Greetings, to all AMEA Members and Visitors to our website:

The following quote from Governor Sarah Palin was obtained by Russell Robinson, (noted choral director, arranger and educator), during his keynote speech at our January 10-11, 2008, AMEA State Music Educators Convention, in Anchorage. 

 Words from Alaska
Governor Sarah Palin:     

When asked, “What is importance of music education in the public schools of Alaska?”

“According to Governor Sarah Palin, the arts, including music education, provide an outlet for students and engage their creativity to enrich our culture and lives in positive ways. The Governor participated in music/band throughout school and said she loved playing the flute, especially in pep band. Her children have enjoyed learning to play musical instruments in school.  She keeps her flute from high school in the Governor's House in Juneau as she still enjoys playing.”

    Lynne Smith, Special Staff Assistant, Office of the Governor

Alaska not only enjoys its prominent place in the national spotlight, due to Gov. Palin’s nomination as Vice Presidential candidate with John McCain, but also will be celebrating its 50^th anniversary of statehood in January of 2009.

AMEA also celebrates its 50^th anniversary and continues to serve the interests of all music teachers within the state.  Happy 50th Birthday to Alaska and AMEA!

Since coming to Alaska in 1986, I’ve had the pleasure to teach music all over the state.  Twelve of my twenty years of service have been in remote rural communities, formerly known as “bush communities”.  Through my work in the rural communities of SE Alaska (the Panhandle), I was inspired by parents of students to become a part-time salmon troller, catching Coho and King Salmon from my home port of Sitka.   I’ve been fishing now for 14 summers. 

It has been my experience to observe and help develop the musical resources of Alaskans both young and old.  Alaska is a very musical state, as well as a strong supporter of fine arts.  There is no doubt that music and the arts, will continue to thrive and prosper here for many years to come.  Opportunities abound for the adventurous music teacher who wishes to explore beautiful country as well as many indigenous cultures.  The rewards may relate to those found by the early miners searching for gold.  There is still gold to be found, and I’m not just talking about that yellow metal.  

AMEA is working hard to bring together the far reaches of this vast state by having regular teleconferences with regional chairpersons and publishing their reports in our quarterly journals.  AMEA also brings to our state some of the most nationally prominent music clinicians and speakers during our bi-annual state conventions. 

AMEA also presents annual awards for the “Outstanding Music Educator” and “Outstanding Music Advocate”.  This year we are recognizing Nancy Dreydoppel, as the outstanding music educator from Badger Road Elementary in North Pole, and Music Mart, as the outstanding Music Advocate in Fairbanks.  Congratulations to them!

Our next AMEA state convention is scheduled at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), January 15 - 16 of 2010.  UAF is a world-class University and has a first-rate music department.  We are proud to be working with UAF to develop a useful and memorable state convention.

Those who know what winter is like in the Alaskan Interior, also know that this is probably the best time to visit Fairbanks.  Did you know that we get huge numbers of Japanese and Australian tourists coming to Fairbanks in the winter months?  Our reputation for hospitality as well as incredible tour destinations such as the Chena Hot Springs Resort, is quickly spreading throughout the world.   Please look for further developments regarding AMEA’s work with the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Alaska’s high school students have opportunities to participate in All-State Band, Orchestra, Mixed Choir and Women’s Choir through the Alaska Student Activities

Association (ASAA) sponsored All-State Music Festival, held in Anchorage  at  East Anchorage HS, November 20-22, 2008. 

All-Northwest also happens this school year, so once again Alaska’s top high school musicians have the opportunity to make music at the All-Northwest Music Festival in Spokane, February 13 – 15, 2009.  This year marks the first for All-NW in that all auditions will be done via the Internet.   Also, the All-NW coordinators are refunding

50% of our member’s registration fees back to AMEA. 

Thank you for looking over our AMEA website.  We are in the process of adding more information regarding the regional music festivals as information is finalized.

 

Best wishes for a great school year!

David Glazier, AMEA President

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

Region Representatives Region I Ron Horner Region II Courtney Miklos, Elementary Thane Thomas, Secondary Region III North Nancy Guiley, Elementary Pualeilani Monds, Secondary South _______________, Elementary Kent Peterson, Secondary Region IV John Huffaker, Elementary __________________, Secondary Region V Richard Moore, Large School Matt Lenhard, Small School Region VI Wendy Ward, Elementary Lucas Clooten, Secondary Region VII Karen Strid-Chadwick, UAA Gianna Drogheo, UAF Committee Chairs Liesl Davenport-Wheeler, Coalition Karen Strid-Chadwick, Collegiate Janet Stiles, Directory Lucas Clooten, Festival Scott Deal, Research Lenora Davis, AMEA Webmaster