Expand your range in the foothills of the Rockies.
Advanced musical training, professional-level experiences, diverse opportunities for collaboration and a spirit of inclusive excellence await you at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music.
Our faculty are deeply dedicated pedagogues standing by to support your success in your musical endeavors— whether your passion is to teach, perform, compose, research or rethink music entirely.
Application deadline: Dec. 1, 2024
Summer Master of Music Education application deadline: March 1, 2025
Audition dates: Jan. 18, Jan. 25, and Feb. 8, 2025
undergraduate.music@colorado.edu
graduate.music@colorado.edu
Colorado Music Educator
William Kohut
Colorado Music Educator is the official publication of the Colorado Music Educators Association, a federated state unit of NAfME: The National Association for Music Education (which is an affiliate of the National Education Association) and is affiliated with the Colorado Education Association.
Colorado Music Educator, ISSN 0010-1672, is published quarterly by the Music Educators Association, 3617 Shoshone Street, Denver, CO. 80211. Subscriptions are $12.00 per year for members of the Colorado Music. Educators Association (included in annual dues) and $25.00 per year for non-members. This journal is published on-line at www.cmeaonline.org. For further information write to:
Colorado Music Educator
c/o CMEA Membership 3617 Shoshone Street Denver, CO 80211
Re-energize Perform or Presentdo you have to lose?
Greetings CMEA!
Many thanks to all who performed, provided a clinic, and attended this past CMEA Conference! I am very proud of this organization and am humbled to be a part of the leadership of this association.
I am particularly grateful for the opportunity to host Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser as our Keynote Speaker! As many of you have commented to me personally, we have seen Dr. Tim multiple times over the past many years,
but he is always challenging us to believe in ourselves and our strengths, not only as music educators but as human beings! His message never gets old, and many of the thoughts he shares are exceptionally timely!
May I also recognize once again the tremendous Mariachi Halcones de Skyline, and their exceptional director, Brian Crim! What a spectacular way to kick off the conference!!
Re-energize What
CASEY CROPP CMEA PRESIDENT
It is time for you to consider performing at the 2026 CMEA Conference on January 28-31.
As with any event of this size, we also encountered some problems that made the experience a bit less than any of us desired. The conference app was a huge disappointment, to say the least. Many of you shared your frustrations with us; we truly appreciate the feedback. We have been working to ensure that the app we will use next year will be tested and that every attendee will have access to the internet, which we have not been able to provide in previous years!
We also had to overcome the limitations of not having the International Center available for large instrumental performances. This forced us to explore other venues for some of the performances and clinics that we discovered may be more advantageous for upcoming conference use. We will continue to look at room use and location
to best fit each of our council needs!
That said, it is time for you to consider performing at the 2026 CMEA Conference on January 28-31. I’ve been present at a few festivals recently and have already been suggesting to directors to send in an application for their ensemble. For those who have never taken the initiative to apply, you may have exactly what other music educators need to see and hear to help their program flourish!! Others may have a clinic idea you’d like to have presented… This, too, would be the time to begin putting together your clinic application and solidifying your presentation! The submission timeline will be up on the CMEA website if it isn’t already. I truly hope you will consider this invitation and take the chance. What do you have to lose??
In any case, may I wish those of you who are in the midst of festival season, your school musical, or the beginning g of the end to your year the very best! Now’s the time to turn up the heat and give your very best to each of your students!!
I leave you with a quote from Dr. Tim”s book, “Everyday Wisdom…
“The true teacher is one who teaches out of a passion for sharing. Teaching is a profession of service to other people. The word “care” seems to suggest the appropriate main theme of the artistic teachers: THEY CARE!”
Enjoy the spring! My best to each of you!
Casey
Vocal News Vocal Council News
Hello Music Educators, my name is Bryan Kettlewell, and I am proud to take over as the chair of the Vocal Music Council. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of those people who have come before me, setting the path of excellence for the Vocal Music Council.
A special shout-out goes to Alyssa Miller, who is our outgoing chair. Working under her strong leadership and organizational skills over
the last four years was a pleasure. I hope to continue opening up the hood on the process for ensemble selection for the CMEA Conference. The more people know about the process, the more they will consider submitting their choir for selection. Because of Alyssa and the work of all council members, the vocal part of this year’s CMEA Conference was one of the smoothest yet.
BRYAN KETTLEWELL
VOCAL
MUSIC COUNCIL CHAIR
We are looking to present a well-rounded collection of choirs that represent all regions of our state. We strongly encourage middle schools and any ensemble from a rural school district to apply.
Speaking of ensemble selection, now is the time to start thinking about submitting your ensemble for next year’s CMEA Conference. On the Vocal Music Council, we are looking to present a well-rounded collection of choirs that represent all regions of our state. We strongly encourage middle schools and any ensemble from a rural school district to apply. Music looks different in all corners of our state due to various factors. We also know that great things are happening in all programs, and every student can work hard enough to earn the honor of being selected to perform on the stage at the annual CMEA Conference. So, no matter the size of your school or program, we want to see all types of programs represented, and it never hurts to apply!
We use a rubric that is very similar to the ACDA ensemble selection rubric. After the selection committee listens to each group, we fill out the rubrics, and at the end of the process, we will mail these back to you. In previous years, directors received no feedback other than a yes or a no. We think it is highly beneficial for each director to receive something more specific about what their ensemble can do better the next time they apply for the CMEA conference. Please consider submitting one of your ensembles for consideration, and we’d love to hear your group at the next conference.
Applications will be open starting May 1st, and all materials must be submitted by May 25th. For more
information about the process, please visit the CMEA website and the tab titled ‘Clinic/Conference Performing Groups’. Please make sure to read all of the information and follow all of the guidelines before submission. Thank you for being a dedicated music educator, striving to provide quality music education to all students in this great state. I look forward to serving all of the choral educators in this state as the chair of the Vocal Music Council over the next two years.
General General Music Council News
This is the time of year where if you blink too long, you just may miss it! Spring Break has come and gone and it is time to focus on finishing strong. As I continue to reflect on the conference just 2 months ago, I am left with a big smile and sense of pride as a Colorado Music Teacher. I would like to give a big shout out to our departing Chair of the GMC Council, Kalinda Theobold. Her many years of commitment to the council and Colorado teach-
ers is inspiring and appreciated! Her leadership, motivation, and friendship will be missed on the council. I would also like to thank all departing district reps and welcome our new members to the council!
Even though our next conference is way out, there are still so many learning opportunities for general music teachers here in Colorado. Please make sure, if you are not already, that you are familiar with our partners in
Music News
PAUL MALEY GENERAL MUSIC COUNCIL CHAIR
There are many learning opportunities for general music teachers in Colorado.
learning from the Rocky Mountain Orff Chapter, ROCKE, Music Will, and the Rocky Chapter of AES. There are many workshops in person and virtual throughout the year from these wonderful organizations, please check out their websites for more information!!
Rocky Mountain Orff
https://www.rockymountainorff. org/ R.O.C.K.E.
https://www.coloradokodaly.org/
Music Will https://musicwill.org/
Colorado Eurhythmics Chapter
https://americaneurhythmics.org/ home/
We have lots of new ideas coming your way for next year’s conference. We hope that all of you will consider submitting a session to share your knowledge, submitting an ensemble for performance, and would consider taking a leadership role in music education. If we all step up, we will continue to make a difference. Our kids need us now more than ever! Thank you all for what you do on a daily basis. You got this, I got this, we got this!!
Until next time…
Paul Maley General Music Council Chair Music Teacher Estes Park www.paulmaley.com
Instrumental Council News
Hello Instrumental Music Educators of Colorado!
I hope everyone has had a great spring semester! Spring festivals are in full swing, All State events have, or are about to take place, and we are preparing to celebrate the graduating class of 2025. Thanks to everyone who attended the Clinic/Conference last January! It was a pleasure to see a record number of teachers sharing in the friendship, inspiration, and rejuvenation that the conference provides. If you were unable to attend this year, I hope that you are
planning to join us next year, January 28-31, 2026.
Congratulations to all of the honor performing ensembles this year. It was inspiring to witness the culmination of the hard work and preparation that the students and directors put into their performances. I encourage every CMEA member to consider submitting an audition to perform at the 2026 clinic/conference. Remember you are doing amazing work with your students, and each of us have something unique and valuable to share with colleagues around the
Instrumental
CHUCK STEPHEN INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC COUNCIL CHAIR
With summer break quickly approaching, it’s time to make plans for the activities that re-energize our bodies and minds.
state. The Instrumental Council is committed to celebrating the musical accomplishments from every CMEA District. It is our hope to see representation from groups of all types and sizes from around the state and we need everyone’s participation to make that happen. Please consider applying and encourage your colleagues in your district to do the same. We can’t have representation without participation! There is so much benefit to your program just by going through the process of preparing your ensemble to create an audition for CMEA. In the immortal words of hockey great, Wayne Gretzke “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”
In addition to considering an application to perform at CMEA, I would encourage you to also consider presenting a clinic or encouraging
a colleague to present. Nearly all clinics presented at the conference are by Colorado music educators! There is a vast amount of expertise across all of our districts, and our community grows stronger when we share our experiences with each other.
