Abstract
Dear Colleagues,
It is with great honor that I serve my 2-year term (2016-2018) as the Chair of the NAfME Council for General Music Education (NCGME). As we usher in a new era of education under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015, in which music is articulated as part of a well-rounded education, it remains important for all music teachers to continue working together to ensure every student in America can achieve academic success with a quality, standards-based music education. With this goal in mind, the Council revisited our original purpose and realized an update was needed to support the exciting world of music education.
The NAfME Council for General Music Education (NCGME) was originally established to meet the concerns of the members of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) whose primary interest was general music education, and who had indicated the need for a stronger voice within NAfME. The NCGME recognizes that through collaboration with music teachers of all disciplines we can support and enhance music education for all students; therefore, the goal of the Council has been reenvisioned. The ultimate goal of the Council is to have every student in America achieve academic success with a quality, standards-based general music education through which each student will make personal and real-world connections to a multitude of academic subjects to deepen their understanding within a complex and ever-changing world. Furthermore, the Council acknowledges the necessity of cross-collaboration with all music disciplines, across all levels, to ensure that all students are provided the proper foundation in music education for lifelong experiences in music.
Music educators throughout the nation are the Council’s greatest resource for accomplishing the Council’s objectives. A communication system is essential in facilitating the sharing of ideas and in encouraging unity among the country’s music educators. NAfME has several networks of national, divisional, state, and local representatives. The network structure allows information to pass in a number of directions. The significance of this structure is that local educators have an important a role in the functioning of the network, as do national leaders.
We cannot do our work in the NCGME without the active involvement and support of each division and state Music Education Association (MEA). We invite all music educators to serve as active participants in this phenomenal work. Please reach out to your state MEA representatives and ask how you can become more involved. Visit the NAfME website to find out more about the NCGME. What an exciting time to be involved in music education!
The Council provides active dialogue to further enhance the world of music education and disseminate information on instructional practices that promote students’ achievement of National Arts Standards in music education. Through national, divisional, state, and local publications and conferences, general music teachers share research, experimental approaches, activities, and programs.
We truly appreciate all music teachers for continuing to share their love of music with all students in our nation and many around the world. Thank you to the Council members for their tireless voluntary work and passion in supporting general music education. I am sincerely looking forward to a productive 2 years serving as the Chair of the NCGME and am honored to represent such wonderful music educators!