Have you reflected lately on what drew you to a career in music? Have you reflected lately on the depth of creativity that has been born out of your love for music? Have you reflected lately on the intellectual exploration of music that has challenged how you engage in critical discourse, teaching, and performing of music? If you have not reflected lately, the sessions to be presented by the Higher Education Division at the 2020 AMEA Professional Development Conference will allow you to do just that and more.

I am excited to come together with all of you, my colleagues, from across the state to reflect, to be creative, and engage in intellectual discourse. The HED is excited to learn from presenters from around the state. We are excited about topics on music curriculum, developing singers, next generation music leaders, self-efficacy, and much, much more. You don’t want to miss any of the sessions that will allow you to reflect, refresh, and redirect to go to the next level of your personal music expression.

As we feed our musical mind at the round table session and poster session, we will also feed our body at the HED luncheon, so please make sure to reserve your seat by emailing me. And not to be forgotten, we will feed our musical soul with ensemble performances at the HED recital. These musical gatherings and sessions will provide the opportunity for holistic music reflection for spirit, soul, and body.

Now is a good time for each of us to begin to reflect on our personal “why” about music and make plans to attend the 2020 AMEA Conference in Montgomery. If you have questions or want to reserve your seat at the HED luncheon, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (mlanier@jeffersonstate.edu)

Dynamic, stimulating, challenging, and exciting are words that describe the atmosphere, performances, and academic discourse that took place at the 2019 AMEA Professional Development Conference. There was something to satisfy everyone’s intellectual and artistic interest. And it was only possible because of the wonderful student and faculty performances, expert presenters and panelists, research presentations, and memorable keynote speaker.

When I attend the AMEA conferences, I always come away renewed and so proud of our profession, and I was not disappointed this year. The commitment of faculty to expose young people to the beauty and complexity of music and prepare and stretch future music educators did not go unnoticed. As faculty at colleges and universities, our continued collaboration and support of one another was on display throughout the conference. That unity created beautiful harmony and teamwork. Thank you for all you do to make our HED Division progressive and strong.

Now what’s next? The AMEA Board and HED Officers are anticipating the 2020 Conference in Montgomery, Alabama. The opportunity to perform, bring your ensemble, or be a presenter or presider is available. No, it’s not too soon to begin thinking about how you can get involved. Go ahead and begin thinking about a presentation topic that you might want to submit. Go ahead and visualize your ensemble performing on stage. We want to make the 2020 conference bigger and better and we need “you.”

As you settle into the spring semester, I hope that the love you have for music continues to stir your passion to new heights. If you have comments, suggestions, or questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at (mlanier@jeffersonstate.edu).