President’s Message

WILLIAM McDEVITT 856-794-6800 x2539 billnjmea@aol.com Website: http://www.njmea.org

Iam writing this issue’s message as I am waiting for the NJ All-State Chorus and Orchestra Concert at NJPAC in Newark to begin. I am sitting here and remembering the amazing experience that I received as a member of the All-State Chorus more than 35 years ago. I don’t think that, back then, I ever understood the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to make one of these concerts happen. I truly appreciate the work of anyone that had any role in one of these concerts; from the teachers preparing the students for auditions to those that judged; from those that rehearsed the ensembles before the concerts to those that made sure that the students had water during rehearsals; from those that have been helping for years to those that experienced their first All-State Ensemble. You are all appreciated.

I cannot continue without specifically thanking a number of individuals for their outstanding work in putting these programs together. Choral Performance Chair Kathy Spadafino and Orchestral Performance Chair Susan Meuse organized these ensembles from day one. Their committees and teams of managers and chaperones saw to the needs of the conductors and students as seasoned professionals. Coordinator Joseph Cantaffa has been a wonderful resource putting together the Atlantic City and NJPAC rehearsals and performances. Debbie Sfraga and Mike Doheney did the pre-arrival work at the hotel and coordinated meals and housing for the students in Atlantic City.

The performances are always the culmination of an incredible amount of work. This year conductors Rollo Dilworth (Chorus) and Gregory Prichard (Orchestra) provided wonderful musical experiences for our students. I thank all of you for making my experience 35 years ago and the experience of our current students an educational and thoroughly rewarding experience.

NOVEMBER CONFERENCE

As always, the planning for the music portion of the NJEA Convention brought about great success. Nancy Clasen has been planning the sessions for years and has been our liaison to NJEA. The variety of sessions offered and the depth of information that was presented was what we have come to expect.

ALL-STATE JAZZ BAND AND HONORS JAZZ CHOIR

On the Thursday evening of the NJEA Convention, the NJ All-State Jazz Band and Honors Jazz Choir performed at the Claridge Hotel Theater. The Jazz Band was under the direction of Mark Taylor and the Jazz Choir was under the direction of Randy White. These ensembles both did a spectacular job, and then repeated it at NJPAC on the following Friday. Special thanks go out to NJAJE President Mike Anzuini and his staff, including Jazz Band Manager Doug Barber and Jazz Choir Manager Steve Bishop. The NJPAC was especially unique this year with its move to the Chase Room at NJPAC. It was an intimate space reminiscent of jazz clubs in NYC.

EASTERN DIVISION

It’s hard to believe that any music teacher in the State of New Jersey could possibly be unaware of the Eastern Division Conference in Atlantic City. If you happen to be unaware, just look through this magazine. The board members of all of the states of the NAfME Eastern Division have met several times and selected professional development sessions and performing ensembles for the conference. Committee members have selected members for the All-Eastern Ensembles. Contracts have been signed. The schedule has been prepared. Evening entertainment and keynote speakers have been secured. The only thing that we have left to do is wait for the doors to open. We are confident that this will be one of the most amazing professional development opportunities that out state has ever offered to our membership as well as the members of NAfME’s Eastern Division and the entire United States. Browse through this issue and look at what’s going to be happening in April. We hope to see all of you there!

FEBRUARY CONFERENCE

Remember that we will not have a February Conference this year because of the Eastern Division Conference.

I wish you all a great second semester and hope to see you in April!