OMEA MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

2006-01-29T20:38:00.000-05:00

OMEA MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

Dear Mr. Kimball,

I would like to thank you for such an informative and enjoyable seminar! As a freshman parent in the world of band and I am glad to see such passionate leaders trying to change the way music education is viewed in this country.

You asked that we let you know which details impressed us the most. While I was very inspired by many of the facts presented by Dr. Tim and Mr. Fran Kick, a few in particular stood out.

• The first was when Dr. Tim sang the advertising jingles to the group and showed how easily we could all access that information since it was branded in our brains with music. I have often used songs with my children to help them learn new material, but Dr. Tim really showed how music stimulates the brain. He also showed how that can carry over to other educational disciplines and many different aspects of a child's life.

• Another detail that stood out was when Dr. Tim mentioned his trip to Beijing and how mandates were being handed out to ensure that music was to be an integral part of all children’s education. This is a scary fact when we hear what is happening to music education in the United States and the strength that China is gaining in the global economy. We really don’t want to see our children “left behind”.

• Fran Kick’s presentation pointed out the difference one person can make to a group. His “letter game” showed how each of us could contribute by taking action ourselves, leading others into action and supporting the group’s achievements.

• In your closing presentation, I appreciated the suggestions given to gain higher participation from booster parents. I am certain we will use many of your ideas to increase participation from our group.

I look forward to receiving your newsletters in the future, and thank you again for putting together such a great program!

Sincerely,

Sue Schultz
Brunswick Band Parents Organization

OMEA MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

2006-01-29T20:37:00.000-05:00

OMEA MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

Thank you so much for this e-mail and so quickly received after the
conference! I enjoyed the session Saturday morning. I came away with a
renewed motivation and enthusiasm for all that can be done in our booster
group. Our music association has joined the support group and I look forward
to receiving emails and the magazine.

Thank you again,

Pat Cope
Kings High School Music Assoc.

OMEA MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

2006-01-29T20:36:00.000-05:00

OMEA MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

Nancy,

I am in the process of developing a blog. This is an area where people can put posts. Why don't you be the first to check out the blog. Here is the address. Play around with it and do a posting. I'm going to copy and paste your response to the conference on the site.

Here is the address: http://musicsupportgroup.blogspot.com

Thank you so much for pulling this all together - and so quickly!

I don't know what sort of "thoughts" you're hoping for from our time at the conference yesterday, but I will share my thoughts, reactions - use them as you wish (or don't *lol*).

This was my first OMEA conference - and what a first! To be able to hear Dr. Tim, Fran Kick & you was truly inspirational!! I joined our booster group this past summer - stepped in & worked as the uniform mom for our marching band just a few weeks before school was to start - talk about walking through fire! Our group's been struggling to pull everything together, to have our band members looking & sounding good, to do what we can for our band director, to do fundraising ... to be "boosters". It's been a bit frustrating, bewildering ... then we walked into that room yesterday & wow! Our trip home (4 of us attended) was one huge brainstorming session! We are so charged, so inspired ... and very appreciative of all that was shared with us yesterday.

And, Marshall, if you can facilitate an area of the OMEA site for the boosters to share - would be very appreciated. Getting together with other booster groups in person is very difficult, as you know, so have an online place to meet, share ideas, ask & answer questions - will be great.

Again, thank you all for yesterday!!!

Nancy Norris
Groveport Madison High School Cruiser Marching Band Boosters

Welcome to your blog!

2006-01-29T20:25:00.000-05:00

Welcome, Ohio Members of the OMEA Music Support Group! This is our step into the technological future of communication!
You have been emailed this blog's address and password. You may share it with any adult Music booster, supporter, music teacher or music director.

Please feel free to share any exciting event happening with your booster group, such as a successful fundraiser or strategy to promote Music Ed in your school.

We also hope you will post any concerns, questions or frustrations that your group is having so that other members may help and support you. You may also post any research findings that supports music as a benefit to cognitive development in children. It would also be helpful to keep up to date on the affect of politicians to music in our schools.

