May 2009
Volume 74, Number 4

As we near the finish line of the 2008-2009 school year we can begin to reflect on our successes as LMEA music educators.  We premiered a marvelous new choral ensemble, our Women’s Chorale, directed by Dr. Alissa Rowe.  Our Mixed Choir received an avalanche of accolades under the direction of Dr. Gary Packwood.  And, we enjoyed the conference clinics of Audrey Snyder and Dr. Stephen Futrell.  We initiated a new format for our sight reading rules and coordinated a state wide effort in devising a new sight reading adjudication form.  We also added a song to our first round all-state audition song cycle:

2009 – Richte Mich, Gott – Mendelssohn
                2010 – Crucifixus – Lotti (SSAATTBB -
                            Walton Music Corp. OCTW6006)
                2011 – Helig – Mendelssohn
                2012 – O Vos Omnes – Casals
                2013 – Let All The Nations Praise The Lord -
                            Leisring. 

 Looking ahead, our clinicians for All-State Choirs are as follows:  Donna McCommon, Pearl High School in Pearl, MS will direct our Women’s Chorale; Dr. James Jordan, director of Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, New Jersey, will direct our Mixed Choir. 

 Second round auditions will be held at Lafayette High on Saturday, October 10.  The second round audition selection is “My Flight for Heaven” by Blake Henson, GIA, G-7189.  CD’s for both first and second round are available from Jude Wilson – heyjude@bellsouth.net

 It was a pleasure to visit each district and present the sight reading clinic.

We are making leaps toward the goal of unifying the sight reading process state wide.  Thanks to all who completed the sight reading survey.  Your opinions and your recommendations are of great value in providing a comprehensive picture of our efforts in this event.

 District Directors and Festival Chairmen received the contact information for each district’s panel of judges.  This is another step toward increasing communication, expanding the list of prospective judges, and keeping districts connected. 

 I would like to extend appreciation to Dr. Bill Brent and Dr. Burt Allen for hosting state choir festival at Northwestern State University.  And, to all of you, thank you for your participation in LMEA activities and for your consistent support and unending dedication to our efforts to promote quality music education.