It is my distinct honor and pleasure to report to you today about the activities, events, and accomplishments of the Louisiana Music Educators Association during the just-concluded and most challenging 2020-2021 academic year. Our membership is guided by the organization's original purpose, as defined in its By-laws:
"The purpose for which this Corporation is formed and organized is as follows: to elevate the character, to advance the professional interest, and otherwise to promote the cause of music education in the State of Louisiana."
As the pandemic turned everyone's world upside down, we faced many challenges. How do we elevate character? John Wooden, legendary basketball coach, is credited with saying, "The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching." He also said you should "Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are." I've adopted a list of thirteen ethics codes with my band students that I stress regularly. When I introduce these traits, I ask that they focus on one quality throughout the year to help build their character. For myself, this year, I chose "be inviting." I've always thought of myself as an inviting person, but as President, I quickly saw that I could do so much more. As we continue to meet with the council for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, I have gained a greater understanding of colleagues who face different challenges and circumstances than I do.
The pandemic certainly has brought some negatives along the way. In a recent survey conducted throughout Louisiana, 74% of those responded say they have students choosing NOT to continue in band/choir due to the inactivity brought on by restrictions due to COVID. The inequity is tragic. Not only when compared to athletics but also when compared within our musical ranks from district to district. Some Districts were playing/singing indoor since August, while others only began in March. Why is there such inequity? Just as with ESSER funding, we see more and more that districts with musical representation at the central office have more opportunities available to their students.
The encouraging thing is that people at the state department are listening and asking for guidance. I've had several meetings with the state superintendent's office and the Louisiana Department of Health to ensure that the wording in the Start Strong document for the opening of school in 2021 will provide less restrictive guidance for those districts with no "music" supervisor. Although this is encouraging, our work has only just begun. We must be persistent and continue to advocate for music in our schools. No one else will.
Although we could continue to talk about the many challenges, what is instructive is to talk about how we continue to rise above. The accomplishments of the LMEA Board are evidence of the organization elevating its' character, advancing its' professional interest, and promoting the cause of music education in Louisiana. I want to assure you that the Board is prepared to face whatever challenge 2021-2022 will bring. Our commitment is unwavering, and we will do our best to provide a meaningful and rewarding musical experience no matter what the educational setting may look like moving forward.
As I conclude my report, it continues to be an honor and a privilege to serve this incredible organization. I look forward to the possibilities of what the future will surely bring. We are in this together. Together we can do anything.
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