With summer break quickly approaching, it’s time to make plans for the activities that re-energize our bodies and minds. For some of us, it’s taking time to travel, attend an outdoor concert, spend time with friends or spend time in nature. For others, it’s attending summer workshops and conventions. There are a number of great professional development opportunities to take advantage of this summer. In addition to the fantastic summer conventions put on by state organizations like CO-ASTA, ASBDA and CBA, many of our local
universities are offering summer programs as well. NAfME has curated a list of fantastic opportunities being held virtually and in-person across the country (https://nafme.org/ my-classroom/summer-study-opportunities/). Additionally, there are inspiring performances at festivals like the Bravo! Vail Music Festival or the Telluride Jazz Festival. There are great opportunities for our students as well. Summer camps, leadership workshops, and summer lessons can all keep students engaged and motivated throughout the summer months.
I wish you all a restful and rejuvenating summer and I hope that your summer activities energize you for a great start to the fall of 2025.
Sincerely,
Chuck Stephen Instrumental Music Council Chair
College/ University Council News
Iwas recently reminded of a study published by one of our CU graduates, Angela Munroe (PhD, 2018). In the study, Munroe examined the resilience of two music educators (one novice and one experienced), working in challenging, economically diverse schools. Based on prior research (Fredrickson, 2001), the researcher used the “broad-
en and build” theory to achieve a deeper understanding of factors that contribute to responding and recovering from difficult teaching environments. The theory is based on the premise that positive emotions can help individuals build a reserve of personal resources (physical, intellectual, and social) while broadening the repertoire of
University News
MARTINA MIRANDA COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY MUSIC COUNCIL CHAIR
Positive emotions can help individuals build a reserve of personal resources in times of stress.
responses in times of stress. Munroe found that:
Both the novice music teacher and the experienced music teacher who were employed in high-poverty, trauma-sensitive schools, exhibited varying levels of resilience by adapting their expectations to their school context and maintaining a positive attitude. Both remained committed to creating a positive learning environment for their students through a sense of dedication to their students and their own professional identity as a music teacher.
Specifically, as these teachers were able to build and utilize emotions such as joy, interest,
contentment, and love while also turning to colleagues and friends have a stronger base of support from which to “bounce back” with greater resilience.
The article is an interesting read and highlights the personal experiences of each music teacher. As each of us faces the rush of the final months of the school year, perhaps this reminder will be useful.
Best wishes for a strong finish as we head toward the summer!
Martina Miranda Chair, College and University Council
Munroe, A. M. (2021). Novice and experienced music teacher resilience: A comparative case study. Research Studies in Music Education, 44(1), 99-109. https://doi. org/10.1177/1321103X211023248 (Original work published 2022)
Tri-M News Tri-M News
Greetings from Tri-M,
We are entering the last two months of school. Concerts, Awards, Festivals, Solo and Ensembles, and of course Tri-M. For every category listed Tri-M is a major component. Handing out programs, running check-in tables, and selling concessions. Tri-M should be involved in all the above.
For those who were able to attend Tri-M Day, we saw that there is a need and desire for Tri-M. We had almost 800 students in attendance, which speaks volumes. Let your chapter say how they can help your program. Does the rest of the school know about your Tri-M program, or is it a secret? Is it listed on your website and the school’s website? Do you own a banner to hang at concerts? Make your presence known.
MICHELLE EWER TRI-M CHAIR
What would you like to see offered next January? Do you know someone who would make a great clinician?
It is time to start planning for graduation. Do you have chords and pins for your seniors?
Shop.nafme.org/tri-m/ has all of your merchandise needed for the end of the year. Recognize your students with a Tri-M ribbon or certificate. Order now to make sure you are ready ahead of time.
