CMEA NEWS CONNECTICUT MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION volume LXVI, number 3 • www.cmea.org Spring 2015 QuaverCustAd_CT_CMEA_AugSep14.pdf 1 7/16/14 2:08 PM The Future of Music Education TODAY! C M Y CM Advanced Technology. Teacher-Friendly. “This is a true revolution. Not just in music education, but in education in general. I absolutely love my Quaver Curriculum!” SERIOUSLY FUN! David Blanchard Smith Elementary • Spring, TX MY CY CMY K ™ NEW! Customize Your Quaver Curriculum! New S cre • Modify existing lessons or create your own from scratch! en • Insert other Quaver resources, or import your own files: MP3s, PDFs, YouTube links, and more! YouTu b e Add a link to a YouT video ube Docum e nt Upload a examp file (.pdf, fo r le) to th e lesso n X Audio Upload a lesson n .mp3 to th e Web L in k Try 12 Lessons for FREE! Check li Create a Want your very own FREE Quaver T-Shirt? st checkli st scre en k to a w ebsite Just go to QuaverMusic.com/Preview and begin your FREE 30-day trial today! Just give us a call! 1-866-917-3633 Limit one per household Add a lin ©2014 QuaverMusic.com, LLC CMEA NEWS Volume LXVI, Number 3 CONNECTICUT MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION INSIDE THIS ISSUE www.cmea.org CMEA Executive Board....................................... 2 President’s Message Stephanie Zak....................................... 3 Letter from the Editor Carolyn Bennett.................................... 5 Student Affairs Commission Brian Hutton........................................ 7 Membership Update Magdalena O’Brien................................. 7 CNAfME State Council Jennifer Allin....................................... 9 Amor De Mi Alma Interview with Dr. Brad Genervo.............. 13 CMEA In-Service Conference Materials..............15-23 Welcome Letter.................................. 16 Keynote Speaker: Keith Reeves................ 17 Featured Speakers............................... 19 Preview of Featured Honors Ensembles...... 20 Pre-Registration Form........................... 23 Congratulations to Norah Kolb, a fifth grade student at Reed Intermediate in Newtown, CT. Her artwork won our first-ever Cover Art Contest for elementary musicians! CMEA News, Spring 2015 1 Connecticut Music Educators’ Association Executive Board Barbara Skrebutenas, Executive Director [email protected] David Pelletier, Advocacy Scott Friend, Membership scott [email protected] Richard Diamond and Matt DiLassus, Eastern Region Directors [email protected] [email protected] Stephanie Zak, President [email protected] Michael Ances, President Elect [email protected] Walter Culup, Northern Region Director [email protected] Brian Hutton, Student Affairs Commission Lauren Verney-Fink, Professional Development Magda O’Brien, Membership [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Theresa Voss, Southern Region Director Nick Albano, Western Region Director Carolyn Bennett, CMEA News Editor Jennifer Allin, CMEA Collegiate State Chair [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 2 CMEA News, Spring 2015 President’s Report by Stephanie Zak, CMEA President, Music Instructor, Meriden Public Schools G reetings from the frozen tundra of Connecticut! As I sit and compose my thoughts, my mind wanders back to last year’s article……in which I believe we were experiencing the same weather! Winter is my favorite season but the frigid temperatures have my permission to LEAVE! of arts educators to discuss current issues in Arts Education. I have been invited to attend these committee meetings (State Arts Committee Think Tank), along with representatives from the Connecticut Arts Educators Association and the Connecticut Arts Administrators Association. The committee is in the beginning stages at this point – our first meeting was to discuss what was important for the Arts at this present time. Future discussions will include the adoption of the National Arts Standards and the State Arts Accountability Report. The Student Affairs Commission has been keeping busy with adjudications and festivals. I want to thank each region again for their hospitality and for their continued support of our students. It is your voice, the membership, which drives change in CMEA. In the coming months, the Student Affairs Commission will be continuing their work to improve the SAC Handbook. If you have any suggestions or comments to share, please contact your Region Director. As you know, the Connecticut State Board of Education has hired Ms. Jackie Coleman for the position of State Arts Consultant. One of her initiatives is to convene a group A Busy Spring Ahead: Arts Slam 2015 will be taking place at the State Capitol on April 7, 2015. An invite for performing groups has been sent out to the membership and groups selected will be notified by March 7, 2015. The Connecticut Arts Educators Association will be joining our advocacy efforts that day, planning a LIVE art project (videos and snapshots will be posted on the CMEA website AND Facebook page). We encourage all participants (teachers, students and parents/guardians) to plan a visit with their legislators that day to advocate for the Arts. Our state representatives need to hear our voices loud and clear – their constituents present AND future! I encourage all members to register for the Eastern Division Conference in Providence, Rhode Island April 9-12, 2015. The deadline for pre-registration is March 15, 2015. Please visit nafmeeastern.org to view the full schedule and to register. If attending, please consider to preside over a session. The sign-up form for presiders can also be found on the registration link. The CMEA In-Service Conference and All State Festival will take place April 30-May 2, 2015 at the Connecticut Convention Center. Our Professional Development Chair, Mrs. Lauren Verney-Fink has been busy scheduling informative PD sessions as well as Honors Group performances and region informational meetings. For those students and teachers involved in All State, please visit CMEA.org for up-to-date information regarding the festival. On a sad note, David Pelletier will be stepping down from the Advocacy Chair position at the conclusion of Arts Slam 2015 in April. If there is anyone who is interested in becoming a part of the CMEA Advocacy team, please contact me as soon as possible. I hope to see everyone at the 2015 In Service Conference! CMEA News, Spring 2015 3 SUMMERTERM 2015 THE HARTT SCHOOL MUSIC • DANCE • THEATRE EXCITING NEW WORKSHOPS FOR 2015 Rehearsing the Secondary Jazz Ensemble: Technique and Repertoire Haig Shahverdian Playing Naturally: Intuitive Techniques for Playing and Teaching Donald Wilkinson The Developing String Player: Layered Learning for Continued Improvement Teri Einfeldt and Carlynn Savot Technologies in the Music Classroom Miriam Schreiber and Leslie Cohen Hartt Baroque Orchestra Seminar Emlyn Ngai Solo Dei Gloria: Developing your Church Choir Edward Bolkovac The Music and Literacy Connection Dee Hansen Starting Summer 2016, Orff-Schulwerk Certification SESSION 1: JUNE 29–JULY 3 An Introduction to Orff-Schulwerk Penny Mahoney Hartt