2023 March TEMPO

CELEBRATE MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS MONTH

TEMPO Editor - William McDevitt 300 W. Somerdale Road, STE C Voorhees, NJ 08043 Phone: 856-433-8512

e-mail: wmcdevittnjmea[at]gmail.com

Deadlines

October Issue - August 1

January Issue - November 1

March Issue - January 15

May Issue - March 15

All members should send address changes to: mbrserv[at]nafme.org or NAfME, 1806 Robert Fulton Drive Reston, VA 22091

Printed by: Mt. Royal Printing 1-717-569-3200

The New Jersey Music Educators Association is a state unit of the National Association for Music Education and an affiliate of the New Jersey Education Association. It is a nonprofit membership organization.

TEMPO (ISSN 0040-3016) is published four times during the school year: October, January, March and May.

It is the official publication of the New Jersey Music Educators Association.

The subscription rate for non-members is $20.00 per year. The subscription for members is included in the annual dues.

A copy of dues receipts (Subscriptions) is retained by the NJMEA Treasurer. Inquiries regarding advertising rate, closing dates, and the publication of original articles should be sent to the Editor.

Volume 77, No. 3, MARCH 2023

TEMPO Editor - William McDevitt C/O NJMEA, 300 W Somerdale Rd, STE C, Voorhees NJ 08043 Periodicals Postage Paid at Lakewood, NJ 08701 and additional entries

POSTMASTER: Please forward address changes to: NAfME 1806 Robert Fulton Drive Reston, VA 20191

Please go to nafme.org to record email and address changes.

Wayne Mallette Scotch Plains - Fanwood School District mallette.njmea[at]gmail.com

Ignite Your Passion! This was the focus of our 2023 NJMEA State Conference. I hope all of those who attended the conference were able to embrace this theme and left the conference with a renewed focus on being the best music educator possible.

It was my honor to greet you and the many guests from around the country at our 2023 conference. This conference would not have been possible without the creative team behind the scenes. I would like to thank Marie Malara and her team for their unwavering commitment to organizing a conference that is exciting and meaningful for the attendees. I would also like to thank Bill McDevitt for his strategic thinking and drive, which were necessary to bring this conference together. This year, it was an honor to host our National NAfME President, Scott Sheehan. His session and greeting were inspirational—his passion, drive, and genuine optimism are inspirational. He is no stranger to New Jersey, as he was the facilitator that helped guide our 2018 Strategic Plan. It was a full-circle moment to have him present as we begin the process of closing out this Strategic Plan.

Our keynote speakers, Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and Dr. T. André Feagin set the perfect tone for this conference. And I’m still recovering from the stellar performance of our headliners, Naturally 7. They brought the house down! I hope you were as inspired as I was and got the fuel in order to Ignite Your Passion.

Our culminating All-State Band and Choir concert was the highlight of our conference. It was an extra treat to see them perform both in Atlantic City and at NJPAC! I would like to thank our Band (Megan Alexander & Tyler Wiernusz) and Choral (Ken Bryson & Brian Williams) chairs and committees for organizing the rehearsals and concert. A very special thank you goes to Joe Cantaffa for creating a professional All-State concert experience.

As with every event we do, we are assessing how the conference went this year and look forward to making it even more meaningful next year.

As many of you know, March is Music in Our Schools Month. I want to challenge each of you to highlight the great things you are doing in your music programs. If you post something make sure to use the #MIOSM. You can also tag NJMEA in your post and we’ll be sure to post it to our social media site. Let’s let everyone know, “Music in our Schools” is alive and thriving!

One opportunity I would also like to highlight is the Crescendo Foundation. This organization is committed to providing financial resources to students who want to participate in our honor ensembles. If you have a student who you feel could benefit from this type of financial support, information can be found on the NJMEA website under the All-State Section.

Music Educators,

March can be a tough month for educators. As we progress in this last leg of the school year, please remember to be kind to yourselves. NJMEA is here to support you, so please feel free to reach out to let us know how we can best serve you.

Best!

SUMMER MUSIC STUDIES

GRADUATE COURSES FOR MUSIC EDUCATORS

Renowned faculty from University of the Arts and content experts from across the country provide graduate-level instruction for teachers interested in expanding their pedagogical, technological, musical and instructional skills in all types of music classrooms. As a component of the Summer Music Studies program, UArts offers a 33-credit Master of Music in Music Education program that can be completed in as few as three summers.

learn more @ uarts.edu/sms

SESSION 1

June 26–30

University of the Arts

SESSION 2

July 10–14

Villanova University

SESSION 3

July 17–21

Villanova University and Radnor High School

SESSION 4

July 24–28

Villanova University and Radnor High School

ONLINE

June 12–Aug. 4

Sunday 01/22/23

Saturday 02/18/23

Saturday 03/04/23

MORE INFORMATION

Go.Rowan.edu/Music

Meet the NJMEA President-Elect Candidate Yale Snyder

Yale Snyder received a Master of Music degree in Percussion from the University of Minnesota and a B.S in Music Education from Hofstra University. He is currently pursuing a Post-Masters in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University. Mr. Snyder teaches in the Monroe Township School District where he is a band director and the District Percussion Specialist. In Monroe Township, Mr. Snyder has developed a comprehensive percussion program from grades 4-12. He teaches percussion lessons in 3 elementary schools, directs the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade percussion ensembles at the middle school, and co-directs the two high school percussion groups, including the MTHS Honors Percussion Ensemble of which he was a co-curriculum writer. Under his direction, the district’s percussion ensembles have achieved state and national recognition including being accepted to perform at the NAfME All-Eastern Conference on 3 separate occasions. He is the current President of CJMEA, a position held since August 2021. (Complete bio will be available with ballot)

What do you see as some challenges music education in New Jerseywill face during your term as president? How should NJMEA respond to these challenges?

Now that we are on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic that had such an impact on our schools, educators, students, we will continue to face some challenges that will have an impact on music education in the state. Over the past few years, we have seen a high number of teacher turnover. Many of those educators have retired during and right after the pandemic, or simply left the teaching profession all together. This is a trend that we all hope will not continue, but the reality remains that we must be prepared for the possibility. In speaking to so many music educators in NJ through my position as CJMEA President, I have found that many teachers are feeling burnout and the pressure of the constant changes that they face each year. It is very important that current music educators as well as the next generation coming into the profession feel supported in what they do as well as continue to have the passion that made them want to make this their career path.

Along those same lines, it is becoming increasingly clear that the retention of students is a concern of many educators possibly more now than ever. Many programs took a big hit in 2020/2021 and are now feeling the effects post-pandemic. As we are in 2023, Quite a few teachers are in the rebuilding phase and looking 3 years down the line to hopefully have the numbers that they did back in 2019. On top of this, it is becoming challenging for students in some cases to be able to remain as a music student within their school programs due to graduation requirements, scheduling, and a growing list of choices by the year that students have in terms of electives during school, as well as activities outside of the school day that could prevent them from being part of a school music program that may meet after school. It is the upmost importance that we give students every reason to remain a

music student and find creative ways to make that happen within our own programs despite hurdles in terms of scheduling.

Lastly, while this is not a new challenge that will face us as educators, but as there are towns in the state that are consolidating each year, and the topic of equity amongst our students is of prominent importance. We must constantly be reevaluating our programs and teaching techniques to ensure success and inclusion of all students. We as music educators have the honor and privilege of working with all different types of learners in our classrooms and ensembles. It is our responsibility to never stop being students ourselves and continue to have the same passion and love of learning that made us want to do this from day one! Always having that passion will help us motivate all students no matter where they are to be the very best they can be.

While many in the state are part of NJMEA through our annual February Conference which is a wonderful learning experience and a great way to connect with colleagues, I would like to see the organization be looked at as so much more throughout the year. NJMEA will need to continue to be an advocate for music education and all students throughout the whole state. If I am elected, I want to really expand the organization’s advocacy profile on both the state and national level which I hope could help many educators and programs that may be experiencing challenges. I would like to see our mentorship program that was started last year continue and expand. For the many new teachers entering the profession, this could be an amazing resource to have a teacher outside of their district with years of experience that they can go to for help, learn from, bounce ideas off, and most importantly, to know that they have someone in their corner that is always there for them. To go a step further, I would like to see this program be offered in a more specialized manner where teachers of many levels could have someone to go to in an area that they feel they would like to improve upon and feel more comfortable. During the COVID-19 pandemic, CJMEA offered online professional development workshops in each division for its educators bringing in speakers from all over the country on zoom. We have kept this going this year through our brand new Diversity and Inclusion Division and it has been very successful. I want to see something similar developed at the state level where we could bring in guest clinicians online to talk about topics such as recruitment, retention, and help solve many of the scheduling challenges talked about above. I am very excited about the many possibilities that await us in the future. If I have the honor of serving in the role of NJMEA President-Elect, I will look forward to speaking and collaborating with our many great educators in the state and hear their concerns both within their own programs as well as bigger topics effecting all of us in the profession. It will be a true privilege to work with each of you throughout my time in NJMEA.

Anthony Guerere NJMEA President

1983 - 1985

1993 - 1995

Guerere, Anthony, - 85, of Hammonton, NJ passed away Saturday, December 17, 2022 at Penn Presbyterian Medical Center in Phila. PA. He was born in Winslow, NJ. He began guitar lessons at the age of 6 and piano at 8. In 1946, he became a member of Hap Branders String Band and then later in 1949 he appeared on the Steel Pier on the Tony Grant show. In 1950, he won 1st place among young composers in a national music competition sponsored by the American Guild. In high school, he represented Hammonton High School at Boys State, was president of the National Honor Society and Student Director of the High School Band. That year, he wrote both words and music for the class song. He served in the National Guard from 1960 –1968. He received his BS and MA degrees in music education from the College of NJ and became certified as a supervisor and principal from Rowan University. He was the band director at Hammonton High School from 1959 to 1987, and eventually became a supervisor and administrator until his retirement in 1998. He became adjunct professor of Music at The College of New Jersey andRowan University, where he con-

ducted the Atlantic Brass Band. Mr. Guerere also conducted the All South Jersey Symphonic Band as well as the All State Brass Ensemble and received the Otto Helbig Conducting Award from the College of New Jersey. He was president of the South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors Association and the New Jersey Music Educators Association where he received the distinguished service award and honorary life membership. He received the Governor's Award in the Arts for Distinguished Leadership in Music Education. In 2008, Anthony was named Artist of the Year by the Arts and Cultural Committee of the Hammonton Chamber of Commerce, and conducted the Ocean City Pops Orchestra in a Gala concert. He touched so many lives and will be greatly missed. Anthony is predeceased by his parents Anthony and Minnie Guerere. He is survived by his wife Rose Rita (nee Errera), Son Anthony Guerere and his wife Marizel, Daughters Lynne Lucca and her husband Rusty, and Joanne Pullia and her husband P.J. Loving grandfather of A.J. and Gina Guerere, Michelle McMaster (Charlie), Christy Lucca and Gabrielle, Danielle and Paul Pullia.

THE HARTT SCHOOL SUMMERTERM 2023

SESSION 1 JUNE 26–30

8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

A General Music Ukulele Curriculum

Ken Trapp

Jazz for the Common Pianist

Greg Babal

Low Brass Refresher

Matt Russo

2 credits, half-day, 8 a.m.–noon

High Brass Refresher

Daniel Daddio

2 credits, half-day, 1–5 p.m.

NO SESSION 2 WORKSHOPS

SESSION 3 JULY 10–14

8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Upper Strings Refresher

Melinda Daetsch

2 credits, half-day, 8 a.m.–noon

Lower Strings Refresher

TBA

2 credits, half-day, 1–5 p.m.

Arranging for Choral and A Cappella Singing

Andrey Stolyarov

Technology for Student-Centered Music Instruction—NEW!

