It is with great excitement that I take this opportunity to invite you to the 84th Annual NYSSMA Winter Conference. NYSSMA President-Elect David Brown, together with our state chairpersons, committees and affiliate associations, have put together what promises to be an outstanding lineup of sessions covering every aspect of music education. Once again we will be partnering with TI:ME (Technology In Music Education) for a technology Pre-Conference.
We will continue to dig into and unpack the new New York State Learning Standards. Last year we focused on the Creating and Connecting standards, this year’s conference will focus on the two other Artistic Processes on which the Standards are based - Performing and Responding. Many of the sessions will focus on helping us to look more carefully at the Performing and Responding Standards. I like the combination of Perform and Respond because together they get to the heart of so much of what we strive for in music education.
Our opening night concert will feature a performance by the New York City All-City Latin Ensemble, an exciting, energetic group of young musicians, and an outstanding example of how we can be more culturally responsive in music education. That performance will be preceded by a special tribute to Dr. Steven Schopp in recognition of his many years of service to NYSSMA and his retirement from the position of Executive Director.
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by the incomparable Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser.
The Composition, Electronic Music and Piano Showcases will feature outstanding young composers and performers and the concert hours will feature some of the finest ensembles from across New York State. Finally, the conference will again conclude with performances by our All-State Ensembles in the magnificent Eastman Theatre.
I hope you can join us in Rochester for what promises to be another exciting opportunity to hear great music, learn from master clinicians, and celebrate music education in New York State.
Michael Salzman NYSSMA President