OMEA MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

OMEA MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

With the 2005 conference now in the history books, it’s time to evaluate the successes and shortcomings of the Music Support Group Mini Conference.. With a change in the format for the conference and two outstanding speakers, I believe we met the needs of many boosters. There is still much more we can do. One area of improvement that we will continue to address is the attendance level. Attendance at this year’s event was triple from last year with a total of 67 in attendance. This was a really wonderful time for both the boosters, as well as the music educators that attended. However, we missed many of you! Plan now to join us next year in Columbus!

Our principle speakers this year were Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and Fran Kick. Both speakers gave incredible information and motivated those in attendance to go home and move music education forward in their schools and communities. With much laughter and interaction involved for the 4 hours of the conference, all those in attendance were informed of strategies to help their cause in various situations and how to watch for those things that can greatly affect music programs in the today’s school systems.

During the program, it was also decided that an electronic
newsletter would be an effective way for those
in attendance to keep in touch. This newsletter will be a way for Music Support groups around to state to communicate with each other. This will be used as a forum for discussion of issues, sharing of fundraising ideas, strategies that have worked for them, and just general ideas. This newsletter will be available to any Music Support Group or individual. For your booster organization to receive this electronic newsletter, simply email me at the email address below and in the subject area put Music Support Group Newsletter and I will add you or your booster to the mailing list.

I would also like to thank Bands of America, Conn-Selmer Corporation, and the members of the Ohio Association of School Music Dealers for their financial support of this conference. Without their financial support, we would have been unable to conduct this conference. Their support to music education is very much appreciated.

Words from those in attendance can say more than I can ever say. “The one thing which keeps coming back to me about the talks we heard is that we need to meet people where they are and let them tell us what they can do. There are so many differences in people.
i will try to keep this always in mind whatever we decide to do. Sometimes I wonder if I am doing the right things but I think the best thing to do is keep working, communicating and thinking. Hopefully is will all work out,” stated Chris Tolliver, President, Newark High School Choir Boosters.

“I want to thank you for offering the Parent Support Group conference yesterday. It was 3 of the best hours I have spent in a long time. I have been involved in our parent support group for 7 years. We have been trying to advocate for our program for several years now and we are experiencing a great deal of frustration. The seminar gave me the clarity to see what I am missing and the boost I needed to come home and put what I learned into action.

You told us if we have a good band director we should do what we can to keep him. Well, in Brunswick, we know we have the best and we are dedicated to do what ever is necessary to keep him here for the good of our students.

As I am sure you know, Mr. Wardeska not only teaches our children how to be good musicians, but great people. Mr. Kick stated that actions speak louder than words, and, Mr. Wardeska has taught our kids integrity by example daily.

Thank you again for putting the time and effort into helping the parents of our state make our programs great.”

Sheryl Boyer
Brunswick Band Parents Organization

A special thank you to Rick Will of Bryan High School, who has agreed to be the Music Support Group Liaison for the Northwest Region of the State. I am still in need of an educator to be the representative for the other four regions of the state. If you are interested, please feel free to email me and let’s talk about it. The impact of this committee can have a very important impact on music education in the State of Ohio.

I would also like to encourage you to share the information included in this article with your Music Support Group. Communication is very important and we can be much more effective if we work together than separately. Please help us out in building this program to an effect element in the Ohio Music Education Association.


If there is anything I can do for your Music Support Group or for you and individual music educators, please contact me at: mkimb30896@aol.com.




Marshall C. Kimball
Music Support Group
State Chair