
The second project will be funded also be encouraging supporters of
While these instances are filling our through an advocacy grant from the music education who are not music
hearts with joy and our ears with Country Music Association Founda- educators to do so. This is why our
music, there are still many obsta- tion (CMAF), which has partnered Associate Membership is so im-
cles to overcome. Many schools with NAfME to support the work of portant. By providing a mechanism
across the state are experiencing state MEAs in augmenting existing for music education advocates to
lower music student enrollment advocacy initiatives and creating connect, understand the legislative
numbers. Students may be strug- new advocacy opportunities. VMEA process, and recognize the best
gling to find the resilience or pas- has been awarded a 2021 State way to advocate, we create a larger
sion they had pre-pandemic. Admin- Music Education Association Advo- community of voices. Think about
istrators are focused on “learning cacy Grant that will allow us to ele- how many voices (over 10,000)
loss” and other concerns related to vate the connection between our were heard on our petition last
tested subjects that sometimes organization, VMEA members, and spring.
appear to diminish the value of mu- state legislators. VMEA intends to
sic education. use the funding to connect with Our advocacy and policy work is
state and federal policymakers in meant to support the everyday work
This means that we must be dili- new and creative ways. By cultivat- that music educators do in their
gent in our advocacy efforts. Two ing strong relationships with legisla- classrooms. I cannot overstate the
projects are discussed in this article tors, we hope to enact our legisla- importance of music educators
highlighting VMEA’s commitment to tive agenda, generating more sup- building strong, supportive relation-
advocacy efforts for music educa- port and stronger policies for music ships with local/state/federal poli-
tion. It is our intent that this work education in the Commonwealth. cymakers, school board members,
will assist local school divisions and This includes boosting our associ- local government officials, superin-
communities in (re)building strong- ate membership and building quar- tendents, and principals. Advocacy
er music programs. terly advocacy training for this can be as local as your school per-
group of booster organizations, par- formance, performing at school and
The first project is the Arts Educa- ents, and community music educa- community events, and informanc-
tion Data Project. Virginia will be tion advocates. VMEA will also in- es to highlight student musical de-
joining over 20 states in this pro- vite state legislators and special velopment. YOU are the most im-
ject, which is rooted in reporting guests to participate in our All- portant advocate for your program.
4
5
State Executive’s Report
Allen Hall
ested, please email Ashley Cuth- Encourage students to participate
bertson. in our composition festival. Details
are on the website. Contact Brian
Leaders recognize outstanding Coffill if interested. So many of our
achievement through awards. talented students have abilities
Please take the time to nominate that they don’t even comprehend
an outstanding teacher or adminis- yet. Encourage them to compose
trator in your area for an award. and submit so they can be show-
The deadline is October 15. Contact cased at our fall Conference.
Everyone loves volunteers! To those Alice Hammel with questions.
who have volunteered to serve Great leaders complete. Please be
VMEA in so many capacities, thank Share resources with colleagues. sure to keep up with your paper-
you. We appreciate you! NAfME has some strong material work in these crazy times. And if
like their Return to Music project. you can help a newer member,
If you’ve never grown through ser- Check these out and share things please be generous. One of the
vice in an organization like VMEA, that you think will help your friends. most difficult things about being a
we could use your passion. There This is a titleless leadership posi- new teacher is navigating the laby-
are so many roles where you can tion, but no less important. rinth of required paperwork for the
give back to your profession! Volun- success of your programs.
teers are needed to represent their Mentor, be mentored, or get out of
districts on the Diversity, Equity, the way. Please get involved with That is all. Continue to be amazing,
and Inclusion Committee – if inter- our mentorship program. Contact and take care of yourself and each
Claire Leeper if interested. other.
6
Advocacy and Government Relations
Dr. Stephen E. King, Chair
ous years. Another opportunity for advice and evidence presented by
advocacy! the instructional staff: subject area
directors/supervisors/coordinators,
The committee hopes to develop directors of instruction, assistant
materials that will assist VMEA superintendents for instruction and
members in presenting the case for superintendent. And do not forget
continued offering of music classes the parents and community. These
at all levels. We have become in- individuals and groups are the
Welcome back to a new year. From creasingly aware of the social- chain for advocacy on the local lev-
the classroom teacher to adminis- emotional learning (SEL) of our stu- el. Get to know them. Establish a
trators to school boards to parents, dents, particularly due to the Covid- positive relationship. Be prepared
we continue to struggle with in- 19 situation. It is most important to to share relevant information when
structional and life-changing deci- stress to those making the deci- called upon.
sions related to the pandemic and sions that no subject has a greater
the additional wave of virus vari- impact on SEL than music. We ex- Then there are processes for the
ants. It will take only a few who fail pect another busy year! Virginia Board of Education, the
to recognize that their actions will Virginia Department of Education,
cause a shutdown of an individual We expect to maintain VMEA’s ef- and the General Assembly. We will
class, school, or school division. I forts to collaborate with our visual follow the decisions and legislation
truly hope there will be few situa- arts colleagues and the other pro- offered throughout the year. Please
tions where this takes place and fessional arts education associa- be willing to respond to requests for
some semblance of normal can tions, building on our efforts from action. Please know that often
take place as soon as possible. last year. We are stronger when we things happen quickly and requires
all stand together. quick action. Your participation is
Please take note of the VMEA Re- vital!
