A number of KMEA members attended and contributed to the success of the recent NAfME Southwestern Division Symposium - MUSIC FOR ALL: Teaching Music in Urban and Rural Schools. The symposium was held in Dallas, June 13-15, 2011, at the state-of-the-art Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. Over 300 attended, including from Kansas: John Taylor, KMEA Executive Director and Southwestern Division President-Elect; Avian Bear, KMEA President-Elect; Mike Quilling, KMEA Vice President; Elaine Bernstorf, Cathy Hunt, and JP Johnson, KMEA members and symposium presenters; Mary-Rose Bliss, Erin Tombaugh, Courtney West, Chelsea Pennock, Billy Wicks, Mariah Barnett, and Scott Ireland, KMEA CMENC members; and Ron Chronister, symposium planner.


Attendees participated in over 60 outstanding clinics and enjoyed eight wonderful concerts. In addition to presentations by KMEA members, other notable presenters were Francisco Nunez (Young People's Chorus of New York City), Elliott Del Borgo (composer), Don Haynes (Texas Bandmasters President), Denise Gagne (Canada), Nan McDonald (San Diego State University), and Kalani (international percussion expert). Outstanding performances were presented by the New Mexico All-State Guitar Ensemble, the Mablevale (AR) African Drum and Groove Ensemble, the Austin Community College Choir, and the Dallas Independent School District All-Star Jazz Band. Attendees were treated to refreshments and door prizes at the Exhibitors' Reception that featured the Dallas Independent School District Directors Big Band. In addition to symposium events, special arrangements were made for attendees with the Dallas House of Blues, the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and JW Pepper of Fort Worth.

The next symposium is set for June 10-12, 2013, in Dallas. Make plans to attend and watch for information regarding applications for session presentations and performance groups at www.tmec.org.