Eastern Division NAfME Conference

Recently in Atlantic City

Sue Barre and Argy Nestor presenting a session called Leading the Way to Proficiency Through the Arts

I had the opportunity to travel to Atlantic City, NJ for the Eastern Division NAfME conference earlier this month. The sessions were top notch, the networking opportunities were plentiful, and the performances were excellent.

Sue Barre, president of the Maine Music Educators Association and I provided a session on the Maine Arts Leadership Initiative and the work underway in Maine on proficiency based education. In addition, we served on a panel which was arranged for pre-service teachers called “Speed Interviewing – Refine Your Skills To Get a Great Job”. There were 25 pre-service students who participated and it was great listening to their answers. It made feel very hopeful about the future – we are in good hands. The participants were thoughtful, knowledgeable and prepared to step into the music classroom.

The USM Chamber Singers performed under the direction of Nicolas Alberto Dosman in the new convention hall and did a fantastic job!

My two favorite parts of the conference included the opportunity to connect with music educators and to attend the performances that included many Maine high school students.

Music educators and MALI Teacher Leaders Drew Albert, Maranacook and Ashley Albert, Brunswick High School

The following students participated in the band, orchestra, treble chorus or mixed chorus. On Saturday they performed at the old Atlantic City Convention Hall located on the boardwalk. It was amazing – I’m sure the opportunity won’t be forgotten very quickly! Congratulations students and Maine music teachers! GREAT concerts!

• Ethan Boll, grade 11, Brunswick High School, Band Winds-Clarinet-Bb, Teacher: Michael Scarpone
• Suzanna Butterfield, grade 12, North Yarmouth Academy, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Soprano II, Teacher: Nora Krainis
• Mikayla Clifford, grade 12, Yarmouth High School, Treble Chorus Vocal-Alto I, Teacher: Rick Dustin
• Grace Cowless, grade 12, Yarmouth High School, Band Winds-Bassoon Treble, Teacher: Joey Hendricks
• Abigail Despress, grade 12, Maranacook Community High School, Chorus Vocal-Alto I, Teacher: Drew Albert
• Hannah Flanigan, grade 12, Yarmouth High School, Orchestra Strings-Violin, Teacher: Rick Dustin
• Xingshi (Justin) Guo, grade 12, North Yarmouth Academy, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Tenor II, Teacher: Nora Krainis
• Amelia Hanley, grade 12, Bonny Eagle High School, Treble Chorus Vocal-Soprano I, Teacher: Allen Thomas
• Hannah Hanson, grade 12, Lawrence High School, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Alto I, Teacher: Renee Misner
• Elizabeth Hanson, grade 11, Yarmouth High School, Treble Chorus Vocal-Soprano II, Teacher: Richard Dustin
• Caroline Isasi, grade 11, Greely High School, Band Winds-Clarinet-Bass, Teacher: Kevin Rollins
• Claire Johnson, grade 11, Brunswick High School, Treble Chorus Vocal-Alto II, Teacher: Ashley Albert
• Katherine Lind, grade 11, Bonny Eagle High School, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Soprano I, Teacher: Allen Thomas
• Mia Love, grade 12, Bonny Eagle High School, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Soprano I, Teacher: Allen Thomas
• Molly McGough, grade 11, Brunswick High School, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Soprano I, Teacher: Ashley Albert
• Dylan Miller, grade 12, Edward Little High School, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Bass II, Teacher: Sarah Brooks
• Alexander Misner, grade 12, Lawrence High School, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Bass I, Teacher: Renee Misner
• Isabelle Morin, grade 11, Easton Jr./Sr. High School, Teacher: Pamela Kinsey
• Elliott Nagler, grade 11, Brunswick High School, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Bass I, Teacher: Ashley Albert
• Marisa Pierce, grade 11, Bonny Eagle High School, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Alto II, Teacher: Allen Thomas
• Keith Prescott, grade 12, Falmouth High School, Band Winds-Flute, Teacher: Jake Sturtevant
• Caleb Randall, grade 11, Sanford High School, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Bass I, Teacher: Jane Kirton
• Taylor Robison, grade 12, Yarmouth High School, Orchestra Winds-Trumpet, Teacher: Rick Dustin
• Elizabeth Roy, grade 11, Thornton Academy, Orchestra Strings-Viola, Teacher: Ann Wilkinson
• Brian Sidders, grade 12, Greely High School, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Tenor I, Teacher: Sarah Bailey
• Julia Silke, grade 11, Treble Voice Chorus Vocal-Soprano I, Teacher: Rebecca DeWan
• Petra Smat, grade 12, Brunswick High School, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Alto II, Teacher: Ashley Albert
• March Steiger, grade 11, Bonny Eagle High School, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Alto II, Teacher: Allen Thomas
• Katherine-Helene Sullivan, grade 12, Cheverus High School, Orchestra Winds-French Horn, Teacher: Chris Humphrey
• Genevieve Welch, grade 11, Wayneflete, Treble Voice Chorus Vocal-Soprano II, Teacher: Nick MacDonald
• Jim Yu, grade 11, North Yarmouth Academy, Mixed Chorus Vocal-Tenor II, Teacher: Nora Kranis

USM Chamber Singers