As the Northeast district continues the split process, I wanted to update you on the particulars of that process. The process is divided into multiple small steps. Now that the split has been approved, names will be decided for the new districts. After that, we will start the process of setting up new boards and chair positions for the new districts. Please keep in mind that no one knows (beyond the county divisions) what the new districts will look like. It will be up to each new board and chair members to construct by laws that will determine what the honor ensembles will look like for each new district.

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 and 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 event dates.

KMEA Northeast District Outstanding Music Educators
Choral: Sandra Buntin, Blue Valley Southwest (HS)
Band: Doug Talley, Trailridge SM (MS)
Orchestra: Martha Barnhill, Topeka (EL)

Outstanding teacher nominees:
Orchestra:
Elementary-Martha Barnhill, Shawnee Heights Sr. High School
Middle Level-Page Mitchum, Prairie Trail Middle School
High School-Joel Martin, Olathe Northwest High School

Choir:
Middle Level - Mark Fuller, Washburn Rural
High School - Sandra Buntin, Blue Valley Southwest

Band:
High School - John Selzer, Blue Valley Northwest
Middle Level - Doug Talley, Trailridge Middle School
Elementary - Steve Holloman, Randolph Elementary School

Chairs:
Elementary Orchestra Chair: Cheryl Lundberg
Elementary Choir Chair: Fred Zimmerman
Middle Level Orchestra Chair: Frank Glaser
Middle Level Choir Co-Chairs: Jon Duncan, 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: Daniel Freeman
High School Jazz Chair: Ryan Kazmaie

KMEA Northeast District Calendar of Events
November 15 - High School Auditions at Olathe East High School
December 6 - District Mini-Conventions