Baroque Orchestra Seminar —NEW! Emlyn Ngai Brass Refresher Matt Aubin Enhance your Teaching through Keyboard Harmony Pete Woodard Exploring Jazz Improvisation Kris Allen School String Fleet Maintenance Glen Grigel Introduction to Music Recording Justin Kurtz Inspiring Good Vocal Technique Cherie Caluda SESSION 2: JULY 6–10 THE AMIDONS’ FINAL VISIT TO HARTT! Rich Traditions and New Creations: Dance, Song, Storytelling, and Literature in the Music Classroom Peter and Mary Alice Amidon Jump Start your Choir Edward Bolkovac and Stuart Younse World Percussion and Drum Set Survey for Music Educators Ben Toth Technologies in the Music Classroom—NEW! Miriam Schreiber and Leslie Cohen Folk Dance around the World Lillie Feierabend Diverse Learners in the Music Classroom Heather Wagner Percussion Know-How for Music Educators Ben Toth Piano Tuning I & II Kenneth Lawhorn Body Mapping for Music Educators Kay Hooper SESSION 3: JULY 13 – 17 Gordon’s Music Learning Theory Ken Trapp SESSION 5: JULY 27–31 The Developing String Player: Layered Learning for Continued Improvement—NEW! Teri Einfeldt and Carlynn Savot Instrumental Conducting Clinic Glen Adsit and Edward Cumming Woodwind Refresher Dan Higgins Solo Dei Gloria: Developing your Church Choir—NEW! Edward Bolkovac The Music and Literacy Connection—NEW! Dee Hansen Rhythmic Workout for Music Educators Rogerio Boccato SESSIONS 4–5: JULY 20–31 The Hartt Choral Conducting Institute Edward Bolkovac and Stuart Younse Music Production, Pro Tools I Gabe Herman The Hartt Kodály Certification Program John Feierabend, Jeff Rhone, Edward Bolkovac, Gabor Viragh SESSION 4: JULY 20 – 24 Playing Naturally: Intuitive Techniques for Playing and Teaching—NEW! Donald Wilkinson THE FEIERABEND ASSOCIATION FOR MUSIC EDUCATION (FAME) First Steps in Music John Feierabend Rehearsing the Secondary Jazz Ensemble: Technique and Repertoire—NEW! Haig Shahverdian Conversational Solfege Beginning John Feierabend Conversational Solfege Advanced John Feierabend Hartt Guitar Festival Christopher Ladd, Richard Provost, Scott Tennant Teaching Children How To Create and Conduct Music Glen Adsit and Michael Colgrass SUMMERS ONLY MASTER OF MUSIC EDUCATION Earn your MMusEd during the summer. Choose an emphasis in Pedagogy, Kodály, or Instrumental or Vocal Conducting and complete 37–42 credits in just three summers! hartford.edu/hartt/summerterm Dr. Warren Haston, Director, Hartt Summerterm 4 CMEA News, Spring 2015 [email protected] 860.768.5526 A Letter from the Editor Carolyn Bennett T his issue was a great opportunity for me to learn more about our upcoming offerings at the In-Service Conference at the end of April. Read on to learn about our keynote speakers, special presentations, and hear from the directors of some of our featured honors ensembles. It’s bound to be a good time! Our next issue will be the final one of our school year. The focus will be, “Using Summer Days to Expand Your Musicianship.” It’s hard to believe that summer is just around the corner! Us teachers value summer days for muchneeded relaxation, but also for the opportunities to expand our musicianship as educators and artists. How do you get the most out of your summer days? I encourage you to share with your colleagues through the CMEA News. Maybe you can briefly review a beach-reading book that changed your teaching. Perhaps you’re involved with a summer music camp or are pursuing postgraduate work that informs your teaching. Share away! Moreover, our students can often use the summer to focus on musicianship and grow in ways that aren’t quite possible through the daily grind of the school day. Do you have resources that benefit students over the summer months? Do you know of a local program that makes a positive impact on young Connecticut musicians? Please pass it along to me. Our magazine will include a special student-centered section to help students find opportunities to grow throughout the summer. Stay current with us on Facebook! Go to Connecticut Music Educators Association Share ideas, concert events, report “Good News” in your school/district/college campus! CMEA News, Spring 2015 5 Summer Graduate Studies in Music Education June 29 - August 7, 2015 Experience the breadth and depth of the academic year curriculum by completing this acclaimed, affordable graduate degree in three beautiful Ithaca summers. USE YOUR SUMMERS TO GET AHEAD Expand your skills and grow your career during summer break. In just three summers, you can earn your master’s degree in music education from Ithaca College. READY when the winds blow When kids can’t afford instruments or lessons, they miss out on an opportunity to discover untapped talent. Using my music education degree from Ithaca College, I get to find the hidden stars of Brooklyn. – Jeff Ball ´03, M.M. ´08 (Music Education) EXPERIENCE THE ADVANTAGE OF OUR ON-CAMPUS COMMUNITY You’ll learn from experts in the field, get one-on-one mentoring from respected professionals, and become an integral part of our broad network of accomplished musicians and educators. BENEFIT FROM EXCEPTIONAL VALUE Graduate assistantships can offset a portion of our already affordable graduate tuition. These renewable awards are competitive and based on experience, audition results, and undergraduate academics. LET IC’S REPUTATION OPEN DOORS Graduates from our music education program are highly sought after by schools and doctoral programs across the country—and around the world. Learn more at ithaca.edu/gradmusicsummer 6 CMEA News, Spring 2015 STUDENT AFFAIRS COMMISSION By Brian Hutton, [email protected] Hello everyone! As I write this article, the All-State audition has come and gone, and the temperature is frigid. By the time this is published, we will be ready for the 2015 All-State festival, and hopefully enjoying much warmer weather. Since the last CMEA News was published, each region has held their high school and middle school addition festivals. Also, all four regions enjoyed successful high school festivals in January, despite weather-related challenges. As of this writing, the middle school festivals are gearing up for what promises to be a very rewarding experience for our students. Speaking of weather, our snowy winter wreaked its havoc on SAT testing which consequently made All-State audition scheduling challenging. I would like to thank everyone for their patience, flexibility and understanding as we worked to accommodate last-minute changes in our students’ scheduling needs. This is a tribute to the collegiality of our CMEA membership. I look forward to another opportunity for us all to collaborate at the All-State festival. We will spend time with fellow CMEA members, attend workshops, participate in discussions and continue to work toward a shared vision for music education in Connecticut. Without question, this is an excellent professional development opportunity. As I complete my first year as the Chair of the Student Affairs Commission (SAC), I would like to express my appreciation to the SAC members for their guidance, leadership, and professionalism. This has made my transition to this new role smooth. Mentorship: