President's Message

Casey Cropp

You’ve been busy getting everything started for the year, rehearsing for that first concert with the new ensembles, preparing for honor ensemble auditions, enjoying the culmination of all that intense work with the marching band that began for many last June or July, developing relationships with your ensembles and getting to know the individual students’ strengths and weaknesses. And now you’ve made it to one of the busiest times of the year… What happens next?? On to the next thing?! There is no time to waste; the upcoming holidays have so many responsibilities and requirements, there’s no time to pause for a breath…

May I suggest a pause might be the smartest decision you could make at this time. Not a long pause, but a moment to look at what’s been accomplished and evaluate if the path you’ve planned for the year is still the right direction – knowing more about how your groups have come together and their actual needs. Space between the movements of a larger work to reset and focus on the next steps. Possibly a hesitation to look at the planned literature for the year to determine if it really will address the learning you would like your students to have experienced next May. Maybe even a slight lull in the schedule to allow yourself a moment to recoup strength for the coming events and schedule.

I’ve referenced this song before, but Tim McGraw always reminds me of how I would like to think I would have taught my students and where I would like to be at this time of the year…

“When the work you put in is realized, let yourself feel the pride, but always stay humble and kind.”

Congratulations on all you’ve already blessed your students with this year!

Please make plans to join us at CMEA!! Registration is open!!

Casey

PresidentCMEA@cmeaonline.org

Executive Director News

William Kohut

Fall is upon us, and it is already the beginning of November. Likely, you have completed many music activities in these first few months of the school year. It is now time to help you focus on January.  January is the perfect time to attend the annual conference to refresh, renew, network with peers, and listen to fabulous music. It is also an excellent opportunity to destress at the beautiful Broadmoor Resort.

The CMEA Board and staff are anxious to welcome you to a learning-filled conference in January. Because of renovations in the International Center, all large instrumental concerts and the All-State Jazz Band and Elementary Choir programs will take place in Broadmoor Hall B. All smaller instrumental performances will take place in the West Ballroom this year. All vocal music clinics and performances will take place in the West Building and the Rocky Mountain Ballrooms.  A full conference schedule will be posted soon on the CMEA website.

We will again use the same conference App this year.   The App is very interactive and will work from your mobile device. In early January, you will receive an email with directions on downloading and setting up the app and a guide on how to navigate and use the app. Our new Technology Chair, Sean Hedding, will also offer a Zoom meeting before the conference to walk anyone interested through the app and its many essential features.

Early bird registration closed on October 15, 2024, and we are now in the pre-registration phase. This phase closes on December 23rd. Regular registration opens on December 24^th and runs through January 13th. “On-The-Spot” registration opens online on January 14^th and runs through February 1, 2025.

Any participant registering for the conference through January 27^th can pick up their materials at the pre-registration tables at the hotel. Those of you who miss these deadlines still have the opportunity to complete your online registration form and either select to pay by credit card or bring a check to the“On the Spot” registration in Broadmoor Hall. When you arrive at the “On the Spot” registration desk, you must have a copy of either your registration confirmation or invoice available on your mobile device or through a printed copy. The registration worker will verify your registration and payment, and if you are paying by check onsite, they will collect your check. You will be handed your conference credentials and be on your way. It is important to note that all registrations take place through the online registration portal. We are excited to continue to offer a streamlined and faster process for conference registration.

Remember to book your room reservations if you are staying at the Broadmoor Hotel. The CMEA Conference Room Block fills up quickly, and you do not want to be wait-listed for a room. Hotel reservations can be made by using this Passkey

link: https://book.passkey.com/go/CMEA25

On behalf of the CMEA Board and Staff, we look forward to seeing all of you in January 2025.    

Greetings from Tri-M

Michelle Ewer, Chair

Fall is here, and the Holidays are getting closer. How is your Tri-M chapter involved this fall? Perhaps carols in the halls, a nursing home visit, serving cookies and hot cocoa after a concert. Create a Banner that says Tri-M so the community knows who you are.