For those who attended the support group mini conference in January, please post your opinions, reflections, and comments so that others will benefit.

I will use this forum to communicate with you. It is your responsibility to check this blog frequently. Our hope is that you will benefit and that your group will grow in strength and numbers.

TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE MORE!

MCKimball

OMEA MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

2006-01-29T17:57:00.000-05:00

OMEA MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

With the 2005 conference now in the history books, it’s time to evaluate the successes and shortcomings of the Music Support Group Mini Conference.. With a change in the format for the conference and two outstanding speakers, I believe we met the needs of many boosters. There is still much more we can do. One area of improvement that we will continue to address is the attendance level. Attendance at this year’s event was triple from last year with a total of 67 in attendance. This was a really wonderful time for both the boosters, as well as the music educators that attended. However, we missed many of you! Plan now to join us next year in Columbus!

Our principle speakers this year were Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and Fran Kick. Both speakers gave incredible information and motivated those in attendance to go home and move music education forward in their schools and communities. With much laughter and interaction involved for the 4 hours of the conference, all those in attendance were informed of strategies to help their cause in various situations and how to watch for those things that can greatly affect music programs in the today’s school systems.

During the program, it was also decided that an electronic
newsletter would be an effective way for those
in attendance to keep in touch. This newsletter will be a way for Music Support groups around to state to communicate with each other. This will be used as a forum for discussion of issues, sharing of fundraising ideas, strategies that have worked for them, and just general ideas. This newsletter will be available to any Music Support Group or individual. For your booster organization to receive this electronic newsletter, simply email me at the email address below and in the subject area put Music Support Group Newsletter and I will add you or your booster to the mailing list.

I would also like to thank Bands of America, Conn-Selmer Corporation, and the members of the Ohio Association of School Music Dealers for their financial support of this conference. Without their financial support, we would have been unable to conduct this conference. Their support to music education is very much appreciated.

Words from those in attendance can say more than I can ever say. “The one thing which keeps coming back to me about the talks we heard is that we need to meet people where they are and let them tell us what they can do. There are so many differences in people.
i will try to keep this always in mind whatever we decide to do. Sometimes I wonder if I am doing the right things but I think the best thing to do is keep working, communicating and thinking. Hopefully is will all work out,” stated Chris Tolliver, President, Newark High School Choir Boosters.

“I want to thank you for offering the Parent Support Group conference yesterday. It was 3 of the best hours I have spent in a long time. I have been involved in our parent support group for 7 years. We have been trying to advocate for our program for several years now and we are experiencing a great deal of frustration. The seminar gave me the clarity to see what I am missing and the boost I needed to come home and put what I learned into action.

You told us if we have a good band director we should do what we can to keep him. Well, in Brunswick, we know we have the best and we are dedicated to do what ever is necessary to keep him here for the good of our students.

As I am sure you know, Mr. Wardeska not only teaches our children how to be good musicians, but great people. Mr. Kick stated that actions speak louder than words, and, Mr. Wardeska has taught our kids integrity by example daily.

Thank you again for putting the time and effort into helping the parents of our state make our programs great.”

Sheryl Boyer
Brunswick Band Parents Organization

A special thank you to Rick Will of Bryan High School, who has agreed to be the Music Support Group Liaison for the Northwest Region of the State. I am still in need of an educator to be the representative for the other four regions of the state. If you are interested, please feel free to email me and let’s talk about it. The impact of this committee can have a very important impact on music education in the State of Ohio.

I would also like to encourage you to share the information included in this article with your Music Support Group. Communication is very important and we can be much more effective if we work together than separately. Please help us out in building this program to an effect element in the Ohio Music Education Association.

If there is anything I can do for your Music Support Group or for you and individual music educators, please contact me at: mkimb30896@aol.com.

Marshall C. Kimball
Music Support Group
State Chair

OMEA MUSIC SUPPORT GROUP

2006-01-29T17:56:00.000-05:00

Thank you for starting this blog!