Dear Collegiate Members and Advisors,

March is here! Spring is almost upon us; don't get blown away by all the things you have to do. Read this month's Newslink and find out what's happening at MENC.

In this issue, you will find this month’s feature article about student teaching titled, “Tips for Success in Student Teaching and Beyond" by Janette Harriott. You’ll also learn about what’s going on around MENC, get news and announcements, and find interesting opportunities.

As always, if you have comments, questions, or would like to share your chapter’s activities or recruitment strategies with us for publication in a future issue, e-mail Jen Reed.
 

Register Now for the 2010 Biennial Music Educators National Conference!

Join fellow music education majors March 25-27, 2010 in Anaheim, California for 2 days of workshops specifically geared toward Collegiate students. Here are some of the sessions you will see:

* Advocacy: Gaining Local Support for Your Programs (Jill Sullivan and David Rickels)
* Classroom Management: More than Just Keeping the Lid On (Margaret Schmidt)
* The Role of Assessment in Music Teaching (Suzanne Burton)
* The First Year on the Job: It's Not All About Performing (Richard Sang with panel of local first year teachers)
* Job Search and Interviewing (Jill Sullivan)
* Survival Tips for Music Teachers in Rural, Suburban and Urban Settings (Janice Smith, Michele Kaschub and Frank Heuser)
* Getting the Most Out of Your Undergraduate Experience and Student Teaching (Cindy Bell and Nathalie Robinson)
* Inclusion in the Music Class (Deborah Blair)

For registration and housing information, visit 2010 Music Educators National Conference.
 

Why Music Conferences?

By MENC Student Programs Staff
Revised and reprinted from February 2003 Newslink

As a student studying music in college, your schedule is full with classes, out-of-class preparation like practicing your instrument(s), writing papers, and simply being a college student. You may ask yourself, “With all I have to accomplish each semester, how can I take the time to go all the way to a conference and spend two or three days there?” And, since attending a conference doesn’t have an immediate impact on your grades, why should you rearrange your schedule to be a part of these events?

Networking

Getting together with colleagues (both future and current music educators) is one of the essential elements of any conference. Often, the simple act of sitting next to someone at a meal or entering into a discussion after a particularly thought-provoking session can take you down an unexpected path that may affect your future.

Discussing current classes and future plans with collegiate students from other campuses can help you get a better insight into what you’re looking for in your education. Chatting about MENC Collegiate chapter activities gives you the chance to compare campus and community activities and may show you opportunities for growth that would be overlooked otherwise.

Networking with those who are currently practicing in the field you wish to enter is very valuable. Not only can current music educators tell you what life in the field is like, they can pinpoint college experiences more valuable to your success, which can help you make the most of your education. And, many music educators are aware of job openings at their schools and can act as valuable resources when it comes to finding your first job once your college career is completed.

Developing a sense of camaraderie with others in your field is essential. Speaking to others who have been through what you will face before you’re in the middle of things can help you be realistic about the challenges you will face when you embark upon your career and may be a source of consolation in the midst of those experiences.

Educational Sessions

Educational sessions inform future and current music educators about best practices in the field of music education and are broken out by specialization. You have the opportunity to learn things like building cross-curricular bridges between a general music class and other classes, incorporating the National Standards into your band class, and assessing the students you'll one day have in class.

Career Placement

In addition to the word-of-mouth networking you can accomplish with attendees, many conferences offer a more formal opportunity to collect information on open positions. Conference career placement opportunities can even include interviewing for current and upcoming positions in area schools.

Performances

Conferences are often sites for unheralded listening opportunities. Whether it’s favorite brass ensemble or the never-before-seen, never-to-be-seen again combination of this year’s honor ensemble, you’ll have the chance to see and hear performers who are outside your normal concert experience.

Exhibits

Last, but not least, the conferences offer a unique opportunity to interact with music vendors to learn about their latest products and services. The conference exhibit hall offers a host of opportunities such as previewing new composition software, interacting with vendors, purchasing books, and viewing samples of sheet music, uniforms, instruments, and risers.

