Congratulations to Linda Huck who was inducted into the Missouri Band Master’s Hall of Fame at the annual Missouri Band Master's conference.

Congratulations to Ms. Sheila Baer, teacher at Beaufort Elementary School in Union, recipient of Outstanding Educator of the Year 2020-21. Thank you for all you do!

Missouri Choral Directors Association just announced Sullivan High School Choral Director Mrs. Natalie Moore as this year’s East Central Outstanding Choral Director! Congratulations Natalie on the outstanding work you are doing inservice to your students and the music community!

Congratulations to North County Choir Director Allyn Rizo for receiving the 2020 Outstanding Music Educator of the Year Award for the ECD! 

The 2020 Missouri Music Educator's Association Annual Conference is coming up!  We hope you have made plans to attend the annual MMEA in-service, and attend our Saturday morning meeting and elections.  All attendees to the Saturday morning meeting must have pre-registered for meal, but can attend meeting regardless.  All members wishing to vote must be in attendance at the Saturday morning meeting.

2020 Election Candidates

President Elect

Darrell Boyer- De Soto

Years of Teaching Experience? 8
Education-Bachelors in Music Education at Missouri State University, Masters in Educational Technology from Southeast Missouri State University, Specialist in Educational Leadership from William Woods University

Leadership Roles? I served as the ECD7 MS Jazz Vice President. During this time I oversaw the update of Jazz audition materials which introduced improvisation to the MS Jazz audition.

I am currently serving as the Webmaster for the East Central District. In this position I have maintained the website and aided in registration, aided the audition process, helped set up district mailing lists, organized and maintained the district Google Drive folders.
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board?
I am interested in serving as the President Elect of the East Central District #7. I have two main goals that I would wish to pursue if given the opportunity to serve in this capacity:
Continue offering opportunities for development of students, teachers, and districts.
Aid membership in advocacy for their programs.

Opportunities for Development
It is my desire to work to continue to improve the opportunities provided to the music educators and their students in the East Central District. The East Central Professional Development Day provides an incredible opportunity for all of the educators within the East Central. It would be my goal to continue to build upon this day by bringing in more clinicians both from within our district and from across the state.

With the recent changes to the EC7 budget and the opportunity to bring in more guest artists and commission pieces, I believe that my experience in commissioning pieces and working with guest artists could prove useful to the East Central Board and membership.
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Aid in Advocacy
Whether or not you are the music department, or you have multiple colleagues, music education can feel incredibly lonely. I want to work to collect and distribute advocacy information, similar to what I have done with area band directors, in order to help East Central music programs advocate for their programs. This can be difficult to do on your own, so I want to help by providing educators the information they need to help.

It is my sincere interest to continue developing the opportunities for the students, teachers, and programs within the East Central District.


Nate Boxdorfer- Northwest

Years of Teaching Experience?
Education
Leadership Roles?
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board?

Catie Sikes- Jefferson R-7
Years of Teaching Experience? 8
Education -I received my Bachelor’s in Music Education at University of MO-St. Louis
Leadership Roles? I served as Middle School VP for EC7MMEA
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board?

My goal is to serve our District in such a way that helps all members to better serve their students through unique and enriching musical opportunities. Through this leadership role, I hope to offer mentorship to young teachers, and support to those with more experience. In my position as a music teacher, I have a variety of musical experience including elementary students, middle school choir and band, as well as high school choir and band. Because of my role amongst the ages and focus areas, I feel that I will be able to offer a broad, unbiased view to serve and provide leadership to our musical community.


HS Band VP
Chuck Moore- Sullivan
Years of Teaching Experience? 22
Education -Central Methodist University; William Woods University- Masters in Administration K-12
Leadership Roles?I have served the past 6 years in the role of President Elect, President, and just completing my term as Past President. I was also served for 6 years in these same roles for the Northeast district. I have served as trombone judge for the All State band auditions now for over 20 years where I have now been the lead judge for 16 years.
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board?Since I have been privileged to be a part of the East Central board, I have been able to see the inner workings and have discussion with several different vice presidents. I feel like this has given me insight into serving our East Central students and educators in a unique way.

