Dear Colleagues, 

As we all know, the rigors of being a music educator in today's school climate can be an overwhelming and particularly demanding experience.  As we prepare for concerts, band reviews, musicals, choral and orchestral events, and all of the activities that enrich the musical lives of our students, it is not uncommon for us to disconnect with colleagues and friends who share similar classroom experiences. 

Unlike other subject areas that have multiple faculty members on campus collaborating with one another, a single music educator is often given the responsibility of serving as band director, choir director, orchestra director, and is called upon to organize any function involving music.  Elementary and middle school music teachers may have an itinerant schedule that requires travel between three or more schools.  These expectations

can result in a feeling of isolation from fellow faculty members, who often don't realize the magnitude of a music teacher's responsibilities. 

One of the best ways for us to thrive under the demands of our jobs is to network with our music colleagues at festivals and conferences.  Our jobs become much more rewarding knowing there is a support system of people who share the same joys and frustrations that teaching music can bring.   The 2008 Bay Section Winter Conference held on January 11, and 12 at San Jose State University offers us the opportunity to meet and learn from outstanding music educators from both the local and national levels.

This year's conference promises to be a rewarding experience for all of our attendees.  Here is sampling of what is scheduled for this year's event. 

• We are pleased to have Michelle Winter, Sharon Vela, and Dr. Andy Collinsworth as our Conference Orchestra, Choir, and Band guest conductors.
• Tim Harris is proud to present sessions by award winning composer, David Gillingham.  Cort McClaren of UNC Greenboro and C. Allen Publishers will also present a special percussion section clinic.
• Orchestra representative, John Felder will present sessions with renowned innovator in string education, Bob Phillips.  The Cypress String Quartet will also participate in a roundtable discussion on chamber music in the curriculum.
• Victoria Schmidt will offer an elementary and secondary choral reading sessions, and a special session on Middle School Repertoire and Techniques by Anthony Arnold.
• Aaron Lington will offer some exciting jazz sessions, including a trumpet workshop by Paul Tynan from St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia.
• For classroom teachers, Kara Ireland D'Ambrosio will have a presentation by Diane Lister, who is currently the Pacific Region Music and Art Curriculum Specialist with Pearson Publishers.
• Our new tech coordinator, John Wilson of Chabot College will have a presentation by John Brummel demonstrating the Smart Music system.
• Diana Hollinger will have a lunch and conversation session for all collegiate members.  San Jose State Unviersity professors, Gordon Haramaki and Abi Ramirez will present sessions on current music education trends and teaching Latin American rhythms.
• Orrin Cross will provide separate adjudication sessions on Friday and Saturday for current and perspective adjudicators.
• There will be reading sessions of new band, choral, orchestral, and jazz ensemble music.
• Last and certainly not least, Glenn Roberts, of Best Music Company in Oakland will once again be providing his delectable tasting of fine wines for our Wine and Hors D'ourves Reception Friday evening from 5:30-7:00.

As you can see there is something for everyone at this year's conference.  The sessions promise to be both exciting and informative, and will provide us with new tools and techniques for us to bring back to our classrooms.  We are also offering a fifty percent discount on conference fees for first time attendees, so all teachers new to music education are encouraged to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.  See you at the conference! 

Michael Galisatus

Bay Section President-Elect and Conference Host