A New Initiative for CMEA By Magdalena O’Brien “N one of the music teachers in my town are TEAM certified. You know who my mentor is? The French teacher! She’s never even been in her school band!” Thus went a conversation with a frustrated colleague, a first-year middle school band teacher. Unfortunately, her story is not uncommon as districts scramble to find mentors for new music educators. CMEA realizes that this is an issue, and we are beginning a new initiative to help! CMEA will begin a mentorship network for the 2015-2016 school year. This initiative will pair first and second year music teachers with retired music educators. Although the program will not replace TEAM, the goal is to provide new teachers with a mentor and guide within their field. This is modeled after mentorship programs sponsored by the music educator associations in Kansas, Maine, Nevada, and Texas. Applications for mentors are being finalized now and will be available in the summer issue of CMEA News and online. First and second year teachers will be able to apply for a mentor in the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year. We hope that this program will provide a valuable resource for new and retired teachers alike as they learn from each other and work towards strengthening music programs around Connecticut. CMEA News, Spring 2015 7 Western Connecticut State University Fall 2014/Spring 2015 Audition Dates Auditions December 13, 2014 January 10, 2015 February 7, 2015 February 21, 2015 March 7, 2015 Western Connecticut State University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music Aspire. Aspire. 181 White Street . Danbury, CT 06810 . (203) 837-8350 8 CMEA News, Spring 2015 wcsu.edu/music CNAfME State Council G Jennifer Allin (Central Connecticut State University) reetings from the Collegiate State NAfME Council! Like you, we are excited for spring to finally arrive. However, our excitement extends past the weather. With spring comes two great events that we can’t wait to attend: the Eastern Division NAfME Conference in Providence, and the Collegiate Council’s 3rd annual Conducting Workshop, both in April. Both events will provide lots of opportunity for professional development, and will include collegiate music students around the state. Speaking of statewide collaboration, I would like to back up for a second and talk about another fantastic even that just happened: the 3rd annual Horns For Kids Benefit Concert! The Collegiate Council hosted this concert on February 27th and it was a terrific success! I have to extend a warm thank you, not only to the amazing members of this council, but to the performers and members of the community who provided their talent, help, and charity to help make this night incredible. The concert was hosted in the University of Connecticut Von der Mehden Concert Hall, and performances were provided by students from Central Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut State University, and UConn. The show opened with the wildly entertaining UConn Second Line Party Band; as the night went on, all of the collegiate musicians covered a wide array of musical genres. Performances included everything from UConn’s Mitchell Bernier on classical tuba to UConn’s student-run band Lume performing original works. Performances from CCSU included Ethan Sadoian on piano, a very polished Trumpet Ensemble, and a chamber trio playing Ethan Sadoian’s clever arrangement of “Let It Go”. WCSU had two extremely talented marimba soloists, David Pelaggi and Sean Griffin and Along with the UConn Party Band, Mitch Bernier on tuba, and Lume, UConn groups included a chamber trio performing two movements from Robert Schumann’s “Fairy Tales.” The evening ended with a percussion ensemble from UConn playing “Sketches of the Orient.” This group was especially fun because the members were all non-percussionist music education majors, including our own Eboard member Valerie Stickles! In the true spirit of NAfME, these future music educators had a lot of fun learning new instruments and performing for a great cause. Besides having great music and collaboration between the music majors across the state, the concert helped a wonderful charity cause. At the end of the night, the benefit concert raised over $200, which will be donated to Horns For Kids, Inc. This Connecticut-based charity uses donations to refurbish CMEA News, Spring 2015 9 CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY Summer Music Institute, 2015 July 6 – July 31, 2015 Exciting courses offer hands-on activities, practical teaching techniques, & engaging discussions. GENERAL MUSIC African Drumming: Jeremy Cohen (July 6-10) Getting the most out of your literature: Combining Orff-Schulwerk and Music Learning Theory: Dianne Lange (July 13-17) Integrating iPads into the Elementary Music Classroom: A Course For Elementary Teachers Taught By An Elementary Teacher: Amy Burns (July 13-17) Problem Solving in the Secondary General Music Classroom: Deborah VanderLinde Blair (July 13-17, a.m.) Problem Solving in the Elementary General Music Classroom: Deborah VanderLinde Blair (July 13-17, p.m.) Guitar for the Non-guitarist: Michael Miles (July 20-24) Guitar Skills and Curriculum: Michael Miles (July 20-24, p.m.) CHORAL MUSIC Success with Adolescent Singers: Al Holcomb (July 6-10) Conducting with Purpose, Process and Passion: Janet Galvan (July 6-10) Composing and Arranging for Choirs: Drew Collins (July 20-24) Voices in Harmony: Children’s and Youth Choirs in the 21st Century: Robyn Lana (July 20-24) Choral Pedagogy and Vocal Health: Strategies for Lifelong Singing: Brenda Smith & Ron Burrichter (July 27-31) INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC Instrumental Directors’ Symposium: Lauren Reynolds (July 6-10) Improve your String Teaching and Playing: Nola Campbell (July 6-10) Woodwind and Brass Repair Techniques: Carl Knox (July 27-31) Teaching Improvisation with Technology: Michael Fein (July 27-31) MUSIC TECHNOLOGY Blended Learning in Music Education: Scott Watson (July 6-10) Garageband Does It All!: Scott Watson (July 6-10) Integrating iPads into the Elementary Music Classroom: A Course For Elementary Teachers Taught By An Elementary Teacher: Amy Burns (July 13-17) Conquering the Common Core with Technology: Student Learning Centered Multimedia Projects: Barbara Friedman (July 6-10) Teaching and Learning in the Cloud with MusicFirst: Stefani Langol (July 20-24) From Productivity to Creativity: iPads in the Music Classroom: Stefani Langol (July 20-24) Teaching Improvisation with Technology: Michael Fein (July 27-31) iPad Video and Audio Recording to Enhance Assessment: Tom Rudolph (July 27-31) For complete information: www.music.ccsu.edu Get your Master’s in the Summer @ CCSU! What past participants have said: “Top notch, nationally known clinicians are gems!” “Every aspect of the SMI experience was first-rate.” “Very practical and applicable classes with fun and friendly professors constantly keeping your classroom needs in mind.” “Expert teachers with professionalism and passion for their art and teaching.” What our Master’s