vised Music Guidance for the 21-22 Once again, Vice President John
School Year information concerning Brewington and I will represent I encourage each of you to find
how you may effectively deal with VMEA at the monthly NAfME Advo- ways to keep music in front of your
music instruction in-person. Please cacy Leadership Force (ALF) meet- schools and community. Knowing
share with your administrators. The ings directed by new NAfME State that your principals are under enor-
information is based on The Inter- Advocacy Engagement Manager, mous pressure, if you are out of
national Coalition of Performing Jazzmone Sutton. We welcome sight, you are also out of mind
Arts Aerosol Study. Jazzmone and her unbridled enthu- when decision time arrives for class
siasm! It is enlightening to hear offerings and personnel. Find small
Clearly, advocacy has become an how other states are dealing with ways to remind the principal and
increasingly important aspect of the current issues we all are facing. your community of the value of mu-
VMEA’s work given the serious con- We expect that the information sic in your schools and for the stu-
ditions we face in maintaining mu- shared at the ALF meetings will dents. Try to use small groups of
sic education as a vital component help guide our advocacy efforts go- students to sing or play in the lob-
of our students’ overall education. ing forward. John and I will follow by, front office, cafeteria, etc. This
This is a long-term issue and each up the ALF meetings by sharing is a small but important and easy
year will present a slightly different with the committee each month approach to advocacy.
set of issues. This year we expect and at our VMEA board meetings.
that enrollments will present con- As you strive to keep music alive in
cerns for divisions and may impact As a reminder, to whom are we to your schools, look for small ways to
personnel. Advocacy in schools and advocate – our principals? Yes, but advocate for continued inclusion of
communities will be critical in ad- advocacy goes beyond our individu- music in your curriculum. The Advo-
dressing the need to provide for the al administrators and buildings. We cacy and Government Relations
needs of our students. You may must recognize who ultimately committee will attempt to serve as
find the need to modify your expec- makes the local instructional deci- a resource for your efforts. I wish
tations for your program until it can sions. In most cases this is the re- you each the very best as you
be built back to the level of previ- sponsibility of the local school divi- attempt to bring music back for our
sion school board. They rely on the students.
7
8
Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association
David Webb, President
need “all hands on deck” to reverse sessions, we are excited to hear
the effects the pandemic had on performances from the Albemarle
your programs. High School Jazz Ensemble (Andrew
LaPrade, conductor), Westfield High
In the meantime, the leadership of School Wind Symphony (Alan John-
VBODA is committed to providing son, conductor), Justice High
meaningful educational opportuni- School Wind Ensemble (Brian
Challenges. That word understates ties for you and your students. We Thomas, conductor), Lake Brad-
what we all face as we begin the hope many of those opportunities dock Secondary School Chamber
2021-22 school year. The nearly 17 can be held in-person but must Orchestra (Clayton Allen, conduc-
-month period leading up to this acknowledge the possibility of hold- tor), Liberty University Wind Sym-
school year was like nothing any of ing some events virtually. I have phony (Dr. Stephen Kerr, conduc-
us could have imagined. Programs asked each District Instrumental tor), Fairfax Wind Symphony (Stan
throughout the Commonwealth Rep and Orchestra Regional Rep to Schoonover, conductor), and the
have seen significant enrollment make contingency plans for each United States Army Band
drops since the 2019-20 school event on the calendar to be held “Pershing’s Own” (Colonel Andrew
year, and for many the reclamation virtually. It is not the intent of VBO- Esch, conductor). We will also invite
process could be lengthy. Instru- DA to dictate to Districts how to several chamber ensembles to pro-
mental music education in Virginia hold their events—we simply want vide lobby concerts at various times
needs you—your experience, your everyone to be prepared for any and places throughout the confer-
passion, your expertise, and your eventuality so that all events on the ence as we have done for the past
commitment. We will all need the calendar can be held successfully two VMEA Conferences. That is a
resolve to provide our current stu- one way or the other. Last year, we very exciting bill of live performanc-
dents with high quality instruction were successful in holding Senior es!
while simultaneously focusing on Regional Orchestra Auditions, All-
recruiting and retention for the fu- District Band Auditions, All-Virginia I am also thrilled that we will be
ture. This will not be easy, and it Band & Orchestra Auditions, and inducting both the 2020 and 2021
may at times be discouraging. I en- the All-Virginia Band & Orchestra classes of the VBODA Hall of Fame
courage you to have open dialogue Event virtually. A few Districts also during the VBODA General Business
with your administrators and coun- held virtual All-District Band Events. Meeting during VMEA Conference. I
selors—they need to understand We have the templates, so even hope to see all of you in attendance
what you need to reconstruct your though virtual events may not be as we honor some of Virginia’s fin-
program. Consult and collaborate everyone’s first choice, we know we est teachers.
with colleagues around the state, can do them well if it comes to that.
sharing ideas or just having a con- In the meantime, hang in there! As
versation with someone who under- We are looking forward to VMEA always, please do not hesitate to
stands what you’re facing. Be open Conference in November being held call on me with any questions, con-
with your students and perhaps in-person. In addition to a strong cerns, or suggestions you may
especially with parents. You will slate of professional development have!
VMEA Conference COVID Protocols Announced
In light of the recent spike in COVID cases and changes in safety protocols across our nation and the Common-
wealth, VMEA is moving to align its mitigation actions with current practiced norms and recommendations by the
Centers for Disease Control. For the 2021 VMEA Conference, all adult participants will be required to submit proof
of full vaccination or a negative COVID test completed within 72 hours of conference. Spaces will be utilized to
maximize physical distancing to the fullest extent. All conference attendees and guests will be required to wear
masks indoors during the conference. Performing groups have been notified of practices applicable to them.
Visit the VMEA website for more details.
