President's Message - Patrick O'Keefe

Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year! While I’m sure much has changed even since the time of this writing, I hope you have settled into your classrooms, virtual or otherwise, after an exciting start to the school year reconnecting with your students. I think it is safe to say no one would have envisioned Fall of 2020 to look this way, however I am finding myself constantly inspired and motivated by all of the creative and collaborative ways our members have responded to so much change over the past several months.

As we look forward, I think it is important to take time to thank the many leaders that have committed countless hours through the late spring and summer working with partners to advocate, plan, share best practices, and prepare professional development in efforts to best serve our members. Thank you to Jeff Santoro, Lisa Vartanian, Dennis Argul and the dozens of educators that contributed in many capacities to the work done by Arts Ed NJ in creating the September Ready guidance. Thank you to Bob Morrison for his leadership and relentless advocacy efforts on behalf of all arts educators. We have found ourselves in a higher level of communication than ever before with partners and affiliates like Arts Ed NJ, NFHS, NAfME, NJSO and more during this period of research and reimagination. I hope you were able to participate in our August webinar series that served as a professional development component to these efforts, with speakers on topics that included SEL, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and Technology, as well as several music contents. Thank you to everyone that played a part in the organization, planning and presentation of those sessions.

With regards to professional development, you should be aware that our in person February Conference has been canceled. While our Executive Board did not make this decision lightly, we had to consider the restrictions and guidance many districts are under with regards to release time, PD budgeting, and field trips for performance groups, in addition to some logistical unknowns of the future around gatherings and facilities. Having said that, please take advantage of the virtual professional development that we will continue to offer throughout the school year. While there are clear components to an in-person conference that can not be replicated virtually, it is our hope that these sessions will better serve you during this time. As the school year unfolds and undoubtedly continues to surprise us, an ongoing, asynchronous model may be more beneficial in providing support. I am very proud of what we were able to offer in Atlantic City this past February and look forward to returning in 2022 under Lisa’s leadership.

Our classrooms may look different, our schedules may have shifted, and surely our creativity may have been challenged, but I am confident that the students across the state will continue to grow and benefit from the passion and support from our music educators. As we navigate this year together, I encourage you to reach out to myself or any board member with concerns or new ideas. Thank you for all you do.