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President's Message - Wayne Mallette
President's Message
Wayne Mallette
Scotch Plains - Fanwood School District mallette.njmea[at]gmail.com
Happy 2023! It is hard to believe that the school year is at the halfway point. As we embark upon this second half of the year, it is important to remind yourself of the resolutions you made to yourself when the school year began.
One of the resolutions that NJMEA made was to be a resource for our membership throughout the state. One of the core ways we intend to do that is through our State Conference.
New Jersey All-State in November
This November, the New Jersey All-State Mixed Choir and Orchestra, as well as the All-State Jazz Band and Jazz Choir, had their first in-person performances since 2019. It was truly well worth the wait. I would like to thank the division chairs, managers, Atlantic City chaperones, and students. Without you, this experience would not be possible.
NJMEA State Convention
This February, I am excited to welcome you back to Atlantic City for our 2023 NJMEA Convention. This year, our conference theme is Ignite Your Passion: Reimage the Possibilities. Many school programs are still working to recruit new students and regain lost ground from the pandemic. This conference is designed to help you recover the passion for teaching that propelled us into a career in music. We must not only recover that passion, but we must discover new and engaging ways to connect with the student body that resides within our schools. Reimaging what is possible with our students is one of the strongest ways to igniting the passion within!
I look forward to seeing all of you again in February!
NFHS Award
This year, NJMEA has awarded Kason Jackson of Carteret High School the National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) Outstanding Music Educator award!
Each year, NFHS recognizes outstanding high school music directors, educators, supervisors, and adjudicators. Nominees must exemplify the highest standards of ethical conduct and carry the endorsement of their state’s high school association. Kason is a passionate educator who is a champion for diversity and equity. He is committed to his students and goes over and above to provide his students with a top-notch musical experience. Congratulations Kason!
NAfME Eastern Division Conference
April 13-16th, the Bi-Annual NAfME Eastern Division conference will take place in Rochester, New York. This conference promises to be an exhilarating experience. On behalf of the entire NJMEA, I would like to congratulate two New Jersey Ensembles who have been accepted to perform at the Conference.
Congratulations to: Clearview Vocale Ensemble (Romel McInnis, Director) and Monroe Township High School Honors Percussion Ensemble (Yale Snyder, Director)
These students and their teachers have worked so hard to achieve this amazing accomplishment. NJMEA couldn't be prouder to have them represent our state at this conference!
Music Educators, I look forward to seeing you all at the State Convention. Be well, and thank you all for what you do for the students of your school. Take care of yourselves, and each other! Best!
Wayne
2023 NJMEA High School and Middle School/Junior High School Orchestra Festivals
High School
Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Tenafly High School
Middle/Junior High School
Registration Fee: $150 per ensemble. Registration deadlines: HS - January 2nd; MS/JH - January 16th.
Any NJ school orchestra is eligible to perform. School directors must be an NJMEA/NAfME member.
Applications available on the NJMEA website at: https://njmea.org/festivals/orchestra-festival/