State, division, and national conferences provide an unequalled opportunity for music educators. Why not try one today?

2010 Music Education Week

June 24-29, 2010 – Washington, DC
Music Education Week is a new annual event created by MENC at the direction of the MENC National Executive Board. It is built around a new format, different from that of past national biennial conferences. This format is designed to provide members with opportunities for music education advocacy, intensive professional development, and performances in a destination location on an annual basis, and during the summer instead of the school year. Watch MENC’s Web site for program details.
 

Tips for Success in Student Teaching and Beyond

By Janette Harriott

Janette (Jan) Harriott is an associate professor in elementary music education at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate music classes. In addition, she is the collegiate advisor to the CMENC chapter. She holds a Ph.D. in the Philosophy of Music Education (with an emphasis in Kodály) from the University of Oklahoma; a Master of Arts in Clarinet Performance from California State University, Sacramento; and a B.S. in Education (Music) from Northern Illinois University. A native of Peoria, Illinois, Jan has over 40 years experience as a music educator and has taught music to students of all ages throughout the United States and in parts of Europe. She has authored a recorder method book and many children’s songs and music.

To build on Ben Sweetland’s quote, “Teaching is a journey, not a destination!” As a student teacher, you’re beginning your wonderful journey as a music educator. Throughout your teaching career, you’re always learning and growing, reflecting and renewing, moving your craft into an art. Here are some tips for success that I’ve learned in my journey as a music educator.

Use the Power

I invite you to use the following formula in your journey as a music education student and on into your teaching career. I created it as a theme in my elementary music classroom and still use it for myself and my preservice music teachers and beyond.

Patience: Keep it handy to handle everything.
Overcome Obstacles: Expect the inevitable obstacles and work to overcome them.
Winning Attitude: Conquer those obstacles with a winning attitude
Enthusiasm: Show enthusiasm in everything you do.
Respect: Respect others and the music.

Classroom Management

Classroom management is always a work in progress. Learn and adapt as you go through your journey. Always check with your school about their classroom management requirements.

Procedures, Procedures, Procedures

• Have Procedures for everything in your classroom – from how the students enter/leave the classroom to how they get the instruments, etc.
• Practice the Procedures--Concentrate on the procedures at the beginning of the school year and then practice them at different times throughout the year.
• Read and refer often to Harry Wong’s book, How to be an Effective Teacher, The First Days of School (see book list below).
• Have a poster with your classroom procedures placed in your room where all can see, and refer to it often.
   

Establishing procedures is the most important thing I recommend to beginning teachers. In fact, establishing procedures and practicing them is the key to a more successful classroom. As an elementary music teacher in an urban Title I school, our principal introduced us to Harry Wong’s principles and said that he didn’t care if we taught any curriculum the first week of school. Each teacher was to establish the procedures for each classroom and practice them. What a difference that made in our school year.

Good Books to Read

• Fay, J. and Funk, D., (1995). Teaching With Love & Logic, Taking Control of the Classroom. The Love and Logic Press, Inc.
• Haugland, S., (2007). Crowd Control: Classroom Management and Effective Teaching for Chorus, Band, and Orchestra. Lanham, MD: MENC/Rowman & Littlefield Education.
• Wong, H.K., (1998). How to Be an Effective Teacher: The First Days of School. Harry K. Wong Pub.
   

Apply your new knowledge from these books slowly. Pick out a few things at a time to add. Read and reread often for new ideas. These are just a few of the many books available to teachers.

After reading Fay and Funk’s book one summer, I adapted some of that new knowledge to my elementary general music classroom. Before reading this book, it never occurred to me that the teacher can delay the consequences for a student’s misbehaviors. I also learned and changed the way I stated my sentences for classroom control and developed the set of behavior codes below:

The Musician’s Code of Good Behavior

• I am responsible for my own actions.
• I have choices and consequences.
• I let others learn.
• I treat others as I want to be treated.
• I nicely use the music equipment only when it is my turn.
   

I put this code on a big poster and put it in the front of my room, so that we could refer to it often.