9
10
VBODA Orchestra Representative
Carrie Finnegan
For the second year, many directors that are available in a wide variety
will kick off their year with virtual of subjects available from organiza-
Senior Regional Orchestra audi- tions such as NAfME and VDOE. In
tions. We hope to be able to offer in addition to the many professional
-person and rewarding events in learning opportunities available, the
November. At the very least, we will VDOE has been hard at work to pro-
be able to offer All-Virginia eligibility vide new instructional plans that
to these deserving students. align with the revised 2020 Instru-
As we embark on our third school mental Standards of Learning. Eve-
year during a global pandemic, may We are excited to offer the VMEA ry teacher in Virginia can access
we all take a deep breath and re- Professional Development Confer- these plans through GoOpenVA.
member how we got here in the ence in-person again. In addition to
first place. Most likely it was our some exciting sessions and perfor- And finally, if you are feeling isolat-
love of music, making music with mances, students have the oppor- ed or like you are able to lend a
an ensemble, being with students, tunity to audition to perform for the helping hand, check out this men-
watching them make music, and lobby concerts. This is a great way torship opportunity from VMEA. The
witnessing their love of music. to showcase a chamber ensemble mentorship program is dedicated to
None of that has changed, we may from your school. See the VMEA pairing individuals to create profes-
just have to work or look a little website for more information. sional relationships through Virgin-
harder for some of them. Don’t for- ia.
get to lean on each other when you Many organizations have been busy
need support so you are physically providing learning opportunities Be present. Be active. Let me
and mentally capable of providing throughout the summer. There are know if I can help.
your students with what they need. many webinars and PowerPoints orchestra@vboda.org
11Virginia Choral Directors Association
Dana VanSlyke, President
and started our concert music. I University. He will be presenting a
soon learned that the size of my session on Lifting the Marginalized
groups did not matter. We were to- Voices. Dr. Robert Shoup, founder
gether making music. The kids were of the Norfolk Street Choir, will
excited and they seemed kind. They share with us his session on Voices
were and are genuinely happy to be of Hope: Homelessness and the
in my room. I didn’t have a spring Human Expression. We will hear
Welcome back to singing. Welcome trip planned. I didn’t need to dangle from our wonderful Virginia col-
back to your students and to mak- any carrots to keep them in my leagues Pamela McDermott, Mere-
ing music together. choir past the days they were al- dith Bowen, Jeremy Craft, and Willis
lowed to go to their counselors and Rosenfeld on topics of Rhythm and
As I moved into my brand new cho- change their schedule. I didn’t have Conducting, Music of Female Com-
ral room this August there were to bargain with the parents at back posers, Self Care, and Weeding Out
many frustrations with our contrac- to school night to convince them Your Libraries for the 21st Century.
tors not having completed things. how important music was. Everyone We also welcome back Dr. John
There was a punch list of items that was just happy to be back. That in Feierabend to present on Teaching
truly made my room unteachable, I itself was so refreshing. So despite Harmony and Improv through Con-
thought. It was a frustrating begin- my construction difficulties, I am SO versational Solfege and McKenna
ning and teacher return week al- happy to be with my students. I Stenson to speak on Transfiguring
lowed for little time to plan for hope you have found that same joy our Choral Communities Post Pan-
teaching and instead was full of somewhere along the way in the demic.
unpacking boxes and finding old past few weeks. I do look forward to seeing you all in
cords for new technology. Not to person as we gather in Norfolk in
mention the return of singing in I am excited for our fall VMEA con- November. I look forward to hearing
masks and the uncertainty of new ference. I hope you all are too! We about your students, the beginning
COVID mitigation regulations. have missed and mourned for the of your school year. I want to hear
collegial connections that only con- about your victories over and above
The first day came and the kids ar- ference can provide. We also have the masks, and I also want to hear
rived. They were much fewer in a whole generation of new teachers your stories of frustration. That is
number than two years ago. A cou- that have not experienced our con- what conference is for, to share
ple of my ensembles were at the ference and need encouragement with those who understand be-
smallest they have ever been in my to join us. Pre-registration is open cause they too are trying to make
28 years tenure. But I decided to now until Oct. 31st. Our headliner is music in trying times. Please con-
start my year with music and see Diana Saez from Towson University. tact me anytime if I can be of help
how it went. Instead of going Dr. Saez is a leading specialist in or support to you, your students
through my syllabus and my grading the field of Latin American choral and your choral program.
policies that first week, or instead music and she will be leading a
of fitting for concert attire, I re- reading session with that focus. We
hearsed. Students got folders and are also welcoming Dr. Brandon
music. We warmed up, sightsung, Cash from Mississippi Valley State
1213
Virginia Elementary Music Educators Association
Kimberly Upshaw, President
ing in Parts for Upper Elementary. gether for the betterment of the
We also have other wonderful pre- students of that district. Applica-
senters who are teachers and col- tions are available on the VEMEA
lege professors around Virginia website and must be sent to Jenny
sharing sessions on Samba Drum- Shirley by November 1, 2021.
ming and Percussion for General Grants are awarded at the end of
Music, Kodaly in the Early Years the November VMEA Conference. It
Welcome back to another year of Using Games and Songs from Latin is very easy to apply! Our VEMEA
being blessed to get to teach music America, Retaining the Tech Savvy Regional Professional Development
to our elementary aged students! I Generation, and Using Diverse Chil- Workshops will be on February 19,
am so happy to be back in my dren’s Books in the Music Class- 2021 this year and these grants
classroom teaching all of my stu- room. There will be many other in- may be used for one of these work-
dents in-person again. I plan to fol- teresting sessions offered through- shops. Please let us know if you
low all of the recommended precau- out the conference on Bridging the have a great idea for someone
tions to get us singing, dancing, Gap Between Elementary and Sec- you’d like to see present at this
playing recorders and Orff instru- ondary, Racism in the Music Class- workshop. Music In Our Schools
ments, and having performances room, Searching for Authenticity in Month is in March. If you would like
again. It is time to restore our mu- Latin American Music, Asian Ameri- more information on ways to show-
sic programs and make them shine can Students in the Music Class- case or advocate for your music
again! Please read this guidance room, and Inclusivity in Elementary program, please take time to visit
put forth by VMEA for teaching mu- School in regards to Gender. We https://nafme.org/programs/
sic safely in our classroom this year hope you join us to see this awe- miosm/.
if you haven’t already. some group of presenters.