Tri-M Day 2025 was very special. We had fabulous sessions and ending in song is still my very favorite way to end the conference. I was on a Zoom call in March and tried to explain our special day but was met with glazed eyes. Call it Zoom World or perhaps disbelief. Thank goodness Dr. Tim was also attend-
ing, and I could see his smile and shaking of his head. He knows what we do in Colorado. We are unique and offer a conference that others dream of having. Be proud, Colorado!
What would you like to see offered next January? What are your students asking for? Do you know someone who would make a great clinician? Watch for application forms in early May at CMEAonline. org You may also email me at TriMChairCMEA@cmeaonline.org with your ideas. In case you are wondering, yes, I am already planning Tri-M Day 2026. I welcome your input.
In closing, thank you so much for all you do for Tri-M. It touches my heart to hear about your chapters and to have you tell me you are starting a chapter. Bravo for taking on yet another task. You make a difference every day! Keep swimming and continue to be the amazing educators that you are.
Sincerely, Michelle Ewer
Colorado Tri-M Chair
National Tri-M Advisory Council
Retired Members Retired Membership News
Greetings Retired CMEA Membership!
Did you enjoy this year’s CMEA Conference? What was your favorite part? Was it a friend you met up with, a wonderful session you attended, the great fun and conversation at the luncheon, an inspiring concert, a new friend, the Broadmoor candies (yum!) or just
relaxing in the library or sitting on the Mezzanine. Maybe it was the Bee! My mother always ENJOYED paying the monthly credit card bill because it let her review all the fun things she did in the previous month. I’ve taken that approach and love to review the previous month’s fun activities. I hope you have some wonderful memories of CMEA 2025.
KIRK VOGEL RETIRED MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
You know, as retirees, we’re a special group. We have flexibility. We have options.
The theme was Cultivating Excellence: Appreciate, Inspire, Support, Guide and, you know, you did that throughout your careers and continue to do that as active retirees in CMEA. Special thanks to Rodney Ritthaler, Patricia Kidd, Marie Watkins, Gary Hall, Kevin Beaber, James Divine and Dan Bell, who were the presiders at the Music in General sessions at this year’s conference. Music in General is a new group of sessions that apply to any of the Music Councils: Vocal, Instrumental, University or General, so be sure to keep your eyes on that special new session category for great clinic topics.
You know, as retirees, we’re a special group. We have flexibility. We have options. A close friend said it best when they said “We’re retired… we can do stuff!” That can mean a whole bunch of different things. We can help out a neighborhood school, we can volunteer our time to help at
CMEA, we can travel to Italy, we can go walk the mall, we can sleep in, we can ski midweek or we can shop on a Monday. Yes, we can do stuff! I hope you are finding and enjoying some stuff to do.
As we start to transition into Spring (or False Spring or Mud season) I am reminded that we are so fortunate in Colorado to have four REAL seasons, winter, spring, summer and fall. But, as a music teacher, didn’t you feel like we had our own seasons. There was honor season (honor band, honor choir, All-State Orchestra, etc.), there was musical season (sometimes in the spring, sometimes in the fall), marching band season, contest/ festival season, runout season (or recruiting season or sign-up season) and, of course, holiday music season, which sometimes started in late October! Even in retirement I still think of these seasons as we roll through the more traditional winter, spring,
summer and fall. I hope you still all enjoy the music seasons too.
As you look towards the summer and some relaxing moments, also think about the flexibility you have and the mantra “We can do stuff!” from my good friend. So, whether it’s planting “Snow in Summer” along your front door path, buying an e-bike, rafting some high-country river, hiking some more 13,000ft peaks, spending time with friends, traveling, seeing family or reading a book somewhere that has a great view, enjoy those times and also think about music, what it’s done for you, what it’s meant to you and how it still surrounds you, heals you, consoles you and enriches you.
March 20th marked the first day of spring, and as we look toward the close of another school year, it is natural for us to reflect—not just on what we have accomplished but on where we are headed. We are all music educators, and the work that we do day in and day out is rooted in the future. Our role as music educators is to nurture our students, build lasting music programs, and ensure that music has a strong presence in our schools and our communities. As we look forward, we must ask who will carry this work forward after us.