Student Teaching

Your journey as a student teacher can be one of the most exciting yet nerve-racking times of your life. Step out of your comfort zone as you learn your craft. At this stage, don’t try to reinvent the wheel – learn as much as you can from your cooperating teachers. You’ll learn from their effective teaching strategies and activities, as well as the noneffective ones. As a student teacher, you cannot change the organization and classroom management techniques at your school(s). Just lock it into your brain that you would do something differently in your own future classroom. To keep your student teaching journey moving along smoothly, know your college/university requirements, check your timeline often, and use good communication skills with everyone involved in your student teaching.

Tips For Student Teaching and Beyond

• Be confident – walk the walk and talk the talk of a successful music educator.
• Play on your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
• Be friendly – get to know the students, other teachers, secretaries, and janitors, and learn their names.
• Be prepared – learn your lesson plans, memorize your music and movements, put materials in place for the entire day by either staying late or coming in early.
• Use a fast pace – no down time, alternate often between activities and sitting, standing, or moving.
• Have extra activities planned in case you finish the class early.
• Know that mistakes are okay – learn from them.
• Reflect on your teaching often.
• Attend extra-curricular activities at your school and community.
   

The First Year

Nothing is more exciting than your first teaching job in your own music classroom. I can still remember that feeling as I stood in my first elementary music classroom, so excited that this was my own classroom with my own music curriculum. I’m excited for you, as you begin your journey as a new music teacher. Here are some tips to make your first year more successful:

• Before school starts, stand in your classroom, look around and plan where all equipment should be placed to teach successfully – for example, you don’t want to turn your back to the class to use any equipment.
• Decorate your classroom to be inviting, friendly, and encouraging.
• Ask to take music books home for the summer to do your planning.
• Meet and greet students at the door, both at the beginning and end of class.
• Use seating charts and change them throughout the year.
• Become a professional music educator by attending many different workshops; get an advanced degree and special training in your special areas, such as choral techniques, instrumental techniques, conducting, Orff, Kodály, Dalcroze, and world drumming.
• Join MENC and other professional music organizations and become an active member.
• Take on leadership positions in your music associations, schools, and community when time allows.
• Keep up your music skills and perform when you can.
   

Remember, becoming a professional music educator is a lifelong journey. Take small steps and embrace all opportunities to become a better teacher. Get help from other music teachers and then become a mentor to new teachers as you improve your craft into an art.

Remember to use the Power and enjoy the journey!

Additional Articles about Student Teaching

Student Teaching: What Makes You Nervous
Student Teaching: Answers to Your Anxieties
How to Make the Most of Your Student Teaching (Part 1)
How to Make the Most of Your Student Teaching (Part 2)
How to Make the Most of Your Student Teaching (Part 3)
Trouble in Paradise
Bee Ready For Student Teaching
MKOs (More Knowledgeable Others) on Student Teaching, feature article in January 2010 Newslink

Congratulations to MENC’s 2010 BMI John Lennon state finalists!

Committee Chairs met early in January and selected finalists from their states. The finalists were sent to MENC, and we forwarded them to BMI for the next round of adjudication. View the MENC state finalists information. BMI will select the 2010 winners in June. Check back in June to view this year's winners.

New! Collegiate Specialty Items …

• Blanket: Light gray, 50 x 60 inches machine washable fleece. MENC Collegiate logo in black and white stitching. #8055. $20.00/$15.00 MENC members
• Pen/Highlighter: Dual ended with black ink and yellow highlighter. Silver pen with black MENC collegiate logo. #8057. $1.60/$1.20 MENC members
• Lapel Pin: ¾” steel pin with dark and light blue enamel. #8056. $1.60/$1.20 MENC members

To order: Call 1-800-828-0229 or visit www.menc.org.
 

Member Benefit Spotlight 

MENC’s Policy and Advocacy Resources

MENC keeps its members informed on policy issues that affect music education, as well as how members can be effective advocates. Check out the Advocacy and Public Policy Web page to learn about MENC’s legislative priorities such as the No Child Left Behind Act, state and local policy, advocacy information, and music education facts and figures. The Recorder, a music education legislative news feed, provides the latest on music education news and issues from Capitol Hill and around the country.

