Task Force for Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Access
by President-Elect Cynthia Eversole
The DEIA Task Force of CMEA continues working for tomorrow to reflect and envision the future of our music education community. The opportunity to read the reviews of the 2020 Clinic/Conference has given us an additional springboard from which we can launch our specific efforts. We are all thirsty for more diverse presenters, discussions regarding diversity and equity in our respective classrooms/practices, discussions regarding cultural music, resources to include ALL of our students regardless of personal challenges, ensuring teacher mental health, and providing a safe place for student social emotional learning.
Consider setting aside the dates of July 13-15 as CMEA joins with ten additional MEAs to give access to professional development. Be on the lookout for further details here, in our newsletters, and on our CMEA FaceBook page regarding this opportunity. Making Equity Actionable: Honoring Non-Dominant Cultures in the Music Classroom: How do we welcome the disenfranchised, individuals with differing cultural values, and those considered “Other” as we seek to improve equitable access and representation in music education? Educators will learn strategies for opening doors to all students while evaluating the curricula we teach to ensure cultural relevance.
It continues to be a humbling experience to work alongside such inspiring and thoughtful colleagues. Members of this Task Force include Carla Aguilar, Wesley Broadnax, myself, Mark Hudson, Michael Paulez, Hollie Ryckman. We welcome Michael Windham as our newest contributor.
Do you have a specific passion for the work of DEIA or a specific marginalized population? If you are interested in supporting the work of this task force, I invite you to reach out to me at ceversolemusic@gmail.com Meetings occur virtually and are every 1 to 3 months dependent upon the current objective.
CMEA Important Dates and Timelines
2021-2022
The CMEA board of directors has approved important dates and deadlines for
CMEA events through January 2022
(All-State event deadlines will be added as they are announced)
March 15, 2021
Exhibitor Registration Opens for 2022 Conference
June 1, 2021-August 1, 2021
Call for Proposals to Present 2022 Conference
August 1, 2021-October 15, 2021
CMEA Conference Early Bird Registration Open
August 15, 2021-October 1, 2021
CMEA Honor Award Nominations Open
August 15, 2021-November 5, 2021
Conference Applications Open
CMEA Conference Performing Groups 2022
September 15, 2021
Exhibitor Late Registration Begins (late fees apply)
Did you know that you can purchase CMEA Solo and Ensemble Awards even if you did not attend a CHSAA Solo and Ensemble Festival? If you hosted a regional Solo and Ensemble Festival or a county of district festival you can still order CMEA Solo and Ensemble medals.
Have you participated in a CHSAA Large Group Festival and put off ordering the award plaque? You can still order plaques for past festivals.
Did you have students in All-State Jazz Band, All-State Jazz Choir, All-State Orchestra, or the Elementary, Middle School, or High School All-State Choirs? If you did this might be a great time to honor these students with an All-State Medal. You can order these medals for your students and have them shipped directly to your home address. This is a great way to recognize your students for their accomplishment.
Have you thought about stocking up on Solo and Ensemble Medals, All-State Medals, or Clinic/Conference Performing Group medals? This might be a good time to spend remain budget dollars to stock up on these medals before your funds run out.
All award orders can be placed by going to the CMEA web site at cmeaonline.org, clicking on the General Information Tab and Clicking on the Order CMEA Awards Tab. All transactions can be completed on-line, including credit card payment.
Do you have questions regarding CMEA awards? You can direct those questions to CMEA Awards Manager- Ken Anderson at awardscmeaonline@gmail.com
