Improving the quality of music teaching
and learning in Iowa
Have you ever tagged yourself for being a music teacher on a social media post? According to www.displaypurposes.com, the top posts are:#musicteacher, #musicteacherlife, #musicteachers, #musicteachersofinstagram, #elementarymusicteacher, #musicteachersrock, #musicteacherproblems, and #lifeofamusicteacher. You can learn a lot from scrolling through the feeds highlighting what is being taught in a music classroom. Yet having in-person learning in the presence of community is also a powerful learning tool. Maybe you are struggling through how specific new learning theories apply to your teaching situation. Perhaps you are reading the latest educational trends but do not know how to implement them with your students. Maybe you are the only music educator in your building or district. Did you know there is one place you can gather to answer your questions and find your people? Make plans to attend IMEA’s professional development conference November 16-18, 2023!
This is the state’s premiere music education conference featuring a plethora of strands including best practice, innovative, choral, band, orchestral, technology, and advocacy. All stages of music teachers are welcome including pre-service (20% of last year’s attendees were collegiate), new teachers (1st year teachers who are NAfME members attend for FREE!), seasoned, and retired. Presenters range from local to national and cover topics such as improvisation, popular music, ukuleles, iPads, folk dances, modern band, equity, gospel music, rehearsal efficiency, and more.
Some highlights include:
- Prelude music to Friday’s opening ceremonies: 3 Strings, an inclusive music ensemble based out of Minneapolis
- Opening ceremonies invited ensemble: Screaming Goats, a modern band group from Lincoln Elementary School in Cedar Falls
- Keynote address from Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser: Music Educators: Shepherding Tomorrow’s Leaders to Artistry
- Dr. Blair Williams, American Strings Teachers Association
- LIVE choir demonstration from North Polk Middle School, directed by IMEA president Zach Howell
- Orff-Schulwerk and Kodaly specialists presenting sessions on their methodology
- Elementary and middle school choir reading sessions
- A NEW modern band room featuring sessions and playalongs
- An updated exhibit schedule to allow more time for interactions with student musicians, current/former students, and directors
Please check our website (iamea.org) for the conference schedule, registration (including meal information), and descriptions of all sessions. Make the difficult decision ahead of time by highlighting the sessions you want to attend. Then prepare to tag away as you attend our conference this November!