Our annual All- Virginia Elementary
Our 2021 VMEA Professional Devel- We were excited to kick off the Chorus event is scheduled for April
opment Conference is in-person VMEA Conference this year with our 9, 2021 at Longwood University
this year on November 18-20 and first All-Virginia Orff Ensemble, but and will be directed by Dr. Pamela
we are so excited to see everyone due to many reasons, we are made McDermott, the Director of Choral
in Norfolk. Registration is now the tough decision to postpone this Activities at Longwood. We hope to
open. There will be informative ses- event until November 2022 so we have this event in-person this year.
sions, great performances, a forum can make it the grand event that it I was so impressed with how the
for new teachers to ask questions should be. Right now there is a lot virtual performance turned out last
of successful teachers who are in of uncertainty still with Covid-19 year. Thank you to the AVEC coordi-
different stages of their career, and and many school systems are not nator, Jason Kriner, for all of his
time to relax and network with allowing overnight field trips of ele- hard work on that, along with Scott
teachers from all over Virginia. mentary students. There are also Hayes and also Gary Wright of Vi-
many teachers who will not be sion Quest Productions. If you have
We have so many great presenters starting their Orff Ensembles at any questions about this year’s
lined up for you. We really appreci- their schools until the spring and AVEC, please contact Jason.
ate West Music for sponsoring ses- who haven’t played with their stu-
sions from Paul Corbiere on New dents since schools first shut down If you need any help, have ques-
Ensemble Music and Music Literacy in March 2020. We will allow this tions or concerns, or have ideas
Using Chrome Music Lab; Peripole time for rebuilding Orff Ensembles you’d like to share with VEMEA,
for sponsoring sessions from Thom- so we have strong players ready to please do not hesitate to email me
as Pierre on Orff in the Urban Class- perform at the Conference next fall. or Jenny Shirley. You may also
room and Orff that incorporates reach out to your district rep. A list
Pop and Soul music; and GIA for There will be three VEMEA grants of the reps for each district with
sponsoring sessions from John Fei- awarded again this year in amounts their email address is available on
erabend on Teaching the Art Part of of up to $500 each. The grants are the VEMEA website. You can also
Music through Movement in Lower designed to encourage educators follow on Facebook to stay up to
Elementary and Tuneful Artful Sing- within a VMEA district to work to- date on VEMEA happenings.
1415
Collegiate Section
Jennifer McDonel, Advisor
your department and make them sessions during the day and attend
feel welcome. As we move beyond the exhibits as you are able!
the pandemic, let’s make the most
of personal, human connections— Below is a message from your
what a joy to be together in person CoVMEA president, Bailey Kinsella:
again!
You made it! A year of uncertainty
This year’s annual VMEA Profes- has proven to be quite difficult on
Welcome, or welcome back to sional Development Conference will all of us, but I am thrilled to be en-
VMEA! Your CoVMEA board is be held at the Norfolk Waterside tering a new year full of possibilities
primed for a great fall that culmi- Marriott and Sheraton hotels on with all of you. VMEA is just around
nates in a great VMEA Conference November 18–20, 2021—a great the corner! It is hard to believe that
experience for you. We are ready to place to make new introductions, we are back to a point of normalcy
move forward in positive ways! communicate, and collaborate to- once again. I hope that everyone
gether! Pre-service teachers can has had a great start to the aca-
To that end, allow me to re- register for the conference for the demic year – teachers and college
introduce the current board mem- incredibly low price of just $30. students alike. To the seniors this
bers and their current initiatives. year: you did it! You are so close to
Our CoVMEA President/Northern Here is a list of our major Collegiate crossing that finish line. To all the
Representative is Bailey Kinsella -sponsored VMEA events where teachers this year: good luck!
(bkinsell19@su.edu), Secretary Ada many connections may be made Thank you for your guidance and
Rexrode, Southern Representative with other collegiate members from excellence in the last year. The Col-
Brycen Stratton, and Western Rep- across the Commonwealth! Encour- legiate side of VMEA is excited to
resentative Nichole Wright. These age members of your local chapter be sponsoring a plethora of ses-
folks are currently working on the to serve as regional or state repre- sions at this year's conference.
following: sentatives! The next CoVMEA elec- Elections for Collegiate VMEA will
Contacting all current chapter tion will be at the business meeting occur during the Collegiate Busi-
presidents to re-connect across at the VMEA conference. ness Meeting. If there are any colle-
the Commonwealth. giate members interested in run-
Planning a CoVMEA Kickoff Thurs., Nov. 18, 5:00–6:00 PM ning for office, please be on the
Event: an online movie night via Collegiate Business Meeting lookout for an email regarding the
Zoom on Wednesday, Septem- Bailey Kinsella, VMEA Collegiate process. I look forward to seeing
ber 15 at 8:30 pm. President you all in November!
