As you are now aware, the Northeast district will split on March 1, 2018. The two new districts will be called "Northeast" and "East Central." We will be voting online for the presidents-elect for the two new districts in December of this year.

I want to take this opportunity to encourage you to get involved. The State Board and I personally, believe that all students deserve a chance to succeed at the district and state level. To do this, these students need representation from positions that have the influence to define the makeup of the honor ensembles and the policies in place in each district. Please get involved! Volunteer where you can, solicit nominations for positions of influence in the new districts, make your opinion known before votes have been cast on particular topics.

This is an exciting and stress-filled time for the teachers and students that will comprise the two new districts. If we all fight for what we feel is right for our students (realizing that certain policies can potentially harm other students) common ground will be found. I love the passion that I hear from the educators in the Northeast district. Take that passion and get involved.

Below you will find the Northeast district's teachers of the year nominees for all levels, the chairs for the various honor groups, and a list of dates.

Outstanding teacher nominees:

Orchestra: Sherry Wann David Oshe Greg Ferguson

Choir: Sheree Stoppel Shelly Todd Gretchin Harrison

Band: Brent Bowman Eric Griffin John Cisetti

Chairs:
Elementary Orchestra Chair: Mariah Barnett
Elementary Choir Chair: Kristin Shuck
Middle Level Orchestra Chair: Frank Glaser
Middle Level Choir Co-Chairs: Chris Funk, Eli Jones
Middle Level Band Chair: Scott Robinson
9th Grade Orchestra Chair: David Ohse
High School Orchestra Chair: Joel Martin
High School Choir Chair: Adam White
High School Band Chair: Ed Protzman
High School Jazz Chair: Ryan Kazmaier

Upcoming Dates:

• Nov. 14 - HS Band/Jazz/Orchestra On-Site Entry Deadline ($25/entry). Only allowed by contacting chairperson. Not entered online. Olathe East HS
• Nov. 14 - District High School Auditions. Olathe East HS
• Dec. 5 - Mini-Conventions
• Jan. 9 - KMEA Instrumental Live Auditions. Salina Central HS
• Feb. 25-27 - KMEA In-Service Workshop. Century II, Wichita