Nassau, Bahamas - October is a historic month for music teachers throughout the Bahamas as
they have come together to form an official organization for those
engaged in music education, musical performance, and the music
profession.
The Bahamas Music Educators Association
(BMEA) officially launched this month with a meeting at the Ministry of
Education building, bringing together its first members for the
inaugural meeting in the Department of Youth's conference room.
Dr.
Christine Gangelhoff founded the BMEA with a goal of promoting and
facilitating excellence in music education throughout The Bahamas. The
purpose is to advance musical knowledge and education. Activities of the
association are aimed at the promotion of art and music, the
advancement of musical educational activities, and the appreciation of
music in the community.
BMEA plans to develop a
membership base of all parties engaged in or reliant on musical
professions. Mutually beneficial partnerships will be fostered with
government agencies and local organizations to help support and finance
its training and advocacy efforts.
One of
the organizations goals is to develop a national network of music
educators through sharing ideas and experiences. That's exactly what
unfolded during the first meeting. This helped to paint a clear picture
of the current situation in the country as it relates to their
profession. Views from the Family Islands were also represented. They
discussed current challenges to consider best-practice solutions for the
way ahead.
BMEA members want to foster public
support for music in schools; provide professional development
opportunities; ensure that music education persists in the Family
Islands; advocate for music education based on evidence of its benefits;
and develop effective assessment tools.
Members
will benefit from opportunities and credit for professional
development; discounts on music merchandise locally and internationally;
access master class series offered by Nassau Music Society; andlegal
workshops on copyright, licensing, company incorporations, trademarking
and other relevant topics. They will also benefit from lesson plans for
local concerts and events.
The provisional
officers for the 2015-2016 academic year are Presidents: Sonovia Pierre
and Yonnel Justilien; Secretaries: Crashan Johnson and Chanel Rolle; and
Treasurers: Shavincia Saunders and Jermaine Leadon. The advisory board
consists of: Dr. Christine Gangelhoff, founder and College of The
Bahamas advisor; Dr. Paul Shaw, University of Minnesota, International
advisor; and Marva Musgrove is Ministry of Education advisor. The
Emeritus mentor is Mrs. Audrey Dean-Wright.
