Dear Collegiate Member,

School has started and now you’re in the swing of things. In this issue, you'll find this month’s feature article, “Your Are Not Alone: Practical Advice for Finding Help and Support,” by Thomas Kloss. You’ll also learn about what’s going on around MENC, get news and announcements, and find interesting opportunities. Brand-new this year, Collegiate specialty items for sale! Check out the new lapel pin, ink pens, and fleece blankets designed with the collegiate student in mind.

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 Shauna Leavitt.

You Are Not Alone: Practical Advice for Finding Help and Support

Thomas E. Kloss taught both high school and elementary band in Arizona for 10 years. During this time, he completed a Master’s degree in Instrumental Music Education and taught workshops at the Arizona Music Educators Association conferences. Currently, he is a full time doctoral candidate in the music education program at Arizona State University. His research interests include using technology in the music classroom, exploring the effects of teacher turnover in band programs, and effective instruction of pre-service teachers.

I began my career as an assistant band director, teaching both elementary and high school students each day. The district was small, but the band program was immense. Working with five other directors, collaborating and supporting each other’s programs throughout the district was one of the highlights of the beginning of my career. When it was time, I accepted a position in another part of the state, only to find that I was all alone.

The easiest thing for you to do in your first few years of teaching is to lock yourself in your office or classroom and work tirelessly until you are burned out and want to quit. The National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (2003) reported that 33% of teachers leave sometime in their first three years of teaching, and almost half leave by their fifth year. The good news is that Madsen and Hancock (2002) found that music teachers do last longer in the profession, with only 34% of teachers leaving in a six year period. So the question becomes, what can you do to prevent burnout from happening to you?

MENTORS

The people who hired you want you to be successful. Having an experienced mentor is the first step toward lowering your stress level. Your state MEA Web site may have the names of veteran teachers willing to serve as mentors, particularly for those teachers who don’t have other music teachers in their districts. First, find a veteran teacher in your district who has the same position as you, and talk to him or her. Veteran teachers are usually open to answering questions (usually by e-mail) about paperwork, budgets, curriculum, and anything else about how things work in your district. Second, find a veteran teacher at your school. He or she doesn’t have to teach music. It could be a helpful administrator or someone who knows how things work at your school. Third, your district may have an Arts Coordinator or someone at the district level who can help you with the district events, items, or questions that can’t be answered by your peers. These mentors become invaluable in your early years of teaching, so don’t be afraid to ask them for assistance.

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS

While principals are in charge, their administrative assistants run the day-to-day activities. Often, there’s an athletic administrative assistant, and sometimes one in the counseling department. Get to know these fine people, because they’re responsible for budgets, fees, requisition paperwork, office supplies, and everything else you can imagine. High schools may also have a bookstore assistant who helps with more paperwork, purchase orders, club funds, and fundraising. To learn how to fill out those purchase orders correctly, ask a veteran teacher.

GET OUT OF YOUR CLASSROOM

Teaching is often stressful. I’m thankful to the drama teacher at my new school for dragging me—and everyone else in our department—out of our classrooms to have lunch together. That simple gesture allows time to decompress, talk about non-school topics, laugh a little, and take a “mental health” break. Somewhere at your school is a gathering place for teachers and staff to eat lunch together. Taking the time to get to know the other teachers, administrators, and staff at your school will integrate you into the school’s community. Administrators who know you better will be more apt to help you if a problem arises. Counselors will help schedule students for your classes. Show up to a sporting event to cheer on your students, and the coaches will take notice. It’s not going to end all conflicts, but having a support network at your school will relieve some of your daily stress.

GET PEOPLE INTO YOUR CLASSROOM

Another easy way to feel less isolated is to bring someone experienced into your classroom. New teachers tend to be afraid to bring a guest or veteran teacher into their classrooms. They’re afraid their teaching skills won’t measure up in their students’ eyes. Rather, see this as an opportunity to learn from an experienced teacher. What techniques are used to make your ensemble sound better? Take notes and ask questions after the class. If your strength is in woodwinds, invite a brass specialist to run your rehearsal. Talk to your guest beforehand if you have specific problems you want addressed. I’ve always found that students respond positively to a guest conductor. Make contacts by attending your state music teacher conventions, workshops, clinics, and new music reading sessions. At regional and state festivals, meet and seek advice from veteran teachers. There is a whole network of music educators willing to share their expertise with you.

