On September 30 and October 1, about fifty college music education students flocked to Wichita for the annual KCOMTEP (Kansas Conference of Music Teacher Education Professors) conference. Students from Baker University, Emporia State, Friends University, Kansas State University, Kansas Wesleyan University, University of Kansas, Southwestern College, Washburn University, and Wichita State University also attended a free music summit at Senseney Music.

Topics discussed in the Senseney clinic sessions were: teaching in western Kansas, string literature, instrument repair, budgeting, and a "things you need to know" session. Guest clinicians included: Frank Tracz, Phillip Payne, Clark Comley, Sally Geisert and Brenda Rohr of Senseney, Lauren Hirsh, Catherine Everingham, and John Taylor.

Pencils were flying as students were given many useful tidbits of advice to write down. All concentrations were well-covered from strings to general to band to choir. It was quite a wonderful afternoon for the future Kansas music educators. Many thanks to Senseney for the valuable information they provide every year.

On Monday, October 1, David Dennis and Susan Helbert from the Kansas State Board of Education discussed the KEEP (Kansas Educator Evaluation Protocol) program and how it would affect future educators. Students and teachers had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss real-life situations. In the afternoon, Shawn Henderson, principal of Ellinwood Middle School and High School, talked to the students about how to make yourself marketable to employers and get a job. Shawn Chastain, Fine Arts Coordinator of Wichita Public Schools, discussed the opportunities and resources available in music education. KCOMTEP was at Wichita State University and was organized by Marie Miller and Elaine Bernstorf.

KCOMTEP is a great opportunity for college students and faculty to get together for professional development between In-Service Workshops. Plan to attend KCOMTEP 2013 next year.