UMN - TC School of Music Leads the Way at Annual MMEA Midwinter Convention
Continuing education is an essential component to a music education career, beyond the years spent studying in college. The MMEA (Minnesota Music Educators Association) Midwinter Convention, February 15-17 2024, is an annual gathering of music educators across the state of Minnesota. From general music to college ensembles, professionals in the state use this convention to network and collaborate with others in their field, learning the best and most innovative techniques to enhance the educational experience in their classrooms. UMN - TC School of Music is thrilled to announce a strong presence at this convention, with several participants including current faculty, alumni, and students!
Adrian Davis, Postdoctoral Associate through the Presidential Postdoctoral Fellowship Program and Gospel Choir Director is currently serving in the role of MMEA President, a role where he provides leadership and guidance to music educators across the state of Minnesota in the areas of curriculum, pedagogy, and policy.
"As a Black man, I understand the need to speak up and fight for populations who feel socially and/or musically marginalized and racially minoritized." Davis said. "In Minnesota, I saw the opportunity to do so. I felt that it was important to step up and advocate for what the future of music education could be." During his term as President, Davis and the board updated the MMEA mission and vision statement, a huge undertaking in implementing the language of change.
As part of the featured student ensembles representing different universities, the School of Music Gospel Choir will be performing on Friday at 5:00 in Ballroom A.
Instrumental Music Education Professor Danni Gilbert will be a featured headliner at the convention, giving three presentations. The first, "Curious, Collaborative, and Creative: Addressing Diversity through Democracy in Performing Ensembles," promotes student-centered learning tied to national and state standards for instrumental ensemble directors. The next session "Teaching Instrumental Music: Do I Think I Can?," is geared towards collegiate students and novice educators, and will explore the impact of self-efficacy on success in teaching with an additional panel for discussion.
Finally, "Music Technology to Create, Perform, and Respond for ALL Students" illustrates how various free, online applications can be used in connection with standards in music, technology, and universal design to promote equitable and accessible music learning opportunities for all students. Gilbert remarked that she’s “eager to network with fellow music educators at the convention while representing the UMN School of Music. Go Gophers!”
Other faculty and alumni are also scheduled to give presentations and participate during the convention, including Music Education Professor Akosua Addo, who is heading the poster session. To see the full list of all presentations during the convention, visit this website.
Additionally, we are thrilled to announce our students who were selected to perform in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Honor Band during the convention. These students include Carmen Pasquerella; flute, Amanda Kumbera; clarinet, Max Thew; trumpet, Sam Peper; trombone, Jackson Ferry; trombone, Max Theroux; euphonium, and Gideon Lundin; tuba. Their performance will take place on Saturday, February 17 at 8:45am in the Minneapolis Convention Center Room 101 A. The concert is free, but tickets are required. If you are interested in attending, please contact Nicole Radotich.
For more information on MMEA Midwinter Convention, visit their website.