KEEP MAKING MUSIC

Finally, you probably performed in an ensemble that inspired you to become a music teacher. Your town probably has a community band, orchestra, or choir that’s looking for great musicians. There are church choirs, community college ensembles, and jazz events all around you. Don’t let your instrument (or voice) collect dust, considering all those hours of practice you put in for various performances. Participating in a community group gives you an opportunity to learn new works that your students may be able to play, ask advice from members around you about techniques, and maybe even meet a retired member or two who would welcome the invitation to be a guest in front of your classes.

Above all else, remember that you’re not alone. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you have to do everything yourself, especially in those first years. Ask questions, seek advice, and be open to trying new things. Teaching may never become easy, but hopefully some of this advice can make your time more manageable. Stick with it long enough, and you’ll soon find a new teacher asking for your advice.

References

Madsen, C. K., and Hancock C. B. (2002). Support for music education: A case study of issues   concerning teacher retention and attrition. Journal of Research in Music Education, 50 (1), 6–19.

National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future (2003). No dream denied: A pledge to America’s children. Retrieved on August 10, 2009, from http://www.nctaf.org/resources/research_and_reports/nctaf_research_reports/index.htm

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

A Lesson Plan Library for MENC Members

Need a lesson plan for your first year of teaching or your student teaching assignment? Check out MENC’s new resource for teachers: My Music Class. With over 600 lessons and growing fast, this online idea center and lesson plan library offers standards-based lessons and is searchable by grade and subject area. This resource is provided at no cost to members and is accessible online by using your e-mail address and MENC member ID.

Great Lesson Plans from Grad Students

Some of your music educators in training probably have created brilliant lessons that bear wider dissemination. Here’s an idea for a hands-on project for your advanced or more experienced future teachers:

• Have your student teachers log on to MENC to visit My Music Class, the collection of lesson plans and teaching tips for music teachers.
• Ask each future music teacher to create two lesson plans for consideration for the database, indicating the level of students to be taught.
• From each pair of lessons, choose the one, in your estimation, that’s most likely to produce successful learning in a classroom.
• Submit each lesson plan that passes your scrutiny to My Music Class for consideration; your students’ work online could be part of their teaching portfolios.

For questions about My Music Class, contact Nicole Springer.

Current News and Announcements

2010 BMI John Lennon Songwriting Program

The 2010 BMI John Lennon Songwriting Program offers one $10,000 scholarship and two $5,000 scholarships. This scholarship is awarded to the best original composition for vocal-instrumental performance with the broadest popular appeal. Open only to current students or recent alumnus/alumna at any institution with an active MENC Collegiate chapter. Students may enter by submitting entries to the campus Collegiate Chapter advisor.

The deadline to submit entries to your campus MENC Collegiate chapter advisor is December 1, 2009. Below are the necessary forms for 2010.

• 2010 MENC BMI Rules
• 2010 MENC BMI Application
• 2010 MENC BMI Application Checklist
   

If you have any questions, please e-mail Shauna Leavitt.

Nominations for Collegiate Student Division Representatives

Collegiate Advisors and/or Collegiate State Chairs – Nominate a student from your chapter and/or state to serve as Student Division Representative!

The Student Division Representative’s primary responsibilities are to act as a voting member of the National Collegiate Advisory Council and to bring a student perspective to the 2010 Biennial Music Educators National Conference, March 25-27, 2010 in Anaheim, CA. Travel expenses of $275/person will be provided to each of the six Student Division Representatives to attend this conference. The term of this position is from acceptance until June 30, 2010. For a complete list of responsibilities for Student Division Representatives, visit p. 25 of the 2009 MENC Collegiate Handbook. To nominate an MENC Collegiate student, fill out this form.

