thebahamasweekly.com - Bahamas Music Educators Association Launched

From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

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Bahamas Music Educators Association Launched
By Felicity Ingraham
Oct 9, 2015 - 1:08:00 PM

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.