Tri-M Day is Wednesday, January 29th, at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Registration opens November 1^st at www.cmeaonline.org.  The fee is $35 before December 20^th. December 21^st -January 14^th, the fee is $40. Lunch is on your own. Directors must be registered for the convention to bring students to Tri-M Day. This includes assistant directors as well. Even if you only plan on attending Tri-M Day, you must purchase a one-day registration badge.. I would love to see our numbers increase even higher this year. We have a great convention in store for you. Students will have 18 different sessions to create their own mini-conference. Tr-M Day is for students in 6^th- 12^th grade. The day involves moving from session to session and being active participants. All grade levels are welcome to attend. As directors, you know your students who can handle the rigor of the day. We will end our day in song, so plan to bring your instrument and a folding music stand. It is always the highlight of the day. Let us show Peter Boonshaft what Tri-M Day is in Colorado.

Thank you to our new chapters. It makes me proud to see a new school on the list. The fee is $100 to become an active chapter through NAFME. https://nafme.org/student-opportunities/tri-m-music-honor-society/start-or-renew-your-chapter/ Having an active chapter will provide you with Scholarship opportunities as well as Chapter of the Year Nominations and Certificates to honor your outstanding students. Please join through NAFME today!

My email has changed. Please contact me with any Tri-M questions at TriMChairCMEA@cmeaonline.org   Allow this email to come through your school accounts. I have already been blocked from several school emails. If you have an active chapter and have not heard from me this fall, check your spam. Let me know if I am not reaching you. Thanks for your patience.

I look forward to seeing you in January!

Sincerely,

Michelle Ewer

TriMChairCMEA@cmeaonline.org

Adjudication Training and Program

Sponsored by CMEA/CHSAA/CMAA

Gary Ambrosier

Have you ever wondered why the music from the schools just down the road or in other towns is receiving higher scores and I am not? Do you want to improve your group but need help? Ask yourself several questions.

• Am I selecting the right music for my groups?
• Am I studying my scores enough?
• Do I understand what the adjudication sheets are saying/asking for? Do I know how to get them?
• Do I have a pre-festival concert?

If you don’t have the answers, we believe the Colorado High School Activity Association and the Colorado Music Adjudication Association can help you become an adjudicator at the upcoming CMEA convention. We have several excellent presenters to provide tools and resources to help you achieve your goals.

You need to know several things about the new procedure the Music Committee of CHSAA has developed. Performers and comments are anonymous.

Beginning in the middle of October, music departments across the state will take time from their rehearsals and concerts to create a video of their groups performing. They will send it to CHSAA for you to listen to, evaluate, and comment on the adjudication form. The comments and adjudication you have done will be listened to in December.

Many teachers have asked, “Why Be A Judge’? Here are points to consider:

• Why Not?
• You will become aware of what other teachers and groups are doing.
• Listening to groups outside your classroom can improve your teaching ability at a higher level.
• Recording suggestions on improving tone, emotion, and intonation promptly.
• When you adjudicate a group in your area of expertise, you may notice areas for improvement in your own music group.
• Take time at the convention to improve yourself and do the following:
• During the conference, you will need to listen to and evaluate two groups
• Attend the workshop on Saturday, Feb 1^st at 12:00 pm
• Check the convention schedule for the room and attend your discipline groups with the experts.
• Discuss sight reading.
• Discuss music for festivals.
• Discuss the adjudication forms sent in
• Check out the requirements to be an adjudicator and possibly adjudicate this year.

We at CHSAA hope you will consider joining our team of adjudicators. We share thoughts, provide resources, and have a good time helping others.

For more information contact CHSAA and ask for Rashaan Davis, at extension #4. They will direct you to listen to these groups and evaluate them.

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.

Reservations for

The Broadmoor Hotel

are now open

Reservations for the CMEA Room block at The Broadmoor Hotel, the official hotel of the CMEA Conference, can be made beginning on August 1, 2024, using the Passkey booking link below.

Reservations can also be made by calling the Hotel Reservations Center at 719-577-5775. When you call to book your reservations, make sure to tell them you are attending the CMEA Conference so you receive the CMEA hotel room rate.

If you are booking for a school group with a block of rooms, you need to contact the CMEA Room Reservation Manager at The Broadmoor Hotel, Candice Gilmore, at ((719)- 387 6695 or by emailing her at CGILMORE@broadmoor.com.

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.