Music education students and faculty returned to campus beaming about a recent opportunity to enhance their skills, knowledge, and networking outside the classroom. The memorable and educational experience took place at the annual Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) In-Service conference in Athens, Georgia January 25th through the 27th.
Workshops, seminars, and performances inspired attendees and an engaging exhibit hall opened eyes to new ideas and products. Renowned experts in the field provided informative clinics, including one led by Reinhardt Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Kerry Bryant on techniques to invigorate marching band performances.
Among over 4,000 attendees, 24 Reinhardt students and six Reinhardt faculty members connected with music students and educators from across the state and beyond. All the students have Collegiate National Association for Music Education (CNAfME) memberships, which helps prepare students for a career in music education. Reinhardt faculty Dr. Fredrick Tarrant, Dr. George Blankson, Dr. Martha Shaw, Dr. Rebecca Salter, Mr. Dennis Naughton, and Dr. Kerry Bryant accompanied the students.
Elizabeth Chesser (RU2024) hopes to be an elementary school music teacher, and attended as many related sessions as she could, “I learned a lot about engaging upper elementary students, bringing in stories to create melodies, and about new technology being offered in the music classroom. These sessions along with many others offered new ideas to connect and teach my students effectively! I am so thankful for the people, sessions, and memories that I experienced through this GMEA conference, and it has helped me get closer to teaching in my own classroom!”
Dr. Blankson, Assistant Professor of Music & Music Education Coordinator remarked, “The 2024 GMEA Conference was a resounding success, and our students learned so much about teaching and career development in the field of music education.”
