What inspired Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel? What was the inspiration behind Mozart’s Magic Flute? How did Robert Frost become inspired to write The Road not Taken? What motivated a team to win a championship title in their sport? The answers to such questions and the stories behind these great achievements are quite intriguing.

However, a more important question is what inspires you? What inspires you as a person? And, what inspires you as a musician and educator? As this school year draws to a close, we have the opportunity to reflect on this year, our accomplishments, and mistakes. In addition, there is time for rejuvenation. According to the Free Online Dictionary, inspire is the stimulation of the mind or emotions to a high level of feeling or activity. Inspiration comes from various sources. Consider what inspires you.

At the school in which I teach, we recognize a Leader of the Month from each class. Each month the criterion is different. We recognize students who are most improved during April, which is my favorite time of recognition. Just this week, I was brought to tears as I witnessed the ceremony for these most improved students. One particular student in kindergarten began the year with some learning and behavioral difficulties. He has been successful because of the dedication, high expectations, and hard work of his teachers, the encouragement of his parents and classmates, and his perseverance. The improvement he made and the synergy of everyone involved inspires me.

A fifth grade student has participated in chorus for the past two years, which includes performing in public. When this student first came to school, transitions were difficult for him. Leaving the comfort of his classroom to go anywhere else in the school caused him much stress. Noises bothered him. He was timid about participating and lacked confidence. The fact that he is able to fully participate in all aspects of our school, that he can perform in public without much fear and even be a leader for a song inspires me.

Having a group of first grade girls come up to me on the playground to show me a chant they created inspires me. Collaborating with a group of teachers to solve a problem inspires me. Talking to a parent who has overcome multiple obstacles to rear four polite and respectful boys inspires me. Receiving a phone call, text, or email from a friend just because they wanted to check in with me inspires me. Seeing my former student teachers succeed in their careers inspires me. Creating music with my students inspires me. Working on my doctorate has been an inspiring journey. Attending professional development opportunities serves as inspiration.

Now, what inspires you? Take some time to reflect on your school year. What did you accomplish? What do you aspire to accomplish next year? What inspires you to continue to make music and teach others about music? Read a book. Network with colleagues. Attend a concert. Visit a museum. Write a poem. Paint a picture. Run. Travel. Carpe Diem! Beth A. Davis

Thank you for serving our division as an officer 2011 - 2013 Karla Hodges – President Elect Heather Atkins – Secretary Lea Hoppe – Treasurer Sharon August – Past President

Officers for 2013 – 2015 Karla Hodges – President Cliff Huckabee – President Elect Melissa Thomason – Secretary Lori Zachary – Treasurer

Save the Date
• June 1 Elementary Division Officers Strategic Planning Meeting
• June 10 - 21 Orff Level One Certification Training, Samford
• June 24 – 28 tentative date for AOSA Music Camp – You can volunteer to teach and be eligible for a free workshop.
• August 5 AOSA Chapter Share
• October 4 Elementary Choral Festival with Dr. Maribeth Yoder-White. Contact Cliff Huckabee or Carlee Means for more information. cliffhuckabee@gmail.com or carleemeans@mac.com.
• October 5 AMEA/AOSA Joint Workshop at Samford with Dr. Maribeth Yoder-White. Watch for fall newsletter for more information.
• January 23 - 25, 2014 AMEA State In-service Conference Montgomery

Dr. Maribeth Yoder-White is a choral and general music education specialist and serves as Adjunct Associate Professor in the Hayes School of Music at Applachian State University in Boone, NC. Yoder-White is a certified Orff-Schulwerk specialist and frequently presents workshops featuring her compositions and arrangements. She teaches Orff-Schulwerk certification courses at Appalachian State University and DeKalb County Schools, and serves as clinician and author for Silver Burdett Making Music and Silver Burdett Interactive Music. Yoder-White received a Bachelor of Music Education degree in choral/general music from Lenoir-Rhyne College and a Master of Music degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Yoder-White taught middle school choral and general music in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools before returning to UNCG to complete doctoral studies. An arts integration specialist, Yoder-White delivers teacher workshops, teaches demonstration lessons, advises arts-integrated lesson design, and creates resources to facilitate implementation of authentic arts integration instruction. Active in many professional organizations, Yoder-White served as President of the North Carolina Music Educators Association and the North Carolina Chapter of the American Choral Directors Association. She is President-Elect of the Southern Division of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME).