There are different levels and meanings to what a good job is. But however you define it, there is perhaps one thing that you may have in common with many other music teachers. You might want that good job to be stress free. You would like to have it without having to work so hard or struggle so much for it. That is a normal human expectation. Nobody likes to struggle through his or her career.
Unfortunately, that is also what may be stopping you from having that great job. The thought of all that work, all that planning, overcoming hurdles and resistance is enough to make a lot of people give up before they even start. It can all seem too overwhelming, and for many it all just doesn't seem to be worth it. It's like being drained of energy just at the thought of running a marathon. Before you are even at the starting line the thought of all of that running just scares you and tires you so much mentally you just decide not to go for it. It's just too hard.
But we do it, and this is why music teachers should be heralded above all others! This "behind the scenes" look at our career goes blind to most, but remains our driving force to define why we do what we do. You are noticed! You are appreciated! And most of all, you are important!! I am thoroughly convinced that the only people who will solve today's problems are those people who do what we do. We bring life into living, and living into life! If done right—our job is hard! But it's worth it!!
It is my pleasure to welcome all new music educators to the North Central District and to wish the veteran teachers a great school year. The North Central District Board has been busy planning for auditions as well as preparing for our upcoming clinics and mini-conventions. Our website at: ksmea.org/nc has been updated and now includes all information regarding North Central District auditions, as well as web-based entry forms and schedules.
We return to Junction City High School for this year's District High School Honor Groups auditions on Saturday, November 2nd, 2013. Our district's best high school musicians will gather at Manhattan High School on Saturday, December 7th, 2013, for the annual North Central District High School Music Mini-Convention. The Middle Level Clinic/Concert will be held at Junction City Middle School on Saturday, January 18th, 2014. Our final event will be the Elementary Choir Clinic/Concert on Saturday, February 2, 2014, held at Junction City Middle School.
Special thanks to the Manhattan High School, Junction City High School, and Junction City Middle School music departments for preparing the facilities to host the auditions, rehearsals, and performances of our honor groups. Directors are needed from the North Central District to serve as judges. Please contact Stuart Roegge, Nate McClendon, or Chad Pape if you are interested in adjudicating these auditions. As President, I am truly blessed with outstanding chairpersons at every level. These people need a well-deserved thank you if you get the chance to meet them.
As President of the North Central District, it is my pleasure and privilege to announce our annual Outstanding Music Teachers and Administrator of the Year. These people were nominated by their peers and colleagues and were selected by the North Central District Executive Board. These Outstanding Music Educators and Administrator will be recognized at their respective mini-conventions. Congratulations to all!!!
2013-14 Outstanding Music Educators
Elementary Kim Oatney Valley Heights Blue Rapids & Waterville Schools |
Middle Level Jake Montoya Salina Lakewood MS |
High School Dennis Brooks Clay Center Community HS |
Honor Administrator Douglas Sallee Principal Junction City HS Fine Arts Academy |
Fees for this year's events are:
High School Audition Fee - $6.00 (per audition)
High School Participation Fee - $5.00
Middle School Fee - $6.00
Elementary Fee - $6.00
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Junction City High School - Junction City, Kansas
8:00 a.m. - Music Teacher Meeting
8:30 a.m. - Auditions begin
Procedures for auditions can be found on the district website.
North Central District Directors will be needed to judge auditions.
District audition results will be posted after the auditions.
State choir results will be released at a later date by the state chair.
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Manhattan High School - Manhattan, Kansas
High School Honor Choir - Clinician: Janie Brokenicky, Tabor College
High School Honor Band - Clinician: Dana Hamant, Wichita, KS
High School Honor Jazz Band - Clinician: Paul Hunt, Kansas State University
Tentative Schedule:
- 8:00 a.m. Registration - Meet in Instrumental Rehearsal Rooms
- Band rehearses in room D-117 (Band Room)
- Orchestra rehearses in room D-118 (Orchestra Room)
- Jazz Band rehearses in room D-114 (Choir Room)
- Choir rehearses in Auditorium
- 8:15 a.m. - Rehearsals begin in Music Rehearsal Rooms
- 8:30 a.m. - Choir Directors Meeting , location TBA
- 9:00 a.m. - Orchestra Directors Meeting, location TBA
- 9:30 a.m. - Band & Jazz Directors Meeting, location TBA
- 10:00 a.m. - General Business Meeting, location TBA
- 11:30 a.m. - Lunch (on your own)
- 1:00 p.m. - Afternoon Rehearsals of the Honor Groups
- 2:30 p.m. - Concert - Admission: $1.00 Donation accepted
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Junction City Middle School - Junction City, Kansas
Middle Level Honor Band - Clinician: Lindsey Williams, UMKC
Tentative Schedule:
- 8:00 a.m. - Registration
- 8:15 a.m. - Rehearsals begin
- 9:00 a.m. - Midde School Band Directors Meeting
- 10:30 a.m. - Middle School Choir Directors Meeting
- 11:45 a.m. - Lunch
- 1:00 p.m. - Final Warm-up Rehearsal
- 2:30 p.m. - Concert
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Junction City Middle School - Junction City, Kansas
Tentative Schedule:
- 8:00 a.m. - Registration
- 8:30 a.m. - Rehearsals begin
- 12:00 p.m. - Concert