Retired Members Update

by Rita Zigas-Brown CMEA State Retired Members Representative

Happy summer to my fellow retired members! Aren’t we a lucky group that gets to experience every day as if it were summer break? I like the saying “every night feels like Friday, and every day feels like Saturday.” I still can’t get over how wonderful a privilege retirement is, even as I end my second year in retirement. I can only hope that those that are reading this feel the same.

It has been a real joy to meet those of you that chose to attend the January and May Zoom meetings. I feel very lucky to be able to hear, and share in your stories; I am thrilled to learn how so many of us continue to stay busy with musical endeavors, district involvement, adjudication, performance, classroom activity, and mentorship. It is my hope to meet more of you in the upcoming year, both on Zoom and in person at CASMEC in February 2024.

One of the items that was discussed in a Zoom call was whether or not attending conferences was beneficial, since what is presented in sessions no longer applies to our lifestyle while out of the classroom. There might be merit to this if you have removed yourself from musical activities, or you are no longer interested in keeping your finger on the pulse of music education.

I have continued attending conferences for multiple reasons. Here is a short list of what keeps me interested at conferences (I would love to hear some of the reasons why other retired members continue to attend conferences):

• It is an opportunity to see friends that are still in the classroom, and that I might only see at conferences (especially at CASMEC).

• I have the opportunity to visit with my mentors who continue to attend conferences.

• I cherish the opportunity to follow the career paths of younger teachers I’ve known since their Day 1.

• I get to hang out with very cool people, as well as meet new cool people!

• Attending student performances, and supporting guest conductors is inspiring.

• Visiting the vendor booths is a form of entertainment ;-)

• I am making an effort to stay up to date on repertoire, and teaching practices.

• I am staying informed in regards to advocacy and diversity, both at local and state levels.

• I am continuing to adjudicate at festivals in Bay Section; I feel that it is important to stay informed with adjudication rubrics and practices that are presented at our Bay Section Winter Conference each year.

• Getting out of town is always nice.

• I am positive that there are several more reasons, but I will stop here!

I am formally extending a blanket invitation to Retired Members to attend the first annual CASMEC Retired Members Luncheon in Sacramento! I will make all of the arrangements, you just need to show up. I will send out the date and time in January 2024 via email. Please acknowledge this invitation by filling out and submitting this Google Form with your YAY or NAY. After lunch we can all pose for a grand photo documenting the occasion. I am very excited to see this come to fruition.

I wish you all a glorious summer filled with love and family, relaxation, travel, reading and good health. See you in Sacramento in February 2024!