Preparing a Collegiate packet of Location: TBD
information with dates and To close, I send best wishes for a
deadlines for submitting Board Fri., Nov. 19, 5:00–6:00 PM productive and successful academ-
nominations, Chapter of Excel- Collegiate Recital ic year! Feel free to touch base with
lence Award nominations, Colle- VMEA Collegiate Performers our Collegiate officers or regional
giate Recital applications, and Location: TBD representatives or with me
Chapter iMovies for the VMEA (jmcdonel2@radford.edu) any time
conference. Fri., Nov. 19, 6:30–7:30 PM during the school year. Communi-
Creating a new CoVMEA web- Collegiate Reception cate and connect with other pre-
site. VMEA Collegiate Recognition Pro- service music teachers across the
Creating new online voting pro- gram Commonwealth through our Colle-
cedures to ensure equity and Location: TBD giate Facebook Group.
access for all CoVMEA mem-
bers. There will be multiple collegiate pro- We hope to see each of you at the
fessional development sessions conference this year as we gather
To all CoVMEA members, I encour- where you may connect with other with one another in person again to
age you to introduce yourself to oth- collegiate members and in-service advance music education in Virgin-
ers in your local chapter and be- teachers from across the Common- ia!
yond. Go out of your way to befriend wealth. You also are invited to at-
new music education students in tend any other interesting VMEA
16I hope that the beginning of the
school year has brought you joy
Virginia Association of Music Education Administrators
and excitement as students en- Katrina D. Chaney, President
tered your buildings. Many things
have changed from 2019, but one trating, but keeping your students about music-making and above all
thing has remained the same: the as the focus and knowing you are else, have fun!
joy of music-making! Students hear- doing what you believe in is the cat-
ing live music, making music with alyst to great success. Create a network of colleagues and
others, and finding the thrill of play- friends in order to share ideas to
ing or singing with colleagues! The Understanding current safety guide- transform your music class. Having
music becomes alive again in our lines from credible sources and a network of people you trust and
schools. having the information ready for admire provides you with the sup-
parents, administrators, and com- port you need and provides you
Throughout the pandemic, we munity members can benefit you with new ideas. This is the year to
learned to use technology more and your students. Be cognizant of try something new and excit-
and provide students with other others' feelings, comfort levels, and ing! Remember, you are not alone
ways to learn and make music. This overall fears with credible infor- in this journey and there are people
year, we need to incorporate some mation that is accurate and time- ready to help you! Let's take this
of the lessons from both the pan- ly. Opening our classroom to new new school year and rebuild, rein-
demic and pre-pandemic years in ideas for room set-ups, outdoor vent, and reinvigorate music educa-
order to yield a new renaissance in classrooms, staggered numbers of tion! I believe we can propel music
the art of performing music. As mu- students playing at one time, PPE education into the next phase of
sicians, we thrive on human rela- supplies, creative lessons, use of musicality and bring people togeth-
tionships and provide students with technology, and rethinking the tra- er again!
outlets to create. You are im- ditional concert may allow you to
portant, not only to students, but to become more creative in determin- Thank you for all that you do and I
the communities that you serve! At ing what is best for your students hope you have a magical school
times, things are difficult and frus- and program. Be flexible and open year!
1718
Virginia Association of Music in Higher Education
Sandy Goldie, President
will this round look different than sess within us is revealed. We
the last? What have we learned or begin to understand more deeply
created that better prepares us for the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson,
the road that lies in front of us "What lies behind us, and what lies
now? For me, it is a wealth of digital before us are but tiny matters com-
materials and resources that sup- pared to what lies within us."
port in-person learning and a new
outlook on how we spend the sa- Will we discover our strength? The
cred minutes we have together in strength to show up whole-
the classroom as a community. heartedly every day and be vulnera-
What about you? What have you ble, take risks, and continue to put
gained amidst all the loss? ourselves out there without armor-
Round 2: Courage, Strength, Daring ing up or shutting down when faced
We know that our greatest growth with hardship? Will we bravely face
As I began thinking about what I often comes in times of struggle the challenges locked arm in arm
could share with you that might be (not ease or complacency). Round with our community – realizing that
meaningful, I decided to take a look 2 is sure to present its own chal- we can’t and shouldn’t do it alone?
back at what I wrote one year ago lenges and opportunities for Will we be daring? Will we dare to
at this time. It began like this... growth. Where will you find be great in the midst of all of this
The 2020 school year came in strength? Courage? Hope? Happi- because we can?
like a lion. One thing is for sure: ness? Gratitude? Connection? Mo-
this has been a “back to school” ments to savor? What actions will In 1942, during the Nazi occupa-
season like no other – a raging you take to purposefully empower tion of France, Albert Camus wrote:
pandemic taking lives, social yourself and others? For each of us, In the midst of hate, I found
unrest and injustice in our the answers are different, but I be- there was, within me, an invinci-
streets creating fresh trauma lieve they are out there and they ble love.
almost daily, and economic dis- have the ability to transform how In the midst of tears, I found
tress impacting living conditions we experience the coming year… if there was, within me, an invinci-
for students, faculty, staff and we have the courage to seek them ble smile.
universities. out. In the midst of chaos, I found
there was, within me, an invinci-
When I read this, I thought to my- COURAGE ble calm.
self: How could we have come so The Oxford English Dictionary de- I realized, through it all, that…
far, yet still seem to be stuck in so fines courage as, “the ability to do In the midst of winter, I found
many of the same ways? We are something that frightens one. there was, within me, an invinci-
still surrounded by a deadly virus Strength in the face of pain or ble summer.
