Greetings Friends,

As I write this, I am in my hotel room on a rainy afternoon during MENC Music Education Week in Washington, DC.  It has been an eventful and enlightening few days culminating in the AMEA Executive Board visit with Senators Richard Shelby and Jeff Sessions, as well as Representatives Spencer Bachus and Bobby Bright.

I trust that you have all had a relaxing, renewing summer in readiness for the coming school year.  This year should be an outstanding year for the AMEA Elementary/General Division, beginning with the Music Festival on October 1, with clinician, Cristi Cari Miller.  Over 30 schools have signed up to attend!  On October 2, the AMEA/AOSA joint workshop will be held at Samford University with Cristi leading. 

 The January AMEA conference will be held in Montgomery this year. This is a conference you will not want to miss, so make your reservations now!  We had over 30 session proposals to choose from, and have tried to include as many and varied sessions as possible. Karen Medley is our featured clinician, but we will also have several sponsored presenters including a return of the amazing John Feierabend. There will also be two performing groups.  Cliff Huckabee will be bringing his Eagleairs Chorus from Montgomery Academy, and the Birmingham Children’s Choir Una Voce under the direction of Amanda Klimko will be performing.  Our own Chris Byars will be presenting a session on recorder and percussionist Dave Holland will be presenting a session as well as leading a drum circle on Friday night.  We will have four outstanding sessions on Saturday, so be sure to make reservations for Friday night.  Best wishes to all of you for an exciting and energizing new school year!

 Upcoming Events

1.   AMEA Elementary Music Festival with Cristi Cary Miller at the Wright Center, Samford University – Oct 1.

2.   AMEA/AOSA Joint Workshop with Cristi Cary Miller - Oct. 2.

3.    AOSA 2010 Professional Development Conference in Spokane, WA-November 3-6.