We should all be back to teaching or doing the things that will help us do so. I hope that you will be returning face-to-face with protocols that you, your district and local health officials are comfortable with. I advise you to stay current in research on the aerosol studies so you can help to advise your school and district in regards to safety in the music room. By doing this, I think you will be able to build or continue with a level of trust from your administration, staff and community to have a hand in making decisions and in your room and break misinformation that has cropped up in regard to dangers in the music room.
I attended an online awards ceremony in conjunction with the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) in July sponsored by the National Music Council to announce and present the 2021 American Eagle Award. A sampling of past recipients has included: Crystal Gayle, Herbie Hancock, George Clinton, The Manhattan Transfer, and the Country Music Hall of Fame. This summer the vocal group Take 6 was presented the award as well as The Music Educators of America—which means each and every one of us! In honor of teaching music through the pandemic and keeping the art of music alive in the lives of our students. Links below lead to a video produced by artists in the Nashville, Tennessee area thanking you for your perseverance in doing everything you needed to for music to stay active in your school as well as a PDF of the official award. I encourage you to download this certificate, add your name to it and post it in your room so that students, staff and parents can see that what you did the last 18 months or so is recognized for its importance and merit.
CMEA CONFERENCE PERFORMING GROUP APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
The window is now opened to submit your applications and sound files to be considered and selected as an honor performing group for the 2022 CMEA Conference. The conference will be held in person only at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs from January 26- 29, 2022. Applications close on November 5, 2021.
It now time again to nominate your colleagues for the 2022 CMEA Honor Awards. Nominations are currently open and close on October 1, 2021. To nominate an individual for one of these awards simply click on the award and you be taken to the award nomination form and instructions. All award nominations and supporting materials will be submitted through the google form. You must sign into your gmail account to access these forms. If you are interested in making a nomination but are unable to access the form please email officecmeaonline@gmail.com or communicationscmeaonline@gmail.com
Do not miss the opportunity to take advantage of the early bird CMEA Conference registration rates. Early bird registration rates end on October 15, 2021. Conference Pre-registration rates begin on October 16, 2021.
I am always inspired by the commitment of my dedicated colleagues in Colorado music education. I have seen so many messages and social media posts by music teachers who are excited to get back in the classroom and do what they love. You are also an inspiration to all the university students who are excited to enter the field soon. You are setting the examples, setting the pace, showing the power of what we do. As we enter another year, thank you for the professionalism, patience, adaptability and ingenuity you exhibit every day!
Greetings from Tri-M
Michelle Ewer, Chair
A new year is upon us. I am hopeful it will look different for everybody. We made it through a unique year to say the least. I know I experienced teaching styles I never imagined were possible. It definitely tested my skills as a teacher and as a member of the human race.
Last year I was new to my school. I did not know my students and they did not know me. The smartest decision I made in January was to start a Tri-M chapter at my school. We did it all via zoom, but it gave us purpose and meaning. We never got to meet in person but we were a team. Several students participated in Tri-M day. We made Valentines cards for a senior home. We held a shoe drive for an action center. We helped with the spring concert program. In 6 months, we became a chapter that enjoyed every minute of our time together.
Is it time for you to start a Tri-M Music Honor Society chapter at your school? Check out the Tri-M website. You will find that it is easy to join and your students will benefit greatly. What are you waiting for?
Looking ahead to January 26th 2022, I am excited to say that we will have Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser for our Tri-M keynote speaker. I can hardly wait. Dr. Tim always brings so much to our conventions. We will also have sessions on composing, social justice, vocal pedagogy, Tri-M service projects and more. We will conclude with a combined Band, Orchestra, Choir performance. It is always the highlight of the convention. Start planning now to attend.
I am always happy to answer any questions about how to start a chapter or what it looks like etc. Feel free to reach out any time. I will be sharing more information about the convention in future publications. In the meantime, enjoy the start to your year and enjoy your Tri-M students. They are worth the time and effort involved!
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 Clicking Here. 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
