Southeastern Section Update

Dr. David Betancourt Southeastern Section President

The CASMEC Conference was such a great experience. It always is. But this year, being back to full tilt, it felt like something special. I spent the time reconnecting, meeting new colleagues, making new friends, and learning. And the stories. So many stories. Here is just one that happened at CASMEC this year.

We make a difference. Small acts can have a huge impact.

While at the conference, I took some time to clinic the band at a local high school. Hoover High School is a Title I school that has an allotted annual total budget of $1,200 for its band and orchestra program. That is not a typo. That amount must be used for all needs. But let’s not focus on that for now. I would rather focus on the amazing work that Stella Perez is doing with her students. She is making a difference and it shows. During my visit, respect, teamwork, sense of community, and love of music were on full display. It was wonderful to experience and to share in music making with them.

Halfway through the rehearsal we ran into a musical challenge in the snare part. It was then that I noticed the snare drummer was extending her arms fully in order to play the snare. I tried to help by suggesting that the snare be raised. She looked at her director. The director looked at me. It all came crashing into my head. The snare stand was broken. Not only that, it was the only snare stand. I felt foolish for a second as I realized I had just underscored the lack of equipment. I turned it into a teachable moment and asked the entire band to come up with a solution that will allow us to raise the entire stand up about a foot. They made some on-the-spot suggestions. I left it as homework for them. The clinic ended and I went on my merry way.

But that incident stayed with me. I was thinking what could be done. As it happens, the next evening I found myself at a small table (at the bar) with Jeff Queen (Yamaha), Anne Fennell (CMEA President), and Marcia Neel (Music Educator Icon). I shared my story and then asked Jeff if he had any extra snare stands to donate. He did not, but he got on the phone on the spot and contacted the local music store. After sharing the story with the folks at Gottchalk Music Center, he secured a snare stand that they would bring the following morning to the vendor area for us to purchase. No sooner had he gotten off the phone that Marcia exclaimed, “Nobody is buying that snare stand! I am buying it!” Wow! It had all come together. I was inspired by these acts of kindness and asked Anne how we could get this story to our colleagues. She chimed in that inclusion in the next CMEA publication would be the perfect place.

And now that snare stand has found a home. The snare player at Hoover High School can be taught correct technique. Not only that, but the band will sound better. And if that is not enough, the impact of that donation will not just be felt in the moment they received it, or the subsequent rehearsals this year, but in the following years as well, with all the students who pass through Mrs. Perez’ music program.

We make a difference. Small acts can have a huge impact.

I am so proud to know all the individuals mentioned in this article and to be part of an organization that cares so much about the people around them.

Southern Border Section Update

Dr. Jeffrey Malecki

Southern Border Section President

Things are great at the bottom of the state!

And as far as the CMEA Southeastern Section activities? Well, we recently had an amazing inaugural leadership symposium for high school students that is sure to grow in popularity and reputation as we expand our reach to provide our area with services and resources. The section is also holding its first ever Mariachi Showcase. It will be an amazing event highlighting what our region is doing in the field of Mariachi music education. The event takes place May 6 in Anaheim. This non-rating, non-adjudicated event will focus on stellar performances and clinics with two of the profession's top educators and performers: Cindy Shea (CEO and founder of Mariachi Divas, and Cynthia Flores (Professor and director of Mariachi of CSULA).