My music background began with a BM in Music Teacher Education K-12 (Instrumental and Vocal) from the University of Houston, a MM in Music Education from New England Conservatory. I have Orff Certification, a Kodaly Certificate, Mid-Management and Supervision Certificates.I presently serve as the TMEA Elementary VP and as a music teacher of 27 years in the Texas public school system. Having taught at the elementary, secondary, and college levels my leadership in our organization gives me a wide perspective into the many issues that face all disciplines (band, orchestra, vocal, elementary, college) across Texas.My responsibilities on the State board are numerous. As division VP, I organized the Elementary portion of the 2006 TMEA state conference and am proud of the following achievements:I can't think of anyone better qualified. Anyone who read this knows I am very proud of her accomplishments.Over 50 clinicians from around the state and country were solicited for our membersIncreased the performance venues for my division and solicited performances throughout the stateImplemented poster sessions for interdisciplinary lesson plans
In addition to these achievements at the 2006 convention, I actively participated in meetings and committees focusing on the following issues:Region and area alignment implementationTMEA appeals processVertical alignment of the Music TEKS as defined in the TMEA/TMAC Curriculum-Assessment ProjectNeutralizing the Negative Impact of TAKSNon-attendance due to TAKS remediationStaffing shortages and ever-present state funding concerns
As a teacher, I have worked with elementary through secondary-aged children, teaching general music, choir, and individual flute students. I judge UIL events and supervise student teachers. I train our future music educators at the college level during summers (University of Houston and University of Texas at Brownsville).I present staff development workshops for school districts, and Education Service Centers. In my spare time, I also make music on my own. From 1993-2003, I managed and performed in the folk band Permanent Wave, which performed for my session at TMEA 2002. In addition to the above, my Orff ensemble has also performed at TMEA. I have performed with the Bay Area Chorus, Clear Lake Symphony, and Baytown Symphony and Houston Symphonic Band.