It’s All About Perspective

Rob Nichols
President-Elect

As I brainstormed the topic of my first article, and possible topics for future articles, I wanted to be sure that I addressed issues that are relevant to all who are involved in educating our students with the passion of music. Throughout this process, as many topics came to mind as possibilities, it became more and more apparent that so much of what we do, and how we do what we do, is driven by “perspective.”

One [obvious] topic that emerged as a possibility was the value of MMEA and what this organization provides for its members. Although I was somewhat familiar with the operations of MMEA, as I have been attending board meetings for the past four years as a representative of MBA and the Northeast District, I have certainly been initiated into this office with a new perspective. Time lines, meetings, senate bills, emails, phone calls…WOW!

My first experience with this new perspective came with events surrounding our most recent 70th Anniversary In-Service/Conference. As incoming President-Elect I had the opportunity to observe the pre-conference meeting with the Tan-Tar-A staff. This experience provided me with a completely different understanding of the inner-workings of the conference. As we detailed the Banquet Event Orders for the nearly 300 scheduled events, including clinics, concerts, meetings, receptions, dinners, stage/room changes, etc., it did not take long for me to realize that this conference is a monster!

Being as the annual in-service/conference is one the main functions of MMEA, I wanted to better understand the different view points of all who attend the conference; clinicians, performers, directors, students, parents… During the conference I took advantage of the opportunity to visit with many colleagues, from each discipline, to gather their thoughts and insights to all the conference has to offer. It is very interesting how a member’s main emphasis (band, orchestra, choir, elementary, general music) can influence their perspective of the conference. For example, it is not unusual for a teacher that teaches all vocal, K-12, and having to “commute” between Salon C and the Northwinds, to have a different “view” of the clinic offerings, scheduling, and clinic locations than a teacher that teaches only high school band where everything is located in the main building.

Also, as you know, all attendees are encouraged to complete the conference survey included in the back of the “cook book.” In evaluating the survey responses for 2007 and 2008, it is obvious that the vast majority of our membership that attends the annual in-service in January is pleased with the event and is appreciative of the opportunities it provides. However, when reading the comments presented within the different categories of the survey (“What is the best part of the convention?” and “What would you like to see changed?” etc.) they almost seem to cancel each other out. For example, several people commented on the high quality of the performances, while others suggested that the quality of the concerts was “down this year.” Comments indicating that “the quantity and quality of the elementary and general music sessions was the best part of the convention” were paired with the comments such as “there are not enough opportunities for elementary and general music teachers.” Additionally, as you would expect with most events of this magnitude, some concerns can be addressed rather easily while others cannot. For instance, a common concern of not having enough hand-outs for clinics is easily addressed; however the frequent suggestion to “find a bigger venue” is not.

Perspective, opinion, philosophy…what a vicious circle! Whether it be visiting with attendees or reading the opinions and suggestions included on a survey, one thing remains a constant-all seem to be influenced by one’s perspective. In any regard, no matter how small or how large, please be assured that your replies, remarks and continued suggestions are taken very seriously by the MMEA Board of Directors in an effort to continue to provide the highest quality professional development experience for all Missouri music educators.

My next opportunity to experience a different “point-of-view” came in February when President Paul Copenhaver conducted a leadership work session with the newly elected MMEA Vice-Presidents and MMEA District Presidents. The meeting with the Vice-Presidents included in-depth discussion regarding the functions, expectations and operations of each of their respective offices. Although I had a general idea of the complexity of the selection and scheduling of clinics and concerts for our annual conference, it was certainly enlightening to observe this process from a different vantage point. Throughout the course of the discussion, it became increasingly apparent that your new vice-presidents are committed to providing you with the highest quality in-service experience possible. Likewise, I am confident that your district presidents will represent you well. Please get to know your district president and make it a priority to communicate your comments and concerns to them as they are an effective vehicle in bringing those comments and concerns to the attention of MMEA.

What an exciting time! When viewed from this new perspective, the respect that I have had for the previous officers of MMEA and the quality work they have produced has certainly been confirmed. And now we begin a new journey with a new slate of officers – all with different perspectives, but with one common mission: “…effectively serving the membership in their goals of teaching and learning, by promoting a comprehensive music education program that furthers music making by all and supporting the advancement of music education as a profession.”

I look forward to serving as your MMEA President-Elect!