May, 2007

As summer approaches, I hope that your memories of the past nine months are positive and musically rewarding. Before barbecues and vacation plans become all too consuming, please take some time to reflect on what transpired in your classroom. Over the years (twenty-nine and counting), the questions I continually ask myself are:

• Musically, am I getting what I want from my students?
• Am I engaged in and prepared for every rehearsal?
• Were my goals for the group realistic?
• Are my students invested in the process of musicmaking?
• Am I enthusiastic about teaching?
• Do I allow enough time for my own personal and professional growth?
• Have I invited colleagues to work with my group?
• Have I taken the time to observe my colleagues at work?
• Are the standards for myself and my students too high or too low?
• Am I keeping up my skills on my instrument(s)?
• Do I bring a positive attitude to my classroom and the workplace every day?

These are tough questions but, for me, they cut to the core of teaching and musicianship. If we're not enthused about teaching and music-making, then why do it. A positive attitude is essential for our own well-being but also for our colleagues and our students. Criticism is an integral part of teaching but it must be articulated in a positive manner. As music educators, we can often disregard the other side of that coin ’Äî praise. Instead of always focusing on what is wrong, we must remember to point out the good things that are happening as well.

Speaking of good things, I'd like to announce the outcome of the recent Bay Section board elections. Several of our board members have been re-elected to their positions: Dr. Aaron Lington (Jazz Representative), Dr. Diana Hollinger (Higher Education Representative), Timothy Harris (Band Representative), and Dr. John Felder (Orchestra Representative). Additionally, Jonathan Grantham has been elected to the newly created Recording Secretary position and Sofia Fojas returns to the board and fills the vacancy as Multi-Cultural Representative. Congratulations all!

Lastly, Dr. Hal Peterson is leaving the CMEA Bay Section Board after twelve years of service. On behalf of all of us, I'd like to thank Hal for his hard work, dedication, and tireless commitment to music education.

Best wishes for a restorative summer!

Robert Calonico
Bay Section President