Key of She Jazz Festival

The 2nd Annual Key of She Jazz Conference will be held at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia on Saturday, March 28, 2020, from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This is a free, fun, and musical event for jazz students of all genders as well as their band directors, parents, and supporters.

You are invited to attend, as are all music students (jazz, band, orchestra, other) of all genders.  We especially encourage girls interested in jazz to attend, but students of all genders (guys included!!) are invited to come. PA Music Educators can receive Act 48 credit to attend! Being a jazz musician is not a requirement!

Why Attend? 
This is a day all about music, education, and connection that will give attendees a phenomenal and inspiring experience.  Here is a preview:

  • Kickoff by the Strawberry Mansion All Girls Drumline!

  • Performances by saxophonist/recording artist Roxy Coss and her Women in Jazz Organization (WIJO) All Star Band plus Philadelphia jazz legend and guitarist Monnette Sudler’s International Women In Jazz, and several other ensembles.

  • Speakers including Philadelphia vocalist/recording artist/music executive Barbara Montgomery as well as Hannah Grantham of the Smithsonian’s African American Museum in DC, who’ll showcase little known female jazz artists with live performances.

  • Special Tracks for Educators designed and presented by educators

  • Sessions just for Parents and Supporters (including “How to Listen to Jazz”!)

  • Jam Sessions for students based on skill level and coached by pros — so students should bring their instruments! This will be a great opportunity to learn in a low key space.

  • Free Stuff! Merch! Krispy Kreme Donuts!

I have attached a flyer for the Conference that can be printed and displayed and/or given out to students in your music programs. We strongly encourage the girls to come, but any musical students interested in attending are welcome! Jazz is not a prerequisite!

Registration is required, and seats are limited, so please see keyofshejazz.org for the Eventbrite link!

Bring your group to an MPA!

District 12 has multiple MPA offerings for your secondary group in the month of March.  These are great opportunities to get realtime feedback against a set of statewide-approved standards.

The dates and locations are available here: https://www.pmea12.org/mpa

 

For more information and to register your group, please contact Kyle Risch at WC Henderson HS 

 

January Prof. Development Opportunities

Jan. 7, 7 PM Webinar

Working Score Study Into Your Busy Schedule by Christy Muncey, the United States Air Force Band

 This clinic presents a process of score study that arms music educators with a sequential process allowing for maximum score knowledge with a minimum amount of time. Because the process is sequential, as more time becomes available additional steps can be taken to gain a deeper understanding of the music.

January 18th 2020
North Penn High School
9:00AM to 4:00PM

Instrumental Music Directors Workshop:

Register here: https://www.zeswitzmusic.com/events

Jan. 21, 7 PM Webinar

I Love My Job but It’s Killing Me – How to Build a Sustainable Music Program Without Burning Out  by Lesley Moffat, author

Join me for this new webinar that will give you practical tips for getting the maximum results in your music program while still maintaining a reasonable balance and healthy personal life. Based on my book, I Love My Job but It’s Killing Me, this webinar will offer concrete tips to help you in the classroom and in your life.

 

 

D12 Performances at the State Conference

Congratulations to the following D12 members who’s groups will be performing at the state conference in April!

  • Katrina Kelly – WC Henderson String Orchestra
  • Tatyana Oksyuk – DCAF String Quartet (Radnor HS)
  • Adam Speakman – Downingtown East Masterworks Choir
  • John Shankweiler – Silverstones of Strath Haven HS
  • Chris Nation – Conestoga HS STring Quartet

In addition, WCU will be presenting three groups:

  • Ryan Kelly – Mastersingers
  • Joeseph Caminiti – Symphony Orchestra
  • Andrew Yozviak – Wind Ensemble

 

From the President – November 2019

Colleagues:

I hope the first marking period of the school year was as a positive and productive one.    Whether you were giving an elementary student their first lesson, teaching how to match pitch with their peers, or cleaning that last set of your marching band show for what may seem like the fiftieth time, remember that you ARE making a difference and impact on your students!

Bob Morrison, D12 Inservice Keynote Speaker, with Justin McAdams (D12 President), Bret Mascaro (Zeswitz Director of Education), and Randy Shayler (Zeswitz Music CEO)

Advocacy Updates:

Advocacy can exist in many ways – and we are here to help.  Don’t wait until the last minute.  If you sense that there might be an issue in your district that you need help with, we have many resources available NOW to assist you.

Contact George Weaver  and let us know how we can assist you.

The Modern Band Movement:

We are very fortunate to have two teachers in D12 who have spent some extensive time with the Modern Band program this summer.   At first glance, some of this might look different than “traditional” music making, but when you start to look at the pedagogical sequencing, it can be VERY valuable!   

This is a great way to reach out to the students in your school who want to pursue music making, but aren’t in your choir, band, or orchestra!

Want to know more?  Contact Scott Cullen or Henry Pearlberg!

Awards & Citations Excellence Deadline – DECEMBER 2nd

The window for the various awards and nominations is now open, and will close in just a few weeks.   

This includes the Outstanding Superintendent Award, Citation of Excellence, and the 25 Years of Teaching Recognition Awards.

 

A question for all of you – especially those that are in the elementary and middle school grades.

HOW CAN PMEA HELP YOU?  In a perfect world, what would you like PMEA to be able to do for you as a member?   We are only as strong as the membership, and I fully believe that there is a concerted effort starting across the state for PMEA to do more than just “run the All-State Festival”.

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However, in order for that to happen, we do need to know what YOU need.   Send me an email, and let’s set up a time to chat!

 

-Justin McAdams

District 12 President

MISOM Performances

Congratulations to the following ensembles who will be performing at the state capital during the month of March!

  • Interboro HS Chorus (Hannah Knauss)
  • All Stars Archdiocesan MS Jazz Band & All Catholic HS Jazz Band (Sister Lauretta Linsalata)
  • Tredyffrin/Easttown MS Choir & Orchestra (Christine Gyza)
  • Phoenixville Area MS Chamber Strings (Shawn Lee)

District 12 Students at NAfME!

The NAfME All-National Honor Ensembles were held this past weekend in Orlando Florida.  Congratulations to the following students and schools who were represented!

Mixed Choir:

  • Zoe Bennett, PALCS
  • Miranda Nilan, Oxford Area HS
  • Bennet Resnick Great Valley HS
  • Tyler-Minseok Kim, Church Farm School
  • John Schadl, Great Valley HS

Orchestra:

  • Anna Devine, Kimberton Waldorf
  • Helen Hu, Radnor HS
  • Isaac Kim, Conestoga HS

 

Instrumental & Choral Auditions this Saturday November 23rd

Over 750 high school musicians will pass through the halls of West Chester Rustin HS this Saturday for our instrumental and choral audition day!

  • 7:30am: Student Registration Begins
  • 8:00am: Director’s Meeting
  • 9:00am: Auditions Begin

PMEA Elementary or Middle School teachers: If you are available on Saturday and are able to assist us with auditions, we would greatly appreciate your time!    Please contact Mike Shoremount (audition host) if you have some time to volunteer.