A History of the

PENNSYLVANIAMUSIC EDUCATORS

ASSOCIATION

1933-2000by Richard Merrell

and Carmen Culp

THE PENNSYLVANIA MUSICEDUCATORS ASSOCIATION

—OUR HISTORY—

In the Beginning1933—A small group of men—school band di-rectors, players in professional bands and direc-tors of town bands—met in Reading to form thePennsylvania Bandmasters Association. Theyassembled the following year in Aliquippa tosponsor the first All State High School Band Fes-tival, composed of 150 students representing 47schools. The name Pennsylvania School BandAssociation was adopted as more appropriate tothe new purpose of promoting and advancing in-strumental music in public schools.1935—With the addition of the first All StateOrchestra Festival, composed of 150 students rep-resenting 55 schools, the organization became thePennsylvania School Band and Orchestra Asso-ciation. High school choral directors requested asimilar opportunity and recognition of their stu-dents. This inclusion required still another namechange—The Pennsylvania School Music Asso-ciation—used until the late 1940s.1936—The first All State Chorus Festival waspresented in Greensburg, composed of 202 stu-dents representing 91 schools. Eight districts wereset up to handle all preparations, rules and busi-ness matters pertaining to the festivals. The firstNEWSLETTER, a mimeographed sheet of newsfrom the field of music education, was providedfor the membership. The second issue, PSMANews was published in 1937. A tabloid size news-

paper was published four times yearly until 1952when PMEA News became our official magazine.1940—This year marked the affiliation of PSMAwith the MUSIC EDUCATORS NATIONALCONFERENCE (MENC).1941—The first annual CONFERENCE-CLINICOF PSMA was held at the Pennsylvania StateCollege.1947—To keep Pennsylvania with the MENCstate affiliates, the association name was changedfor the final time—PENNSYLVANIA MUSICEDUCATORS ASSOCIATION.Emerging Trends

Performance festivals remained the focus ofthe organization until 1968 when interest for thewhole educational spectrum of music was evi-denced by the addition of Elementary, Junior Highand Senior High Representatives-At-Large to theboard. Higher education already had representa-tion on the board.

With the identification of our goals and ob-jectives (GO) and the establishment of PMEA GOPROJECTS in the mid-seventies: 1) Music inEarly Childhood, 2) Special Education, 3) MiddleSchool, 4) Non-Traditional Classroom and MiniCourses, PMEA recognized that music as a coreof the curriculum must become our major effort.Our membership had shown their concern thatEVERY CHILD HAS A RIGHT TO AN EDU-CATION IN MUSIC TAUGHT BY A MUSICSPECIALIST. The PMEA members who chairedthese projects through 1978 presented workshopsthroughout the state, devised lesson plans forteachers, wrote curriculum guides, distributedmaterials through newsletters, planned conferencepresentations and brought the importance of class-room music to the attention of administrators,parents and teachers.Representing All Music Education

PMEA recognized its responsibility to edu-cate the whole child and every child (from learn-ing handicapped to the gifted/talented) throughmusic and the fine arts.

Our organization took a leading position inthe nation in creating and espousing related arts

courses. We also assumed responsibility for con-tinuing and adult education, largely through com-munity performing groups and music apprecia-tion presentations.

In 1978-79, the CURRICULUM/INSTRUCTION NETWORK was initiated. Classroom mu-sic teachers from all levels gained representationon the PMEA board, with six regional C/I chairsand a state C/I coordinator. By this time, the or-ganization had been divided into twelve districtsand six regions.

The 1985 PMEA Executive Board consistedof elected officers, 12 district presidents, 12 C/Idistrict chairs, a state C/I coordinator, as well asex-officio members representing other specialinterests.

“Pennsylvania” by Khoury and Bonner wasselected in 1990 by Commonwealth legislatorsas the official state song. Members of PMEAwere included on the committee which recom-mended this selection. The copyright is ownedby the state. The song may be obtained from theexecutive office.

1996 marked the hiring of a full-time execu-tive director, as well as the establishment of apermanent executive business office.

Music technology in 2000—PMEA has sup-ported the application of technology for threedecades. Technology applications used in themusic classroom and in performance are shared

at the conference, in the professional developmentseminars and in PMEA News.

