The Kansas Music Review:
Tradition, Excellence, and Innovation

I attended for the second year in a row a meeting of all state MEA editors during the annual NAfME National Assembly in Baltimore this past June. What a difference a year makes. During the previous year's meeting there was a lot of discussion about digital state publications. Although many states had started to move in that direction, there was still concern about the preferences of members. This year it was clear the momentum toward online and web-based publications was building for many state organizations. Indeed, there seemed to be a consensus that it was a matter of when, not if, digital publications would become the norm rather than the exception for many states.

During the meeting I presented information based on data from a survey that had been completed by approximately half of the state editors regarding online and web-based publications. The results focused the discussion on specific issues such as:

1. Should online publications be restricted to members only or open to all?
2. How should ad rates be determined?
3. Archiving
4. Advantages and disadvantages (e.g. interactive digital versions vs. readers uncomfortable with technology, etc.).

Troy Johnson, web and technology manager for KMEA, presented information about the web-based KMR to the editors. Troy did an excellent job of comparing the advantages of web-based publications, such as the KMR, to digital publications that use a PDF "flipbook" format. Several comments were made about the superior quality, flexibility, and interactive capability of the web-based KMR. It was evident that KMEA is well ahead of the curve in this area compared to most of the other state organizations. Much of the credit goes to the KMEA leadership who made the decision to go digital, and the excellent KMR staff including: Troy Johnson, Desiree Kelsch, publication manager, and Robert Lee, advertising manager extraordinaire!

Now that the KMR is only digital it is important to remember that although this has greatly increased interactivity (e.g. links to websites, video and recording capability, etc.) the KMR will remain true to the tradition of excellence for which it is known. The focus on excellent articles, columns, etc. will remain; however, the digital delivery can now greatly enhance and support the content. For example, if a teacher wants to submit information about a successful teaching strategy, he or she can submit a recording or video. We anticipate that many innovative approaches will become evident as we continue to transition and develop the digital KMR . What you can do is submit information and provide feedback. Please contact me if you have suggestions regarding the KMR at: .

Teacher Evaluation
The Spring 2012 edition of the KMR provided information and resources regarding teacher evaluation primarily from the NAfME Task Force for Teacher Evaluations. In this edition, the focus on teacher evaluation has been expanded upon. The three articles provide specific information that can help music teachers become part of the evaluation process in meaningful ways. I do have a request. This is the second pilot year for the Kansas Educator Evaluation Protocol (KEEP). If you are in a district that is piloting KEEP, or another teacher evaluation model, and you would like to share your experiences please contact me at: .

Capitol Hill Visits
Every year KMEA leaders visit the offices of Kansas senators and representatives in Washington DC to talk about the need for their continued support for music education at the federal level. It is interesting to visit these offices and walk the halls of our government. What made it even more interesting was to notice the flag flying over the Capitol Building. It was similar to the NAfME MIOSM Advocacy Award the KMEA leadership received during the National Assembly in Baltimore. Below is a picture of the Kansas group who visited the various offices and were received by Senator Jerry Moran, a strong proponent for music education.
As you begin the school year I hope it is a smooth transition from your summer activities to the responsibilities of providing quality music education to your students. Indeed, many of you probably taught lessons, camps, etc. during the summer, with little time off. The reason you do so is because you are passionate about how music can transform how people think, feel, and live. If you find ways to communicate that passion to your students via excellent learning experiences in music that is what will be revealed when your teaching is evaluated. Be confident and remember how powerful the love of music can be when it is shared and nurtured in our schools and communities.