Across our state, we have passionate, creative, and resilient teachers who are building vibrant programs and are making a lasting impact on the lives of their students. As we enter our classrooms, we not only see our students or the ensembles that we conduct—we see the future of music education, our communities’ future, and our country’s future. We see the future when a student leads a sectional, we see the future when our practice rooms are full during off hours, we see the future when our fifth graders say that they want to join choir next
TREY TAFOYA MEMBERSHIP CHAIR
The next generation of music educators are in our classrooms, and through our passionate teaching and meaningful encouragement, they will be the ones to carry the torch.
year, we see the future when a graduating senior mentors an underclassman in preparation for a drum major audition. I am optimistic every time I enter a music classroom because I see a future worth fighting for and a future worth being a part of. When we affirm our students’ strengths and encourage them to consider a future in music, we plant a seed that can grow into a career with a profound and lasting impact.
Beyond our students, we are responsible for supporting our early-career educators and college music majors. These future leaders of our profession are filled with vision and drive, and we need them just as much as they need us. Whether you are a veteran teacher or just a few years into your career, your experience matters, and you have the power to strengthen our community.
We can help grow and strengthen our community of music educators in many simple and meaningful ways. (1) Start by identifying one or two students in your program who show leadership, curiosity, or a passion for helping others, and provide them with opportunities to explore what a career in music education would look like. This can be done with any student of any age at any level. I started thinking about a career in music education in 7th grade when my middle school band director let me conduct the band playing “Happy Birthday” on my birthday (she let every student do this on their birthdays). If students are older, talk with them about what a career in music education would be and why you believe they would be successful. (2) If you know a first- or second-year teacher in your district, check in with them—going to get
some coffee can make all the difference. (3) Reach out to the university nearest to your school and offer to host a student teacher or invite undergraduate students to observe a class or run an after-school sectional. (4) Encourage your colleagues to attend networking events or summer conferences. When multiplied across our entire membership, these small actions will sustain our profession.
So, as we enter spring—a time of rebirth, growth, and energy—let us continue to look to the future of CMEA and what lies ahead. The next generation of music educators are in our classrooms, and through our passionate teaching and meaningful encouragement, they will be the ones to carry the torch.
Technology Technology News
AI and You
One of the highlights of my conference this year was attending a discussion panel presented by faculty from CU-Denver called: The Impact of AI in the Music Industry. The panel really did an amazing job of highlighting the pros and cons of AI from sorts of different angles: If my AI makes a drumbeat for me and I publish that song, do I own that drumbeat? Can I be sued if my AI generated song sounds too much like an existing song? I’m embarrassed to say that when they played four different songs, two written by AI and two written by people, that I incorrectly guessed all four as to which songs were AImade.
There was a great deal of discussion between the panel and attendees in regard to the ethics behind using AI. On the one hand, using an AI drummer has taken away the opportunity for a real drummer to make music (and hopefully make money), on the other side, drum machines have been around since the 1980s, and using music software to replace real instruments has been a music industry practice for decades. This is hardly a new thing, AI is just doing better. And using an AI drummer removes a barrier for someone trying to create music on their computer. Several session attendees shared sentiments along the lines of, I have a family member who knows nothing about music; they don’t
Technology
SEAN HEDDING TECHNOLOGY CHAIR
AI is not going away. It is up to you to decide what sort of relationship you want to have with it.
play any instruments; they can’t read or write music; but they’ve started making music using AI. I worked hard to know how music composition/ music theory works, and to become a master at my craft, and this family member now thinks they are as qualified at music making as I am.
What a frustrating encounter to have, especially with a family member! But what if we are looking at this all wrong. Frustrating comments from a family member aside, what I heard that session attendee say was, I have a family member who is creating and having meaningful experiences with music. They have discovered the joy of music composition later in their life! Choral composer Eric Whitacre didn’t get into choral music until he was in college, but messed around with synthesizers and sequencers all of his childhood. Band composer John Mackey still doesn’t play an instrument but learned to compose music using notion software. Obviously the contributions those two eventual Juilliard graduates have had on music is astronomical.
Of course, as music educators, we know there is a lot of merit to the argument that using computers instead of real instruments really isn’t ok, and
that music in its purest form is meant to be created by people and listened to live. I would assume we believe this to be a strongly held conviction for each of us as we’ve dedicated our lives to this art form and want to continue inspiring the next generation of music makers. We all know there is nothing like making music with other people…but I urge you as music educators not to “gatekeep” music making. Who are we to discredit their aesthetic experiences? Isn’t more people making music a good thing??? That frustrating family member might not be the next Eric Whitacre, but they might become strong advocates for the arts. For some, maybe most, AI music-making might be the extent of it. But maybe, someone who got into AI Music Making decides to go to the Colorado Symphony for the first time, or decides to vote Yes on the next school funding initiative on the ballot because there was talk of spending money on music instruments. Maybe, they decide to take up piano, or violin, or get their kids in your band, choir, or orchestra class.
