Central Section Update

place at Sacramento State on August 20th. We will also be reinstituting honor choir and honor orchestra after a two-year hiatus. Additionally, we will be expanding the Golden Empire Music Festival to several more dates and venues next Spring, including the return of a Solo & Ensemble festival.

CMEA Capitol Section would like to acknowledge Kimberly Foree, who is terming out as our Elementary Representative. The term limits for our board members are designed to ensure fresh faces and new perspectives each year, but it is always tough when someone who has contributed so much moves on. Thank you to Ms. Foree for all your efforts with Capitol Section!

We hope the membership of CMEA has a wonderful summer and takes advantage of the well earned opportunity to reflect and recharge before taking on the next school year. Please remember that CMEA and CMEA Capitol Section are here to serve you, and we are eager to provide the support you need.

For more information about CMEA Capitol Section, please visit www.cmea-cs.org.

Michael Tackett Central Section President

Greetings, Colleagues!

We made it! By now you have wrapped up your spring semester festivals, concerts, trips, and are getting ready to set the stage for the upcoming school year. I hope this year we have all witnessed how the power of music encourages students to think positive, be determined, and most importantly, believe in themselves. With the tremendous impact COVID has had on music education throughout the world, we should be proud that music teachers managed to skillfully navigate this year with passion, determination, and a willingness to inspire students to rebound through collaboration and creativity. Your commitment to our profession is extraordinary, and the Central Section CMEA Organization could not function without your valued contributions and work ethic.

We have persevered with the successful return of in-person events including the CASMEC conference, festivals, marching band competitions, All-State performances, honor groups, and the list goes on. Thank you for the extraordinary efforts of the volunteers, elected leaders, and educators who helped make these events possible. We shape lives beyond the classroom and as challenging as these past two years have been, it has been rejuvenating to see our students inspired and excited to make music together again.

Now is the time to reflect, relax, and learn. Many educators have expressed that burn-out is at an all-time high. Set aside time to rest and rejuvenate. Take a vacation, catch up on that favorite tv show, and enjoy family and friends. Summer can also be an exciting time for professional development and learning. Fresno State is offering an Orff and Kodaly Workshop from July 18-22, 2022, CSU Bakersfield is hosting a Kodaly Institute from June 27-July 15, 2022, and the CCDA ECCO Conference is from July 31-August 3, 2022. Connect with colleagues and have a blast! I am hoping that whatever your method is for rest and relaxation, you will make a point to find a good balance to your summer.

Advocacy continues to be vital as we move forward to the 2022-2023 school year. Have important conversations with your school administrators about what next year may look like. We will continue to look for ways to grow and maintain our programs through the next school year.

It is an honor and privilege to serve as President of this organization. I have learned an immense amount, met incredible educators and students, and built valuable relationships with so many of you. I encourage you to volunteer to host an event, serve on the board, run for an elected office, or serve on a committee. These are great ways to connect and to make a positive contribution to our profession. I hope you have a safe, happy, and rejuvenating summer and look forward to seeing you in the Fall!