Continuing Transitions: Creating New Traditions

Abstract

In the October 2010 issue of General Music Today, I talked about various transitions our profession is currently experiencing. Some are cyclical in nature—such as the change of board members—whereas others are of a more permanent and lasting nature—such as the employment transitions that many of us are, or have been, facing. MENC-sponsored professional development opportunities are also in a state of transition. In an effort to create a new type of professional development conference, MENC has shifted its focus from the traditional spring biennial in-service conference to a set of academies offered annually during the summer—June 2011 will mark the third Music Education Week (MEW). MEW is structured around a series of academies. Planned according to music educators’ areas of teaching— choral, band, jazz, general music, and so on—each 2-day academy has a series of sessions specific to the teaching focus. The idea is to provide participants with a more in-depth exploration of topics suited to their teaching contexts as well as flexibility in the time length of the sessions. At the time of this writing, the General Music Academy for MEW 2011 is being planned by the Society for General Music (SGM) with assistance from the Early Childhood Special Research Interest Group (Early Childhood SRIG) and will focus on music in early childhood. While early childhood traditionally encompasses birth to age 8 years, we are planning to expand the academy focus to include the transition from early childhood into middle elementary, thereby expanding the targeted student population to birth to age 9 years. The General Music Academy will be organized by the manner in which children engage in music: singing/ chanting, playing, moving, listening, and creating. Within each mode of engagement, music development and instructional techniques will be presented. Again, the philosophy behind the academy format is to give participants a more in-depth experience so session lengths may vary depending on the needs of the particular topic. A change in tradition is not always an easy one. Some will miss the mixing and mingling of all music educators— preK through university—typically experienced at the biennial in-service conference. Others may miss the ability to attend sessions in a variety of teaching areas such as band, choral, jazz, urban, and small school. MENC’s Professional Development Committee is trying to address these issues in the context of the academies. Although some overlap in academy attendance may be possible, it will not be as fluid as during the biennial conference. However, you will still find the biennial format at the division and state conferences. Finally, in addition to the change in format, the other substantial change is that of time and location. The new tradition is June in Washington, D.C. SGM serves a very large population and understands that not everyone is able to travel to Washington, D.C.—especially on an annual basis. We are continually seeking ways to provide professional development support to our wide expanse of members and are hoping to help facilitate an event in 2012 in a more western location. Please “stay tuned” for further developments. Many of you are soon to attend your state and/or division conferences this winter and spring. If you are interested in attending MEW 2011 this summer, please go to menc.org for session and registration information. Regardless of the conference you attend, best wishes for a professional development experience that leaves you refreshed and reenergized.