Jay Dorfman

Movement-Based Active Learning Through Orff Schulwerk: A Process

Developed by Phyllis Weikart

Penny Mahoney

Connecticut Summer Arts Institute

Dee Hansen

9 a.m.–3 p.m

SESSION 4 JULY 17–21

8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Teaching Children to Create and Conduct Music

Glen Adsit

Smithsonian Folkways

Certificate in World Music

Pedagogy

Juliana Cantarelli Vita

Band Instrument Maintenance

Glen Grigel

Flute, Clarinet, and Saxophone Refresher

Andrew Studenski

2 credits, half-day, 8 a.m.–noon

Double Reeds Refresher

Michael Raposo

2 credits, half-day, 1–5 p.m.

Extraordinary Ensembles—

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access

Chris Ramos

2 credits, half-day, 8 a.m.–noon

SESSION 5 JULY 24–28

8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Song Writing

Rob Hugh

Instrumental Conducting Clinic

Glen Adsit and Edward Cumming

World Percussion for Instrumental and Vocal Music Educators

Ben Toth

2 credits, half-day, 1–5 p.m. Multiple Intelligences in the Music Classroom—NEW!

Lillie Feierabend

Concert Percussion for Music Educators

Ben Toth

2 credits, half-day, 8 a.m.–noon

School String Fleet Maintenance

Glen Grigel

hartford.edu/hartt/summerterm

SESSION 4–5 JULY 17–28

THE HARTT KODÁLY CERTIFICATION PROGRAM

Edward Bolkovac, Chris Powers, Stephanie Schall-Brazee, Gabor Viragh

THE FEIERABEND ASSOCIATION FOR MUSIC EDUCATION (FAME)

First Steps in Music®

Stephanie Schall-Brazee

Conversational Solfege™ Beginning

Stephanie Schall-Brazee

Conversational Solfege™ Advanced

Chris Powers

Technology for Student-Centered Music Instruction

Jay Dorfman

Multiple Intelligences in the Music Classroom

Lillie Feierabend SUMMERS ONLY MASTER OF MUSIC EDUCATION

Earn your MMusEd during the summer. Choose an emphasis in Pedagogy or Kodály and complete 37–42 credits in just three summers!

Warren Haston PhD, Director, Hartt Summerterm haston@hartford.edu

The Crescendo Foundation is a Not For Profit Corporation initially formed by leadership of the New Jersey Music Educators Association, who serves as the registered agent. The Association’s mission includes the advancement of music instruction in New Jersey’s educational institutions at all levels that provide in-service and enrichment opportunities for music educators, as well as sponsoring various festivals and All-State performing groups for K-12 students. As a result, the Foundation’s goal is to provide financial support to underserved students and communities to create access to the aforementioned festivals and performing groups. In this first phase of giving, funds will go to a scholarship model geared towards students aspiring to participate in All-State ensembles.

The Scholarship Framework

Through data assessment, it has been identified that All-State ensemble participation is not reflective of statewide total population demographics when comparing race and socio-economic status. The scholarship opportunities from the Crescendo Foundation gifts will allow students to apply for financial support to assist with any or all of the fees associated with participation including:

• Audition Fee - $25

• Participation Fee - $35

• Housing - $315

As part of the All-State experience and upon acceptance, students are housed together throughout the performance weekend. Scholarship opportunities would be available to cover the entire cost of this invaluable experience. In subsidizing these costs for qualified students and easing the burden of financial access, it is the hope of the Foundation that our All-State programming will become more inclusive, diverse and equitable.

We Need Your Help

We acknowledge that the Foundation’s ability to realize the plans outlined in the Scholarship program will require the generous support of the community. The initial phase of the program will require $50,000 which aims to assist 150 students over the course of the next three years in the areas of All-State Orchestra, Choir, Band and Jazz. All-State ensembles contribute to a total of 6 concerts annually in both Atlantic City and Newark. The vision for the Foundation is to eventually go beyond the scope of All-State ensembles to positively support several aspects of music education programming both at the State and Region levels, making this an important first step.

All gifts are tax deductible and there are many ways and opportunities to support this important effort. We thank you in advance for your support of our state’s students and providing transformative experiences outside of their school programs.

Giving Opportunities

Large Ensemble Concert Sponsorship - $5,000

• All State Orchestra and Mixed Chorus, Atlantic City

• All State Orchestra and Mixed Chorus, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark

• All State Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Treble Chorus, Atlantic City

• All State Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble and Treble Chorus, NJPAC, Newark

Concert Sponsorship - $2,500

• All State Jazz, Atlantic City

• All State Jazz, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark

Crescendo Giving Level - $1,000

Sforzando Giving Level - $500

Arts Advocate - $250

Friends of the Arts - $100

Other $_____________

All gifts and giving levels will be recognized in programs for that school year and program cycle, including concerts listed above, as well as NJMEA conference materials.

All gifts are tax deductible. Checks should be made payable and sent to:

The Crescendo Foundation

300 W Somerdale Road, Suite C

Voorhees, NJ 08043-2236

Please include contact information and appropriate name listing for program printing.

News From the Board of Directors

Administration

Alfred Hadinger

alfred_hadinger[at]nplainfield.org

Welcome to March! Between Music in our Schools Month, spring musicals and more, it is a busy time of year for many programs. How are you bringing music to your entire school this month? As we move further away from the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, are there opportunities for your students that you can seek out that may not have been possible in recent years? Perhaps consider a small ensemble performance in your cafeteria during lunch, or an ensemble exchange with another school in your district. Think of this month as an opportunity to focus more on the learning process/program culture, and to begin recruiting for the 2023-24 school year.

The New Jersey Music Administrators Association is in the midst of a two-part series on Culturally Responsive Arts Education. Dr. Latasha Casterlow-Lalla of the Passaic Public Schools presented at our February 10 meeting, and a team from the Bridgewater-Raritan Regional School District, led by Dr. Laura Bassett, will present at our March 31 meeting.

We hope you enjoyed this year’s New Jersey Music Educators Association State Conference. Congratulations to all presenters and performers, and thank you to NJMEA for another successful event!

As a reminder, membership in the New Jersey Music Administrators Association is open to any school administrator whose responsibilities include oversight of a music program. We welcome any principal, assistant principal, or supervisor who would like to network with other colleagues from around the state. More information regarding membership can be found on our website, www. njmaa.org.

Advocacy

Libby Gopal

lgopal[at]ewrsd.k12.nj.us

Music Advocacy Survey 2022-2023

Help NJMEA track our covid recovery, diagnose the needs of music programs, and guide our school districts in supporting the implementation of music programs by filling out our NJMEA Advocacy Survey. Originally designed by SJBODA President Lisa Ludewig, we are now expanding the survey to the rest of our state so that we can get a comprehensive view of our covid recovery efforts. Your input will be greatly appreciated. Scan the QR code below to take the survey:

News From the Board of Directors

Choral Festivals

Donna Marie Berchtold

firesongwed[at]gmail.com

The 68th NJMEA Middle School – Junior High Choral Festival Dates are currently arranged for the spring of 2023. Donna Marie Berchtold and Karen Blumenthal will co-coordinate and host the Middle School Choral Festivals.

The festivals are scheduled to be held at the same two separate locations as in the past. The first festival (Southern site) will be held on: Thursday. March 16, 2023 - Rowan University Snow Date - March 17, 2023). The second festival (Northern site) will be held on: Tuesday, May 23, 2023- Rutgers University.

Registrations Deadlines are: Rowan - Closed; Rutgers - April 11, 2023

Our planned hosts: ROWAN: Dr. Chris Thomas; RUTGERS: Dr. Brandon Williams and Judith Nicosia

The time of each event is 9:15 AM – 1:30 PM. However, we may contemplate a later start time to accommodate the buses and traffic, especially up at Rutgers University. The application forms are on the NJMEA web site; however, they can also be found in the January edition of TEMPO Magazine. A maximum of ten (10) registrations will be accepted at each site.

Each participating choral group will receive written and aural evaluations by the adjudicators, along with a plaque from NJMEA which recognizes the commitment and involvement by the school, its chorus, and the director(s).

Any schools interested in participating in either of these events should be sure to complete the application form in the January issue of TEMPO magazine, or online at www.njmea.org. Anyone with questions or concerns may contact Donna Marie at: firesongwed@ gmail.com, 609.965.4672 or 609.226.7751 (c)

*NOTE: At the time of this writing (Jan. 2023) we have six (6) registrations for the Southern Event, and six (6) for the Northern Event. It is anticipated that more registrations will be received.

NJMEA OPERA FESTIVAL

The Opera Festival Committee has developed a survey to determine the needs of our membership as it pertains to the festival. Please use the folloeing link to complete the survey: https://njmea.org/festivals/opera-festival/

PreK - 8 General Music

Amy Burns

NJMEA was an exciting conference filled with excellent presenters and sessions. The Elementary Academy shined with Dr. Franklin Willis and Dr. Missy Strong! We thank them for their work and effort in making our Elementary Academy a great success. Want to join the General Music Committee? Please contact Amy Burns at aburns@fhcds.org.

News From the Board of Directors

Inclusion/Diversity/Equity/Access

Katy Brodhead Cullen

njmea.idea[at]gmail.com

It was wonderful to see many of you at the NJMEA State Conference in February! The IDEA Committee hosted several sessions and had the opportunity to engage with many members from across the state around topics of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access. This school year, our professional development offerings have focused on diversifying repertoire. Be sure to register for Diverse Musicians: Programming for Our Classroom with Vinroy D. Brown, Jr. on March 18, from 9 AM-11:30 AM (in-person). Hosted by CJMEA, this event is open to all NJMEA members. More information will be shared through TEMPO Express.

The IDEA Committee is continuing to plan a new statewide student conference to provide opportunities for students to engage in diverse musical experiences, including leadership, music technology, non-standard performing ensembles and more. Thank you to all who have contributed feedback in our survey this past winter! Additional information on this high school event will be shared before the end of the school year.

Interested in learning more or joining our team? Email NJMEA.IDEA@gmail.com!

K-12 Ed Tech and Innovation

Shawna Longo

shawnalongo[at]gmail.com

Fellow Music Educators!

Please consider participating in the 2023 NJMEA Music Technology Expo! This year's expo will feature two Expos - divided regionally by state as North and South. The South Expo will be held at Rowan University on May 19 and The North Expo will be held at Montclair State University on May 24. These amazing facilities will allow our student composers, producers and songwriters to present their work in an inspiring space that will provide an incredible culminating experience for all of our student technologists. Your students will have the opportunity to:

- Observe a live recording session with audio engineers

- Participate in workshops that teach them how music technology is leveraged throughout a professional creative studio

- Engage in an immersive Jam Room

- Present and have their work adjudicated by leaders in our local and national music industry

- Connect with other student musicians from across NJ

Our planning committee this year has really worked hard to ensure all of your students have an environment that values and celebrates music creation across all genres & presentation mediums. We truly hope to see you at the event and cannot wait to hear some of your students' work!

The registration deadline for the event is March 10th so please speak with your administrators now to reserve a spot! Please note that this festival is most appropriate for grades 6-12, but any students are welcome to attend whether they are submitting work or not. Please go to the NJMEA website for more information under the "festivals" tab.