(just the new variant), we are still grief.” What does courage look like And that makes me happy. For it
struggling with basic rights and eq- for you right now? What would it says that no matter how hard
uity (in new, but the same ways), take to act with courage in your the world pushes against me,
and many in our community are still context? I ask myself these same within me, there’s something
facing unprecedented economic questions. How would having cour- stronger – something better,
hardship as well as new threats age (in big ways and small) impact pushing right back.
and repercussions brought on by those around you? Brené Brown
deadly storms and wildfires that reminds us that courage is conta- DARING
consume lives and homes. gious and that “Every time we One of my favorite books is by
choose courage, we make everyone Brené Brown, “Dare to Lead.” It’s a
Our second fall semester or back-to around us a little better and the book about brave work, tough con-
-school season of pandemic teach- world a little braver.” versations, and whole hearts. Brené
ing is upon us. For many of us, at reminds us of the famous “Man in
least we get to see our students in STRENGTH the Arena” quote by Theodore Roo-
person if we are vaccinated and Internal greatness is often revealed sevelt:
masked. Others are still in a virtual in moments of external hardship as
world of teaching and learning. How the profound strength we each pos- (continued on next page)
19(continued from previous page)
One challenge
"It is not the critic who counts; Brené issues to
not the man who points out how us as readers
the strong man stumbles, or is to have the
where the doer of deeds could courage to
have done them better. The “dare greatly,”
credit belongs to the man who is to show up in
actually in the arena, whose the arena of
face is marred by dust and our lives and to
sweat and blood; who strives spend our-
valiantly; who errs, who comes selves in a wor-
short again and again, because thy cause. That
there is no effort without error is the chal-
and shortcoming; but who does lenge I face
actually strive to do the deeds; this year and I ask you to join me – OED Online. Courage. Ox-
who knows great enthusiasms, to dare greatly, to be brave, and to ford University Press, September
the great devotions; who spends show up whole-heartedly for the 10, 2021.
himself in a worthy cause; who important work that only we can do.
at the best knows in the end the Roosevelt, T., & Thomsen, B.
triumph of high achievement, References (2003). The man in the arena: The
and who at the worst, if he fails, Brown, B. (2018). Dare to Lead. selected writings of Theodore Roo-
at least fails while daring great- New York: Random House LLC. sevelt; a reader. New York: Forge.
ly, so that his place shall never
be with those cold and timid Camus, A. (1942). The Stranger.
souls who neither know victory Gallibard.
nor defeat."
20Guitar Council
Dr. Kevin Vigil, Chair
2011 – FMEA First All-State Gui- for all music education. In the
tar words of Ruth LeMay “Music is
2011 – NAfME formed the Coun- magical for humans.” (KARE 11
cil for Guitar Education with Glen News, July 8, 2019)
McCarthy (Virginia) as its first
chair I live in a musical family. My wife,
2012 – NMMEA added a Vice- Barbara, retired from The US Army
President for Guitar to its Consti- Band “Pershing’s Own” after 26
tution years of service (flute/piccolo). My
2013 - VMEA Executive Board’s daughter, Bonnie, is a violin perfor-
“The Guitar: Symbol of Change” unanimous approval to form the mance major at Baldwin Wallace
A Reflection on the Proposed VGDA All-Virginia Guitar Ensemble University. Their music education
2018 – First NAfME National experiences were rich, rewarding,
On Saturday, September 11, 2021, Honors Guitar Ensemble and recognized. This is not always
I had the honor to represent the 2018 - VMEA Guitar Council for- the case when it comes to guitar.
VMEA Guitar Council to propose the mation
creation of the Virginia Guitar Direc- 2020 - Presidential task for the The proposal to create the VGDA is
tors Association (VGDA) to the Exec- Guitar Council to draft Bylaws a step toward equity in music edu-
utive Board. This proposal did not and Event Procedures to form a cation. The guitar attracts students
appear out of thin air. It was the new section for guitar under the that would not otherwise be in a
work, advocacy, and support of VMEA umbrella music program at all. These stu-
many individuals over a long period dents deserve the same opportuni-
of time. What is responsible for this forward ties and experiences as that of their
momentum in guitar education? peers in other musical disciplines.
To give some historic perspective Simply put, student demand from They will receive guidance from ex-
on the demand for guitar educa- decades past to the present. Here perts in the field, play in ensembles
tion, here’s a quote from a 1967 is an excerpt from an interview con- with peers in their districts, regions
article published in the November ducted by Glen McCarthy with the and across the state. They will ex-
edition of the Music Educators two pioneers of All-State Guitar, Ed perience the magic of music-
Journal written by Meyer M. Cahn; Prasse (Florida) and John Truitt making in ways they had not experi-
the title of the article is “The Guitar: (New Mexico). enced previously. It’s time for guitar
Symbol of Change.” to be more than a “Symbol of
Q: How did you start an all-state Change”. It’s time for it to be recog-
This could be told to the first few guitar ensemble? nized.