students say: “For me, this is the single best path to a graduate degree.” “Terrific comprehensive master’s program!” Hands-on Courses! Renowned Faculty! Enroll before May 15th to be entered in our weekly drawing for a Jawbone Speaker! For a comprehensive program brochure: 860-832-2912 or [email protected] For Master’s degree information: [email protected] 10 CMEA News, Spring 2015 new and old instruments and then awards them to schools in need around the state. Since 2003, H4K has donated to 393 schools in 109 towns in Connecticut. We are incredibly proud to contribute annually to such an amazing cause! Coming up next, the Collegiate Council will be hosting our third conducting workshop at Western Connecticut State University on April 19th. This workshop allows future music educators a chance to work with skilled clinicians and a full ensemble. We will be emailing local NAfME chapters soon with sign-up information. Besides the workshop, many collegiate NAfME members are eagerly looking forward to the NAfME conference in Rhode Island this April and the CMEA conference after that. University of Hartford will the featured university at this year’s CMEA conference and we cannot wait to see them perform. The conference is always a highlight in our year, and we hope to see many of you there! 2014-2015 Collegiate Council Officers President - Jennifer Allin (Central Connecticut State University) Vice President/President-Elect - Katie Robison (Western Connecticut State University) Director of Finances and Internal Operations - Holly Brown (Western Connecticut State University) Director of Public Relations - Valerie Stickles (University of Connecticut) CMEA News, Spring 2015 11 “I joined a supportive and driven community of students and faculty who share a passion for advancing music education.” REAGAN PARAS, M.M.ED. ’13 Instructor of Middle and High School Chorus, General Music, Music History and Music Technology Fiskdale, MA At Gordon, I felt encouraged to step out of my comfort zone in order to improve my own teaching. Each summer, the close relationships I formed with peers and faculty broadened my learning experience and motivated me to achieve my full potential as an educator of multiple age groups and musical disciplines. THE GORDON COLLEGE MASTER OF MUSIC EDUCATION 3 Summers: Online | In the Classroom | In Ensemble 12 CMEA News, Spring 2015 Learn more www.gordon.edu/gradmusic T he Western Region recently hosted Dr. Brad Genevro of Messiah College in Grantham, PA to work with musicians at their regional festival. Here, Dr. Genevro shares a bit about a favorite piece he programmed at the festival. Remember, recordings of each regional festival concert are available through SoundWaves. Amor De Mi Alma Why did you choose this piece of music? I chose this piece for multiple reasons. First off, it was written by a friend of mine for a friend. In the world of music, personal connections are vital to the artistic growth of performers, conductors, composers and audiences. I feel a special connection to this piece because of it. How do you hope to see your ensemble grow and develop through rehearsal of the piece? My goal as a conductor is to awaken the possibilities in others. I hope to nurture an understanding in each student as to his or her importance in music and life. The awareness that each has the power to change the world…One performance at a time. When and where did you first experience the piece? The Messiah College Wind Ensemble performed the US premier of the piece in February of 2013. In your opinion, what techniques or ideas are most crucial for a successful performance of the piece? Trust. Music making at the highest levels rely on trust; the trust of a musician to the conductor, conductor to the musician and the performer to the audience. We are in an age that faster is better. We do not have time to slow down. We do…we just choose not to do so. What enduring understanding do you hope young musicians take away from this piece? This is a slow piece. But true musicianship is developed through pieces that require the performer to invest in the piece. Fast music sells itself to the audience, slow music needs a more committed approach from all involved to make it a memorable experience. What are the technical considerations you will watch out for in the piece? Legato playing. Slow music requires the performer to navigate through elongated phrases. The student has to discover how to breathe life into the piece and propel it forward. Tuning and timbral balances are vital to the success of the performance. What are some rehearsal strategies you plan to use for the piece? Providing a learning environment that will facilitate the growth of all musicians in the room, including myself. We can all learn from each other. Talking about the creation of color as it pertains to timbre. Talking about ways we can develop a phrase and allow it to resonate with the audience. What message to you hope to convey to the audience through the piece? Music, great music, is a gift and not one we can take lightly. It is something that permeates all facets of our lives. Without it, there would be an unexplainable void in our lives. It does not matter the age of the performer, what matters are the intentions of each performer. Great Performances are a product of a broader understanding of human nature and the willingness to embrace the feelings of all involved. What would you tell a music educator who is considering programming this piece? This is a great piece of music. The true test of a piece, in my mind, is what the piece teaches me the second third or forth time I perform it. If there is nothing new that I learn from the piece, then I know it is time to move on. I have performed this piece over ten times and each time I have learned something more about the piece. That is the true litmus test for any piece of music. You will not be disappointed in the depth of the music that you put in front of your students. This piece draws the best out of everyone involved. CMEA News, Spring 2015 13 N O I T A C U D E C I S U M E T GRADUA 5 1 0 2 M R E SUMMER T Summer Workshop Week: July 13–17, 2015 What They See Is What You Get – Maximizing the Role of the School Choral Conductor Dr. André Thomas Conversational Solfege Beginning and Upper Levels | Dr. John Feierabend Managing a Respectful, Encouraging, Creative Music Classroom Inclusive of Special Learners Mary Correia and Eve Montague Teaching and Learning with Technology in the Music Classroom | Sean Hagon Bridges to the Community and Beyond Lillie Feierabend Conducting to Build Quality Musicianship in the Instrumental Ensemble | Dr. Robert Hasty Developing and Revising Curriculum and Assessment in Alignment with the New National Core Music Standards | Dr. Scott Shuler EARN GRADUATE CREDIT OR PDPs www.gordon.edu/workshops Week-long or two-and-a-half-day workshops available. DEGREE PROGRAM Summers-only Master of Music Education Online | In the classrroom | In ensemble GORDON COLLEGE | 255 Grapevine Road, Wenham, MA 01984 | www.gordon.edu/gradmusic 14 CMEA News, Spring 2015 69 Annual CMEA In-Service Conference th CMEA In-Service Conference 2015 will be the place to be! April 30-May 2, 2015 Connecticut Convention Center Hartford, Connecticut Pre-Registration ends April 15th Go to cmea.org to view the Session Schedule CMEA News, Spring 2015 15 CMEA In-Service Conference 2015 Dear Colleagues, Please join us for the 2015 CMEA In-Service Conference at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford. There are so many relevant and inspiring sessions and performances planned for all strands and grade levels. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with other colleagues! Here are some of the highlights… At the General Session on Friday (10:30) and his session on Saturday (10:30), keynote speaker Keith Reeves will inspire you and give you the tools you need to keep students at the center of your planning and decisions, even when other requirements or pressures come your way. At his session (Fri. 4:45) “Talking the Administrative Talk,” Keith will teach you how to make an impact when you discuss your teaching with non-musicians. Jared Cassedy, highly regarded Band Director from Windham, NH and recipient of the 2015 GRAMMY Music Educator Award, will clinic a beginning 9th grade band that he’s never met before while you watch and gather ideas to use with your band back at home! Fri. 2:15 followed by a Q&A. Dr. Sandra Doneski, Gordon College, will not only conduct the Elementary Honors Chorus but will also present 2 sessions on Saturday (8:00 and 11:45). Dancing Drum (director: Stephen Campbell) will present 2 sessions on Saturday (9:15 and 10:30) featuring performers from Washington Middle School in Meriden. There will also be drum sessions presented by Bob Bloom (Thurs. 4:15) and Mark Renner (Fri. 4:45). There are Technology, Common Core, National Core Music Standards, and SLO/Data Collection sessions on EACH DAY of the Conference! You will hear wonderful performances from various Hartt School of Music ensembles and 7 honors ensembles. String/Orchestra directors will learn about a variety of topics from presenters such as Kenneth Kuo, Kevin Chapin, Janet Fantozzi, Bethany Cook Fuscaldo, and Nathaniel Strick. There will be a choral reading session (Thurs. 3:30) and a band reading session (Thurs. 5:30). So bring your instruments, warm up your voices and prepare to have a fun time! You can mingle and relax with your colleagues at the social hour on Friday (beginning at 8:00pm). ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------There is TRULY SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE on EACH DAY. A complete listing of workshops and times (showing the Focus Area and Grade Level) can be found in the conference issue of the CMEA news and on our website www.cmea.org. The Marriott Hotel has a special room rate for CMEA members. See you there! Lauren (Harmata) Verney-Fink, Professional Development & Conference Chair 16 CMEA News, Spring 2015 2015 In-Service Conference Key Note Speaker: Keith Reeves into educational technology and school leadership to extend the pedagogical, assessment, organizational, and child-centered skills of Key Note Speaker at music teachers to others. He the General Session has been a director, visual Fri. May 1, 10:30-11:30am coordinator, staff arranger, and adjudicator for marching And presenter of 2 sessions bands throughout the east Friday May 1, coast, and the musical and 4:45-5:45pm choral director for several Talking the Administrative Talk and performance portfolios) high school musical productions Explore the language, tools, and to improve communication, over the course of his 14-year techniques of teacher observation instruction, and musical growth. career. and evaluation. Learn how to BIOGRAPHY FOR KEITH Now, as a school leader speak about your instruction to REEVES: Music educator and and avowed public school administrators who don’t have c o m p o s e r K E I T H D AV I D revolutionary, Mr. Reeves seeks a music background, and learn REEVES has taught ever y to ensure children and their how to educate administrators in a grade level, K through 12, in learning are first and foremost in positive, proactive, and respectful underprivileged and affluent everything we do in education. way. schools in both rural and urban A vocal advocate for kids and a Saturday May 2, settings, as well as educational vocal opponent of high-stakes 10:30-11:30am methods at the university level. standardized testing, his message Performance Based Assessment He studied composition with has been carried on NPR, the Dana Wilson, music theory Huffington Post, and various print Teachers and program leaders will with Mary Arlin, and trumpet media outlets. examine priorities and methods with D. Kim Dunnick. As a for understanding student skill Mr. Reeves currently serves as composer, Reeves writes tonal mastery in the music ed setting, an administrator and resides in music, often with dense chordal including exploring ways to Arlington, Virginia. elements and layered melodic use technology (such as Google lines. Primarily a middle and high Drive for individual student school band director, he went CMEA News, Spring 2015 17 CMEA In-Service Conference 2015 Keith made a video for the music educators of CT! Find the youtube link for it on cmea.org! Other Featured Presenters CMEA In-Service Conference 2015 Jared Cassedy (Director of K-12 Fine Arts and Band Director in Windham, New Hampshire) will lead a “Band Academy” session on Fri. May 1, 2:15-4:30pm. Watch him work with the Weston High School Concert Band (a 9th grade ensemble he’s never met before!) and enjoy a Q&A session with him after the rehearsal. Sandy Doneski (Gordon College Director of Graduate and Undergraduate Music Education, Associate Professor of Music, and Artistic Director of the Gordon College Children’s Choir) will serve as our elementary choral expert and Director of the Elementary Honors Choir! She will present 2 sessions… 1.Sat. May 2, 8:00-9:00am One for Singing and Singing for All! Developing the Singing Voice for All Singers 2.Sat. May 2, 11:45-12:45pm They Can’t Sit Still for a Reason: Using Storytelling to Develop Choral Artistry Elementary World Drumming Presentation by Dancing Drum (Steve Campbell, director) Sat. May 2, 9:15-10:15am • Featured musicians will be from Washington Middle School (Meriden, CT). Steve Campbell (Director of Dancing Drum) will present Sat. May 2, 10:30-11:30am • Drumbeat for Success: Teaching Good Character Through Music Jared Cassedy is in his tenth year in education. He began his career as a music teacher at Windham Middle School in 2005 directing all grade level instrumental ensembles, honors concert band, jazz ensemble, and string ensemble. In 2009, Jared was appointed as the first Director of Bands for the new constructed Windham High School directing all instrumental ensembles and a variety of music electives. In the years that followed, Jared’s continued collaboration with his students and 18 CMEA News, Spring 2015 colleagues has enabled the WHS Concert Band to be recognized and to participate in a myriad of national performances and festivals. Recent performances include the Festival of Gold