INSPIRED TO BE HEARD

B.A. IN MUSIC

B.A. IN MUSIC WITH K-12 CERTIFICATION

• Outstanding Liberal Arts Program

• Accredited by Middle States Association

• Performance Opportunities

– Wind Ensemble

– Jazz Ensemble

– Chorale

– Marching Band

– Opera and Musical Theatre Workshop

– Chamber Ensembles: Brass, Woodwinds, Percussion, Strings & Popular Music

2023 AUDITION DATES

SATURDAY MARCH 4 • APRIL 1

Scholarships available to majors and non-majors

10th NECESSARY NOISE

PERCUSSION FESTIVAL • MARCH 25

FLUTE CHOIR DAY • MARCH 26

News From the Board of Directors

Orchestra Performance/Festivals

Susan Meuse

susanmeuse[at]gmail.com

The next All State Orchestra event will be our March auditions. They will be held on Saturday, March 18 at JP Stevens High School in Edison. Both the High School (ASO) and Intermediate (ASIO) auditions will be taking place at this time. Auditions Chairs Sue Mark and Arvin Gopal are currently preparing for the event.

The All State Intermediate Orchestra will begin rehearsing soon after auditions, at the end of April. Colin Oettle from West WindsorPlainsboro HS North will be conducting this year.

I’m happy to say that we are in the middle of our three orchestra festivals right now. Thank you to all of the schools that have and are participating in the festivals!

Retired Members/Mentorship

Kathleen

Spadafino

kspadeb[at]aol.com

It was wonderful to see so many of our fellow retired NJMEA members at the conference in February! We had good discussions with Wayne Mallette, NJMEA president and also David Westawski, incoming president about becoming more involved with mentoring new members of NJMEA. We also shared ideas about our general membership meetings and making them performance based. We will be changing our May meeting date, so please look for an email from Ron Dolce, president of NJRMEA. We will also send out a TEMPO express so that everyone is aware of our spring General Membership meeting. We will be finalizing plans at our March Executive Board meeting, so if you want an update please email me at kspadeb@aol.com or Ron at rdolce561@aol.com later in March. We would love to increase our membership, so keep in touch!

Special Learners

Maureen Butler

maureenbutlermusic[at]gmail.com

As a new calendar year begins, we can take the opportunity to reflect on the first four months of the school year and consider how our special learners are faring. Have we been able to successfully include them in our classes? Are all our students developing the music skills that will enrich their lives? Is there more that we can do to facilitate this? One of our resolutions at the start of 2023 may be to develop deeper insight as well as new strategies and techniques to reach all of our students. If so, join us next month at the annual conference in Atlantic City, where several excellent sessions will focus on this important topic. Our annual Roundtable Discussion will feature a panel of teachers who are expert in this field, who will be available to answer your questions and concerns. The conference is always a valuable networking opportunity where we can support and learn from each other.

In the meantime, if you have questions or concerns about any of your students, please contact me at the email listed above.

Why All-State Chorus?

Brian Williams

NJMEA Choral Performance Chair

Robbinsville High School

williams.brian[at]robbinsville.k12.nj.us

Spring: for most it’s a reprieve from darkness, raising temperatures, and a sense of hope; for music teachers it’s a different story. We are greeted by tech weeks, concert preparations, field trips, and a group of students slowly spiraling out of control as the year ends. On top of all of this insanity is the added pressure of completing paperwork and preparing students for All-State auditions. For many, the thought of adding one more thing to our plate is too much so we choose to not have students audition or forget it’s even happening. Last November, the All-State Mixed Chorus and Orchestra ensembles returned to Atlantic City for the first time since quarantine. For every single participating member, this was a brand new experience. I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the lessons I learned watching these young musicians engage in high level music making.

While I am specifically speaking of All-State Chorus in this article, please do not consider these take aways to be limited to that specific ensemble or the vocal arts alone, as I believe these lessons and experiences can be universal across all ensembles

Being able to interact with world class conductors gives young musicians the opportunity to hone their musicianship and experience the rehearsal process of a professional musician. Think about the first time you sang under a new director — it’s probably a foundational memory in your musical journey. The thrill of trying to decode this unfamiliar human and decipher their interpretation of an art-form you love is an exhilarating experience. We all know from our own teaching experience that regardless of how many times you remind your ensemble to make a change for a particular passage, a stranger saying the same thing will be heralded as genius by your singers. Having students perform under another baton is a fundamental step towards them developing an understanding that music is a fluid experience to be interpreted and enjoyed by the audience and performers alike.

Over the long weekend in Atlantic City, students rehearsed with Dr. Amanda Quist for a large part of their hours awake. These rehearsals were highly technical displays of masterful direction. Not a minute was wasted and kids were constantly singing, reflecting, and growing. The few hours they were not rehearsing, students

were bonding while strolling down the boardwalk, huddling in corners practicing passages they weren’t solid on, or sharing stories about the music programs at their schools. These experiences only help to strengthen our individual schools’ programs by returning reinvigorated passionate young musicians.

One of the ways that the All-State Choral experience has helped my ensembles is by providing my students with role models. Once a student returns from their All-State experience, they gush to their peers about how inspiring and intelligent the conductor was, their amazing weekend, or how there were more than three tenors in the ensemble. Immediately, they become student leaders in the eyes of their peers and can help turnkey some of the techniques and ideas they learned in All-State. The added responsibility creates a new caliber of singer and you’ll notice your highly motivated kids will start pushing to get into All-State ensembles. Not only have I seen this cycle in action, but from chatting with the students in Atlantic City, they were excited to try to recruit their friends into the ensembles for next year.

While I was backstage at New Jersey Performing Arts Center during the concert, one moment stood out as most impactful for me: A student left the stage during the penultimate song due to having a coughing fit. By the time everything settled down, she realized that it was too late to rejoin the choir on stage for the last piece, “The Awakening.” This singer stood off in the wings, locked on Dr. Quist’s conducting and joined in singing with the choir. While she was separated from the choir physically, she was moving and singing with the rest of the group, connected in the emotion of the piece and caught up in the act of making music. The impact of her being so far removed from the ensemble while still fully engaged singing the final chorus of “let music never die in me” was something I will not forget. Her sense of love for this art filled me with an immense amount of hope and reignited my need to pass on my own love for music to others.

If you have never sent students to All-State before I strongly urge you to take the chance. The All-State experience creates memories, fosters strong musicianship, and ultimately helps develop our own ensembles. The experience that students themselves can glean from this opportunity is worth more than any words I can put together, so let me instead close with their thoughts:

“All-State was life changing. I met so many people I still talk to a month and a half later and the memories I made in Atlantic City and at NJPAC are gonna stay with me forever.”

-Thomas Alexander, Eastern Regional High School

“I loved learning from our conductor, Dr. Amanda Quist. Not only did she make us better singers, but better people. Emphasizing positive affirmations, she created a comfortable, yet professional, environment.”

-Angelina Tung, Summit High School

“Working with Dr. Quist in Atlantic City was truly a privilege, in those three days I learned so much about myself as a singer and I developed a stronger work ethic. Of course, hearing all of the voices sing in unison was moving to me and I am so grateful to have been able to take part in that.”

-Sam Laitman, Westfield High

“The inclusivity amongst all of the students and the ability to feel so comfortable around everyone because they were so nice and genuine.”

-Luciana Musano, West Essex High School

“It’s a great opportunity to meet people who love to sing in a choir as much as you do. It is so much fun to be able to sing with people who

“One of the most impactful parts of All-State Chorus this year was the experience of walking on stage at NJPAC for the first time. Chorus had always been one of the most important things in my life and I walked onto one of the most gorgeous stages I’ve ever been on with over 200 of my peers that had the same intense love of this music as I did.”

-Tori Dillon, Howell High School

“Don't be afraid to audition! Trying out for such a prestigious ensemble may seem daunting, but it's always better to fail and learn from your mistakes than never try out. Most importantly, treat your audition as a learning experience that you can grow from, and if you don't get in this time? Try again next year!”

-Samyuktha Arvind, West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South

“It is a really big time commitment but I totally recommend because in the end this has been one of the coolest things i’ve ever done.”

-Olivia Marino , Westfield High School

“After my All-State experience, I noticed how music lifts people up, and how people can come together to channel their talent and energy into making the world better. It makes my heart happy to know that we made someone in the audience feel a little bit more joy by doing what we love.”

-Mina Batra, Somerville High School

Five Activities for Preschool and Kindergarten Music Classes

Amy M. Burns Far Hills Country School aburns[at]fhcds.org

stay on task is to pace quickly with activities that have the students actively making music. These include singing the hello song, singing simple and echo songs, playing instruments, moving to music, performing fingerplays, listening to a story or songtale, then ending with the goodbye song. If the students’ ages average four years old, then each activity is around three to four minutes. If you see that you are losing their interest, move on to another activity. Depending on your class time and class size, you might be planning ten activities with two to three alternate activities ready in your “bag of tricks”.

Here are five music activities for ages three through six, though I have taught some of these to as young as two years old. These could be used in your music class routine or in your “bag of tricks.”

Hello and Goodbye Songs

With March being Music in our Schools Month® (MIOSM®), I wanted to write about our youngest learners: preschoolers and kindergarteners. When preschool or kindergarten is added to the general music schedule, it can bring about, at least, a couple of emotions. One is joy. I’ve taught music to preschoolers and kindergarteners since I was helping in my church’s Sunday School and summer camp programs when I was a teenager. I discovered that teaching music to the youngest of learners was a joyful experience for me. I felt that they were sponges and soaked up all of the music you could offer. Another emotion that can occur when having these young learners in your schedule is fear. Since they are so young, one wonders how they will behave and focus in music class. And what to do if they cannot focus, if they cry, or if they have to use the restroom.

Routine

From Dr. Feierabend’s First Steps in Music for Preschool and Beyond to Denise Gagne’s MusicPlay Online Modules, these popular preschool and kindergarten music curricula encourage having a routine for our young learners. A routine can be the key to helping them participate actively in music-making so that they do not lose their focus, cry, or ask to go to the restroom for the entire class time. Dr. Feierabend has an eight-step musical workout. Denise’s modules have a steadfast pattern. Music Together, another popular early childhood music program, also has consistent patterns in its materials from beginning with a Hello song including each child’s name to ending with a Goodbye song. Another concept that has worked well with this age group so that they

There are many different Hello and Goodbye songs that can be found using a google search. Some popular ones are “Hello Everybody” from Music Together, Denise Gagne’s “Hello Song” or “Welcome to Music”, and the call-and-response folk song, “Hello There”. Since I am always trying to memorize their names, I like to use songs that will include their names like “Hello Everybody” or Dennis Lee’s and Larry Miyata’s “Willoughby Wallaby Woo”. What is also nice about many of the hello songs is that they can intuitively be translated into other languages so that all of your students feel included in the song.

Warm-ups or Pitch Explorations with Letters and Sounds

An important part of the preschool and kindergarten curriculum is letter recognition and letter sounds. Therefore, I work with the classroom teacher to see what letters the students are studying that week, or the sight words that are being learned through their reading curriculum. I

write the letter or word on the board or on a piece of paper. The students identify the letters and sounds. We then draw them in the air as we sing the sound. We emphasize high and low sounds when they draw and sing.

Songs with Repetitive Patterns

A favorite song with repetitive patterns that the students love is the folk song, “John the Rabbit.” I will sing the song as they keep the steady beat on their laps. I will then ask them what two words they hear a lot during the song (“oh yes”). I sing the song again and they sing the “oh yes.” I then sing the song and they sing and clap their hands on the “oh yes.” The next time, I sing and they jump and sing on the “oh yes.” I then give them instruments like shape drums. The shape drums are wonderful as they are nicely sized for this age group and they reinforce colors and shapes. The students now jump and play the shape drums on the “oh yes.” After that, I change the tempos to extend the activity.

Creating a Rhyming Song

One of my preschool and kindergarten’s favorite songs is “Down by the Bay”. In one class, I will introduce it by singing it while they tap the steady beat on their laps. In the next class, I will sing it while showing Raffi’s book. I like to project the books onto the screen so that all of the students can see them. I can look for the Kindle version, perform a google search to see if there is a pdf version of the book, or take the book I own and project it onto the screen by using a document camera or taking pictures of it and displaying them on the screen.