I stand by previous articles I’ve written urging you to let AI take something off of your plate. Try asking AI (ChatGPT or Google Gemini) for
substitute lesson plans, instrument rental contracts, concert reflection assignments, or to make a rubric for you. It might not be perfect, but it will get you started.
A fun tip for those of you that use Google Classroom- Google Gemini will allow you to export a rubric from Gemini into Google Sheets, which you can then import as a rubric into Google Classroom. You really can go from AI prompt to Google Classroom assignment in just a few mouse clicks.
AI of course, is having an impact on other creative areas as well; I sheepishly admit to using some AI-generated graphics and movie clips this week, and in a sign of solidarity with filmmakers and special effect studios, director James Cameron is apparently going to include a title screen in the next Avatar sequel that states he didn’t use any generative AI in the film.
AI is not going away. I promise your middle and high school students are using it. It is up to you to decide what sort of relationship you want to have with it.
Research Research Sessions!
Hello!
Thank you to all who attended our two excellent research sessions at CMEA! We had a great representation of topics and presenters from CU Boulder, Colorado State, and the University of Northern Colorado. We also had a great mix of graduate students–master
and doctoral level--and higher education faculty presenting their research. Much of the research shared was relevant and specific to the state of Colorado including faculty perceptions on popular music curricula in music education degree programs (Christy Go, CU Boulder);
KRISSIE WEIMER CMEA REASEARCH CHAIR
We are always seeking research submissions for the CMEA Jounral!
a survey of Colorado orchestra teachers (Paul Haarala, CSU), and a descriptive study on secondary music education in Colorado (Carla Aguilar, MSU; Krissie Weimer, UNC). There were also presentations on culturally responsive teaching and project-based learning (Victoria DiMarzio, UNC), assessment in teacher certification (Carla Aguilar, MSU), and early field experiences in music education (Garret Graves, CU Boulder).
Additionally, Dr. Amanda Draper from Indiana University, a Fred Rogers Fellow, shared her archival and narrative research exploring the work and musical legacy of Fred Rogers and the ways in which
he celebrated competence and ability on his show Mister Rogers Neighborhood. She hopes to bring attention to ways educators and caregivers may utilize musical participation as a conduit in helping children to be accepting of one another and see each for their capabilities and contributions rather than deficits and disabilities.
A reminder that we invite all researchers to submit a manuscript for publication consideration in the Fall, Winter, and Spring issues of the CMEA online journal. We welcome submissions of various topics and methodologies, including literature reviews and action research. This is a nice publication
opportunity for junior faculty and graduate students. Please see previous journals for examples of work published: https:// cmeaonline.org/publications/. Manuscripts should be emailed directly to both Krissie Weimer at: kristina.weimer@unco.edu and Margie Camp at communicationsCMEA@cmeaonline.org
Research Historian
I’ve spent over 25 years in music education, and I’m still just as excited about what’s ahead. At this stage in my career, some might celebrate with a flashy new car or finally embrace their natural hair color (not me—at least not yet).
But for me, this is also a time of reflection. I find myself equally curious about the past and the future of our profession.
The schools, communities, and programs we serve are shaped by traditions—some long-stand-
ANGIE KEEDY CMEA HISTORIAN
The schools, communities, and programs we serve are shaped by tradition–some long-standing, others evolving.
ing, others evolving. Many of these traditions are deeply woven into our regional culture. For example, fourth graders across Colorado often learn our state songs, not just as part of their music curriculum but as a connection to state history and identity. In many schools, the annual pop concert marks the grand finale of the year, a beloved tradition passed down through generations of students and educators.
As new teachers step into established programs, it’s worth pausing to ask: Why do these traditions
exist? What purpose do they serve, and how do they shape the identity of a school and its community? Understanding the “why” behind these customs allows us to honor meaningful traditions while also making space for innovation and growth.
As your CMEA historian, I want to capture a broader picture of music education in our state. I’m eager to speak with both retired and new teachers, to hear about the meaningful learning experiences that shape students’ musical journeys. I want to learn about your
community and the role music plays within it. My goal is to create a living database of the traditions and stories that make Colorado’s music education landscape unique.
