...And away we go!

The beginning of a brand new school year is upon us. Once again, many Kansas music teachers have taken advantage of our superb KCDA, KASTA, and KBA summer music conventions. Many have completed higher education classes, and others have participated in clinics, workshops, and reading sessions. Our musical batteries are once again re-charged and our precious music students eagerly wait to gain from our knowledge and expertise. Music and the arts are so important when teaching "21st Century Skills." Whether you are in your first year of teaching or are more experienced, we all have a wonderful road ahead. Students' names change from year to year, but one thing is crystal clear. Music teachers help shape and educate the "complete" student.

I have been a member of the KMEA Executive Council for the past three-and-a-half years. There is one topic that I keep hearing repeatedly. Our nation's business leaders are looking to hire individuals with an arts and music background. The following quote by Clifford V. Smith, President of the General Electric Foundation, is just one of many examples:

Statements such as this fire me up and give me much optimism for the future of music education!

I promised in my article last spring, that music advocacy would be a huge part of KMEA's Strategic Plan the next two years. The Executive Council; Fred Burrack, KMEA Advocacy Chair; and our District Advocacy Chairs, met this past March to discuss music advocacy in Kansas. Through our discussions, it was unanimous with the group that KMEA needed to develop a document that would ask our teachers to identify prominent members of their communities that support music education. Fred Burrack took our ideas and suggestions back to Manhattan and developed a wonderful and very useful document entitled, "KMEA Music Advocacy Network."

I am requesting all music teachers in the State of Kansas to help do your part by identifying and contacting significant people in your communities. After the Music Advocacy Network forms have been completed, a database of names and contact information will be assembled. District Presidents and Advocacy Chairs will distribute this document very soon. Please help us strengthen Music Advocacy in Kansas by participating in this very important project. My goal is to have the KMEA Music Advocacy Network up and running by January 1, 2012.

I am very happy to announce Cathy Hunt as our next Kansas Music Review Editor. Cathy is a dear friend and will be an awesome addition to our KMEA team. KMEA is reaching new heights with our Kansas Music Review. This year, all members will receive your usual printed magazine subscriptions in the mail. Starting this fall, you will also be able to read the Kansas Music Review in its new online version. I would like to thank Cathy, Harold Popp, Troy Johnson, Bob Lee, and Desiree Kelsch for their constant dedication in producing a tremendous publication. I am so excited to read and experience the online Kansas Music Review!

Once again, Kansas is leading the way. John Taylor, KMEA Executive Director, is now the NAfME Southwestern Division President. John is doing incredible work on the national level, and I wish him the best of luck as he continues his tenure. Mike and Rosanna Quilling, John Taylor, Avian Bear, and Cathy Hunt represented KMEA in Washington, DC during recent legislative visits on Capitol Hill in June. Mike Quilling, KMEA Vice President, received an impressive note from Kansas Senator Jerry Moran's office following the Capitol Hill visit with Senator Moran. I am very excited to share this email with you. Wow, this is a tremendous triumph for music education in the United States! These words help prove that our official KMEA visits to Capitol Hill are paying enormous dividends. Continuing with more important news from the national level—as of September 1, 2011, MENC will change to NAfME to accurately reflect the name of our national organization, the National Association for Music Education. The website address will also change to www.nafme.org. I would like to thank our KMEA employees for making this change on all written materials and the KMEA website. You are all amazing people and your tireless efforts are greatly valued!

Lastly, I would like to personally thank John Taylor, Mike Quilling, Avian Bear, and my wife Paula. This wonderful group of people helped me face and make it through an unexpected back injury and surgery this past spring and summer. Your prayers, caring e-mails, and tremendous support are truly appreciated. Thank you!

Best of luck to everyone, as we begin a new year of teaching and creating beautiful music with our students. If I can ever be of assistance, please feel free to contact me. Music for Life!

Respectfully,
Craig L. Manteuffel
KMEA President

Cited Work

Smith, Clifford, V. Quoted in the National Performing Arts Convention website http://www.performingartsconvention.org/ file/Useful Quotes for Arts Advocates.pdf.