Statues using Movement Pictures found in Canva

Statue in the Park, or Dancing Freeze, is a great activity for young students to move to various song selections, as well as explore the space around them. The game is played by having the students dance when the music is played and freeze when the music is paused. I also use this to reinforce levels as when I pause the song, I will tell the students to freeze in a high, medium, or low level. In addition, I like to project statue cards onto the screen so that when I pause the music, they are to freeze like the statue on the screen. I used to use stick-figure images to do this. However, when I searched for images in Canva (a free-to-use online graphic design tool used to create social media posts, presentations, posters, videos, logos, manipulatives, slides, and more) I found beautiful images of dancers from around the world. I now project them up on the screen so that students can see people from around the world in various dance poses and students in my class can see many people who they connect to on my screen.

In the next class, we perform it as a call-and-response where I call and they respond. In the following class, we discuss rhyming words. This is also advantageous if they are discussing rhyming words with their classroom teachers. I give them paper and crayons/markers and they draw rhyming pictures. A mixture of responses will occur and I accept them all. Some will draw a rhyme from the book, like “moose and goose.” Some will make up a rhyme (that is not an actual word but that is OK) such as “pizza and eats-a”. And some will create a rhyme like “You and I and sky”. I write down what they draw. I take photos of the pictures and place them into Book Creator (https://app.bookcreator.com/. You can create a Book Creator account for free and create 40 ebooks. The next class I record each student singing a solo on their page (“Did you ever see you and I singing in the sky?”). Once finished, I share the ebook in their Seesaw Journals for their caregivers and families to listen to. The portion of the published ebook is optional. Learning, singing, and drawing to the song has always been a popular activity in my young music classes.

Adding preschool and kindergarten music classes to the schedule can be a wonderful and amazing experience. If you are given the opportunity to teach this age group, you will be considered a rock star. And if you need assistance, ask questions in various social media groups like NJMEA’s Facebook group or the Elementary Music Teacher Facebook group.

A Path for Healing in the General Music Classroom

Gillian Desmarais Maplewood Public Schools, Maplewood, MN

The word “trauma” refers to “a lasting emotional response that often results from living through a distressing event” (CAMH, n.d.). Although the term is often reserved for extraordinary experiences, it has become apparent that trauma is more common among our students than we may realize. According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, “more than two thirds of students reported one traumatic event by the age of 16” (SAMHSA, 2018). A press release from the National Center of Education Statistics stated that “roughly three-quarters (76 percent) of schools … reported an increase in staff voicing concerns about their students exhibiting symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and trauma” (NCES, 2022). As a general music teacher, I have had over 750 students on my roster. Based on the previous statistic, over 495 of my students could be at risk. That is certainly a number worth being concerned with. Thankfully, music has demonstrated remarkable benefits for children and adolescents overcoming trauma. As informed music teachers, we can implement these new research-based methods to improve wholeclassroom experiences and make a positive lasting impact in our school communities.

The Brain of a Trauma Victim

The sympathetic nervous system, with nuclei pathways in the brainstem, is in charge of our “survival mode”, which is often referred to as our fight-or-flight response. Students who struggle with coping may begin to develop an overactive brainstem, causing varying levels of anxiety. Students with higher levels of anxiety are less likely to take in new information. This was quantified in a neuroscience study where participants attempted to learn while being immersed in varying levels of stressful situations. The results portray an inverse correlation between learning rates and anxiety scores.

Students with depression are faced with similar challenges. “Compared with healthy individuals, depressed patients show impairments in executive functioning … [and] reduced gray matter in the brain, including loss of hippocampal volume, an area that is critically involved in learning” (Beevers, 2005; Snyder, 2013; Deng, Aimone, & Gage, 2010; Duman, 2004; Lener & Losifescu, 2015; McKinnon, Yucel, Nazarov, & MacQueen, 2008; as cited by Bruijniks, DeRubeis & Huibers, 2019). It’s important to note that these symptomatic behaviors can easily be misidentified. The Child Mind Institute states that “… anxiety in the classroom can look like something else entirely - an upset stomach, disruptive or angry behavior, ADHD, or even a learning disorder” (Ehmke, 2022). For this reason, it is important to build relationships with struggling students. Understanding their unique situation can prevent inappropriately labeling their impulsive actions. More importantly, it sets the groundwork for learning and healing.

Movement and Body Percussion

According to Beacon House’s therapeutic research, children can be effectively moved from a high-anxiety state to a calm, thoughtful state using “patterned, repetitive rhythmic activity” (Beacon House, 2019). Students with little to no prior music education can begin with a simple followthe-leader exercise requiring no instruments. Alongside an upbeat song (between 125-135 bpm), the teacher shows the steady beat using body percussion and students must mirror the motions. The teacher trades off with a new leader and the activity continues until all students have had a turn. A more intermediate rhythm activity can incorporate music notation. The first visual (Example 1) features a series of two patterns in 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures. A student volunteer performs one pattern using body percussion and the class echoes it back. With nine patterns each day, students review and learn new symbols regularly.

Browning et al, "Learning Rate

Example

Another intermediate activity combines rhythm patterns and steady beat with song form. Shown in both visuals below (Example 2 & 3), students would learn each pattern separately, review the song form and perform alongside the recording. This is a great way to engage students in a variety of different genres.

teacher would navigate to the drum machine and take a screenshot of the drum pattern. Since students will be filling in the drum part, the teacher should delete the drum recording. Finally, the teacher would share it as an assignment on their school’s online assignment platform. Students who receive a copy of the project would then recreate the drum part using their controller. Demonstrating for students is key, as well as providing the screenshot visual for students who are unsure about their performance.

Beatmaking

A more advanced rhythm activity can incorporate music technology. Beatmaking, a popular form of inputting drum beats into a music workstation, is relevant and engaging for young music learners. Having access to a music (MIDI) controller like the one displayed below is advantageous, but not necessary.

Students can also input these beats using their own computer keyboard and edit them by hand in the piano roll. To start, the teacher would pick a song (preferably hip-hop), study 8 measures of the most memorable section and record the bass, melody, drums and mid-timbre instruments of that selection into a digital workstation (e.g., Soundtrap). Next, the

Beatmaking Statiosn for Harmony Learning & Trauma Center

Listening and Songwriting with Lo-fi Music

Lo-fi (low-fidelity) music has increased in popularity in recent years due to its organic recording qualities and calming effects. In addition, it seems to have positive psychological benefits among trauma-affected listeners. Based on research published in PLOS One, music impacts our autonomic nervous system as well as our endocrine and psychological stress responses (Thoma, 2013). The author of another paper concluded that “the ANS (autonomic nervous system) recovered faster after subjects listened to calm music” (Wang, 2020). A simple way to incorporate lo-fi music is by playing it as students enter the classroom. There are 24-hour live-streamed lo-fi radio stations on YouTube (e.g., Lofi Girl) which are great to play during classwork assignments or projects as well.

Displaying Rhythms at Hanover Middle School

Example 2

Example 3

Novation Launchpad Pro

As songwriting continues to stand out as “one of the most powerful methods in music therapy,” (Ruud, 2014), consider a project that allows students to create their own lo-fi music. Since most digital music workstations (DAWs) today have lo-fi-style loops, students will need a basic overview of appropriate tempos, instruments, sound effects and so on. To combine an interdisciplinary element, students could design their own digital album cover to accompany their work as well. The album covers below are examples designed by students.

Duman, Ronald S. “Depression: A Case of Neuronal Life and Death?” Biological Psychiatry 56, no. 3 (2004): 140–45.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.02.033.

Ehmke, Rachel. “How Does Anxiety Affect Kids in School?” Child Mind Institute, August 5, 2022. https://childmind.org/article/classroomanxiety-in-children/#full_article.

Lener, Marc S., and Dan V. Iosifescu. “In Pursuit of Neuroimaging Bio markers to Guide Treatment Selection in Major Depressive Disorder: A Review of the Literature.” Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 1344, no. 1 (2015): 50–65.

https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.12759.

MD, Charles Li. “How Anxiety Hinders Learning and Studying: Visualized Health.” clearvuehealth.com. Clearvue Health, April 8, 2019.

https://www.clearvuehealth.com/b/anxiety-learning-studying/.

McKinnon, Margaret C., Kaan Yucel, Anthony Nazarov, and Glenda M. MacQueen. "A meta-analysis examining clinical predictors of hippocampal volume in patients with major depressive disorder."

Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience 34, no. 1 (2009): 41-54.

National Center for Education Statistics, “Roughly Half of Public Schools Report That They Can Effectively Provide Mental Health Services to All Students in Need”. Washington, DC, May, 2022.

Conclusion

As more research continues to surface on the topic, it is important for music teachers to continue to stay up-to-date on statistics, pedagogy and technologies applicable to their education practices. With music’s inherent physiological connections, it is vital for us to frequently reflect on students' whole classroom experience. Using body percussion, beatmaking and reflective listening, students can feel at ease in the classroom while also harnessing skills to aid in their own self-practices.

Citations:

Beevers, C. “Cognitive Vulnerability to Depression: A Dual Process Model.” Clinical Psychology Review 25, no. 7 (2005): 975–1002. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2005.03.003.

Brainstem Calmers. Littlehampton, England: Beacon House, 2019.

Bruijniks, Sanne JE, Robert J. DeRubeis, Steven D. Hollon, and Marcus JH Huibers. "The potential role of learning capacity in cognitive behavior therapy for depression: A systematic review of the evidence and future directions for improving therapeutic learning." Clinical Psychological Science 7, no. 4 (2019): 668-692. https://doi.org/10.1177/2167702619830391.

Deng, Wei, James B. Aimone, and Fred H. Gage. “New Neurons and New Memories: How Does Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis Affect Learning and Memory?” Nature Reviews Neuroscience 11, no. 5 (2010): 339–50. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrn2822.

https://nces.ed.gov/whatsnew/press_releases/05_31_2022_2.asp

Quigley, Laura Braden. “Report: Trauma-Informed Schools.” CTIPP. CTIPP, September 6, 2022. https://www.ctipp.org/post/reporttrauma-informed-schools.

Snyder, Hannah R. “Major Depressive Disorder Is Associated with Broad Impairments on Neuropsychological Measures of Executive Function: A Meta-Analysis and Review.” Psychological Bulletin 139, no. 1 (2013): 81–132. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0028727.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “Understanding Child Trauma”, SAMHSA Rockville, MD, 2018. https://store.samhsa.gov/product/UnderstandingChild-Trauma/SMA16-4923

Thoma, Myriam V., Roberto La Marca, Rebecca Brönnimann, Linda Finkel, Ulrike Ehlert, and Urs M. Nater. “The Effect of Music on the Human Stress Response.” PLoS ONE, 8, no. 8 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0070156.

“Trauma.” CAMH. Accessed January 14, 2023. https://www.camh.ca en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/trauma.

Wigram, Tony, and Felicity Backer. Songwriting: Methods, Techniques and Clinical Applications for Music Therapy Clinicians, Educators and Students. Jessica Kingsley, 2014, pg 9.

AT SUSQUEHANNA

BACHELOR OF MUSIC

Music Education

Performance

Composition

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN MUSIC

Offering convenient opportunities to double major.

SELINSGROVE, PENNSYLVANIA SUSQU.EDU/MUSIC

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Zachary Levi, Director of Orchestras, cellist and string music education specialist.

15 Years Later: Reflections on Leaving Full-Time Teaching and Joining the Corporate World

Jim Frankel Founder & Director, MusicFirst jim[at]musicfirst.com

January 3, 2023 marks an important moment in my career. I have now been in the corporate world for as long as I was a full-time teacher. I officially began my life in the corporate world on January 3, 2008. Over the past 15 years I have learned a lot, grown as a business leader, watched my hair turn grey, and I’ve gained a very clear insight into the pros and cons of full-time teaching, and being in the corporate world full-time. I get asked what it’s like to be on this side of the industry all the time. I thought today would be a good time to reflect and share my insights. I hope that if you are in a similar position (considering leaving full-time teaching for the corporate world) that you find this useful.

