VMEA Summer Newsletter

Labor Day is always a time to celebrate the working American. I also revere it as a teacher/student respite from the onslaught of the first weeks of school for those who have already begun. I hope you found that break, are fueled for the next push...and for those getting started after Labor Day....remember to make a difference from day one!!!

What are you waiting for?? Registration for VMEA Conference is OPEN and READY FOR YOU! Remember prices go up after October 15...so do not delay!!

Teachers interested in having a small ensemble perform at the 2024 VMEA Conference can apply at the button below. A small ensemble is defined in this instance as up to 9 instrumentalists or 25 vocalists. No risers or amplification of any kind will be provided. Minimal amplification allowed (eg solo mics for vocals). Selected ensembles will be allotted 20 minutes to perform. If you have questions please reach out to Alan Johnson, Conference Performance Coordinator at performances@vmea.com

VMEA has established the Awards Programs that recognizes service, achievements and contributions to music education for current active members, retired members, and for non-members who show their support for local music programs.

We want to recognize you if you have been teaching 15 years, 25 years, or JUST RETIRED!

Submit your name so we can include you in our celebrations.

We also recognize Outstanding Music Educator, General Music Educator, Administrator, and Lifetime Achievement with awards. You can nominate someone who has made a difference in your career!

All recognitions/nominations must be received by OCTOBER 15! Click the button below to submit.

The 2024 All Virginia Orff performance will be centered around the story of The Littlest Pine Tree. Sandy Lantz and Gretchen Wahlberg will be the co-conductors. The performance will include lots of Orff instruments, singing, movement acting and some simple costumes. This is a more traditional Orff performance. Our maximum number of students is 50, so the first schools will be chosen. Email cherylbaker15@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to reserve your spot while you get all the forms completed.

If you would like to help with the production and not bring students, please contact Cheryl. Many hands make the workload lighter!!

The 2024 Senior Honor Choir will be November 21-23, 2024 at the 2024 VMEA Conference in Norfolk. All 12th grade students enrolled in a VMEA member’s school choral ensemble are eligible to audition. Click below for all audition and event information.

The 2024 VMEA Composition Festival is coming!! Applications are available for any K-12 and Collegiate members to showcase new works and creativity happening in Virginia. An amazing opportunity for a workshop/mastercalss with award winning composer Dr. Andrea Reinkemeyer is also available. If you have questions, please reach out to Dr. Jim Criswell and Dr. Ryan Keebaugh at vmeacomposition@gmail.com.

VMEA seeks a Collegiate Advisor to serve on our Executive Board. The VMEA Collegiate Advisor works with pre-service teachers and Collegiate Chapters across the state in accomplishing VMEA's vision to help nurture and support the next generation of music teachers as they enter the profession. The primary goal of the collegiate advisor is to support and strengthen future music teachers throughout the state. Primary Responsibiliteis include:

1. Coordinate annual meetings with each Collegiate Chapter leader in the state in an effort to recruit and retain chapters at Virginia institutions.

2. Coordinate planning for NAfME Hill Day including recruiting of collegiate attendees, planning, and attendance at NAfME Hill Day.

3. Assisting with VMEA In-Service Conference planning,

4. Assisting collegiate officers in planning the annual collegiate business meeting, recital and reception for the in-service conference,

5. Administering the VMEA Collegiate Chapter Recognition Program.

Applications are due September 15.

VMEA seeks a co chair for Advocacy and Government Relations to serve on our Executive Board. The Advocacy & Government Relations Co Chair coordinates work, policy, and advocacy efforts related to music education. Primary responsibilities include the following:

Just starting out in your music education career? Welcome to the profession!

Can you believe it's time to nominate a string music educator, colleague, or local sponsor! We know school just started, but the excellence in our state continued. Don't delay; nominate today! Submit your

JW Pepper is delighted to announce a special scholarship program in celebration of JW Pepper's 150th anniversary. As a longstanding supporter of music education, we are committed to fostering the next generation of musicians and music educators. In honor of our 150-year milestone, we are offering over $150,000 in college scholarships to outstanding music students who demonstrate exceptional talent and dedication to their craft.

Scholarship Details:

• Eligibility: Open to all students what have participated in their school music program and are entering their first year of college as a music education major in the fall semester of 2025. One student from each US state will be selected, one from Washington D.C., and one from the combined US territories. The top scholar will receive a $10,000 scholarship.
• Award Amount: $3000 for each recipient, $10,000 for the top scholar

Learn more about this scholarship program at https://www.jwpepper.com/scholarships

The Peter R. Marsh Foundation’s $1250 Middle School Music Grant is available between July 1st and January 31st annually. The purpose of the Grant is to provide a remarkable venue and experience for students where their emotional senses are awakened, and they are inspired to advance musically, scholastically, and socially. Grants are available to public middle school music teachers in the United States for the acquisition of in-school music classroom equipment and supplies, with additional funding available for student transportation to senior facilities.

The Grantee and their middle school music students are to provide three musical performances at senior facilities in their local or nearby communities during the school year. Each engagement is to include a post-performance student/senior visitation period.

See the Foundation’s website https://www.prmfoundation.org/ for complete Guidelines, Conditions, and Reviews from past participants.