PMEA May Update
It's hard to believe, but the end of the 2007-08 school year is right around the corner. Thank you to all who attended and volunteered during the 2008 PMEA Annual Conference last month in Hershey. Attendance was great and we appreciate everyone's enthusiasm in celebrating PMEA's 75^th Anniversary. Below are a few things to keep in mind before heading out on summer vacation.

PMEA Membership Renewal Forms Mailed Out
We are in the process of mailing out PMEA Membership renewal forms for the 2008-09 member year. All memberships run from July 1, 2008 until June 30, 2009. Dues are $107 for Full Active and Active Research memberships and $87 for Full Active Spousal memberships. *If you are retired or are retiring, there are two options of membership. PMEA/MENC Retired membership is $46 and gives you membership in both PMEA and MENC. The new PMEA Only Retired membership is $25 and is available for those interested in only joining PMEA. Be sure to spread the word about this new option. All Retired Membership renewals are being sent out with the PMEA/MENC Retired membership cost of $46. To switch to the PMEA Only Retired membership, simply cross off the $46, and write PMEA Only - $25. If you are retiring this year, simply cross off "Full Active" on your membership form and write the level of retired membership you wish to join on the form. The cost of membership is the same no matter when you renew. We recommend renewing no later than August 1 to guarantee full, uninterrupted access to exclusive member services such as the PMEA Summer Conference, a full year’s subscription (4 issues) to PMEA News, Act 48 credits from PMEA sponsored events and much more. Dues can be paid by check, made payable to PMEA or by credit card (American Express, Discover, Mastercard, Visa).

To pay online - log in using your email address as your username. First time users your password is your six digit PMEA ID number. Those returning to the website will use the password you created. Once logged-in, select the "My Transactions" option on the left side of the page and then select "Pay Open Orders." If you have any difficulties throughout the process, please contact the PMEA office. PMEA Cannot Accept Purchase Orders.

Opportunities Available for Involvement at
2009 MENC Eastern Division Biennial In-Service Conference
Members are encouraged to submit performing group applications and session proposals for the 51^st Eastern Division Conference, March 12-15, 2009 in Providence, Rhode Island. The deadline for submissions has been extended until June 10, 2008. Applications for both can be found online at www.menc-eastern.org Those interested in submitting a performing group application will need to log-in using your nine digit MENC number. Please contact the PMEA office if you experience any difficulties.

Calling All Volunteers to Help with the
2009 PMEA Annual Conference
Any PMEA members who are interested in serving on the 2009 Conference Planning Committee or the CD Listening Committee should contact Scott Sheehan at scott_sheehan@verizon.net no later than June 1, 2008. The meetings will take place on Tuesday, July 22 at the Penn State Conference Center following the Summer Professional Development Conference. The CD Listening Committee will begin at 1:00PM and the Planning Committee will begin at 2:00PM. Lunch will be provided for everyone who is able to serve on these committees.

Registration for 2008 PMEA Summer Conference Now Open
Make plans now to attend the 2008 PMEA Summer Conference, to be held Monday, July 21 and Tuesday, July 22 at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel in State College. This event is open to all PMEA members, however space is limited, so be sure to register before the June 20th deadline. Registration is $25 and includes all sessions, breaks and Monday lunch and dinner and Tuesday breakfast. Attendees are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. Rooms are available at the Penn Stater at the rate of $100 for a single or double room, and $110 for a triple or quad. Reservations can be made by calling 800-233-7505 by June 20 or until the hotel is sold out. Be sure to specify the PMEA reservation code: mus0270. The registration form can be found in the Summer issue of PMEA News, online in the "Conference" section of the PMEA website or by clicking here. Online registration is also available by logging in to the PMEA website. (First time users your password is your six digit PMEA ID number. Those returning to the website will use the password you created.) Select the "Online Store" option and then the feature product – the PMEA Summer Conference 2008.

Dust Off Those Clubs and Head to the Greens
PMEA is pleased to introduce the first ever Summer Conference Golf Outing. This event will take place on Sunday afternoon on July 20 (the day before the summer conference) at the Penn Stater Golf Course. The cost will range between $60 and $80 for Summer Conference Attendees and will be slightly higher for those coming only for the golf outing. Anyone interested should complete the 2008 PMEA Summer Conference Golf Outing Interest Form (also located in the conference section of the PMEA website) by June 1 and return it to the PMEA Executive Office at 56 S. Third St., Hamburg, PA 19526 or email the information to Abi Young at abiyoung@pmea.net

Stay Connected through the PMEA Advocacy Network
To get the latest on legislation affecting music education at the state and national level, subscribe to PLAN – PMEA's Advocacy network. Simply send an email to Advocacy Chair Rich Victor at rdv11@scasd.org. Be sure that your email filter permits the email messages to be delivered to you. You will only receive emails when there is something to report.

District 1 Updates from Membership Chair Kevin McElheny