Elliot Naes-Farmington
Years of Teaching Experience? 8
Education -BSEd at Mizzou, MMEd at Central Methodist
Leadership Roles? I was previously ECD MS Band VP.
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board?
I would love to serve as HS Band VP to give back to the educators who have taught me so much in my 8 years at Farmington. I have experience running many festivals during the school year for marching band, jazz band, middle school, and our own local solo & ensemble recital. I also served previously as a MS Band VP. I look forward to serving you and your students.
Naes 2020

HS Choir VP
Lydia Hill-Fox
Years of Teaching Experience? 12
Education -B.A. Applied Music - Voice; Minor: Art & M.M. Vocal Performance from Lee University; Cleveland, Tennessee | The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Leadership at Walden University; Teacher Licensure and Post Graduate Studies (pursuing EdS Degree)
Leadership Roles? ACDA/MCDA | 2014 -Present, MMEA/NAfME | 2009 - Present; MSTA | 2009-Present;
NAfME Tri-M National Music Honor Society,
Chapter #5232 Faculty Sponsor | 2014 - Present; Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society, Inducted IOTA EPSILON | 2007; Sigma Alpha Iota International Women’s Music Fraternity, Inducted LAMBDA ETA 2006 | Chapter Editor, 2006-2007
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board?As a wife and mother, I have come to discover that my love language is “Acts of Service.” This also shows itself in my work: I truly love my job as a music educator and believe I would be an asset on the Board representing HS Choir. I feel that each professional role I’ve had has multiplied both my preparation and my ability to represent ECMEA with pride.

I currently serve as director of choral music at Fox High School; as a program with 200+ choir students, my organizational skills and ability to manage large groups of people consistently come into play. This also will play an important role on the board as organizing auditions, and communication with judges and directors for district choir is a primary job description for VP.

As a caveat, I am also a collaborating teacher with university-level vocal music education majors and would love to have the ECD Colleges have the opportunity to recruit our HS All-District Choir students throughout the district choir process in some capacity.

Bethanie Ward-NC
Years of Teaching Experience? 10
Education -Bachelors & Masters - Missouri State University
Leadership Roles?I was elected the JH Choral VP in 2012 but had to give it up when I ended up moving to the bootheel once I married.
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board? I would enjoy the opportunity to serve on the board as the HS Choral VP so that I can not only contribute to the discussion for how we keep our district moving in the right direction, but also to make sure we are doing what is best for the students and directors in our district.


MS Band VP
Cassie Rice
Years of Teaching Experience? 18
Education -B.S in Music Education - Missouri State and Masters in Educational Administration - Missouri Baptist
Leadership Roles?East Central District 7 Middle School Band VP, 2012-2014
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board?Our district is an awesome community of educators and musicians! I have worked as a director in this district for 13 years and feel like I have a good grasp of how we function. I am happy to serve in this capacity and will always strive to keep the best interest of directors and students in mind.

MS Choir VP
Kelly Pippin-Ridgewood
Years of Teaching Experience? 11
Education -Missouri State University
Leadership Roles? Not yet
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board?

I believe the children are the future. I want to teach them well and let them lead the way. Show them all the beauty they possess inside.

I am happy to serve and I love helping provide opportunities for the students of our district to expand their musical experiences.



HS Jazz VP
Dennis Mayberry- Bismark
Years of Teaching Experience? 10
Education BME @ University of Missouri- St. Louis
Leadership Roles? Not yet
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board? I believe that everyone that is part of an organization should try to make that organization better. Serving in a capacity to apply change directly to the procedure and policies is one of the most effective ways to make that difference. Our district has a long history of being on the forefront of promoting music education. I want to be able to help keep music in the forefront as well as help Improve its quality among all the districts we serve.

Tommy Perry- Fox
Years of Teaching Experience? 5
Education -Missouri State University, BME, ‘15 . American Band College of Central Washington University, MM Summer ‘20
Leadership Roles? Not yet

Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board? I would like to serve as a member of the ECD7 board to help continue to make our district one of the strongest districts in the State. If appointed, I look to collaborate with past board members as well as current educators to ensure we continue to put true, quality music education as the main focus in everything we do.


