We hope that your semester is off to a strong start! The beginning of the year brings many choices, such as what classes to take, which events to attend, and which organizations to get involved in. Our time in college is limited, and as a result we must make decisions about how to best use our time.
As future music educators one of the best ways to get involved is by joining your university’s chapter of cNAfME! Unlike other organizations cNAfME is designed specifically to best prepare you for your career as a music educator. You will gain opportunities to meet and learn from professionals in the field as well as other students in the same position as you. Many chapters also engage in community service with local schools. Between the professional and social benefits, joining cNAfME is one of the best investments you can make in your career. Membership in cNAfME also allows you to participate in events at the state and national level.
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the state division of cNAfME had the privilege of hosting our annual Collegiate Summit on the beautiful campus of Auburn University. This mini- conference was designed specifically for collegiate music majors. The event opened with a panel featuring music educators from around the state and included Dr. Jane Keuhne (Auburn), Dr. Morgan Luttig (Alabama), Dr. Shane Colquhoun (Alabama State), Mr. Joshua Wine (Auburn Junior High), Dr. Phil Wilson (Ogletree Elementary School, Auburn), Dr. Rob Lyda (Cary Woods Elementary, Auburn), and Mr. Reid Sayle (Dadeville High). They discussed music advocacy and answered questions submitted by the audience. It was such a privilege to hear from educators in the field about all their varied experiences.
Next, attendees learned about music technology and Modern Band from Dr. Shane Colquhoun who serves on the faculty at Alabama State University and is the Innovation Chair for NAfME. He encouraged us to think about how we can bring music into the lives of each student in our school community. Our second presentation featured Mr. Joshua Wine discussing how to create and grow community both within and outside our schools. Mr. Wine is the band director at Auburn Junior High School. Finally, we learned about the importance of musical storytelling from Dr. Morgan Luttig, who serves as the Director of Choral Activities at The University of Alabama. She introduced our attendees to the concept of programmatic concerts. At the end of the event, we enjoyed a pizza dinner at the brand-new College of Education building across the street from Goodwin Music Hall. We hope you will join us again next year for this annual day of learning and networking! Please follow us on Instagram @cNAfME_al!