at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Illinois (2013) and the National Band and Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall in New York City (2014). The band was also one of two high school concert bands in the Eastern Division selected to perform at the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Eastern Division Conference in Hartford, CT (2013). In 2011 the New Hampshire Band Director’s Association honored Jared with the “Outstanding Young Band Director of the Year Award.” The following year, he was appointed as the Dean of Fine, Living, and Technical Arts for Windham High School. In 2014, Jared was also nominated for New Hampshire Teacher of the Year. This year, Jared has been appointed as the Director of K-12 Fine Arts responsible for the supervision and evaluation of instruction as well as the development of curriculum for the district’s music and visual arts programs. He also still maintains his position as Windham High School’s Director of Bands. Along with his professional responsibilities, Jared also assumes the role of director of the NH Youth Wind Ensemble, which is an audition-based ensemble made up of students from around the state of New Hampshire who rehearse together and perform throughout the year. Most recently, the GRAMMY Foundation and The Recording Academy named Jared the recipient of the prestigious 2015 GRAMMY Music Educator Award out of a pool of more than 7,000 nominees across the nation. Jared graduated Summa cum Laude from the University of New Hampshire Dr. Sandra Doneski has taught in the Department of Music at Gordon College since 1999. She has been a teacher of music to students in kindergarten through graduate school. She teaches courses in music education methods, learning theory, assessment, curriculum development. She also supervises student teachers and conducts the Gordon College Children’s Choir. Dr. Doneski founded the Children’s Choir in 2000 to give children in the community an opportunity to grow as musicians, and music education majors an opportunity to develop as teachers and conductors. Dr. Doneski has also served on the faculty of the New England Conservatory (NEC) Preparatory School, where she was associate conductor of the Children’s Choir Program. Under her guidance, NEC implemented choral programs for early elementary and middle school students that focused on vocal pedagogy and building musicianship. She has served as a conductor for events in the northeast sponsored by the Music Educators National Conference (now National Association for Music Education [NAfME]) and the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA), and is co-founder of Embracing the New Music Educator, a mentoring program for new music educators in Massachusetts. In 2009, Dr. Doneski was the recipient of the Massachusetts Music Educators Association (MMEA) Lowell Mason Award and the Society for General Music in Massachusetts Excellence in General Music Award. In 2012 she received the MMEA Distinguished Service Award, and in 2013 she received the Administrators in Music Education Visionary Leadership Award. Dr. Doneski has published articles and conducted workshops on choral literature and techniques, curriculum development, assessment and mentoring. She recently coauthored “Research on Elementary and Secondary School Singing,” a chapter in the MENC Handbook of Research on Teaching and Learning in Music Education. CMEA In-Service Conference 2015 – Durham where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education with an emphasis in wind ensemble and choral conducting. He is currently focusing on attaining his Administrative Certification in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Educational Leadership at Southern New Hampshire University. S teve C ampbell i s a drummer, educator and musical director of Dancing Drum. His extensive travels to study percussion traditions of the world have provided Steve with a strong foundation in the art of drumming. Since 2002, he has conducted drumming programs in hundreds of schools across the country. His 20 years of drumming experience combined with his education degree led him to develop a highly effective approach to successfully integrate drumming programs into K-12 music classrooms. Steve has presented highly successful interactive clinic sessions at state music education conferences in Texas, Florida, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Georgia and the 2013 and 2014 NAfME In-Service Conference. CMEA News, Spring 2015 19 CMEA In-Service Conference 2015 A Preview of our Featured Honors Ensembles at the 2015 In-Service Conference Congratulations to the ensembles who will perform at our In-Service Conference this year! Greenwich High School String Ensemble Director: Bethany Fuscaldo Stonington Middle School Singers Director: Ellen Effman-Gilbert Simsbury High School Singers Director: Colleen Thompson Glastonbury High School Concert Choir Director: Ethan Nash Northwestern High School Wind Symphony Director: Steve Zimmerman John Wallace Middle School Jazz Band Director: Brian Kelly Darien High School Jazz Ensemble Director: Jonathan Grauer Check out the conference schedule at cmea.org for performance times and locations. The honors ensembles are preparing entertaining, inspiring, and educational presentations for Connecticut music educators. Read on to learn about what you can expect from their performances… Discuss a favorite piece of repertoire you plan to share at your performance. Ethan Nash: Among the pieces likely to be on our program are Eric Whitacre’s Sleep, Ken Berg’s arrangement of My God is a Rock, Rachmaninoff’s Bogoroditse Djevo and Pachelbel’s Singet dem Herrn. Jonathan Grauer: We are playing a piece called Groove Blues by Don Menza. This piece features my saxophone section which has five seniors in it that have been 20 CMEA News, Spring 2015 part of our jazz program since the got to Darien High School. It’s been a pleasure working with these particular students and it’s nice to be able to feature them. Colleen Thompson: The students are really enjoying the Brahms “Ave Maria.” They have sung the Ave Maria text in many other settings, and they find the Brahms setting to be really interesting. They love the lush romantic harmonies and how the piece builds to the final cadence. Steve Zimmerman: Pablo! by Richard Meyer is a well-crafted piece of music influenced by the life of Pablo Picasso. Each year, I work with our art department or a museum to present students with similarities and differences between the visual and performing arts. Pablo! is guiding us specifically toward Picasso who had a huge influence both on the art world and the City of Hartford. We’ll visit the Wadsworth Atheneum after our performance and learn about how “Chick” Austin helped transform the arts in America being the first curator to bring Dali, Picasso and more to the United States. It is very important to me that students develop an understanding and appreciation of artistry rather than just learning to play their instrument better – though we work really hard to do that too! Ellen Gilbert-Effman: We are very excited to present a newly commissioned piece by Jim Papoulis entitled “Yo Peudo” or “I Can”. Through a family donation, Pfizer Grant, Stonington Education fund and Blues Monday fund we were able to commission this piece. All royalties from the piece go to the “Foundation for Small Voices” Describe a rehearsal strategy that seemed to really motivate your students this year. Steve Zimmerman: This concert would not be possible without the aid of Smartmusic. Purchasing Smartmusic will not transform a band program from bad to good, or good to great, but with 7 snow days and 7 delays/early dismissals so far this January and February, it has allowed us to continue working without being in each other’s company. In addition, I find that the students respond well to the nonbiased score on the screen, which in turn, creates a habit of practicing for excellence and helps initiate a conversation about how best to practice. I assign a few phrases from our concert literature every 2 weeks or so which results in about 6-10 assignments each quarter. It helps provide an objective grade for the class and helps a lot with the learning of notes and rhythms. Colleen Thompson: We have had success singing in different acoustical environments. The lobby of our school has a high ceiling, which we call the “dome,” and the sound rings as if we are singing in a cathedral. Students love having the opportunity to move out of their normal rehearsal space and explore blend and balance in different settings. Ellen Gilbert-Effman: I am first and foremost a Kodaly teacher. Teaching those skills through choral music is my passion. I feel that that philosophy drives my instruction and empowers the students to discover the music. I feel myself more of a guide as I want them to use their tools to make musical decisions, to decode the musical symbols and to develop critical thinking skills toward their art form. There is so much to teach upfront, but after that, they really become responsible for their own learning. Jonathan Grauer: We rehearse 90% of the time in a box, not a standard jazz setup. It keeps the rehearsal more focused and helps the kids listen and interact more with each other. Ethan Nash: One of the most valuable rehearsal strategies involved recording ourselves in rehearsal and playing it back for the class. The comments and critiques that they generate themselves from listening often carry a lot more weight than things that I would say. How have you grown as an educator over the years? Ellen Gilbert-Effman: I realize that one of the most important things that is takes to be a good music teacher is a keen understanding of the adolescent voice. Having taught for a while has given me the chance to really hone my skills as a teacher and work with a lot of repertoire so that I know what is going to work for my students. I also have more patience and try to figure out where each child is coming from, so to speak. Bethany Fuscaldo: I’ve learned to trust my gut. I tend to “over-think” sometimes and end up in “analysis paralaysis”. I’ve learned that if I strip a problem down to its very fundamental, my musicianship and teaching skills will lead me to the solution. I’ve also learned that at some point, you have to let go of the minutia and look at the big picture... success is not measured by the “slice”, but by the “loaf ”. Be in the moment, be musical, take a a chance. It’s important for our students to see us as lifelong learners and music-makers! Steve Zimmerman: I’m right in the middle of my career having taught for 18 years. There are two big changes I’ve seen in myself over this time. First and foremost, my ability to hear and diagnose problems in rehearsal is infinitely better than it was in 1998. Attending conferences like the MidWest Conference and hearing exemplary ensembles has greatly expanded my concept of excellence. The other big change in my teaching is my view of music education and it’s relative importance. When I started, I was the sun and the solar system revolved around me. Now I understand that the student is the sun and I’m just one, of many, things revolving around them. Growing a child and growing a band program are not at odds with each other, but they are different aims and when I was younger, I really cared a lot more about the program whether my actions revealed that or not. Colleen Thompson: I have learned how to be vulnerable in front of an ensemble. There is not a day that goes by when I don’t make a mistake or say something ridiculous in front of an ensemble. I admit when I am challenged by a piece of music or a situation in class and we work through it as a group. This level of trust has helped me to develop an authentic rapport with my students. Students are more willing to take risks when they understand that I am woarking just as hard to be a good teacher as they are to be good choral students. What advice would you have for a new colleague in the field? Bethany Fuscaldo: Just do it. You might not always know the best way to do something in the classroom, but just try it. If it works, great! If it doesn’t, ask yourself what went wrong? How could I have changed my instruction to garner a better response? Then make changes (and keep notes!) for next time. Keeping a detailed lesson plan book will help- I referred back to my notes while I was in my first few years so I could recall what happened at which points throughout the year. And also (not just for first year teachers!), observe master teachers. Pick their brains and ask them questions! I’ve found that music teachers are more than willing to share their techniques, tricks and strategies if you ask. Jonathan Grauer: Remember why you became a music teacher; don’t lose your passion. Colleen Thompson: Repertoire is your textbook. Choose pieces that you love, because if you love them, you will be able to inspire your students. Make sure that the pieces work together within a program to give students a variety of musical experiences while giving the audience an enjoyable musical experience. Also, music literacy is the key to success with your ensembles. Teach students how to sing with Solfege and do sight reading every day, no matter what. Steve Zimmerman: 15 years ago, I attended my first MidWest Conference and met the legendary Frederick Fennell. We chatted for about 10 minutes and his words have stuck with me and guided me very much throughout my career. He said something to the effect of, “You can’t do it alone. No one can do it alone. Surround yourself and your students with great musicians. Every great band is built upon the work of many, not the work of one.” Soon after arriving home that December, I met with my administration and started a long, ongoing effort to help annually fund guest clinicians, guest artists and guest conductors. The added work is significant, but it is the most important thing I do as an educator. What do you hope your audience at CMEA comes away thinking about? Steve Zimmerman: I’ve put together this program hoping to help band directors hear literature that they might be interested in performing with their ensembles and most