“The Power of Music...Changing Lives” is a series of four advocacy brochures is designed for distribution to parents, school board members, and principals to give these audiences “the why and the how” of supporting school music education. The entire brochure series is available for download in PDF form at MENC’s Music Education Advocacy Central.



MENC has added an Advocacy Forum to our list of resources. Here you can ask questions or provide incite for others with anything related to music Advocacy.
 

Chapter Spotlight

University of Missouri- Columbia
Chapter 185
Advisor: Wendy L. Sims

This year, the University of Missouri CMENC chapter has been increasing its visibility in the community. Early last semester, we made window coverings for a local elementary music classroom. We also performed a concert at a local school that's been having issues getting students involved in band. The concert made a huge difference in the school and got lots of students interested in joining band, so we are currently planning on doing another concert this semester.

On the professional development side of things, we hosted a panel/luncheon last semester with a music doctoral student who recently was recently a high school band director and a first year music teacher. The chapter was able to pick their brains and truly learned a lot from their experiences working with the students, parents, administrators, and communities of their school districts. Fresh off the Missouri Music Educators Association 2010 Convention, our chapter has been enlivened with new ideas and currently has in the works plans for programs about choosing a graduate school and getting the most out of student teaching.

Current News and Announcements

 NEC’S Abreu Fellow Program to Train Future Leaders in El Sistema

The year-long Abreu Fellows Program at New England Conservatory provides tuition-free instruction and a needs-based living stipend for 10 outstanding postgraduate musicians and music educators, "passionate for their art and for social justice," who seek to guide the development of El Sistema programs in the US and beyond. The second group of Abreu Fellows will begin their training in Boston in October 2010. Application deadline is April 1, 2010. Find out more about the Abreu Fellows Program, and download an application.

Find out more about El Sistema in the United States, and get connected to the El Sistema movement. Questions? Email abreuassistant@necmusic.edu.

Apply for a $3,000 College Scholarship from Strings

Studying to become a concert violinist? Want to teach at a university? Whether you are pursuing a music-related degree or know someone who is, we encourage you to help yourself or help a friend achieve the dream of becoming a professional musician or educator. Simply download this scholarship application form.

College-level string players preparing for a career in music education or music performance may be eligible to receive the annual Strings Magazine Scholarship Award of $3,000. Act now! The completed application and other materials must be mailed and postmarked no later than April 1, 2010.

March is Music In Our Schools Month!

Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM) is the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the nation. MIOSM began as a single statewide celebration in 1973, and has grown over the decades to become a month-long celebration of school music. The purpose of MIOSM is to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music. Here are some MIOSM activity ideas.

2010 World's Largest Concert®

Plan to participate in the World's Largest Concert on March 11, 2010. Visit the World's Largest Concert Web site to download your free sheet music, rehearsal tracks, and lesson plans. There's still time to order your 2010 World's Largest Concert DVD; the concert can be viewed any time in March.

“Why Music?” PSAs Available for Download

Want to share the importance of music education with your campus? Broadcast it on the airwaves! The “Why Music” public service announcement series is now available on the MENC Web site. New artists for this year are Mandy Patinkin, Martha Wash, Joshua Redman and many others. Other popular artists such as Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, and Al Jarreau remind listeners that every kid deserves to learn music at school.

Check out these Scholarship Opportunities!

MENC knows how tight college budgets can get-especially when you're trying to find the funds to complete your education. Check out this listing of scholarship opportunities for Collegiate students by visiting MENC's Scholarship page. Do you know of college scholarships not listed? E-mail annew@menc.org today!

Discounts on Brass, Low Brass, and Timpani Purchases

With the recession hitting school budgets hard, MENC corporate member Jupiter Instruments offers a special price reduction for schools with MENC member teachers who need to purchase marching brass, low brass, or timpani this year. These instruments are just like those at the U.S. Army All American Marching Band performance where Jupiter, Majestic, and Mapex instruments were used exclusively. Others who perform on these instruments include DCI's Phantom Regiment, Arizona State University's 350 piece marching band, and WGI's Timber Creek Independent. Visit Jupiter MENC Offer for more information.
 

