May - Nebraska Music Educators Association

Nebraska Music Educators Association
Executive Board Meeting
May 14, 2011 On-Line Meeting
The spring meeting of the Nebraska Music Educators Association Executive Board was called to order by
President Rex Barker at 9:00 a.m., May 14, 2011 with the following officers present by internet or
telephone connection: Rex Barker, Joyce Patch, Bryan Johnson, Judy Bush, Matt Sheppard, Doran
Johnson, Dan Laing, Clint Dennis, Judy Welch, Sharon Hoffman (connection with Sharon was lost after
her board report), Stacy Bean, Patty Ritchie, Dale Bazan, Stacie Blackmore, Evan Lee, Matt King,
Jessica Hazelton, Tom Jaworski, and Clark Potter. Neal Schnoor, Deb Eschliman, Andrew Johnson,
Marilyn Godby, and Duane Johnson were not able to participate in the meeting.
President Barker reviewed the protocols for an on-line meeting and called for any additions or changes to
the published agenda. Matt Sheppard moved to accept the agenda as printed. The motion was
seconded by Doran Johnson and carried unanimously.
Secretary/Treasurer Bryan Johnson presented the minutes of the February 12, 2011 Executive Board
Meeting. On a motion by Patty Ritchie, seconded by Judy Welch, the minutes were approved by
voice vote with no dissentions.
Secretary/Treasurer Johnson presented a treasurer's report indicating a checking account balance of
$31,305.49, a scholarship account balance of $5,487.83, and certificates of deposit totaling $82,938.11.
On a motion by Matt Sheppard, seconded by Stacy Bean, the treasurer’s report was approved by
voice vote with no dissentions.
BOARD REPORTS
PRESIDENT – Rex Barker reported that multi-year contracts with the conference hotels are in place.
Contracts with vendors will be renewed on a continuing basis unless there are objections. Rex plans to
attend Music Education Week in Washington and will attend MENC meetings and meet with Nebraska
representatives in Congress. He is monitoring development of the music representative position at the
State Department of Education.
Rex also reported that he wants to be sure that negotiations continue with the Nebraska Education
Television Network to televise a rebroadcast of the 2011 All-State concerts. He was one of five judges at
this year’s Mrs. Nebraska contest. The 2011 Mrs. Nebraska is Karalyn Hoefer of Friend.
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT – Neal Schnoor was not able to participate in the meeting and had
nothing to report at this time.
PRESIDENT ELECT – Judy Bush reported on the upcoming 75 th anniversary conference. The opening
concert is a concert and talk by Peter Buffett. UNL will provide $2,000.00 for this program and additional
funds may be available through the Dean’s office. Expenses should be limited to transportation, housing
and meals for four individuals. There were 35 ensembles submitting applications for performances during
the conference. The venues utilized will depend on the ensembles selected to perform. Plans now call for
the All-State Band to rehearse in the Carson Theater, The Orchestra in Westbrook 132, the Chorus in
Kimball Hall, and the Jazz Band in Sheldon. This will leave the Lied Center available for other conference
activities and events. The Tri-M Symposium will be held at the Holiday Inn. The Children’s Choir will
rehearse at the Cornhusker Hotel, which is also the site of the general music “academy.” There are plans
to build a Young Leaders Academy and a Technology Academy into the schedule.
The 75 th anniversary photo is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. at the Lied Center – following the Children’s Choir
Concert. Work is progressing on the 75 th anniversary video. The shuttle service will be used only for the
children’s choir to move from the Cornhusker to the Lied for their dress rehearsal and concert and again

for the membership to get to and back from the banquet. If St. Paul Church is used for concerts the
shuttle will be expanded for those attending concerts at that site.
SECRETARY/TREASURER – Bryan Johnson reported that he is in the process of updating the 2011 All-
State Auditions Manuals and the Auditions CD, including the computer program. Orders for 2011
rehearsal CDs are beginning to arrive. Bryan and Doran Johnson investigated the possibility of making
the vocal audio tracks available as digital downloads. There are issues involved in the security aspects of
these downloads, the payment of licensing fees, and the manner of making payments that have not yet
been resolved. As a result of these unresolved issues the CDs will be offered only as audio CDs this year.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – Joyce Patch reported that the majority of her time has been spent working on
the magazine and updating the website. More archival information will be included in future issue of the
Nebraska Music Educator. In March Joyce attended the Legislative Breakfast in Lincoln and discussed
issues such as the need for a state Fine Arts Consultant with Deb Fischer, her state senator. Joyce also
met with former NMEA board member Joan Reist; Marjorie Mass, Executive Director of Nebraskans for
the Arts; and Marty Skomal from the Nebraska Arts Council.
