We hope your semesters are off to a strong start. As the year gets underway, we gain more opportunities to get involved. Whether they are musical or not, there are many ways to get invested in the campus community. However, one of the best activities on campus and in our professional community is cNAfME. cNAfME enables you to grow as a leader, learn more about the profession, and network with your fellow future music educators. We hope you will consider joining your university’s chapter and want to highlight activities already underway statewide.
In early September, UA cNAfME had repair technicians come in to teach students about different maintenance issues that may arise and basic fixes. Instrument repair is not typically a topic available in classes at UA, and this particular event provided valuable information that will surely help chapter members as they move throughout their careers. Additionally, Troy’s chapter met in early August and discussed different events they are planning and fundraising ideas. As a music educator, fundraising is a crucial skill to hone, and Troy’s cNAfME chapter is better preparing its members for their future careers. UNA’s chapter advisor started the year by hosting a leadership dinner to plan their interest meeting for a new group of students. Finally, UAB’s chapter began engaging with the community, contacting schools, and sending collegiates to assist with local music programs. As cNAfME members, they get valuable teaching experience, and the schools get extra help for their students.
There are many ways to get involved at your university, but cNAfME is your best way to grow as a music educator. No matter how your chapter functions, you will get valuable experiences collaborating with your peers and growing as a music educator. Please follow our statewide Instagram account @cnafme_al for collegiate events and announcements.
2024 Collegiate Summit
The Alabama cNAfME Collegiate Summit was hosted at the University of Alabama-Birmingham on Sunday, September 22, 2024. It was a fantastic event, which opened with Dr. Cara Morantz as the keynote speaker, who focused on “Shaping Lives and Building Community.” The presentation highlighted the need to network and collaborate and had us on our feet interacting in multiple ways. Breakout sessions with Craig Cagle, Deanna Bell, and Cameron Johnson-Weiler focused on jazz band, elementary/general music, and show choir, respectively. Keynote and session leaders joined Dr. Phil Wilson, AMEA President, and Derrick Smith, DMA candidate in wind conducting, for an informative panel that focused on questions submitted by attendees. The wealth of experiences from this multi-faceted panel was invaluable for both collegiates and faculty in attendance. In all, we had the broadest scope of attending schools represented in recent years, including University of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of North Alabama, University of Mobile, Miles College, Alabama State University, Troy University, Samford, and Jacksonville State University. The board would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Patrick Evans at UAB for facilitating this event and to the AMEA Board for their presence and participation in the event.