PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Vaccinated and ready to mingle, but still with so much caution. I know I am not alone in hoping that COVID would be past us as we entered the fall of 2021. But here we are, still being creative and figuring out ways for our students to make music safely. We know it has not been easy and that the waters have been difficult to navigate. Somedays, you may have all your students present; the next—your tenor section has been quarantined. Teachers and students alike have had to be resilient. Your drive and determination to have music happening in the classrooms is what the profession is all about. The IMEA board is very aware of the challenges we are all still facing. We are trying to be positive and realistic with our offerings and in-person programming. Student and member safety and health is our priority, but man, do we miss seeing everyone’s faces. As I type this message, the plan is to see each other once again—IN PERSON—in Fort Wayne in January. So, let’s get excited and mark our calendars. If our ability to rally together through this pandemic tells me anything, it is that we are going to have a FABULOUS time gathering once again (safely, of course). Whether you love coming for the clinics, performances, food, or networking, we are gearing up to provide all those things again for you, as we have in the past. As you make plans for the next few months, please take a moment and review the other programs that IMEA has to offer. Our board members and program coordinators are working tirelessly to plan our usual in-person performance
opportunities. If you are debating about Circle the State with Song or Festival and Clinic, we are hoping to see you and your students in person! If you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact someone on the board. We are here for you. My last thought is this: Thank you. Thank you for doing what you do. Thank you for finding the strength and joy to go into the unknown every day and make music with your students. What you are doing will make such a lasting impact for your students, so thank you.
Julia Health Reynolds
NUGROHO DWI HARTAWAN
Julia Heath Reynolds is Associate Professor of Music at Indiana State University where she teaches courses in Elementary and Secondary General Music and Music in Special Education and coordinates student teaching. Previously, Dr. Heath Reynolds taught at Boca Raton Community High School in Boca Raton, FL where she directed a large and diverse program including marching band, jazz band, symphonic band and implemented an inclusive music class for students in special education at the high school. As a member of NAfME, AMTA, and ISME, Dr. Heath Reynolds is active in the field of music education and has presented research and workshops at the state, national, and international level. Dr. Heath Reynolds is currently serving as President of the Indiana Music Education Association and serves as the chair for the NAfME Children with Exceptionalities Special Research Interest Group. She holds a BME, MME, and PhD in Music Education from Florida State University. Her research focus includes music for special learners in primary and secondary schools, teacher training, and nonverbal communication in the music classroom.
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