Exhibit information and the magazine advertising contracts were mailed in April. Joyce has met with Judy
Bush several times to work on the conference database. The new application form for prospective
conference clinicians worked well but some individuals continue to send in information at various intervals
rather than at one time. By next year Joyce hopes to be able to require that all information accompany the
application.
All board members are asked to finish updating your job manuals and send them to Joyce. Articles for the
August issue of the Nebraska Music Educator are due by June10. Joyce has a scanner (owned by
NMEA) that she is no longer able to use. It is available for any NMEA board member who would be able
to use it.
ADVOCACY – Deb Eschliman had no report at this time.
AUDITIONS – Matt Sheppard had no report at this time.
BAND AFFAIRS – Andrew Johnson was unable to participate in the meeting. He reported that the
repertoire for the All-State Band will be San Antonio Dances by Frank Ticheli, Love Songs by Scott
McAllister, Arirang and Akatonbo by Chang Su Koh, Rakes of Mallow by Leroy Anderson, and March of
the Steel Men (a selection from the 1937 All-State Band’s program) by Charles Belsterling. Andrew is
investigating the possibility of having some members from the first All-State Band sit in with the 2011
Band for the March of the Steel Men.
CHORAL AFFAIRS – Doran Johnson reported that Dr. Eph Ehly has selected the repertoire for the 2011
All-State Chorus. The program features choral classics from the past seventy-five years. Dr. Ehly will be
bringing Jayoung Han as the accompanist. Other instrumentalists will be needed on horn, electric bass,
drum set, three trumpets, three trombones, tuba, and timpani. Part Predominant will supply rehearsal CDs
again this year. Other options for digital delivery were explored but NMEA is not yet ready to move in that
direction.
COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS – Dan Laing reported that, as of May 1, only one application for a
student teaching grant and one application for the Chapter of Distinction Award had been received. He is
working with Clint Dennis and Jessica Hazelton for sessions at this fall’s conference.
COLLEGIATE MEMBERS (CMENC) – Clint Dennis reported that he is working with Judy Bush and Dan
Laing to line up the CMENC program for the fall conference. One application for the Chapter of Distinction
Award has been received. The proposed newsletter has not yet been successful but another try will be
made in the fall.
ELEMENTARY AFFAIRS – Judy Welch reported that plans are progressing for the Children’s Choir. The
brochure, registration form, and information page are ready to be finalized before putting on the website.
Elementary sessions are being planned. Judy is working to find Orff instruments and risers for use during

the conference. Medallion and t-shirt designs have been confirmed and she is working on arranging for
lunches for the elementary students. NMEA members are beginning to volunteer to preside at conference
sessions in November.
EXHIBITS – Marilyn Godby was unable to participate in the meeting. She reported that the price
increases approved at the February NMEA Board Meeting will go into effect this fall. (The fee for the first
8’ by 8’ booth was increased from $250.00 to $265.00 – with $25.00 designated as NMDEA annual dues.
Each additional booth fee was increased from $225.00 to $240.00. Affiliate booths fees were increased
from $45.00 to $50.00. Electric hookup charges were increased from $35.00 to $40.00 and each extra
table was increased from $25.00 to $40.00.)
2011 exhibit set-up is scheduled from 10:30 am to 4:00 pm on Wednesday, November 16. Exhibits will be
open 4:30 to 6:30 pm on Wednesday; 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on Thursday, and 9:00 am to noon on Friday.
Disassembly is scheduled from noon until 2:00 pm on Friday, November 18.
The exhibit flyer was prepared and mailed by the Executive Director. The exhibit contract and invitation
letter are being updated and will be mailed the first week of August. The contract deadline is September
15 and confirmation letters will be mailed between October 20 and November 1.
NMDEA has 68 members for 2011. NMDEA will award $575.00 to NMEA student teacher grants; $400.00
to NMEA high school student grants; and $450.00 to NSBA scholarships. Other expenses include
$176.00 for two ads in the Nebraska Music Educator magazine and about $100.00 for ad design
changes.
HISTORIAN – Duane Johnson was unable to participate in the meeting. He reported that materials for the
archives continue to arrive. A newsletter to retired music educators will soon be sent. Nominations are
arriving for the Hall of Fame but no one has the requisite number of letters at this time.
MEMBERSHIP/MENTORING – Sharon Hoffman reported that the Young Teachers Discussion Group is
going well. She was unable to get a list of music teachers and contact information from the NSEA and will
contact the NSEA to see if they could forward a list of the high school teachers. Sharon is getting ready to
solicit advertising on the 2011-2012 membership calendars. Response to the call for concert dates from
schools has been very slow.