I spent the first 15 years of my professional career as a full-time music educator in the New Jersey Public Schools. I started in Irvington, NJ as an elementary band director in two schools. While I loved the students I taught, it wasn’t the right fit for me. In 1994 I began teaching at the Wandell School in Saddle River, NJ as a PreK-8 General, Vocal, Instrumental & Handbells teacher. It was a challenging gig, but I loved the kids and loved building a music program there. I left Wandell in 1997 to become an instrumental/general music teacher in Franklin Lakes, NJ where I spent the remainder of my career (11 years). While I was teaching I was pursuing my Masters & Doctoral degrees from Teachers College Columbia University. My area of specialization was music technology. It was something that I knew very well and the students LOVED when I integrated it into my teaching. I knew that I wanted to teach at the university level and spent most of my early teaching career chasing that dream. I presented hundreds of sessions at workshops and conferences around the country. I wrote well over 100 articles for various state and national journals. I started a blog in 2004 and blogged every day until I left teaching in December of 2007. I ran music technology conferences, taught TI:ME courses every summer, and joined the Board of Directors of TI:ME. In short, I spent nearly every minute that I wasn’t actually teaching trying to advance my career - wherever that might lead me.

While a Doctoral student, I had the great fortune of being offered my first university-level adjunct teaching gig at Teachers College, teaching the music technology courses. I jumped at the chance and have been teaching there since 1999. Soon after that I also started teaching at Montclair State University (my alma mater) as well. I really enjoyed teaching graduate students and decided that I wanted to do that full time. When I interviewed for full time university level teaching gigs I had a very stark and somewhat depressing realization

- those gigs paid really badly. I mean really badly. I couldn’t afford to leave teaching, move my family, and pay my bills on the salaries that I was being offered. The best paying job offer I received (at a wonderful school) had a salary that was less than half of what I was making as a middle school band director. After several offers, I decided to give up the dream of teaching in higher education and instead become the very best teacher I could be.

As luck would have it, in September of 2007, my dear friend and colleague, Lee Whitmore, called me up and asked me if I would ever consider leaving teaching and join the corporate world by taking over at the helm of SoundTree - the educational division of Korg USA. I had already been working for them part-time as a clinician and author and was a long-time very happy customer. I interviewed for the job and got an offer. After hours of discussions with friends and family I decided to leave my tenured teaching job and join the corporate world. I walked out of the Franklin Avenue Middle School on December 23, 2007 and into a new chapter of my life.

SoundTree was one of my favorite companies in the music technology space when I left teaching, and it was truly an honor to be chosen to lead the company. SoundTree focused on keyboard and guitar labs for schools, as well as other software and hardware sales. I came to the first company meeting with TONS of ideas. There were 15 people on the staff when I joined and they all welcomed me with open arms. Over the next four years I got an “on-the-job MBA.” Before joining SoundTree I had no idea what a departmental expense budget looked like, I didn’t know what Gross Profit Margin meant, I had no idea how to draft a sales forecast - nothing. During the interview process I was asked if I thought it was odd that a middle school band director was going to run a mutli-million dollar a year company. My response was that if I could keep 100 middle school students with musical instruments on task and goal oriented - I could run a company. I absolutely LOVED working at SoundTree, but after the recession of 2008-09 and the drastic impact it had on school spending, the birth of the iPad, and the start of the online software revolution with Joe Berkovitz’s amazing creation of Noteflight, I could see that the future of music technology and education was quite different than the solution I was trying to sell to schools.

In January of 2012 I met Bob Wise, who was introduced to me by my good friend Joe Berkovitz. Bob is a legend in the music publishing industry and built his company, Music Sales (now Wise Music), to be the biggest publisher in Europe. It was probably the single most

important moment of my career. I immediately hit it off with Bob and 3 months later he gave me the opportunity of a lifetime - to start my own company based on my own ideas. Ten years later MusicFirst is thriving and millions of teachers and students around the world use the platform I designed and helped to create. It is something that I never take for granted and I am so thankful to Bob and Wise Music for allowing me to build this amazing company.

Now that I’ve been in the corporate world for as long as I taught full time, I thought you might find it interesting to read what I consider the pros and cons of leaving teaching for the corporate world. Here goes…

Pros

• If you have a supportive executive team and surround yourself with smart, talented, creative people, a company can be like a family and makes coming to work something that you actually look forward to. It’s never problem-free, but nothing worth doing ever is.

• You can pee whenever you want. As silly as this sounds, it was truly amazing to not have a bell delineate my working day.

• You can curse at work and not get in trouble for it. Just ask my staff.

• If you forget your lunch, you don’t have to eat cafeteria food. I happen to work in midtown Manhattan, so finding a good place for lunch is VERY easy. I do NOT miss rectangular-shaped pizza!

• No standing out on bus duty in the freezing cold, or waiting for a parent who is late picking up their darling child! (but the commuting sucks)

• It has the potential to pay better than teaching - but not always. You have to remember that a teachers salary is often based on a 180-185 day work calendar. Summers were unpaid where I worked and that was tough. If I was paid my 10 month salary for 12 months, it would have been equal to my first corporate salary.

• Travel is pretty cool - not gonna lie. While it does have an impact on time spent with your family and friends, I find it a privilege to be able to travel around the world and meet amazing people - all on the company dime.

• In my sector, you have tremendous potential to change the profession for the better. I wouldn’t do what I do if I didn’t believe that. I spend every day trying to make music education better for teachers and their students. Without sounding too egotistical, I think we’ve done that at MusicFirst - at least for our customers.

• Successful veteran music teachers make GREAT sales people and leaders in the corporate world. We have had to advocate for our programs for so long we don’t realize that advocacy is one step away from selling - and being a performance ensemble director is one step away from running a company.

• I have an AMAZING team at MusicFirst and I truly love working with each and every one of my staff. I am a lucky boss.

Cons

• 10 vacation days. That was the toughest pill to swallow. I have

now worked long enough at my job to have 20 vacation daysbut still - nowhere near the glory days of summer vacation I had as a teacher. They call it “the grind” for a reason.

• Tenure is really nice (if you have it). You don’t know how nice it is until you are in a position to lose your job - which is exactly how it is in the corporate world.

• My work day never ends when the bell rings at 2:50pm. In fact as a business leader, it never ends period. I am always working if I have the opportunity to do so. I often force myself to go for a walk in the woods without reception, or drive up to my place in Vermont to unwind.

• My health care plan and pension was amazing when I was a teacher. The corporate world? Not so much. As a teacher, nothing was taken out of my check for health care - not one penny - and I had the top of the line plan. That is simply not the case at all in the corporate world - at least in my experience. For the family plan that I have now, over $1,000/month is taken from my pay. My NJ State Pension was also a zero deduction thing - not so with a 401K. These benefits are VERY important and absolutely should be taken into consideration. Sometimes you don’t know what you had until it’s gone.

• Competition. As a music teacher, the only competition I was aware of was a marching band competition or a graded music festival. The music business is very different. Even though the music education industry is small, and the music education technology industry is even smaller, it is a very competitive environment. Competitors can be pretty underhanded and ruthless. They smile to your face and then do everything they can to replicate or even try to harm your business when you’re not looking. Literally. I never do that. I spend my time thinking of what my customers need and want, and then I work to make that happen. I go to sleep every night knowing that I am focusing only on making my business more meaningful for my customers rather than trying to hurt another business. Take me out for a beer or two and I’ll tell you some war stories.

• Stress. I thought I had a stressful job as a middle school band director. Ha! At least when I was teaching I had control over most situations that might be stressful. Have an irritating student? Send them to detention! Band isn’t where it needs to be for the upcoming concert? Rehearse more! The corporate world is effected by many things, including the larger economy. Almost every business in the music education sector relies on sales. When spending is cut, it effects all of us too. Nearly all of my work related stress comes from sales - when they are great we all high five each other. When they aren’t so great, we tend to point fingers and blame. I have probably aged faster over the last 15 years than I did in the first 37.

• Firing people is horrible. While it needs to be done sometimes for the good of the business, I hate this part of the job. I love the people I work with and it sucks to have to let good people go.

• You always have a boss - even when you are the boss. Unlike as a music teacher where the quality of your teaching and possibly the quality of your performance ensembles determines your success, the corporate world often revolves around money. You’re

only as good as your last months sales figures is a common expression and sentiment in the corporate world, and it isn’t very far from the truth unfortunately.

• Sometimes being the boss is a lonely gig. When I taught, the other teachers in the school were some of my dearest friends. I still miss them very much today. We would often commiserate with my colleagues in the teachers lounge. The topic would often revolve around an administrator or a problematic parent, and we would all stand in solidarity against any unfairness. As a boss, my staff is probably (hopefully not) doing the same thing occasionally and I have to give them that space. But I would love to join in sometimes too :)

So do I miss teaching? Sometimes. I do miss working with kidsthey give off an unmatched energy when they are on task and engaged with learning music (though they can be a P.I.T.A. when they’re not!). I miss witnessing those “light bulb moments” when the students “get it.” I miss joking around with them and telling stories. I miss making music on a daily basis - although that didn’t happen “every” day. I miss my teaching colleagues immensely. I try to keep in touch with them now and then, but it’s not the same. I miss my summer vacations and the amazing teacher schedule - no doubt. But deep down, I know that I have made the right move from a personal and professional stand-

point, and that’s all that really matters.

I will end this post with some advice. Advice that I wish someone had given me. If you are considering leaving the teaching world to join the corporate world, you should ask yourself a very important question: WHY? If it’s because you truly don’t want to teach anymore and don’t enjoy the company of young people, then do it. You owe that to your students and to yourself. If it’s because you can’t stand your principal, find a new school before you leave teaching. Bosses in the corporate world are often just the same. If it’s because you can’t stand your colleagues, find a new school before you leave teaching. Colleagues in the corporate world can drive you crazy too. If it’s ego driven (and that is totally OK) then do it, but know that your ego might take a few lumps on the journey. If it’s salary driven, ask people in the industry lots of questions. You might be very surprised how your salary compares. If it is a case of the grass is always greener on the other side/curiosity - you might be disappointed. Talk with your family and friends, parents, mentors, trusted advisors before taking the leap. In my case I am very glad that I did. I run a company that I built from the ground up and I love what we do. I’ve met thousands of people and travelled all around the world. I work with amazing people and with technology that still makes me amazed at what it does.

I hope that this is helpful. I welcome your comments and questions!

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NJMEA Elementary, Middle School & High School Choral Academy

Libby Gopal

East Windsor Regional School District

lgopal[at]ewrsd.k12.nj.us

On Saturday, January 14, NJMEA and NJ-ACDA partnered to offer the Elementary/Middle School/High School Choir Academy at Rutgers University. This urban outreach advocacy initiative focused on removing barriers for students who are interested in participating in any New Jersey Honors Choral Ensemble. The goal of the choral academy was to empower students through a positive and meaningful ensemble experience. Through this free inclusive and equitable event, the goal was to help prepare our choir students for successful auditions, whether it was for their local community choir, Regions, All-State, or college auditions. The event was hosted at Rutgers University’s Shindell Hall and Voorhees Chapel in New Brunswick, NJ.

The students had an amazing day at their respective choral academies. The 3rd through 12th Grade Choral Academy had ninety-six students with seventeen teachers from fourteen different schools from Central

and North Jersey present: Littleton elementary school, Ranney School, JA Coles Elementary School, Mendham Township Elementary School, Speedway School, Township of Ocean Intermediate school, Linwood School, Terrill Middle School, Brooklawn Middle School, Carteret Junior High School, Chartertech High School for the Performing Arts, Montgomery Township High School, Arts High School, and Hightstown High School.

