The Legacy of the Kansas Music Review

In June, I received a call that changed the pace of my summer activities. I was surprised and honored when John Taylor, Executive Director for KMEA, asked if I would consider becoming the editor for the Kansas Music Review. After thinking about it and discussing it with my husband, Marvin, I decided it would be an interesting and challenging way to serve KMEA.

My first challenge was thinking of the legacy of previous editors who had developed a national reputation for the KMR as an excellent state music education publication, especially my immediate predecessor, Harold Popp. Following Harold is no easy task. Reading his past columns and scanning back issues of the KMR, I am truly impressed with how he addressed the most pertinent issues regarding music education, with eloquent language, supported by research, and information from national leaders. My meetings and discussions with him have been enormously helpful, and I appreciate his continued support and calm, reassuring smile. Thanks Harold, on behalf of myself and all the music educators and students in Kansas who have benefited from your dedication to excellence for so many years.

I also want to thank the KMR "team," Desiree Kelsch, publication manager, Bob Lee, advertising manager, and Troy Johnson, webmaster and technology manager. Their expertise and support have been wonderful. We are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of experts who are committed to providing the best information and resources to the music teachers and students in our state.

Current Trends in Music Education

During the annual NAfME National Assembly, there is a meeting for all of the editors of state music education publications. I was encouraged to attend and invited to be part of the KMEA delegation at the National Assembly this past June in Washington DC. Through out the week I participated in numerous workshops and presentations that focused on the issues, opportunities, and trends in music education. I was very eager to hear from a variety of speakers who could offer a national perspective, so I could share what I learned with Kansas music educators and students.

As the week was ending, I realized that the most prevalent trends in music education at the national level are nothing new to our state. In this issue of the KMR, I have focused on music educators in Kansas who are modeling good music teaching that contributes to the development of 21st century skills; offering innovative music ensembles and classes in addition to traditional band, choir, and orchestra ensembles; and advocating for music for all students.

National and International Honors

It has been a busy summer for Kansas music educators and their students. Myths that teachers have the summer off and students are only interested in going to the pool are simply not true -- especially for those of us committed to teaching and learning about music. Included in this edition of the KMR are many examples of the activities and honors that have been bestowed upon Kansas musicians. These honors are at the national and international levels. They are shining examples of the exemplary school music programs that prove music education can thrive, even when we all have concerns about funding for education and the arts.

KMR Online

The front cover of this edition has information about a major development, the addition of an online version. This is a trend for the majority of state music education associations. Please take the time to look at the online version. In the future you will be asked to provide feedback, especially to your District president.

Advocacy - What does it really mean?

One of the most interesting experiences I had while attending the National Assembly was participating in visits to our state legislators' offices on Capitol Hill. I was proud to be part of such an important advocacy effort. I have to admit that after a long week of meetings, by the end of the day as we walked in the heat to the various offices, I was on advocacy overload. My head was swimming with all of the suggestions and recommendations that had been shared and discussed. Riding on the Metro, my mind was blurring like the scene outside the window of the speeding subway car in which we were riding. How could I re-focus? It happened on the plane ride home. This, as they say, is a true story... I boarded the plane in DC and sat next to a very nice 30ish young man. We chatted for a few minutes, and when I told him I had been to "the hill," he asked why. I talked at length about music education and the need to advocate for arts education at the national level. We shared a laugh when I correctly guessed what instrument he had played in middle school and high school--trumpet! He told me how important music had been to him in school, and continued to be in his life. After we were aloft, I excused myself and started grading papers, he read a book. As we approached our landing I started putting my computer away. Then, he gave me a pat on the arm. When I turned to him he asked, "What can I do?" I asked, "About what?" He looked at me for a second and said, "About keeping music education in the school." I reacted very professionally, I burst into tears. He smiled and said, "You've had a long week in DC."

We then talked about how important it was for parents and people in the community to support music programs, and to demand that they remain in place and receive the support they deserve. He responded, "But that's so easy...why doesn't everyone do that?"