guitar aspirants who trickled in EP: Each fall, our principal would
some years ago, but now there is congratulate band and chorus I would like to recognize the mem-
more than a trickle, there is a members for making all-state on bers of the VMEA Guitar Council for
trend. These are sensible, trust- the morning announcements. In the their diligent work to write the pro-
ing, and highly motivated young late ‘90s, a student asked me, posed Bylaws and Event Proce-
people, who love their guitar mu- “How come we don’t have that for dures necessary to create the Vir-
sic just as much as those of oth- guitar?” I replied, “They don’t have ginia Guitar Directors Association
er generations loved large sym- those events for guitar.” “Then you (VGDA): Aaron Kunk, Peter Mercier,
phony orchestras in their youth… start one!” he urged. Katherine Robinson, Dr. Scott Sei-
They have their heroes, as did (Teaching Music Magazine, January fried, Dr. Jaqueline Secoy, Matt
any past generation. They want 2013, p. 28) Trkula, and William Wells. I would
training and acceptance from the also like to show my gratitude to
educator. As chair of the VMEA Guitar Council the VMEA leadership who have sup-
and as the Southern Representa- ported the Guitar Council’s efforts:
Now let’s fast forward to recent pre- tive for the NAfME Council for Gui- Linda Gammon, Terry Hall, John
cursors that have brought us to this tar Education, my daughter often Brewington, Allen Hall, and An-
moment: refers to me as a guitar rights activ- namarie Bollino. Finally, I would like
2010 – NMMEA First All-State ist. She wouldn’t be completely to thank the preacher of the “guitar
Guitar wrong, but I am really an advocate gospel” himself...Glen McCarthy.
21I hope you are healthy and having a
successful, musical start to the
Membership Committee
school year. Over the last few Lisette Satterwhite, Chair
weeks, I have received emails from
several new teachers interested in may be programmed to think of all know a new teacher, they may have
joining VMEA, which is always en- of the ways this school year can go received the letter reprinted below
couraging! Their excitement and wrong. There may be some major from your district representative,
enthusiasm is a good reminder to holes in the plan for masks tied to but please share it with them just in
us all to do our best to be in a posi- the end of a plastic soprano record- case they have not. Do not hesitate
tive mindset as we start what may er and issues with the lunch duty to put them in touch with me if they
be yet another unpredictable year. schedule. While we “plan for the have any questions.
For those of us with kindergarten- worst,” let’s not forget the other
ers in our classroom, or students half of that saying; we need to re- Take care, and I hope to see many
we have not taught in the past, we member to “hope for the best!” of you in person again in Novem-
still need to do our best to have a At VMEA we do our best to try to ber!
fresh start and create a joyful envi- reach out to and welcome new
ronment, although we as adults teachers to our organization. If you
Dear new Virginia music educators,
Welcome to the 2021-2022 school year and your new teaching position! Whether you are in the first few days of your career,
new to Virginia, returning to the profession, or switching school districts, we hope your transition is going smoothly. With every
change comes challenge, and often an increased need to seek help from others. In the trying moments of my teaching career I
always lean heavily on my mentors, friends, and colleagues for guidance. It is for this reason that I would like to share with you
the many benefits of membership in the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA), an organization that can provide a safe-
ty net on the toughest days, and room to grow and challenge yourself on the best ones.
Our mission: to promote quality education throughout the Commonwealth by providing leadership, instructional resources and
professional development opportunities for Virginia's music educators. What membership and our mission means for you:
By joining NAfME, you are automatically a member of VMEA (and sub-sections for choral, band, orchestra, and elementary
general music teachers)
Secondary choral and instrumental teachers can have students participate in district, regional, and state assessments
and events
November professional development conference, with opportunities to attend educational sessions and apply to be a clini-
cian. Visit this link for more details and to pre-register: https://www.vmea.com/index.php/events-menu/conference
This year we also expanded our professional development opportunities throughout the year to meet the needs of our
membership
Members of VMEA receive VMEA Notes (our triannual publication) as well as NAfME’s Teaching Music and Music Educa-
tors Journal, and can submit articles for publication
Leadership opportunities in the annual Leadership Symposium, options to serve as district representatives, committee
members, and run for officer positions in the sub-sections and VMEA as a whole
Advocacy resources and interaction with the officers of VMEA who go directly to Richmond to appeal to our state govern-
ment on behalf of music education
Especially for elementary general music teachers: participation for your students in the All-Virginia Orff Ensemble, All-
Virginia Elementary Chorus,
February professional development workshops around the state, opportunity to apply for $500 grants
District representatives provide your link to the statewide organization, guidance in hosting events such as state assess-
ments, district honor ensembles, solo & ensemble festival
Mentorship from experts in your field all across the state, or opportunities for you to be a mentor
We hope that you will consider membership in our organization and start reaping the benefits of the expertise, resources, and
camaraderie of VMEA to improve both your teaching, and your overall experience as a music educator in our state. Please con-
tact me or your VMEA district representative for details or further questions.
Thank you, and I hope to meet you at our conference in Norfolk, November 18th - 20th!
Lisette Satterwhite
lisette.armstrong14@gmail.com
22Music in Our Schools Month
Marie Weber, Chair
The Council for General Music Edu-
cation is currently working on the
2022 lesson plans for 3rd grade.
These are expected to be available
for music educators as early as Oc-
tober. The previous MIOSM lesson
plans include grades 1, 2, 4 and 5
and are available online on the MI-
Welcome back to the “new” normal OSM Lesson Plans page. Additional
in music education! I hope every- materials can be purchased on the
one is doing well and is off to a MIOSM website and shareable so-
strong, healthy beginning to your cial media images as well. Let’s
school year. Our theme for the continue with our theme and let
2021-2022 Music in Our Schools music touch your lives every day.
Month academic year is Music: The
Sound of My Heart. This theme is a Music touches our lives; that is why
continuation of the 2020-21 MI- we teach. Let continue to spread
OSM theme and logo. the love to all our students; the love
for music. Have a terrific opening!