PMEA as an organization has its own website:http://www.pmea.net housed at West Chester Uni-versity. Emerging trends make the use of theInternet a necessity. Registration for conferences,the dissemination of curricular ideas and rapidcommunication increases the speed of change toinstantaneous. PMEA demonstrates solid evi-dence of leading in music education trends andcontinues to be a dominant factor in nurturingstudents and music teachers in technology.PURPOSEMembership

Pennsylvania Music Educators Association(PMEA) is an affiliate of the 65,000 memberNational Association for Music Education(MENC). PMEA is a service organization to

music educationin the Common-wealth. The mem-bership includesthose engaged inmusic instructionat all levels, frompreschool throughcollege and uni-versity, retired

educators, as well as those in the music industry.In addition, students enrolled in music educationmay participate in collegiate chapters and sec-ondary students may participate in Tri-M HonorSociety. PMEA provides leadership in profes-sional growth and offers special opportunities formusical development to school students.Mission Statement

PMEA’s mission is to: promote the musicaldevelopment of all Pennsylvanians; advocate forquality music education; recognize music educa-tion as a lifetime activity; support the changingprofessional needs of its members; and foster anappreciation of music.

In order to achieve its mission, the PMEAstrives to attain the highest level of excellence inteaching and performance.

PMEA ORGANIZATION

ORGANIZATIONPerformance Festivals

Elementary Fests—A one-day festival for band,orchestra or chorus is offered for children andincludes a workshop event for their teachers.Junior High/County Festivals—Several districtsprovide junior high/middle school level festivalsfor band, chorus and orchestra. A few countiesorganize festivals on all levels.

Honors Festivals—Some districts organize spe-cial events for advanced high school performers.

NAL STRUCTURE MAP

District Festivals—All districts provide a band,orchestra and chorus festival. Students in seniorhigh school audition for participation and place-ment. Several districts provide jazz ensemblesat the senior high level.Region/State Festivals—Students rated for theirsuperior performance at the district level progressto region/state and finally to the All-State Festi-val. Over 500 of the finest high school musi-cians perform a gala concluding concert duringthe PMEA In-Service Conference.Biennial Eastern Division Festival—Participantsin the All-State Festival are given an opportunityto apply for the All-Eastern Festival. In addition,students may apply to participate in national fes-tivals when offered by MENC.

Curriculum/InstructionThe purpose of the PMEA Curriculum/In-

struction Committee(C/I) is to improve instruc-tion in the classroom. The C/I Network servesteachers in each district at elementary, middle/junior high, senior high and higher education lev-els. One of these representatives is elected bythe District Executive Committee as the state C/I chair thus completing the Network: districtmembers, district C/I representatives, state C/Ichair.

In addition, there are five special curriculumareas represented: early childhood and speciallearners, multicultural awareness, National As-sociation for the Study & Performance of Afri-can American Music, higher education in con-junction with the MENC Society for TeacherEducation and research.

As a network, the C /I Committee providesleadership, focus/expertise and coordinates effortsto implement projects to improve curriculum andinstruction of music in the schools through work-shop development and conference services.

PUBLICATIONSPMEA News: This publication is the primarynews and information carrier. The magazine hasevolved into a major music education journalpublished four times a year. All superintendentsreceive the journal in an effort to share and inte-grate music education.

PMEA Bulletin of Research in Music Education: Arefereed scholarly journal published once a year.Sessions are also presented at the state in-serviceconference.Selective Music List: Listing of Choral and in-strumental music acceptable for performance atAdjudication Festivals. Published in a CD ROMformat and purchased through the executive of-fice.

IN-SERVICE CONFERENCEAn annual in-service conference provides

workshops, clinics and concerts. The sessionsfeature nationally recognized clinicians as wellas Pennsylvania musician/teacher experts. Mu-sic industry and manufacturing companies pro-vide showcase materials, extensive displays andexhibits with the latest in technology, music pub-lications, equipment and services. The in-serviceevent provides three days of intensive profes-sional continuing edu ation experiences for mu-sic educators at all levels. Outstanding musiciansperform thrilling music and present high leveleducational workshops. Auditions provide ameans to select Pennsylvania school ensemblesto perform. The gala presentation by the All-StateBand/Orchestra/Chorus and the Jazz Ensembleconcludes the conference.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINAREach summer, PMEA provides a free semi-

nar open to all members. Under the motto “Ser-vice is the Reason for Existence,” these sessionsstress decision-making at the local (District) level.The seminar expands to include establishingPMEA district goals. In addition, current cur-ricular develop-ments are pre-sented by bothstate and nationalclinicians.

ADJUDICATIONFESTIVALS

Various sitesthroughout thestate are selectedfor adjudicationfestivals. Allgrades and levelsof performanceare accepted, including soloists. RATING (notranking) or COMMENTS only are provided byadjudicators.

PENNSYLVANIA COALTION FOR MUSICEDUCATION

The coalition supports the study of music andthe other arts for every child in the Common-

wealth. Music advocacy committees of teachersand parents are established in each district. Inaddition, other persons included in these commit-tees may be music merchants/manufacturers,music technicians, performing artists and com-munity music groups.