The clinicians - Dr. Brandon Williams (HS) from Rutgers University; Helen Kernizan (MS/ES); and Chaequan Anderson (MS/ES) - reviewed all the major components of the regions and All-State Chorus audition. Thanks to the hard work of these fabulous clinicians accompanied by David Malyszko (HS) and Moriah Kam (MS/ES), the students were able to practice their audition scales, sight-read, and explore audition repertoire.

NJSMA

North Jersey School Music Association

www.njsma.com

Greetings to all of our colleagues! The past few months have been filled with some great musical activities throughout our region. I will start off with our performances. A huge thank you goes out to our site hosts, managers, accompanists and conductors as follows:

BAND (Hosted at Parsippany Hills HS by Michael Iapicca and Michelle Christianson)

- High School Wind Ensemble (Bruce Yurko, conductor Mindy Scheierman & Matthew Spatz, managers)

- High School Symphonic Band (Brian McLaughlin, conductor Jeffrey Bittner & Max Taylor, managers)

CHORUS (Hosted at Mountain Lakes HS by Austin Vallies, Mount Olive HS by Matthew Vanzini & Morris Knolls HS by Kristen Markowski)

- High School Mixed Chorus (Jeffrey Wilson, conductor Kathryn Whitaker, accompanist Jordan DeYoung, manager)

- High School Treble Chorus (Lucille Kinkaid, conductor Nicole Monte, accompanist Patrice Kane & Christine Molnar, managers)

ORCHESTRA (Hosted at Morris Knolls HS by Brett Izsa)

- High School Symphonic Orchestra (Eric Schaberg, conductor Sarah Wlazlowski & Kim Nimmo, managers)

On Saturday, February 11th we held our intermediate band and chorus auditions at Wayne Valley HS. This was our first audition at this facility and we’d like to thank Gabriel Batiz for a smooth day! We look forward to working together in the future.

It was great to catch up with some many members at the NJMEA conference in Atlantic City. If you attended, I hope that you took advantage of the great opportunities that were scheduled. If you were not able to attend the conference or our region meeting on Friday (2/24) please feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

We still have many events planned through the remainder of the school year including the Intermediate Orchestra Concert, Intermediate Band Concert, High School Band Festivals, Intermediate Chorus Concert, It’s Elementary My Dear PD, Intermediate & High School Orchestra Festival, Intermediate Concert Band Festival, Elementary Honors Orchestra Festival, 5th & 6th Grade Honors Band Festival, Guitar Festival, Elementary Choral Celebration and Membership PD Day.

Info for all of the above mentioned events can be found on our website calendar (https://njsma.org/calendar/). Please also visit the website (https://njsma.org/) for other region related information and contact info for all executive board members. If you are interested in volunteering to help in any capacity, please let us know. We would love to hear from you.

I hope everyone has a successful and enjoyable end to the school year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything I can help you with.

Christopher DeWilde NJSMA President president[at]njsma.com

CJMEA

Central Jersey Music Educators Association

www.cjmea.org

I hope this finds everyone well and you had a wonderful holiday season! CJMEA has started its region season and students and staff have been hard at work over the past few months. Our High School Band, Orchestra, Chorus, and Percussion Ensemble Auditions took place at JP Stevens High School on December 10th. A huge thank you to our division chairs Chris Vitale, Arvin Gopal, and Arielle Siegel for their work and dedication to ensure our auditions ran smoothly. An additional thank you to Brian Toth and Barbara Retsko for all of their work behind the scenes in organizing the day.

We are in the midst of our HS concert season, and it has been amazing to watch our students tirelessly get down to work. The concerts have been phenomenal, and it has been a joy to see how much our guest conductors enjoy working with each of our students. One of my greatest pleasures of being CJMEA President is to welcome each of our conductors into Region II and this year has been no different. Thank you to each of our conductors for bringing your expertise,

passion, dedication, and leadership to all our students: Dr. Sandra Dackow (Hershey Symphony – HS Orchestra), Pablo Rieppi (Percussion Ensemble – Julliard Pre-College), Dr. Andrea Brown (University of Maryland – HS Wind Ensemble), Dr. Julia Baumanis (Rutgers – HS Symphonic Band), Julianna LoBiondo (UNT – HS Treble Chorus), and Dr. Andrew Kreckmann (Sacramento State – HS Mixed Chorus). Bravo to all involved!

Our Intermediate Auditions took place on January 28th at Community Middle School, and I will have full coverage of all of the concerts in the next issue. Looking ahead, we have many exciting events coming up including our HS Concert Band Festival, and Honors Ensembles at the Elementary and Middle School Level, as well as our HS Honors Orchestra. If you have any questions, please reach out to the appropriate division chair.

In June, my term as CJMEA President will come to an end. I know that CJMEA will be in great hands with Brian Williams, our President-Elect. With that said, it is an election year coming up this Spring and we will have open positions of President-Elect, Secretary, and Treasurer. Please be on the look out for information about these elections. If you are thinking of possibly running of one of these positions or have any questions please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to speak with you.

I look forward to seeing you very soon at a CJMEA event. Wishing you all the best this Winter and Spring!

Yale Snyder CJMEA President percussion[at]cjmea.org

SJCDA

South Jersey Choral Directors Association www.sjcda.net

The South Jersey Choral Directors Association had their annual concerts on January 28th and 29th at Washington Township High School. The board of directors, choir directors, and the W-Twp HS teachers and staff did a splendid job this year. Both choirs gave excellent performances and we were so proud of our student's and directors for doing such a remarkable job for our region and community.

Joe Zachowski from Washington Twp HS led the senior high chorus and Charles Hartung from Collingswood MS led the junior high chorus, and the two groups ended with a combined performance of “I Will Sing” by Michael Engelhardt. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of this year’s festival, from audition day to performance day; managers, hosts, directors as well as the board of directors and especially our festival coordinator, Amy Melson. Everyone went above and beyond to make sure that we could make this an enjoyable concert for all to enjoy.

We would like to additionally thank our amazing hosts for all of our events. Thanks to Romel McInnis & Chelsea Franchi from the Clearview School District, Brendan Moore from Lenape High School, Dr. Chris Thomas, Joe Higgins & Jennie Quinn from Rowan University, and Amy Melson, Casey Corigliano, Jim Weiner and Kevin Lindstedt from Washington Twp. High School.

Directors are reminded to please attend our Spring Breakfast and General Membership Meeting to be held on April 28, 2022, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Workshop speaker (TBA) and breakfast will be held at Scotland Run Golf Club 2626 Fries Mill Rd, Williamstown, NJ.

Professional development will be offered, as well as an opportunity to discuss the continued improvement of the organization and its events. Information will be available on our website at www.sjcda.net. Please consider attending this event as we make the push to the end of another successful school year together.

David Taylor SJCDA President dtaylor[at]nburlington.com

SJBODA

South Jersey Band and Orchestra Directors Association

www.sjboda.org

The past few months have been very exciting and rewarding for the members of SJBODA. On January 8th our Senior High Orchestra and Junior High String Ensemble performed at Rowan University and the following week our Senior High Wind Ensemble and Senior High Symphonic Band performed at the same venue. Their music was beautiful and the result of the many excellent music teachers and programs throughout our region. The conductors for these concerts were Jiannan Cheng (Rowan University), Sue On (Rowan Youth Orchestra), Todd Nichols (Rutgers University), and Patrick O’Keefe (Absegami HS). Amanda Lakits Porco (Hamilton Township Schools) was our band coordinator and Rhea Fernandes (Eastern Regional HS) was our string coordinator. The manager of the Orchestra was Alexandra Rones (Bridgeton Public Schools). Jennifer Calderon and Owen Speas (Rowan University students) managed the String Ensemble. The Wind Ensemble was managed by D. Michael Lynch (Cherokee HS), and Brian Shugarts (Rowan University) was the manager for the Symphonic Band. Joe Higgins was our host for these concerts.

Congratulations to John Harjes (Toms River HS South) who received the 2023 SJBODA Cheryl Rothkopf Memorial Scholarship for orchestra and Sarah Smith (Highland Regional HS) who was the recipient of the band scholarship. We wish these students and all of our seniors continued success in their future endeavors.

Our 15th Annual Chamber Ensemble Concert took place on Tuesday, February 7th at Penns Grove HS. Jon Porco (Deptford Township MS) was our Chamber Ensemble Coordinator and Ken Rafter was our concert host. The ensemble coaches were Brass: Jim Mark (Cherry Hill West HS), Percussion: Andrew Kruc (Deptford Public Schools), Sax Quartet: Noa Even (Rowan University), Woodwind Quintet: Val Kuntz (Williamstown HS), Clarinet Choir: Liz Cicali (Elementary #1 Middle Twp. School District), Flute Quartet: Renae Block (Evesham Flute Studio), and Tuba/Euphonium Quartet: Jacob Weber (Cherry Hill Schools).

Once again, our Junior High Band auditions, held at Southern Regional Middle School, were a successful event. The efforts of Jon Porco (Deptford Township MS) and Joe Jacobs (Ventnor MS, retired), our Junior High Auditions Chairs, were greatly appreciated by teachers and students. With the assistance of Phil Senseney (Southern Regional School District, retired), Jeff Moore (Palmyra HS), and Sue Mark (Rosa MS) they provided a positive experience for all involved. These auditions were hosted by Andrew Wright, Jennifer

Hodgson, and the Southern Regional TRI-M Music Honor Society Chapter. Joe Brausam (Berkeley Twp. ES) is doing a wonderful job in assisting the conductors and students as the Junior High Band Coordinator. The conductors for the 45th Annual Junior High Band Concert are Bethany Wiberg (Richard M. Teitelman MS) and Pamela Turowski (Burlington County Institute of Technology). Mariah Cottrell (CJ Davenport Primary School), Lisa Harkisheimer (Oldmans Township School), and Nancy Robinson (Belhaven MS) are the managers. The rehearsals were hosted by Derek Rohaly at Mainland Regional High School and the concert will take place on March 5th at Fernwood Avenue MS. Marc Spatz and Dawn Donchey will host this event.

The 29th Annual SJBODA Concert Band Festival will take place on Tuesday, March 14th and Wednesday, March 15th at Rowan University. Our festival coordinators are Mike Armstrong (Deptford Township HS) and Jon Porco (Deptford Township MS). Joe Higgins (Rowan University) will host this event. The adjudicators will be Teresa Purcell-Giles (William Patterson University) and Megan Cooney (Rowan University).

The 29th Annual Elementary Honors Band Festival and our 6th Annual Elementary String Festival will take place on Saturday April 29th at Absegami HS. Patrick O’Keefe will be our host. The band conductors will be Howard Isaacson (Dr. Joyce Miller ES), Andrea Goos (Mount Pleasant ES), and Karen Baker (Buena Regional MS). Kate Wyatt (Egg Harbor Township Schools) will conduct the String Ensemble. Our coordinators will be LeeAnn Hewitt (Eagleswood ES & Little Egg Harbor School District) and Christine Macaulay (Clara Barton ES).

The SJBODA Spring Breakfast meeting will take place on Wednesday, May 24th at 9:00 AM at Seven Star Diner. Please contact Lori Ludewig at 609-457-0590 or sjbodapresident@ gmail.com if you plan to attend. Please continue to check the Web site, maintained by Derek Rohaly (Mainland Regional HS), for the latest SJBODA updates.

Lori Ludewig SJBODA President sjbodapresident[at]gmail.com

This column salutes the lives and careers of recently departed colleagues. It is the way NJMEA and NJRMEA can express appreciation for the work that they have done and the lives that they have touched. We mourn their passing and salute their contributions, which are the basis for music education in the state of New Jersey.