Maia Trafton Selected as VBODA Sidney Berg 2021 Scholarship Recipient
Maia Trafton was selected by the VBODA Sidney Berg Scholarship Committee as the 2021 recipient of the $10,000
scholarship. Maia entered Baylor University in fall 2021 as a music education major. Maia is the first recipient to
receive the increased amount of $10,000.
The VBODA Executive Board voted
to also increase the scholarships of
current active recipients, Kevin Ro-
mano, 2020, and Michael Baker,
2019.
Deb Myers, Sidney Berg Scholar-
ship Committee member (left), pre-
sented the award to Maia Trafton
at her home in Burke. Maia is a
2021 graduate of Lake Braddock
Secondary School. Her band Direc-
tor was Michael Luley.
23Council on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Ashley Cuthbertson, Chair
one who is interested in having a Your Model Minority: Asian-
thought partner in developing a American Students in the Music
conference session. Classroom.” We hope to see you at
one of our sessions in November!
DEI Learning Series
To support music educators with Additionally, the DEI Council is in-
music-specific learning around is- tentionally seeking a diverse group
sues of diversity, inclusion, equity, of members to serve on the council
and access, we will be sponsoring a to represent District 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9,
The DEI council continues to con- DEI Learning Series. The DEI Learn- 11, 12, 13, 14, and 16. Interested
sider what we can do to support our ing Series will be a space to learn, VMEA members should email a
colleagues around the state. We discuss, and process ways to be- statement about why you are inter-
are pleased to be able to present come more culturally competent ested in serving on the council, your
and sponsor several sessions this and inclusive in community with previous background/training/
November at the VMEA Profession- fellow music educators. This confer- experience in diversity, inclusion,
al Development Conference: ence session will kick off the learn- and equity work, your VMEA section
ing series which will then continue (general music, band, orchestra,
Conference Presenting 101 in a variety of formats throughout choral, higher education, admin-
One area of need we have identi- the year. We hope you’ll join us for istration, collegiate, guitar), your
fied is the need for more diverse this interactive session and conver- VMEA district number, and where
conference presenters. In this ses- sation! you are located. Please send via
sion, members of the DEI Council email to Ashley Cuthbertson:
will share how to get started with We are also pleased to sponsor Dr. a.cuthbertson14@gmail.com.
presenting professional develop- Vimari Colon-Leon who will be pre-
ment sessions, from putting togeth- senting a session on “Searching for As always, please don’t hesitate to
er proposals all the way through Authenticity in Latin American Mu- reach out to me or any members of
presenting at a conference. We will sic” and Seika Van Keuren who will the DEI council if you need support
also offer ongoing support for any- present a session entitled “Not or just want a think partner.
Congratulations to the
University of Lynchburg Collegiate Chapter
on its recognition as a
NAfME Chapter of Excellence!
Lynchburg’s NAfME Collegiate chapter hosted panel discussions that included practicing educators addressing topics such as
graduate school, cross-discipline teaching, program budgets, diversity in music education, and teaching music in a virtual
world. The chapter also hosted several professional development workshops, including clinics on the Alexander Techniques,
Orff pedagogy, steel drum, and ukulele. Students from the chapter are exceptionally engaged in the Virginia Music Educators
Association (VMEA) Professional Development Conference, with multiple students presenting their own sessions on topics
such as culturally responsive teaching, music in Montessori schools, and interpreting choral scores through textual analysis.
242021 Election Candidates
2021 is an election year for VMEA and its sections. Following are the candidates
for office (as of 9/15/21). Click here to request an absentee ballot.
VMEA President
Mike Horanski joined the music faculty of Robinson Secondary School in 2005 (Fairfax
County Public Schools) as the Director of Choral Activities. Mike has served as a District
Representative for VMEA, was President of the Virginia Choral Directors Association from
2015-2016, is currently serving as the All-Virginia Band, Chorus, and Orchestra Event Chair-
person and was named VMEA Outstanding Music Music Educator in 2017. For the past sev-
eral years, Mike has been providing adjudicator training sessions for VCDA. In addition to
the choral ensembles at Robinson, Mr. Horanski is the Artistic Director for the Vienna Choral
Society.
“I believe that every school in the Commonwealth of Virginia should be a place where all
students can participate equally and have access to a high quality music education. Programs and events should
be inclusive of all students. I also believe that as an organization all music teachers, at all levels and disciplines,
should feel represented and have a voice in leadership so music education can remain strong for generations of
all Virginia’s students and music educators. I am committed to listening and learning all I can to increase my
knowledge and growth in this area.”
William L. Prentiss Jr. is a native of Richmond, VA. He attended Jefferson-Huguenot-Wythe
High School (Wythe Building) Mr. Prentiss furthered his education at Norfolk State Univer-
sity where he received his BM in Music/Media, Endorsement in Education and Masters in
Music Education. He also studied at Shenandoah University and James Madison Universi-
ty. Mr. Prentiss has taught elementary, middle, and high school band and orchestra. He is
an adjudicator, conductor, and clinician.
Mr. Prentiss has received superior ratings at the state level in marching, concert, and jazz
band. His concert bands have received numerous superior ratings. While at Huguenot
High School, his program became the first and only Virginia Honor Band in the City of
Richmond. In 2007 he served as the Instrumental Representative for District I. (VBODA). He is presently the Band
and Orchestra Director at Meadowbrook High School and the Assistant Band Director and Adjunct Professor at
Virginia Union University.
“I am a firm believer and chief exponent of diversity. I embrace inclusion and always do my best to ensure equity
for all. I am also an active supporter of practices in and out of the school community that respect, affirm, and
protect the dignity of all music educators and music students.”
25You can also read