MS Jazz VP
Steve Harms
Years of Teaching Experience? 26
Education -SEMO BME, SEMO MME
Leadership Roles? EC7 Middle School Band 8yrs, President (Elect, Pres., Past) 6yr total, High School Band 2 yr. total of 16 years
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board?
I have the time others don't.


Elementary VP
Mandy Miller- Lonedell
Years of Teaching Experience? 4
Education Southwest Baptist University - Bachelors in church music, Missouri Baptist University - Teacher Certification/working on masters
Leadership Roles? I have had the privilege to be the piano accompanist for 4 reading sessions in the elementary/general music sessions at the MMEA conference. I will be chaperoning the All-State Childrens Choir this year.
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board?
Music is a major part of my life. I do not understand how a person could not enjoy music. As an educator, I find myself compelled to help students find their own passion for music. One way of being an advocate for our students to further their musical abilities would be to help serve them in the position of Vice-President of Elementary Music for our district. I enjoy behind the scenes planning and organizing activities to allow students to be showcased of their talent. I also enjoy being an advocate for their musical education. I would be honored to take on this role if elected.

Rebecca Shipley (FOX)
Years of Teaching Experience? 26
Education - B.S. Vocal Music Education Northwest Missouri State University 1993, Master of Curriculum and Instruction National-Louis University 2000, Master plus hours at the SIUE department of music and Vandercook College of Music
Leadership Roles?Not yet
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board?I have never served but have been a member since 1993. I want to use this opportunity to give back to an organization that has been a huge part of my professional growth throughout my career.

College VP

Aaron Bounds-ECC

Years of Teaching Experience? 12
Education Missouri State University for both Bachelors and Masters
Leadership Roles? I have not, however, I have held many leadership positions at my institution including Vice President of our NEA chapter.
Why are you interested in serving on the EC7 Board? I would like to be more involved in the East Central District #7, strengthen our ties between institutions and the local colleges, and be more involved with MMEA as a whole.

East Central District 7 Educator of the Year

Do you know of a music educator who is doing a phenomenal job that you would like to recognize?  Please consider nominating them!

Nominations will be accepted until Dec 1, 2019. Former winners can be found on our website (www.ec7mmea.org)

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A few pictures from PD 2019. Thank you to everyone for attending!

We hope that you can join us for the 3rd Annual ECD #7 Professional Development Day.  This year's event will be held at Farmington High School on August 17th and will start at 10 AM.   

This event is free to our area teachers, but registration is required as lunch will be provided by one of the day's sponsors.  

East Central #7 P.D. Day 2019
Saturday, August 17 10:00 am-1:00pm - Farmington High School

9:30-10:00 - Conversation and Coffee
Sign up for raffle draws, catch up with colleagues and talk to visiting vendors

10:00 am Welcome - Doug RIce, ECMEA7 President
District News, Bylaw Changes and questions and Description of Vice President and Board member responsibilities, etc

Breakout Sessions
10:40-11:25 am Session 1
Elementary - Tiny Guitar Club - Chris Johnson - Zitzman Elementary (Meremac Valley (Pacific))
Chris will describe his Ukelele Program. How and why it was started and funded - and he may teach some simple songs! *Chris is also a wonderful resource for 6 String guitar

Choir Discussion - Tone Development and Vowel Awareness - Moderator - David North (Union)

Band Discussion - Beginning Band Recruiting and Retention - Moderator - Darrell Boyer (Desoto)

Band DIscussion - Literature Selection for Concert and Jazz Band - Moderator - Dobie Carroll

11:30-12:15 pm Session 2
Elementary Discussion- Young Vocal Ensembles - Recruitment, Literature, rehearsal times, part singing, etc -
Moderator - Colissa Alexander

Choir Discussion - Sight reading in the Vocal Ensemble - Moderator - Natalie Moore

Band - Beginning Band Processes - Processes we use in the first year bandroom - Doug and Cassie Rice

Band Discussion - Literature Selection for Concert and Jazz - Moderator - Dobie Carroll

12:15 - Specific area meeting and greeting - gather with your area educators and Vice President to share any news or changes!
12:30 pm Lunch (provided by Fazios - Linda Huck)
1:15 pm Adjournment
1:30 pm E.C. District #7 Executive Board meeting
(This meeting will conclude by 3pm.)