MENC Book

Building Strong Music Programs: A Handbook for Preservice and Novice Music Teachers
Co-published with: MENC: The National Association for Music Education

By Charlene Ryan

Building Strong Music Programs uniquely focuses on music programs in the public school community, providing strategies and tools for developing a vibrant music program and building community support. Covering relationships with colleagues, parents, staff, administrators, and the community at large, Charlene Ryan also provides tactics for developing courses, performances, and publicity to enhance your program. Build a repertoire of tried-and-true strategies covering curriculum, classroom management, special needs, concerts, assessment, budget, and more that are based on years of teaching at all levels.

Ryan covers issues important to student teachers, new teachers, teachers changing schools, and teachers looking to rejuvenate their existing programs. From student trips to music software to district ensembles to advocacy to entry-level instrumental courses, Ryan covers it all in this comprehensive handbook.

Building Strong Music Programs is available from RLE in paperback for $21.95 and clothbound for $65.00. MENC members receive a discount of 25%. To order or for more information, call 800-462-6420 or visit www.rowmaneducation.com.

March  Poll

Each month, MENC asks its members for their input on current issues and trends in music education. This month’s question is about music educators’ health issues. Share with us what health issues you’ve had during your school year.

March Monthly Special
Share the Message with MIOSM Buttons

The March MENC member monthly special features the 2010 Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®) Buttons. Your students will love wearing these 1-3/8" round blue buttons. Whether pinned on clothing, backpacks or added to bulletin boards, they can be used all year to help raise awareness of music in your school!

In March only, MENC members can purchase the MIOSM buttons (50 per bag) for only $5.00 – half off the regular price! No additional purchase is required. Buttons: #7030R. This special is not available at state conference resource shops. Call 1-800-828-0229 or visit www.menc.org to order.

Follow MENC on Twitter

Collegiate Facebook Groups

• Stay connected with other MENC Collegiate members around the world by joining MENC’s Collegiate Facebook group. To join, simply visit www.facebook.com and search “MENC Collegiate Headquarters.”
• Want to know what’s happening at MENC Headquarters? Become a fan of MENC on Facebook!

MENC on LinkedIn

Connect with fellow MENC members and music education advocates on LinkedIn, a professional networking site. Participate in discussions about current topics, get music education news, and network with others in the field. To join, login to LinkedIn, select "Search Groups" from the top drop-down menu, and search for "MENC." If you haven't created an account yet, you can sign up at linkedin.com.

New MENC Collegiate Home Page

Check out the new MENC Collegiate Home page with announcements and news, and links to all things collegiate.

“Ask the Mentors” Forum

Do you have music education questions? MENC’s mentors have the answers! Each month from September to May, the “Ask the Mentors” forum features a different mentor for band, orchestra, chorus, general music, jazz, and guitar. The mentors are veteran teachers who offer advice in response to your teaching questions. Post questions and read responses on the Future Teacher’s Forum. Read about this month’s MENC Mentors.

Month of March
Band – Jason Freeland
General Music – Debbie D’Angelo
Chorus – Thomas Vozzella
Orchestra – Cathie Hudnall
Jazz – Gregory Yasinitsky
Guitar – Shelly O’Dell

You have received this message because you are a Collegiate member of MENC: The National Association for Music Education or the advisor to a Collegiate MENC chapter as of June 2009. This is a special monthly announcement about NewsLink, one of the benefits of your membership. It has been sent to you by MENC: The National Association for Music Education, 1806 Robert Fulton Drive, Reston, VA 20191. Receipt of this message does not mean you will begin receiving weekly MENC e-mail updates if you have previously requested that your e-mail be "unsubscribed" from these updates. Questions? Contact mbrserv@menc.org or call 800-828-0229. MENC does not sell or share the e-mail addresses of our members.

--Jen Reed, March 4, 2010, © MENC: The National Association for Music Education