PENNSYLVANIA COLLEGIATE MUSICEDUCATION ASSOCIATION—PCMEA

A strong contingent of more than 1,000 col-lege and university students share information andgain practical experience with PMEA members.A student member and PCMEA advisor are partof the executive board. Various districts providea working environment to facilitate student re-sponsibility for their own progress and to help indecision-making processes.

MUSIC BOOSTER AFFILIATESEstablished in 1983, PMEA became a national

leader among state music organizations to enrollbooster clubs into its structure to assist the music

educator and the local booster organizations. Thestated philosophy: “to encourage support of thetotal music program and promote music cultureand activity throughout the local community.”MBA publishes a newsletter, sponsors clinics andsupports the exchange of information betweenlocal chapters.

PERSONS, AWARDS AND STAFFSpace limitations negate listing the many

members who have made significant contribu-tions to our organization and to the children weteach. PMEA recognizes with pride and grati-tude their dedication and devotion at district andstate levels.

The following is a list of persons who influ-enced our professional organization and helpedto determine who and what we are, awards pre-sented by PMEA and current professional staffand business information.

PAST, CURRENT AND FUTUREPRESIDENTS

A.D. Davenport 1934*A. Steven Miescer 1935*J. Fred Orth 1936*Charles Aikey 1937*Cyrus Thompson 1938*Harry Canfield 1939*James W. Dunlop 1940-41*Stanley M. Gray 1942-45*Hummel Fishburn 1946-47*Leslie Saunders 1948-49*Chester Stineman 1950-51*M. Clair Swope 1952-53W. Paul Campbell 1954-55*William O. Roberts 1956-57*Fred Williams 1958-59*Elwood Miller 1960-61*Allen W. Flock 1962-64Paul McCandless 1964-66Harold S. Orendorff 1966-68*William E. Ifert 1968-70Robert Zimmerman 1970-72*W. Valgene Routch 1972-74*James R. Stewart 1974-76Stanley F. Michalski Jr.1976-78Clyde M. Barr 1978-80Ira C. Singleton 1980-82Carmen E. Culp 1982-84Albert Nacinovich 1984-86Carol J. Myers 1986-88Richard C. Merrell 1988-90James R. Stewart 1990-92Natalie Ozeas 1992-94David F. Cree 1994-96John A. Gula, Jr. 1996-98Mary Lippert-Coleman 1998-00Richard Victor 2000-02Benjamin Holste 2002-04

*Deceased

C U R R I C U L U M / I N S T R U C T I O NCOORDINATORS

Carmen E. Culp 1977-79Carol J. Myers 1979-82Irene Sample 1982-85Natalie L. Ozeas 1985-88Mary Lippert-Coleman 1988-91Victoria L. Smith 1991-97Linda L. Hulsey 1997-00Martha S. Miller 2000-

SECRETARY-TREASURERSCyrus Thompson 1934-37*Kenneth D. Owens 1938-39*Harold Buchheit 1940-41*C. Porter Huntington 1942-45*M. Claude Rosenberry 1946-49*Russell E. Shuttlesworth 1950-53*Russell B. Christman 1954-55*Irene R. Christman 1955-96Margaret S. Bauer 1996-

EDITORSA. S. Miescer (1 issue) 1936*Harold F. Hetrick (1 issue) 1937Paul Mechlin (newspaper) 1938-43*Stanley M. Gray (same) 1946-49*Ronald C. Teare (mag.) 1950-77*Stanley M. Cole (mag.) 1977-81Richard Merrell (mag.) 1981-99David Weiss 1999-

HONORARY MEMBERSHIPSammy Nestico—composerVaclav Nelhybel—composer*

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERSHIPA.D. Davenport*Russell E. Shuttlesworth*Ronald C. Teare*W. Fred Orth*Maurice TaylorIrene R. ChristmanFrederick DelMonteCarmen Culp

AWARDS• James R. Stewart Distinguished Service Award,

Richard Merrell, Frederick Del Monte• Citation of Excellence

(Listed annually in the Spring issue ofPMEA News)

• Outstanding Superintendent(Listed annually in the Spring issue ofPMEA News)

• Irene R. Christman Scholarship in MusicEducation:

Matthew R, Ascah, Katye Clogg,Colleen A. MacLean, Alicia Wareham

PROFESSIONAL STAFFExecutive Director—Margaret S. Bauer, CAEDirector of Marketing and Communications—

David C. WeissAdministrative Assistant—Calise TownsendExecutive Director Emerita—

Irene R. Christman

PMEA Executive Office1001 S. Fourth St., Suite 4Hamburg, PA 19526-9243

888-919-7632Fax: 610-562-9760

e-mail: mbauer@epix.netwebsite: http://www.pmea.net

PENNSYLVANIA MUSICEDUCATORS ASSOCIATION

1001 S. Fourth St., Suite 4Hamburg, PA 19526-9243

888-919-7632