President’s Message

Idon’t think I realized how much I missed teaching music, until I was able to get back in front of my band this fall. The feeling of directing and connecting with a live group of eager students was exactly what I needed to “fill my cup”. I have seen many posts from fellow music educators sharing this joy as they too rekindled their love for teaching music. As we are settling into this new school year, I know most directors across our state and country are “assessing the damage” caused by a lack of music in our schools in the last 18 months. Many of us have had the opportunity to play music with our students again, while others are still working on teaching remotely. As we all cautiously work through planning performances, trips, and schedules, know that the CBDA board is doing the same careful analysis for the upcoming All-State Ensembles and CASMEC experience. CASMEC 2022 is scheduled to happen in person in February 2022. We are looking forward to seeing many of you with your smiles and invigorated spirits. The All-State Ensembles are coming back together with a phenomenal slate of conductors. Unfortunately, due to the uncertainty of many programs in California, especially at our small and rural schools, the CBDA Executive Board made the disappointing decision to delay the creation of the Small Schools All-State Band for another year. We were pleased to have Dr. Peter Boonshaft agree to come back in 2023 for the premiere of this ensemble, and look forward to a great inaugural concert. Housing options are still being developed to allow students to participate in All-State in the way that they, their parents, and directors feel most comfortable. We are beyond excited to finally premiere our two Social Justice Commissioned pieces! Keven Day and Katahj Copley wrote two powerful pieces that speak to the events going on in our nation today. It is not too late to join the consortium and have your name, ensemble, or school added to these publications. You can join until September 30 at www.cbda.org/ cbda-social-justice-consortium/. These two pieces will be played by our HS Wind Symphony on Saturday February 19 and our JHS Symphonic Band on Sunday February 20. We have also planned a round table discussion with the composers and curriculum committee as a session at CASMEC on Saturday afternoon. Those who have joined the consortium will receive a printed copy of their piece(s) when they arrive at CASMEC in February. Although some days may seem overwhelming as we all work to discover the right direction to take this year, I encourage you all to stay connected with one another. We are not alone in this struggle as we continue to fight for music education in our schools. CBDA has been in constant communication with the amazing work being done by CMEA and their executive board. We continue to support them as they work to advocate for our classrooms throughout the state. Together with our other CASMEC partner organizations we are determined to provide our members with a wonderful conference and All-State experience and look forward to celebrating a successful year with you all, in person.

Stay strong,

Jeff Detlefsen

President, California Band Directors Association Director of Bands, Sierra Pacific HS