Why Attending CASMEC Matters

by Amy Lui, CMEA

Secondary Music Representative

In one of the first years coming back to being in person at CASMEC, there were a lot of much needed in-person connections. Such connections were not just a way for us to embrace years-long friends or to meet new people but to pass on information that otherwise would not translate meaningfully in a digital, virtual manner. For instance, I had the wonderful opportunity to dine with some music teachers of the Lodi Unified School District (Lori Yates, Chelsie Chan, Mary Guida and Shane Park) where they were able to address questions and concerns about Prop 28 with me, including bouncing ideas and ways that this new funding may impact their programs.

Lastly, for those who may be new to teaching at a middle or high school or have never attended CASMEC before, I would like to share these resourceful tips from Sophia Cho, a former NAfME Collegiate Chapter President for Cal State University Northridge and first-year instrumental and choral music teacher in Los Angeles Unified School District’s Vista Middle School:

• You don’t have to attend a session every hour. You may feel overwhelmed with all of the sessions that are offered! My first year, I felt like I needed to attend EVERYTHING! What that resulted in was exhaustion and an oversaturated brain (no processing time!). My advice? Create your CASMEC schedule early and leave time for yourself to visit the Exhibit Hall, grab a bite to eat, and/or meet up with colleagues/network. Give yourself permission to process and reflect upon the information you are learning - it will lead to a deeper understanding and internalization of the information.

• Practice your networking skills here. If you are an introverted person like me, make an effort to step outside of your comfort zone and network with others. I have found that the music educator community is genuine and supportive no matter where you are in your music teaching development. With this being said, introduce yourself to the presenters, ask questions, make connections with vendors in the Exhibit Hall, and attend the CASMEC Gala/Kickoff Night.

• Encourage your fellow music education colleagues to attend CASMEC at least once. If you have a NAfME Collegiate Chapter on campus, plan early (October at the latest) and fundraise/collaborate with your school to get the registration fees, traveling, and other costs covered.

• Come with an open mind. Some of the sessions might present information or knowledge that can challenge your way of thinking, learning, and teaching!

Also during CASMEC, the team of music educators at Monroe High School in North Hills (Ryan Gonzales, Kristin Staves, Martin McSweeney and Cristal Morales Rodriguez) connected with past CMEA president Mike Stone to draw upon his help to develop a strategic arts plan. Two weeks after the conference, the result was a finely-tuned comprehensive plan that will benefit the Monroe Community of Schools’ students for generations to come.

This year’s CASMEC was a time of great discussions with Prop 28 being a prominent topic and a showcase of truly remarkable in-person performances by our students in the honor ensembles. I truly hope to see everyone again and to meet more of our great colleagues throughout the state at next year’s CASMEC!

Choruses & Conductorsthis summer is your time to