importantly bring joy to them for the time we’re sharing together. At Northwestern, we strive to balance excellence and fun. Ellen Gilbert-Effman: I would like them to come to the performance to be able to take away some perspective on the abilities of middle school students, but also to think about choosing pieces that really highlight your choirs ability. CMEA News, Spring 2015 21 CMEA In-Service Conference 2015 Bethany Fuscaldo: Music selection is so important to keep my students motivated. If they are really excited about what we are playing, they really invest their time and focus into what we are doing. We also record ourselves often, and listen, and reflect on our performance. Getting the students to be their own evaluator helps them become critical listeners and their own teacher. CMEA In-Service Conference 2015 I would also like to point out that although this is a select group, the core of who they are happens in my day to day choral rehearsals. That is where the magic happens! The select group is an extension of that. Colleen Thompson: Consider adding a high school chamber choir to your school-day choral program. Giving advanced students the opportunity to solve musical problems in a small setting can be really rewarding and satisfying for the students and the director. Jonathan Grauer: I hope they will want to bring their own group to the conference. We have amazing teachers and great programs throughout the state. book.” Eve Phelps, 12th grade, Darien High School How do your students feel about the conference? “We have a lot of talented people here. We learn more challenging materials and it includes all grades, which is really unique.” Emma Sabbadini, 13, Mystic Middle School “Our set for this concert is really engaging and thoughtful; we are applying our chamber sound to a wide range of music. I think the audience will be amazed at how versatile a women’s chamber group can be.” Maia Czaikowski, 12th grade, Simsbury High School “We have a pretty good reputation of singing. We don’t really feel a lot of pressure, we just feel proud.” Ben Huynh, 13, Mystic Middle School “We love playing gigs and we love missing school. It’s a win win in my preparing creative musicians for the modern world. bachelor of arts with concentrations in: bachelor of music in: Performance | Composition Critical/Cultural Studies Music Education | Vocal Performance bucknell.edu/music BucknellUniversityDepartmentOfMusic 22 CMEA News, Spring 2015 CMEA_AD_Sept_5.indd 1 @BucknellMusic 8/29/14 11:22 AM The 69th Annual CMEA In-Service Conference April 30-May 2, 2015 CT Convention Center, Hartford PRE-REGISTRATION Mail with payment to CMEA by April 15, 2015 CMEA In-Service Conference 2015 Registration Information: Name: ________________________________________________________________________________________ NAfME/CMEA Membership ID _______________________ BADGE PREFERENCE: E-mail:__________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ First Name City Registration Type Fee CMEA/NAfME Member 3 day Total $135 $_____ $90 $_____ $265 $_____ $220 $_____ No fee $0 $40 $_____ No fee $ 0 Retired Non-Member 3 day $85 $_____ Family Member (non-music teacher) 3 day Name for Badge_____________________ $50 $_____ Clinician (free on the day presenting) $50 $_____ CMEA/NAfME Member 1 day Which day? _____4/30 _____5/1 _____5/2 Non-Member 3 day Non-Member 1 day Which day? _____4/30 _____5/1 _____5/2 Collegiate CMEA/ NAfME Member 3 day (Undergraduate Students) Check here______ Collegiate Non-Member 3 day (Undergraduate Students) Retired CMEA/NAfME Member 3 day Check here______ Registration Sub Total $_____ Saturday Box Lunch Option Save yourself the hassle and pre-order a box lunch for Saturday to take to your 11:45 a.m. region meeting before the 2 p.m. All-State Concert. Menu: Turkey w/ Swiss, b-l-t & chipotle aioli on a flour tortilla, chips, fresh fruit, pickle and soda/water. $25 $_____ Number of Tickets ___ X $25 $_____ All State Concert Tickets Grand Total $_____ Method of Payment _____ _____ Check #_____________________________ Make checks out to “CMEA” Institutional Purchase Order ( School form must be attached) PO # Mail to: CMEA Conference Registration PO Box 174 Cromwell, CT 06416-0174 CMEA News, Spring 2015 23 Advertiser Index D EPA RTME NT OF MUSIC , TH E AT R E A N D DA N C E Bucknell University.............. 22 Central CT University............ 10 2015 Gordon College...............12, 14 Ithaca College......................6 AUDITION DATES The Hartt School...................4 Manchester High School Band Parents Association......... back cover Auditions required for entrance into all music programs. Saturdays: January 31 February 14, 28 March 7 Quaver...........inside front cover Rhode Island College............ 24 Western CT University.............8 Yamaha.......... inside back cover CMEA is a 501C3 non-profit organization and is a federated state affiliate of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Membership is open to all music teachers and those involved in other music education related work. The CMEA NEWS is published four times a year in September, December, March and June. Opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not represent an official position of CMEA. A subscription to the NEWS is included in the annual membership fee. • Rigorous programs for the • Extensive chamber ensemble offerings Bachelor of Music in Performance, Bachelor of Music in Music Education • Exceptional facilities in and Bachelor of Arts in Music the John Nazarian Center for the Performing Arts • Full range of scholarships available • First-class symphony orchestra, wind ensemble, chorus, jazz band • Outstanding artist/teacher faculty • Affordable tuition For further information, contact the Rhode Island College Department of Music, Theatre and Dance (401) 456-9883 | [email protected] | www.ric.edu/mtd | www.facebook.com/ricmusic 24 CMEA News, Spring 2015 2014-15 Publication Copy Deadlines are: August 1, November 1, February 1 and May 1 Manuscripts should be sent directly to the CMEA NEWS Editor at [email protected] For advertising information and rates, please visit www.cmea.org. NEW Yamaha Timpani Design. Projection. Clarity. The next generation of Yamaha timpani features upgrades to the frame, bowl and wheel designs, and the tuning gauge. Yamaha completely redesigned the frame to enable maximum sustain from the suspended bowl and ensure a long, reliable life. Simultaneously, the design of the bowl was altered to improve consistency and generate a deep, rich tone. Beyond the sound, Yamaha created a new wheel design and improved pedal mechanics to allow vast position options and smooth reliable pedal operation. In addition, the tuning gauge can now be moved to accommodate German and American setup options. 7300 Series Hammered Copper Bowl YamahaPercussion @yamahaperc Visit 4wrd.it/TP7300conmea for complete details ©2015 Yamaha Corporation of America. All rights reserved. CMEA PO Box 174 367 Main Street Cromwell, CT 06416-0174 Non Profit Org US Postage PAID Willimantic, CT Permit No.69
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