2010 Biennial Music Educators National Conference

Join us March 25-27, 2010 in Anaheim, California, for this wonderful event! We are in the process of including at least two days of workshops and sessions specifically for college students. Watch for announcements concerning this wonderful event. More details will be posted about this conference in fall 2009.

2010 Music Education Week

June 23-29, 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 on an annual basis, and during the summer instead of the school year. Watch MENC’s Web site for program details in fall 2009.

NAMM Foundation Music Products Industry Scholarships

NAMM Foundation Music Products Industry Scholarships offer tuition scholarships of $2,500 to $5,000 to support full-time music business and music education college students who demonstrate interest in pursuing careers in the music products industry. Submission deadline: September 30, 2009.

NAMM President’s Innovation Award

NAMM President’s Innovation Award is given to under-graduate and graduate students. The cash award supports qualified college students to attend NAMM’s annual global music products trade show in Anaheim, California. Awards help with travel needs and expenses to attend the show. Awardees will participate in professional development offerings at the show and have access to the more than 1,500 music products exhibits that constitute this global music products trade show. Innovation Award recipients are also encouraged to attend NAMM’s Summer Show presented each year in Nashville, Tennessee. Submission deadline: September 30, 2009.

Collegiate Events/Reminders for the 2009-10 School Year

Keep your chapter informed about events coming up for the year, and use the calendar on p. 16 of the Collegiate Kit to help organize your year. There are reminders about the Collegiate Recognition programs and other things your chapter needs to be aware of throughout the year. You can also download the Collegiate Kit online.

Chapter Spotlight

University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
Advisor: William Johnson

24 New Members Sign Up at Music Mixer

The CMENC chapter at the University of Memphis participated in this year’s School of Music “Music Mixer”. The Music Mixer, a new initiative inspired by Interim Director Dr. Randal Rushing, is an informal gathering of music majors with opportunities to meet and greet faculty, staff, and other students. T-shirts, pizza, and door prizes were provided, while music student organizations within the School of Music set up booths to provide information and recruit.

The CMENC booth had an MENC Collegiate banner, videos of past MENC national conferences, sign-up materials, Teaching Music magazines, a Praxis workshop sign-up sheet, and knowledgeable student leaders to answer questions and concerns.

CMENC signed up 24 new members at the Music Mixer. Officers helped students complete applications and answered questions concerning dues, upcoming conference dates, chapter meeting dates/times, community service projects, and MENC’s primary purposes. 

New MENC book

Getting Started with Middle School Chorus
By Patrick K. Freer

New to teaching chorus? If so, you may be filled with anticipation and anxiety. Getting Started with Middle School Chorus is here to point you in the right directions. Like other books in the Getting Started series, there's enough specific information here to get you started and on your way!

This second edition of Getting Started with Middle School Chorus gives you new information on working with young adolescent changing voices, designing optimal rehearsals for middle schoolers, managing growing choral programs, and helping youngsters gain musical skills they can carry with them for a lifetime of making music. This practical outline will help build your confidence as you take on the new responsibilities associated with teaching middle school chorus.

Order from www.rowmaneducation.com.

September Poll of the Month

Each month, MENC asks its members for their input on current issues and trends in music education. This month’s question is: Will you and your students participate in some way on National Anthem Day, September 14 Share your thoughts today.

September Monthly Special

A Centennial Note

If you’re like many people, you’re always looking for something special to send a note on. The September MENC Member Monthly Special offers the perfect solution – MENC Centennial Note Cards. Each pack of these charming note cards features ten different photos – one from each decade of MENC’s 100 years. Stock up for yourself or buy them now as gifts for the upcoming holiday season. In September only, MENC members can purchase these note cards for half off the member price!

Centennial Note Cards. #5068R. $3.00.
Call 1-800-828-0229 or visit www.menc.org to order.

No additional purchase required. Special not available at state conference resource shops. 

MENC Twitter

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 dicussions 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 September

Band—Amy Richter
General Music—Lisa Lehmberg
Chorus—Kyle Weary
Orchestra—Jim Robinowitz
Jazz—Carol Jacobe
Guitar—Glen McCarthy