Viva La Musica CNJAOSA!

When school ends in July, I am ready for the break. I’m ready to be done with deadlines and the daily grind. Right around that time, though, AOSA announces registration for the National Conference and I’m excited to be choosing my workshops and planning my trip. As music teachers, we are fortunate that our passion for what we do extends into our daily lives no matter what time of year it is. I never find reading my Orff Echo or Reverberations to be a chore. To the contrary, I make some coffee and settle into my favorite spot to savor the read. Summer, for me, is a time to reflect on my teaching and to relax enough to find new ideas and inspirations.

It’s also a time to start planning the year ahead. It’s time to renew our AOSA national membership and local chapter membership. It’s also time to register for the National Conference which, this year, is in Pittsburgh – practically next door! If you have had the pleasure of attending a national conference, you know how much fun it is, how exciting it is to meet new people, attend the incredible workshops, peruse the exhibits and feel the camaraderie with those that share the same musical passion. There’s nothing like it! It’s three to four days of exhilarating exhaustion! If money is an issue, ask your school district for the registration fee and find roommates. If you book early, airfare is not expensive or you can drive. Try to get there! I remember telling everyone that I was a different teacher after my first conference.

Mark your calendars now for CNJ workshops.  Bring fellow music teachers, student teachers or even general education teachers, your principal, your superintendent!

CNJAOSA now has its own Facebook group page (CNJ AOSA).  Please join us for a chance to keep in touch with group events, member events, ideas, lesson plan sharing, questions and other Orff related items.  This is a professional virtual community which is now considered to be one of the forums for professional development and teacher growth.

Last, consider helping our chapter grow by taking one of the leadership roles in the future, no matter your experience.  Everyone has strengths they can share!

Wishing you a wonderfully creative musical year!

Sincerely,

Janet Romano

CNJAOSA President