MIDDLE LEVEL/JUNIOR HIGH AFFAIRS – Stacy Bean reported that Sunrise Middle School, Kearney
(Jan Wymore, Director) will be the demonstration band for the 2011 reading session. Guest conductors
will be Donita Priebe of McCook, Kate Metzger of Aurora, and Matt Sheppard of Omaha Westside. The
2012 Music at the Capitol will be February 27 to March 2, 2012.
ORCHESTRA AFFAIRS – Patty Ritchie reported that she would like to have the performance order of the
All-State Band and Orchestra rotate on a yearly basis so that the students would get to hear the other
ensemble on alternating years. (This will be an action item on the business agenda.)
RESEARCH – Dale Bazan reported that Dr. Maud Hickey of Northwestern University will be part of the
NMEA Conference this fall. She will offer two lectures at UNL prior to the conference and two sessions
during the conference. One of the NMEA sessions will be for CMENC and the second will be a dedicated
research-to-practice session on critical thinking. There will be no research poster session this year but it
will be considered for the future.
MENC will no longer sell or provide membership contact information to researchers. Dale will ask NMEA
to revise policy to allow the release of membership contact information and this will be an action item on
the business agenda.
TRI-M – Stacy Blackmore is the new Nebraska Tri-M Chair and was welcomed to the board.

There were no items on the consent agenda.
AGENDA ITEMS (Consent Agenda)
ACTION ITEMS – NEW BUSINESS
MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION AVAILABLE TO MUSIC RESEARCHERS – Dale Bazan reviewed the
difficulties that music researchers face when attempting to contact Nebraska music educators. Current
NMEA policy prohibits sharing contact information and this is a serious problem for anyone involved in
research projects. He asked that the current policy be changed to make member’s contact information
available.
It was moved by Judy Bush, seconded by Matt Sheppard that NMEA provide their membership
contact information to those researchers with an Institutional Review Board number. Dan Laing
suggested that NMEA members be provided an option (perhaps on a membership or registration form)
where they could choose not to participate in such studies. Dale replied that he would be opposed to such
an option as hampers the ability to contact sufficient number of participants and could compromise the
validity of the research. No one is compelled to participate and NMEA members can choose to ignore any
contacts or to request that they not be included in any research study. President Barker called the
question and the following members voted aye: Bush, Sheppard, D. Johnson, Laing, Dennis,
Welch, Bean, Ritchie, and Barker; Voting nay: None; Not voting: Hoffman; Absent: Schnoor, A.
Johnson.
Bryan Johnson asked who would be the board’s contact person for any requests for this information. Dale
Bazan volunteered, as Research Chair, to be the contact person.
SUMMER LEADERSHIP RETREAT OPTIONS – Judy Bush explained the NMEA mentoring committee
(Bill Roehrs, Linda Donohue, and Lance Nielsen) understand the reasons why the summer leadership
retreat is not scheduled for this summer. They have presented a proposal for a one day retreat that would
be held, at no cost to NMEA, along with a track of leadership sessions during the 2011 conference/clinic.
Judy Bush moved, seconded by Patty Ritchie: Based on the proposal from Lance Nielsen, Linda
Donohue, and Bill Roehrs, NMEA will support this endeavor and assist them by setting up a
Leadership Track within the conference schedule for the Young Leaders. NMEA will provide them
with names of potential candidates.
Board members asked whether the initial meeting was meant to be held during the summer of 2011 or
the summer of 2012. The original proposal from Lance Nielsen indicated an initial meeting during the
summer of 2011. Board members suggested that it might be better to have the initial leadership sessions
during the 2011 conference, followed by additional training sessions during the summer of 2012. That
time line would allow interested music teachers to self-nominate and give NMEA time to publicize the
sessions during the registration process. Joyce Patch suggested appointing a specific person who would
serve as the contact for everyone interested in attending the leadership track during the conference.
President Barker called the question and the following members voted Aye: none; voting Nay:
Bush, Sheppard, D. Johnson, Laing, Dennis, Welch, Bean, Ritchie, and Barker; Not voting:
Hoffman; Absent: Schnoor, A. Johnson. The motion was defeated and President Barker asked if a
replacement motion could be offered.
Judy Bush moved, seconded by Judy Welch: Based on the proposal from Lance Nielsen, Linda
Donohue, and Bill Roehrs, NMEA will support this endeavor by setting up a leadership track
within the conference schedule for young leaders to encourage a participation in the summer
2012 cadre.
Patty Ritchie offered an amendment to this motion to revise the wording as follows: NMEA will
establish a Leadership Track within the 2011 Conference/Clinic schedule, including a survey for

interest in a (summer) Leadership Academy for 2012. The amendment was accepted by Judy Bush
and Judy Welch. There was discussion on whether this is to be a one-time event or a permanent part of
the schedule. Board consensus was that this action is to authorize a one-time event that can be
evaluated after the 2011 conference and 2012 academy (if held) and incorporated into future conferences
if interest is indicated by the membership. President Barker called for a vote on the amendment and it
was carried unanimously by voice vote.
