President’s Message

by Anne Fennell, CMEA President

Happy Summer, Everyone!

From June 22 - 24th, I had the opportunity to attend NAfME’s annual National Assembly in Reston, VA., along with other state presidents, NAfME Leadership, and the Society and Council Chairs. While I had attended this gathering in past years as the Innovations Council Chair, it was wonderful to represent California as a state president where I could connect, share, and learn from others with similar roles, responsibilities, and needs.

The two and a half days were packed with general and breakout sessions, where we identified and discussed common needs and issues in music education and how they relate to NAfME. Everyone involved focused on solutions to the various needs, while our collective brainstorming provided ideas to move NAfME forward to meet the needs of all members. On the first day, we focused on the NAfME Strategic Plan draft where we reviewed language of the plan’s version and provided further guidance in each of the four cornerstones that include: Advocacy, Equity, Professional Learning and Growth, and Music Research and Music Teacher Education. The second day we brainstormed ideas and solutions to support: Pathways To and Through the Profession, Diversifying the Music Curriculum, and Connecting Tri-M and Collegiate Students. With so many topics, we were asked to dig deep and to have challenging conversations, which we did! Our final morning focused on teacher recruitment and retention, a common conversation in every state. I look forward to seeing the outcomes from each of these breakouts and I will provide links and information when these ideas have been collated.

All of these sessions had one common thread: ensuring music education for ALL students. Music Education for All influenced every topic we discussed during our time together and punctuated the closing keynote by our new president, Scott Sheahan. This, and this alone, is key to the survival of music as part of a well-rounded education. Every student should see themselves in and through music, which will directly support the individual development and collective culture of our students/citizens in towns, cities, and states throughout our country. While this movement is just beginning in some states, I am so proud that California is leading the way, guided by our DEIA Policy. As you know, this was created under Armalyn De La O’s presidency and will be a guiding document when the CMEA Executive Board and section presidents begin the process of updating our current strategic plan, on August 6th. This policy will provide the importance of how to ensure music education for ALL students, which directly aligns with NAfME’s goals. The National Assembly provided a space to brainstorm, share ideas, and find solutions for common needs, but there were two moments that truly defined our time together: the live call with the U.S. Secretary of Education, Miguel Cardona, and NAfME’s recognition of the National Association for the Study & Performance of African American Music, or NASPAAM.

Through Secretary Cardon’s honest words and interaction, it was clear that he understands the real world of teaching. He addressed the key topics and needs of the assembly’s prior discussions and knows the value of music in our students’ lives. Secretary Cardona also invited every music educator to make music relevant for all students, while also addressing both students’ and teachers’ needs. He was on point!

And then, NAfME righted a past wrong by recognizing the

National Association for the Study & Performance of African

American Music. In 1972, during the 23rd Convention of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC/NAfME), 200 Black educators met offsite to protest the lack of representation of Black music and musicians on the conference program. This meeting began the first steps towards creating the non-profit professional organization that is dedicated to promoting, performing, and preserving all facets of African- American music. NASPAAM

NAfME apologized for the past history and read this linked resolution aloud. This was profound, moving, and truly a moment that was long past due. It was also SO important to everyone because as we know, we must always apologize to move forward and we must always place our words into action. This combination will help us ensure that everything we think, say, and do is a model of excellence in inclusivity. I hope each of you have time to reflect and rest this summer as well as celebrate all that you accomplished this past school year. If you have a moment, take a look at our DEIA policy so that you can find yourselves, your students, and program goals within these important words. California is leading the way and it takes each of us to help our great state shine! Thank you ALL for your membership in CMEA. Without each of you, we would not have the ability to provide the joy of music for every student in California.