Evan S. Cooper

Evan S. Cooper, 74, passed of natural causes on November 25, 2022. Evan was born in Bridgeport, CT, the eldest of 4 sons of the late Edward and Margaret Cooper. Growing up in NJ, he developed an affinity for music and teaching early on, and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from Indiana University. Evan met his wife, Claudia, while directing a community production of Oliver! during his tenure as the Band Director at Monroe-Central High School in Farmland, Indiana. Upon completing his formal education in 1975, they moved to New Jersey so that he could accept a job as the Director of Instrumental Music at his former high school, Northern Valley Regional High School at Demarest, a position he held until his retirement in 1997.

Evan excelled at nearly everything he tried ... except retirement. During "retirement," he became the Supervisor of Related Arts at NVRHS Demarest and NVRHS Old Tappan from 1997-2008, the Conductor and Music Director of the Teaneck Community Band from 19982022, the Festival Coordinator of the North Jersey Band Festival Association from 2004-2022, and the Administrator of the Bergen County Teen Arts Festival from 2010-2019. In 2011, he was awarded the New Jersey Music Educators Association Distinguished Leadership and Service Award, and in 2013, he was honored to have been chosen to conduct the All Bergen County Band at their 50th Anniversary Concert. Most recently, in 2020, he became an Adjunct Professor of Music Education at New Jersey City University, passing on a lifetime of experience, expertise, and wisdom to young adults who will be tasked with educating the next generation. The common thread throughout his illustrious career was Evan's passion for teaching young people, his love of music, and his belief that music could and should be transformative.

Evan's love of music was rivaled only by his love for his wife, Claudia. She was an integral part of his decadeslong career, and in their free time they enjoyed visiting with family, working on their "Dream House" in Emerson, and traveling. Evan was predeceased by his beloved Claudia, who passed in 2017, as well as by his mother and father. He is survived by his daughter, Racquel Cooper, son Trevor (Kasey) Cooper, brothers Rawley (Cathy), Topher (Beth) and Corey (Samantha) Cooper, and 4 grandchildren.

JONES, Bernice R., passed away on November 29, 2022 at the age of 91. She was resident of Marlton and formerly Mount Laurel. She is lovingly survived by her cousins; Joyce Walters, Lillian Ogden, Kathy Clark, Ron Frank, Doris Peterson and Joan Stillwell and their families. Bernice was a longtime music teacher in the Cherry Hill elementary school system and was formerly an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Marlton.

Cynthia A. Lynch

Cynthia A. Lynch Cynthia A. Lynch, 65, of Robbinsville, has earned her angel wings and finally found peace, Thursday, December 29, 2022 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. Cindy began and lived her early life in Flemington, spending time at her grandmother’s farm in Montgomery where she grew her love for all of God’s creatures and an incredible work ethic. Her family eventually relocated to Florida where Cindy would become a music major at The University of Florida. There she earned her undergraduate and master’s degrees while playing clarinet in the marching band.

Bernice R. Jones

She also played the piano beautifully. After Florida she played clarinet in the LSU marching band while working towards her Doctorate. Cindy was a lifelong music educator beginning in Louisiana, then Lakeland Florida and finally spending 25 years in the Lawrenceville School District. Through her years teaching she produced musicals with her students that left no dry eyes in the audience. She had a profound impact on all that knew her.

Cindy beautifully kept up an 1850s Robbinsville farmhouse with a large vegetable garden, hundreds of annuals and perennials and flower beds full of life. In the summer she could be found on her lawn tractor mowing the 1.75 acres that over 23 years she had transformed into her own personal farm. Once off the lawn mower she would take care of her chickens and her rescue dogs, Cooper & Callie.

She was an amazing woman, wife, and mother who was a selfless caregiver. She was the sweetest, kindest, most compassionate person you would ever meet and would always put others before herself. Cindy was so generous with her heart and she had such an ability to love unconditionally. Her strong faith has given her family the comfort that she has gone before them to be with Jesus.

Daughter of the late Joyce (Matthews) Bell, she was predeceased by her father and stepmother, Jimmy and Harriet “Pat” Barrick, who raised her and made her the special woman that she became. She was also predeceased by her loving sister, Debra Thomas and brother, Duane Bell. Cindy is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Timothy Lynch, her devoted soul mate who never left her side in her battle with cancer. Jimmy Lynch her dedicated son was her proudest gift to the world, she adored him as much as he her.

Cemetery on the Motherhouse grounds in Caldwell.

Sister Mary Ann entered the Sisters of Saint Dominic on August 30, 1948, received the habit on April 21, 1949, made first profession on April 22, 1950 and final profession on April 22, 1956. She was a woman of faith and compassion, which she learned from her parents, Walter and Antoinette O'Connor.

Sister Mary Ann earned a BA from Caldwell University in Music and a MM in Music Education from Catholic University of America. She also completed a Private Voice Study with Louise Natale and attended numerous liturgical conferences at Notre Dame University.

Sister spent 53 years teaching music to students of all ages. She taught at St. John the Baptist, Jersey City; St. Paul, Irvington; Mt. St. Dominic Grade School and High School, Caldwell; and St. Dominic Academy, Jersey City. Sister Mary Ann was fondly remembered as an Associate Professor of Music and Department Chair at Caldwell University (formerly Caldwell College), where she often produced Disney-themed performances which delighted children of all ages. She directed the Children and Adult Choirs in Our Lady of Peace, New Providence. Her final 25 years in ministry were spent at St. Catharine Parish in Spring Lake, teaching and serving as Director of Parish Music Ministry, working with the Children and Adult Choirs.

Sister Mary Ann retired in 2013. She led a beautiful life filled with faith, family and friends. She will be remembered for her sparkling blue eyes, lovely singing voice, ready smile, laughter at a good joke and her patience, kindness and generosity.

Sister Mary Ann was predeceased by her parents, Walter and Antoinette (nee Cossolini), her brother, John and sister, Joan. She is survived by her loving Sisters of Saint Dominic, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Sister Mary Ann O'Connor

Sister Mary Ann O'Connor, OP, a member of the Sisters of Saint Dominic of Caldwell for 74 years, entered into eternal life on November 4, 2022 at home in Spring Lake Heights, NJ, at the age of 91.

On Wednesday, November 9, 2022, a wake and funeral mass will be held at Saint Aloysius Church, 219 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell, NJ. The wake will be from 9:15 - 10:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Gethsemane

Robert D. Seibert

Music Teacher at Madison HS, Former Jerseyan, 67 Robert D. Seibert, age 67, of Augusta, ME, formerly of Berkeley Heights, NJ, died Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at the MaineGeneral Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center at Glenridge, following a brief illness. He was born in Rochester, NY on June 22, 1955, a son of the Donald V. and Verna S. (Stone) Seibert. Mr. Seibert was a graduate of Nyack College, and did his graduate study

for Music Education in Vandercook College's Master's program. He had been employed for many years at Madison (NJ) High School as an Instrumental Music Teacher and Band Director. After retiring from teaching, he became a personal Chef. Mr. Seibert was pre-deceased by his father, Donald V. Seibert. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Lilian L. (Hess) Seibert of Augusta, ME; two children: D. Robertson Seibert of Dingmans Ferry, PA and Elizabeth W. Columbus of Stewartsville, NJ; his mother, Verna S. Seibert of Warren, NJ; two sisters: Donna Seibert-Miller of Fairfield, IA and Diane Seibert-Goodbar of Charlottesville, VA; three granddaughters: Lily and Katie Seibert and Chloe Columbus, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

until his retirement in 1993.

Bill was Conductor and Music Director (Emeritus) of the Monmouth Civic Chorus from 1963 until his retirement in 1992. Under his direction the Chorus performed in Washington, DC and three highly successful European concert tours. Bill also served as conductor of the New Jersey Chamber Singers from 2003 through 2006 and conducted the St. Peter-by-the-Sea Chorale. He served as Director of Music at the Point Pleasant Presbyterian church from 1982 until his retirement in 2018. While at Point Pleasant Presbyterian he conducted the Choral Bells and Chancel Choir. The Chancel Choir performed on two successful European tours.

William R. Shoppell, Jr.

William R. Shoppell, Jr. (Bill) died peacefully November 28, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. Bill was born October 3, 1931 in Reading, Pennsylvania. It was in grade 7 at Northeast Junior High School that Bill decided that he wanted to spend his life teaching music. While attending Reading High School Bill played in the band and was selected to sing in the Pennsylvania All State Chorus and play in the Pennsylvania All State Band. He also played in the Ringgold Band in Reading. Bill went on to Lebanon Valley College where he studied both instrumental and vocal music and received his BS degree. He was listed in the 1952-1953 edition of Who’s Who Among Students in America’s Universities and Colleges. He served as Pennsylvania State President of Future Teachers of America and then National President of Future Teachers of America. Bill was drafted into the US Army in 1953 and became a performing instrumentalist and vocalist for the US Army Field Band. He was honorably discharged in 1956. Bill received his Master of Arts degree from Columbia University and did additional graduate studies at the University of Colorado and Trenton State College where he was awarded a Certificate in Supervision.

Bill’s teaching of music career began in Jefferson County, Colorado and then moved to the Asbury Park Elementary Schools from 1959 to 1966. From there he moved to the Freehold Regional High School District where he taught both instrumental and vocal music. In 1974 he became the District music supervisor of five high schools

Bill was often called upon to adjudicate vocal and instrumental performances and did so with High Note Music Festivals, Ovation Music Festivals, Teen Arts Festival at Ocean County College, Rising Star Program at the Algonquin Arts Theater and Rising Star Program through the Paper Mill Playhouse. Bill served on the Board of Directors for the Monmouth Conservatory of Music and the Algonquin Arts Theater. He was a member of the New Jersey Retired Music Educators Association where he served as Treasurer. In 2016 Bill was inducted into the All-Shore Band Directors Hall of Fame and received the New Jersey Music Educators Association Distinguished Service Award.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, Clara (Eberl) Shoppell and William R. Shoppell, Sr., his sisters, Ruth Shoppell, Kathryn (Kitty) Feldman, and his son, Curtis. He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Sykes) and his former wife, Wanda (Barb) Shoppell. He is also survived by his children, Andre Bucsek (Brett Hoffman), Gaylen Nolan (Donald), daughter-in-law, Stacy, and his step-children Antoinette Stanley (John), Michael Limpantsis (Pauline), Jason Limpantsis (Jennifer LeBaron).

David Murray Shotwell

David Murray Shotwell, 88, of Ocean Grove, died November 30, 2022 at home with his family present. He married Marilyn Ann Hopper in 1958, a union that continued through his death, covering 64 years and producing four children, David, Elizabeth, James, and John. He was a graduate of Columbia High School, Maplewood, NJ, received his Bachelor’s degree from Montclair State

Teachers College, and Master’s Degree fromTrenton State College. He was HS band director, taught instrumental music, and coached swimming and diving in the Neptune Township school system. After retiring from teaching, he began a second career as Chief Administrative Officer with the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association. Throughout both careers, he was very active in aquatic safety, notably with the United States Lifesaving Association, Ocean Grove Lifeguards, Red Bank YMCA’s Camp Arrowhead, and Monmouth County ARC’s Camp Allaire. He also served with the NJ Army National Guard, E. H. Stokes Fire Company of the Ocean Grove Fire Department, Ocean Grove First Aid Squad, Ocean Grove Fire Police, New Jersey Music Educators Association, Ocean Grove Auditorium Ushers, and St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. He sang in the church choirs. He played trombone with Ocean Grove Summer Band, Greater Shore Concert Band, and Atlantic Wind Ensemble. Dave, with Marilyn, traveled throughout the U.S and around the world in service to the church, the love of music, and promoting beach safety. They helped build a church in North Pole, Alaska, taught an Army MWR music camp in West Berlin, Germany, and served as ambassadors to Ocean Grove, Australia David was predeceased by his parents, Edmund B. Shotwell and Katherine Duguid Shotwell, his brothers Thomas, James, and William and his sister Mary Jane Harris. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, his son David Murray Shotwell Jr and Grace Ann Shotwell; his daughter Elizabeth Ann Gannon and Matthew Gannon;

his son James Edmund Shotwell and Rama Shotwell; and his son John Thomas Shotwell and Anne Marie Shotwell.