If you or someone you know has a story to share, I’d love to connect. Please reach out to me at historiancmea@cmeaonline. org—let’s preserve and celebrate the rich musical heritage of our state together.
1992-1994 Mike Weiker* 1994-1996 Willie Hill, Jr.#
1996-1998 Bette Lunn*
1998-2000 Frank Montera*
2000-2002 Michael Kornelsen 2002-2004 Janet Montgomery* 2004-2006 Steve Meininger
2006-2008 Michelle Ewer
2008-2010 Cindy McCaskill
2010-2012 Tricia Kidd+
2012-2014 Richard Shaw
2014-2016 Mark Hudson 2016-2018 Raleigh “Butch” Eversole
2018-2019 Mark Walters*
2019-2022 Kevin Beaber
2022-2024 Cynthia Eversole
*deceased
+SWMENC President
#MENC President
In Memoriam guidelines
As a community, CMEA publicly honors the passing of current, retired, and past educators that were members of CMEA in our quarterly Colorado Music Educators Journal. If you know of someone who has past and should be recognized you are asked to submit the following information to Margie Camp at communicationscmea@cmeaonline.org.
Following are the guidelines for these notices
• Upon the passing of current, retired, and past educators that were members of CMEA, a notice will be posted in the In Memoriam section of the CMEA Journal in the Fall, Winter, or Spring issue. These notices will include the deceased’s First and Last Name, a brief description of where they were employed, positions held on the CMEA board or state assembly, the date of passing if known. You are also asked to include a link to any publicly available information about funeral or memorial arrangements.
• We invite anyone to share news of the passing of a current, retired, and or past educators that were members of CMEA, so that we can honor them. Please send such information to communicationscmea@cmeaonline.org.
Charlotte
Ann Adams, December 5, 1943 -November 28, 2024
Charlotte Ann Adams, outstanding Choral Director and Musician passed away peacefully with dear friends at her side on November 28, 2024
Charlotte Ann Adams was born in Ardmore, OK, on December 5th, 1943, to Charlotte Evelyn and G.C. Adams Jr. There were many aunts, uncles, and grandparents to welcome Charlotte to the world.
In 1947, Charlotte, her older sister Sandra, and their parents moved to Roswell, New Mexico, where her dad ran an Anthony’s department store.
There was always music in her home, a piano next to an organ; her parents played music together.
Charlotte was always involved in music, singing in school choirs, and taking piano lessons. Sometimes, her parakeet, Pete, would be perched on her shoulder while she practiced.
Charlotte’s love of music and choral singing led to her career in music. After Charlotte graduated from high school, she earned a BA from Colorado College and an MM from Indiana University, where she studied with the late Julius Hereford.
Charlotte has had an illustrious career in choral conducting in many different settings; Charlotte was the music educator and conductor of Girls 21 and the acapella choir at Cherry Creek High School, Englewood, Colorado, from 1974 to 2003 and choral director for the University of Denver in 2005. She was the Founder and Principal Conductor of the Colorado Woman’s Chorale, a select adult women’s choir in Denver, Colorado. The Colorado Women’s Chorale performed at the 2005 Colorado ACDA summer convention and the 2006 Choral Perspectives workshop in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Charlotte also conducted the 2007 World Voices Australia International Choral Festival at the Sydney Opera House and the Choral Salute to the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Her choirs toured throughout the USA, Canada, Australia, England, France, Scotland and Switzerland.
Charlotte was inducted into the CMEA Hall of Fame in 2004. she also received the Colorado ACDA’s Legacy Award, the Sallie Mae Teacher Tribute Award, and the MENC Outstanding Ovation for music teachers. She received the teacher appreciation award from the Denver Stake of the Latter-Day Saints. Miss Adams served as SWACDA Repertoire and Standards chairperson for women’s music and held this position with Colorado ACDA.
Charlotte presented numerous vocal development sessions at ACDA, MENC, and national, regional, and state conventions. Santa Barbara Music Publishing published the Charlotte Adams music series and her acclaimed video, DailyWorkoutforaBeautifulVoice , in the Charlene Archibeque Choral Series.
Charlotte has conducted All-State and Honor Choirs in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Wyoming. She has conducted the ACDA North Central and ACDA Northwest Regional Women’s Honor Choirs. Under her direction, Girls’ 21 performed for the 1989 and 1997 ACDA national conferences, the 1982, 1986, and 1991 SWACDA regional conferences, the 1984 MENC National Convention, and numerous performances for CMEA.