President Barker then called for a vote on the motion as amended and it carried unanimously by
voice vote: NMEA will establish a Leadership Track within the 2011 Conference/Clinic schedule,
including a survey for interest in a (summer) Leadership Academy for 2012.
ALL-STATE CONCERT ORDER CHANGE – It was moved by Patty Ritchie, seconded by Judy
Welch, that the All-State Band and Orchestra performances on the final NMEA Conference concert
alternate order, on a yearly basis. Patty Ritchie explained the rationale for switching the concert order
of the All-State Band and All-State Orchestra on alternating years. The current schedule does not allow
the band members to hear the orchestra. Switching the order will allow the band students to hear the
orchestra and the orchestra students to hear the band in alternating years. Dale Bazan inquired if the Lied
staff has any difficulties with this change. Judy Bush replied that they do not have any problems with an
alternating order. Dale also asked if moving percussion would be more difficult with the Band first on the
program. Clark Potter mentioned that it could be advantageous to have all of the Band’s percussion set
up before the concert, which is possible when the Band is the first ensemble. Bryan Johnson explained
that, since the Band is somewhat larger than the Orchestra, there will be a slightly higher cost for their
balcony tickets. However, the difference is quite low and should not be considered as a factor in the
board’s decision. Doran Johnson asked if this would also alternate the order of the dress rehearsals. It
would, and Joyce and Judy Bush will make all appropriate changes in the dress rehearsal schedule.
Bryan Johnson pointed out that there is a slight wording difference between the motion as printed in the
board reports (as printed above) and the motion read during the meeting. President Barker called the
question on the motion presented in the board reports. On voice vote the motion was defeated.
Patty Ritchie offered the following motion, seconded by Judy Welch: The All-State Band and
Orchestra performances on the final NMEA Conference concert be in alternating order, on a yearly
basis. The Band will be the first ensemble performing in 2011. This motion carried unanimously.
President Barker emphasized that this change needs to be carefully evaluated after the 2011 Conference
and any unanticipated problems addressed at that time.
INFORMATION ITEMS
ROCK BAND CAMP – Rex Barker mentioned that Midwest Music Center in Norfolk is sponsoring a Rock
Band Camp. Further information is available at their website.
AUGUST MEETING – The next NMEA board meeting will be held on Saturday, August 6 at the Chase
Suites in Lincoln.
2011 CONFERENCE – President Elect Judy Bush presented an update on progress towards the 2011
conference. Discussions were held on the following scheduling issues:
• What is the best starting time of the Wednesday afternoon chair placement auditions and
sectionals? Is 4:00 pm too early for those traveling from a distance? Is an hour sufficient time for
the auditions and sectionals?
• Rehearsal venue for the Band – Is there enough room in the Carson Theater or should another
venue be located? Should the Band rehearse on the Lied stage during the times the stage is
available?

• A second polling booth may be needed at the site of elementary sessions.
• The schedule is very tight on Thursday afternoon following the Children’s Choir concert. Is there
enough time to take the membership photo? Perhaps some photos will be taken at other times
during the conference. Anderson Photo is planning to take the photos of the Children’s Choir
before their concert,
• The venues for the performing ensembles will be selected once those ensembles are determined.
St. Paul Church may be used if needed.
• Progress is being made on the 75 th anniversary video. Jim Schulz and Joel Sunderman have
asked if the video clips can be placed on the NMEA website. President Barker stated that the
original intent was to put the videos on the website and the board consensus was to proceed to
do so.
• Video greetings from prominent Nebraskans are being assembled for use before various
conference events. How long should these clips be? It was decided that brevity is important but
the team putting together the video clips should use their best judgment as to the actual length.
• Matt Sheppard expressed concern about the use of the Carson Theater for the band rehearsals.
The band will be cramped in that space and there is little room for directors to observe the
rehearsals. If this is an ongoing occurrence he recommended that other options be explored.
Judy Bush explained that the Children’s Choir is planned as a one-time event, at least at this
time. Joyce Patch suggested that we look into using Howell Theater as a venue for some
sessions to free up rehearsal space in Westbrook.
• The Holiday Inn will be investigated as a possible alternative to the Carson Theater for an
instrumental rehearsal space.
• Bryan Johnson asked if Sheldon has been contacted to determine if it is available for all of the
Jazz Band rehearsals and what the cost would be. That information is not known at this time.
YOUNG MUSIC TEACHER’S DISCUSSION GROUP – Joyce Patch showed the Facebook page
administered by Bill Roehrs for the young music teacher’s discussion group. Any board members
interested in participating should contact Bill Roehrs.
There being no further business, President Barker declared the meeting adjourned at 11:05 a.m.