Margaret Holden Trzeciak

Music educator, choral director, inspired many students, 81 Margaret Holden Trzeciak, born January 28, 1941 in Woodbridge, NJ, wife of Alfred Trzeciak of Piscataway, NJ, passed away December 2, 2022, at her home. She was a 1962 graduate of Heidelberg University in Tiffin, Ohio with a Degree in Music and obtained her Master's Degree in Music from The College of New Jersey. She was a music educator and choral director for over 25 years. She started teaching in South River, NJ where she met her husband, and then in the Rahway, and Millburn, NJ school districts. Her choral ensembles and musical productions were the recipients of many awards. After her retirement, she continued singing with various choral ensembles. She was an excellent music teacher who shared her love of music and inspired the many students that she taught. She is survived by her husband, Alfred, her daughter, Evelyn Leduc of Miami Beach and son David Trzeciak of Marietta, Georgia and her five grandchildren: Teague, Edgar, Cora, Auguste, and Molly as well as a large extended family.

NJMEA RESOURCE PERSONNEL

Band

Choral

Inclusion/Diversity/Equity/Access

Jazz

Marching

Membership

Middle/Junior High Band Festival .................................. Manuel Martinez ...................................... manuelmartinez[at]gehrhsd.net

Middle/Junior High Choral Festival

Donna Marie Berchtold firesongwed[at]gmail.com

NJMEA Historian Nicholas Santoro n31b13[at]gmail.com

NJMEA State Conference Exhibits Chair ......................... Nancy Clasen ................................................ nancyclasen[at]gmail.com

NJMEA State Conference Manager Marie Malara malara97[at]aol.com

NJMEA/ACDA Honors Choir Kaitlyn Reiser kreiser[at]spfk12.org

November Convention – NJEA .......................................... Nancy Clasen ................................................ nancyclasen[at]gmail.com

Opera Festival Chair

Donna Marie Berchtold firesongwed[at]gmail.com

Orchestra Performance Chair ............................................. Susan Meuse ................................................ susanmeuse[at]gmail.com

Orchestra Procedures Chair Craig Stanton & Elisabeth Sato asoprocedures[at]gmail.com

Research

Colleen Sears quinnc1[at]tcnj.edu

Students with Special Needs ............................................ Maureen Butler .................................. maureenbutlermusic[at]gmail.com

Supervisor of Performing Groups

Patrick O’Keefe patrickaokeefe[at]gmail.com

Tri-M ............................................................................... David Westawski ...................................... westawski.njmea[at]gmail.com

REPRESENTATIVES/LIAISONS TO AFFILIATED, ASSOCIATED AND RELATED ORGANIZATIONS

NJ American Choral Directors Association

Governor’s Award for Arts Education ..............................

NJ Association for Jazz Education

NAfME ...........................................................................

NJ Music Administrators Association

NJ Retired Music Educators Association

NJ TI:ME ..........................................................................

Percussive Arts Society

Executive Director/TEMPO Editor

Kaitlyn Reiser kreiser[at]spfk12.org

Patrick O'Keefe ........................................... patrickaokeefe[at]gmail.com

Miguel Bolivar mbolivar.njaje[at]gmail.com

William McDevitt ......................................wmcdevittnjmea[at]gmail.com

Jonathan Harris harrisj[at]nvnet.org

Ronald Dolce rdolce561[at]aol.com

Andrew Lesser ........................................... andrew.lesser[at]yahoo.com

Joe Bergen

COMMUNICATION SERVICES/PUBLIC RELATIONS

William McDevitt

joe[at]mantrapercussion.org

wmcdevittnjmea[at]gmail.com

TEMPO Express ................................................................ Andrew Lesser ........................................... andrew.lesser[at]yahoo.com

ADVANCE YOUR

APPROACH TO TEACHING MUSIC

Rowan University o ers a new Online Master of Music Education for busy music educators who want to go deeper into their practice as both musicians and teachers. With a focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, the program prepares educators to be change makers who think critically, engage in responsive teaching, and connect theory to practice.

• Online classes allow students to study from anywhere in the country

• A core of asynchronous classes give practicing music educators the flexibility they need

• Courses explore emerging trends in music and education

• Summer intensive session includes active music-making workshops and discussion-based seminars with guest lectures from prominent music education scholars

• Capstone project or thesis options

• Program completion in as little as 22 months

• Up to 6 graduate transfer credits accepted

• No audition or GRE required

go.rowan.edu/musiceducation

NJMEA 2021-2023 Board of Directors

Executive Board

President

Wayne Mallette

NJSMA, President Christopher DeWilde

Anthony Wayne Middle School president[at]njsma.com

Past President

Patrick O’Keefe

Absegami High School patrickaokeefe[at]gmail.com

Scotch Palins-Fanwood District mallette.njmea[at]gmail.com

President-Elect

David Westawski

West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South westawski.njmea[at]gmail.com

Executive Director William McDevitt

CJMEA, President Yale Snyder Monroe Township Schools percussion[at]cjmea.org

Retired wmcdevittnjmea[at]gmail.com

SJCDA, President David Taylor Northern Burlington Reg HS dtaylor[at]nburlington.com

NJMEA Board of Directors - Appointed Members

Administration

Alfred Hadinger North Plainfield alfred_hadinger[at]nplainfield.org

Advocacy

Libby Gopal East Orange Campus HS lgopal[at]ewrsd.k12.nj.us

Band Festivals/NJEA Liaison

Nancy Clasen Thomas Jefferson Middle School nancyclasen[at]gmail.com

Band Performance

Megan Alexander meganalexander160[at]gmail.com

Choral Festivals

Donna Marie Berchtold

Retired firesongwed[at]gmail.com

Choral Performance

Brian Williams Robbinsville High School williams.brian[at]robbinsville.k12.nj.us

Chorus/Orchestra/Jazz

Joseph Cantaffa Howell High School jcantaffa[at]rocknrollchorus.com

Conferences

Marie Malara Retired malara97[at]aol.com

Guitar/Expanded Ensembles

Jayson Martinez

Newark Arts High School jmarti37[at]webmail.essex.edu

Higher Ed./Research/Collegiate

Colleen Sears

The College of New Jersey quinnc1[at]tcnj.edu

SJBODA, President

Lori Ludewig

Collingswood/Oaklyn Schools sjbodapresident[at]gmail.com

K-12 Ed Tech and Innovation

Shawna Longo Durban Avenue School shawnalongo[at]gmail.com

Music Industry

James Frankel jim[at]musicfirst.com

Orchestra Performance/Festivals

Susan Meuse Hammarskjold Middle School susanmeuse[at]gmail.com

PreK-8 General Music

Amy Burns Far Hills Country Day School aburns[at]fhcds.org

Retired Members/Mentorship

Kathy Spadafino Retired kspadeb[at]aol.com

Special Learners

Maureen Butler

Retired maureenbutlermusic[at]gmail.com

GENERAL ADVERTISING RATES

Note: Additional fees will apply if metal plates are required. Ads which exceed the specified sizes will be charged at next ad size.

EDITORIAL POLICY

Articles may be submitted to the editor of this magazine by anyone who wishes to write about topics related to music or music education. All articles which are selected for publication will be proof read for content, spelling and grammatical errors. Authors who submit an article to TEMPO Magazine for publication agree to all of the following

1. the editor may edit all articles for content, spelling and grammar.

2. the printing of the article in TEMPO Magazine, the printing date, and placement are at the discretion of the editor.

3. permission is granted to reprint the same article in any National or State Music Education Association magazine on the condition that the author’s name and TEMPO Magazine are to be mentioned in all reprinted articles.

4. no exceptions will be made regarding items 1 through 3 above.

5. the author of the article may submit his/her article to additional magazines for publication.

NJMEA Past Presidents

1930 - 1931 Wilbert B. Hitchner

1931 - 1933 Thomas Wilson

1933 - 1935 John H. Jaquish

1935 - 1936 Clifford Demarest

1936 - 1938 Mable E. Bray

1938 - 1939 Paul H. Oliver

1939 - 1941 K. Elizabeth Ingles

1941 - 1942 Arthur E. Ward

1942 - 1944 John T. Nicholson

1944 - 1945 Frances Allan-Allen

1945 - 1947 Philip Gordon 1947 - 1949 Violet Johnson

1949 - 1951 Samuel W. Peck 1951 - 1953 Janet G. Gleason

1987 - 1989 Joseph Mello

1989 - 1991 Dorian Parreott

1991 - 1993 David S. Jones

1993 - 1995 Anthony Guerere

1995 - 1997 Sharon Strack

1997 - 1999 Chic Hansen

1999 - 2001 Joseph Mello

2001 - 2003 Nicholas Santoro

2003 - 2005 Frank Phillips

2005 - 2007 Joseph Akinskas

2007 - 2009 Robert Frampton

2009 - 2011 William McDevitt

2011 - 2013 Keith Hodgson

2013 - 2015 Joseph Jacobs

2015 - 2017 William McDevitt

2017 - 2019 Jeffrey Santoro

2019 - 2021 Patrick O'Keefe

Audition for PYO Music Institute

83 Years of Unparalleled Opportunities for Exceptional Music Students

The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra is one of the world’s top youth orchestras. Under the direction of Maestro Louis Scaglione and guidance from prestigious faculty members, students from the tri-state area receive superior technical, musical, performance, and life skills instruction through PYO Music Institute’s eight program divisions.

Philadelphia Youth Orchestra

Ages 15–21

Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra

Ages 13–19

Young Musicians Debut Orchestra

Ages 11–17

Bravo Brass

Ages 12–21

Audition

Prysm Strings

Ages 6-14

Pizzicato Players

Ages 12–21

Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra

Ages 15–21

Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band

Ages 13–18

The PYO Music Institute hosts auditions throughout the year. For application forms, audition schedules and info visit online: pyomusic.org/audition

Attend

For a full schedule of upcoming performances, please visit pyomusic.org

TRAINING THE CREATIVE LEADERS OF

TOMORROW

Performance

Music Education

Composition

Music Therapy

Jazz Studies

NEW: Recording Arts + Production

CALI IMMERSIVE RESIDENCY PROGRAM

AT MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY

CAROLINE SHAW

We welcome the greater NJ area community to join us for our second annual reimagined professional residency program at the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. The seven week-long residencies include a rotation of top rated artists and ensembles. Each residency will contribute to an on-going exploration of the ever-changing landscape of music today, introducing students and the community at large to amazing events of today and to a future that will be, at times, less traditional.

An exceptional artistic and academic education

Mentorship by internationally acclaimed artists, educators and scholars

Inspiration and preparation to serve the community and enrich society using the transformative power of music

Developing musicianship and professional skills in ensembles, masterclasses, clinical experiences, internships, and teaching

Experiencing the cultural riches of New York City nearby

DEGREES

Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Music, Master of Arts, Artist’s Diploma

Music Education, Performance, Jazz Studies, Music Therapy, Theory/Composition

Graduate String Quartet Residency Program

MONTCLAIR.EDU/MUSIC

TEMPO

ROB KAPILOW

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE VOCES8

RAHZEL

JON B.

RHIANNON GIDDENS CAVANI QUARTET

DECODA