From the President

Casey Cropp

(To read the full article, please click HERE to go to the Spring Journal.)

I believe we have something special, maybe not unique, but very special in that we are quite connected to each other in the music education profession. With that comes the additional pressure of wanting approval from our musician peers/friends. We could open ourselves up to allow our musician friends to assist in our classrooms, give feedback on rehearsals or performances - live or recorded, participate in contests… Unfortunately, we are more likely to decline asking for assistance because we might not feel we are at a point that we can have someone see what and how we teach, opening ourselves up for an honest conversation or evaluation. 

I’m very much like those who might relate to the above scenarios, or something similar! I truly want my peers to respect my work, but I really hope for the help that they can provide. Their thoughts might just be what I need to hear… Or I might be able to realize a different perspective based on a thought that was shared that would more likely fit my students.

Most importantly, though, I’d like to say to each of you – You are in your positions because you have already proven yourselves!! You are the Professional!! Ask for help, Yes, but trust yourself!

Casey

Click HERE to read the Spring edition of the Colorado Music educator.

General Music News

Kalinda Theobold

(To read the full article, please click HERE to go to the Spring Journal.)

As we begin to plan the CMEA Conference 2025, I want to personally encourage you to submit a proposal for a session to be presented at the conference. Maybe you have considered it in the past, but haven’t followed through in submitting because you’re nervous, fearful of rejection, or not living up to an unspoken standard. We want you to submit a proposal! So many of you mentioned wonderful ideas for sessions when I spoke with you at the conference in January, and our membership would benefit greatly from your expertise! We learn best from each other through our background knowledge and past experiences. What you have to share is invaluable and we truly desire your partnership! Here are some ideas of what you might submit:

• General Music in the Secondary Level (Middle and/or High school)
• Incorporating Instruments into the Classroom
• Composition and Song-Writing
• Movement Based Sessions
• Hands-On Activities and Manipulatives
• Elementary Choral Resources
• Specialty Topics for Smaller Schools
• Sessions with Immediate Application

Kalinda

Instrumental Council News

Tim Libby

(To read the full article, please click HERE to go to the Spring Journal.)

The Instrumental Council is committed to celebrating the musical accomplishments of every CMEA District. It is our hope to see representation of groups of all types and all sizes from every region of the state. We need your participation to make that happen. Please consider applying and encourage your colleagues in your district to do the same. We can’t have representation without participation!



If you are not considering an application to perform at CMEA, please consider presenting a clinic or encouraging a colleague to present. Nearly all clinics presented at the conference are by Colorado music educators! There is a vast amount of expertise across all of our districts, and our community grows stronger when we share our experiences with each other.

Tim

Vocal Council News

Alyssa Miller

(To read the full article, please click HERE to go to the Spring Journal.)

I am excited to announce that the VMC is in search of Listening Panel Volunteers for our upcoming June meeting. Each year, the VMC gathers to review submissions for the following year’s conference performances. In 2023, we introduced a new initiative by inviting choral educators to join us as members of our listening panel for the blind audition process. This decision aimed to make the process more equitable and efficient, providing a diverse range of perspectives in our selection process.

Participating as a listening panel member offers a unique and enlightening experience to vocal music educators. It is an opportunity to directly contribute to the shaping of our conference program while gaining valuable insights into the selection process. The time commitment is minimal, requiring only one evening in June (June 7) for approximately 6-7 hours.

If you are interested in being considered as a volunteer for the listening panel, please sign up HERE.

Alyssa

From the Executive Director

William Kohut

Interested in Presenting at the 2025 CMEA Conference

The Colorado Music Educators Association will accept proposals for workshops, clinics, and professional development sessions for the 2025 Clinic/Conference; for CMEA Honor Performing Groups; and for CMEA Honor Award recipients. The submission form will be live on May 1, 2024 on the CMEA website.

Submitting a Proposal for an Honor Performing Group at the 2025 CMEA Conference

The Colorado Music Educators Association will be accepting proposals for workshops, clinics, and professional development sessions for the 2025 Clinic/Conference; for CMEA Honor Performing Groups; and for CMEA Honor Award recipients.  The submission form will be live on May 1, 2024 on the CMEA website.

Interested in nominating someone for a CMEA Honor Award, nomination form links will be released on August 1, 2024.

New Process to Order Music Awards

The Colorado Music Educators Association is proud to partner with Western Awards and Recognition for the purchase of All-State Medals and Perpetual Plaques, CHSSA Large Festival Plaques, CMEA Conference Honor Performing Group Medals and Patches, and Solo and Ensemble Medals. Click on the link below to obtain an order form and either email or mail this Western Awards and Recognition. Western Awards and Recognition can also be reached at (303)-699-5691 or through email at westernawards@comcast.net .

Click HERE to download the awards order form.

Support our 2024 CMEA Exhibitors

Click HERE to see the exhibitor listings