President's Message

Casey Cropp

As I write this, it is just days prior to Christmas, knowing you will all have returned to school when you are reading this, hopefully, rested and ready for the second half of the year.

I hope you took the opportunity to unwind, reflect on the blur of classes and events during the first semester, taking a moment to reflect on what you loved and what you wish you could do over… Maybe you were able to pat yourself on the back for those beautiful moments in your classroom, developing those students who have committed to you this year. You’ve provided opportunity for skill development. You’ve allowed a safe place for experimentation. You’ve emboldened confidence and determination. You’ve refined raw talents into musical building blocks – some that have taken your breath away. Shortly the season of gift-giving will be behind us, however you’ve been giving gifts since the beginning of the year!

I trust you did take a moment to savor and enjoy the sparkle in that certain students’ eye as they did something for the very first time at an advanced musical level. Or the way the ensemble tonalities have taken on a rich, mature quality that was only a hope a few short months ago. Recall the musical snapshots that will highlight the early part of the year. I always tended to overlook those peak moments until the end of the year, when many times I had forgotten the early special moments…

I hope that each of you have had a very special holiday break - taking time for yourself and those close to you. Maybe it will have allowed you to come back with an added fire and passion.

And please, make every effort to come together in Colorado Springs at the end of this month for a special time of learning, collegiality and Cultivating Excellence!

See you at the Broadmoor!!

Casey

PresidentCMEA@cmeaonline.org

CMEA 2025 Conference

“Cultivating Excellence”

Registration is now open



Registration for the 2025 CMEA Clinic/Conference is now open. We are excited to offer this year’s CMEA Conference, “Cultivating Excellence.” Individuals may register and pay by credit card or mail a payment by check only. All credit card payments must be made online. Schools or school districts registering more than one teacher at a time must use the Group Registration Form.

CMEA Board Policy- Membership

CMEA Board policy states that for students to participate in Elementary, Middle, or High School All-State Choir, High School All-State Jazz Choir, All-State High School Band, and High School All-State Orchestra, directors must be an active member of CMEA at the time your student(s) both audition and participate in CMEA sponsored All-States Ensembles.

In order to register for the conference as a CMEA/NAfME member, your membership must not be expired or expire before 6/30/2025. (If your membership expires between 1/1/25 and 6/30/25, you must renew it prior to registering for the conference.) To check on the status of your membership, you may contact NAfME at 1-800-336-3768.

If you select the option to pay your membership renewal through CMEA through conference registration, your membership renewal will NOT be forwarded to NAfME until April 30 for renewal. If you pay your membership to CMEA and it expires after 6/30/2025, you need to contact CMEA for a refund of this money. CMEA will not forward this money to NAfME as membership dues increase on July 1 of each year. 

Please note: If you wish to vote in the January election, you must renew your membership directly with NAfME by December 15, 2024.

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.