PMEA Late-breaking News and Information
College/University and Middle School String Orchestra Groups sought for MENC All-Eastern Conference
Due to lack of any College/University Applications and only one middle school application in the category of Orchestras, the committee decided to ask state Presidents to solicit as soon as possible, College/University and/or middle school string groups to submit a recording and application to perform at our conference.
Please use the attached form which includes all needed directions. We are seeking the highest quality groups in those two categories. If you are have a high quality Middle School or College/University orchestra, please consider submitting a recording and application.
We want to try to ensure that the Conference has balanced representation from all performing areas during the concert hours. Click here for the application.
Session Proposals and Performing Group Applications for 2009 PMEA Annual Conference Due June 23rd
Don’t forget to submit your session proposals and/or performing group applications for the 2009 PMEA Annual Conference, April 23-25 at the Valley Forge Convention Center. All proposals and applications must be postmarked by June 23rd and mailed to the 2009 PMEA Conference Program Chair, Scott Sheehan, PO Box 141, Hollidaysburg, PA 16648. If submitting a performing group application, please make sure your recording does not contain any markings that can identify your group. If any identification is on the recording, it will be disqualified from consideration. Complete instructions and applications can be found in the “Forms and Documents” section under the “Conference Forms” heading.
Registration Deadline Approaching for the 2008 PMEA Summer Conference
The June 20th deadline to register for the 2008 PMEA Summer Conference will be here before you know it. Make plans now to attend this professional development event (Act 48 hours will be available), July 21-22 at the Penn State Conference Center Hotel in State College. This year's event will feature General Session speakers David Warlick, Technology Consultant & Author and James Frankel, Managing Director: SoundTree. The Monday afternoon interest strands are as follows: Band - Edward Lisk, Choral - Frank Bianchi, General Music - Roxanne Dixon, Tim Latsha and Mark Romig, Jazz - Glenn Hosterman, Strings - Robert Gardner. Tuesday will cover a variety of topics including Advocacy, Mentoring, Adjudication, Early Childhood, Technology and more!
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: mus0720. Online registration for the summer conference is 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. A downloadable registration form can be found in the “Conference” section of this website.
2009 All-Eastern Application Instructions Released
Online applications may now be completed for the 2009 All-Eastern Honors Ensembles, March 12-15 in Providence Rhode Island. Eligible students are underclassmen (sophomores and juniors) who participated in All-State this year in Hershey. Registration is completely online and can be completed by following the procedures listed below.
Go to www.all-eastern.org/bocj
You will find two applications, one for the student to complete and the other for you, the director (it is recommended that you watch your student(s) complete the application online so that everything is done correctly)
Have the student complete the application. Be sure they check off the type of ensemble that he/she participated in 2008, i.e. orchestra, band, etc. If they were a part of the vocal jazz combo they should sign up for the jazz band
After the student completes the online application, a copy will be emailed to the teacher. The student will also need to print a hard copy for signatures, which should also be given to the teacher
To complete the director's application you will need to log-in using the entire nine digits on your MENC membership card
Print a hard copy and submit this to PMEA President Chuck Neidhart, 1514 Sherwood Way, Lansdale, PA 19446, with one registration check ($15 per student)
Deadline for student applications is June 20
Final selection will be made sometime in the Fall (October/November)
If you have any questions please contact the PMEA Office at 888-919-7632/ 610-562-9757 or email Abi Young at abiyoung@pmea.net
NAMM FOUNDATION NAMES THE 'BEST COMMUNITIES FOR MUSIC EDUCATION'
Designation recognizes community support for music education program.
The NAMM Foundation today announced the results of the ninth annual “Best Communities for Music Education” survey, which includes 110 school districts across the U.S. The designated programs exemplify community commitment to include music education as part of a quality education for all children. The NAMM Foundation and its music education advocacy efforts work to ensure that all children have access to quality music education programs that encourage lifelong participation in music making.
This year’s roster of musical schools represents 29 states with New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia representing the most districts. To view the complete roster of “Best Communities,” visit www.namm.org/press-room/news/news-releases/2008April29a
Hundreds of teachers, school and district administrators, school board members, parents and community leaders, representing communities in all 50 states, participated in the Web-based survey. The districts were measured across a variety of program support, curricular and programmatic criteria. Furthermore, the results were measured proportionally, so that communities of different sizes were compared equally.
Participants in the survey answered detailed questions about funding, enrollment, student/teacher ratios, music class participation, instruction time, facilities, support for the music program, private music lesson participation, and other relevant factors in their communities’ music education programs. The responses were verified with district officials, and the sponsoring organizations reviewed the data.
“We commend these school districts for their commitment to assuring that music is part of a complete education for children,” said Mary Luehrsen, executive director, NAMM Foundation. “It takes the commitment of an entire community to assure that music is part of the core curriculum. Children engaged in music will be the innovation leaders of tomorrow, and there is no better way to build life-long participation in music than with a solid base of music education.”
Luehrsen also noted that throughout the survey’s eight years several districts have reported that making the “Best Communities” list has had a tangible effect on their ability to preserve music for their students. This year, recipients cited increased enrollment in music programs and more support from parents and community members as they realize the physical, mental and emotional value music education brings to students.
Research reveals strong correlations between quality music education in school and academic achievement. Students actively involved with music programs develop skills needed by the 21st century workforce, including critical thinking, creative problem solving, effective communication and team work.
The following Pennsylvania school districts were named to this years list:
• Abington School District
• Central York School District
• Ephrata Area School District
• Garnet Valley School District
• North Allegheny School District
• Quaker Valley School District
• State College Area School District