Welcome back.  I am sure you all had a wonderful, peaceful, relaxing or exciting summer. Now that we are back in the thick of things, we will need those memories to keep us going for a while.  Your students thrive because of the dedication, high level of expertise, multiple talents and GIFts that you bring to your programs.  It is wonderful to see our students grow and expand their skills throughout the school year. Therefore, I encourage you to promote the love of music as well as the desire for excellence in music expression as you teach this year.
We have wonderful teachers here in Westchester County. As you are working hard to get your programs up and running this fall, take the time to celebrate your victories, be they small or large.  Everyday (or every few days) take the time to document the activity, which brought about the magical 'light bulb' of learning which excites us so much. Get out the cameras.  You can video (or audio) tape your classes. The digital cameras are wonderful and instantaneous.  Have the students keep music journals so you can see what they are internalizing.  Some teachers are doing wonderful music newsletters.  On the elementarylevel, listen to your students as they are lining up.  You will hear them singing that song on line or humming that tune as they walk.  You are being effective. Give your self a pat on the back.  Smile, you are a success.   Whatever you do, don't be afraid to take it to the next level.
The purpose and principal objective of the Westchester County Music Association is to advance Music Education in the schools of Westchester County. As we seek to provide leadership in professional growth for teachers and a forum for the dis

semination of information relating to effective educational techniques, we want to offer a venue for the expression of common concerns. I hope to see you at the Open House, October 9, 2003.  You will find information about that event in this issue.  We have some interesting things planned and the Board would like to meet all the Membership. So, Elementary General Music, Choir, Band and Orchestra Teachers, we want you there.  Intermediate General Music, Choir, Band and Orchestra Teachers we wish for you to be there. High School Music, Choir, Band and Orchestra Teachers we want to see you as well.  Let us break the record in attendance. I encourage you to schedule your county organization on that afternoon.
Finally, have a good and productive year.

This year we are initiating a new sequence for selecting All-County Guest Conductors: in-county Guest Conductor, followed by out-of-county Guest Conductor.  For the year 2004 the Elementary Guest Conductors will be in-county.  The Intermediate Guest Conductors will be out-of-county.  It will reverse each year. 
Applications for the 2004 MIOSM performances in Albany are due no later than October 25, 2003.  Address them to Alexander E. Boschi, NYSSMA MIOSM Chairperson, 31 Young Avenue, Amsterdam, NY 12010-5131

Page:  2 |  3 | 4 |  5 | 6