PMEA Web News
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 51st 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 http://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.
Call for Session Proposals and Performing Groups
51st MENC Eastern Division In-Service Conference managed by the Rhode Island Music Educators Association
March 12-15, 2009, Providence, Rhode Island
MENC members are invited to submit session proposals or apply to bring your performing group to the 51st MENC Eastern Division Biennial In-Service Conference managed by Rhode Island Music Educators to be held in Providence, Rhode Island on March 12-15, 2009.
Application deadlines:
Performing Groups: May 15, 2008 Session Proposals: June 1, 2008
APPLY ONLINE at: http://www.menc-eastern.org/
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