Elementary Notes

Julie Sluyter, Elementary Chair
Julie Sluyter, Elementary Chair

We are just weeks away from our KMEA In-Service Workshop and the excitement is mounting! I am so thankful for the opportunity to get together with colleagues, listen to inspirational clinicians, and celebrate our elementary students from all over the state.

Our ISW will feature 2 excellent children’s choirs – The Wichita Riverside Elementary Choir – Virtuoso Voices directed by Jody Scott and The Lawrence Cordley Elementary Choir directed by Lysette DeBoard. You won’t want to miss these performances!

Our headliners this year will provide a wide variety of musical experiences. First, Artie Almeida is returning to Kansas! Her sessions are sure to provide you plenty of opportunities to get up and move and find instant ideas that will work in your classroom. Patty Bourne will also be joining us with her expertise in World Drumming and Classroom Management techniques. Thom Borden will get us dancing around and using a variety children’s literature to teach our curriculum. As a special treat, Tricia Kidd, our NAfME Southwestern Division President will be engaging us with some folk dancing ideas and sharing our passion for working with our youngest students. Rounding out our ISW will be our reading session with Janie Brokenicky from Kansas State University and a session with our All-State Elementary Honor Choir Clinician Elizabeth Nunez. We have a jam packed conference planned!

Our incoming KMEA Elementary Chair Carrie DeVries is already planning for 2018 and would love to the opportunity to visit with our elementary teachers. Be sure to introduce yourself to her as you attend the ISW.

It has been a real honor to serve as your Elementary Chair for the last two years. I look forward to seeing all of you in February and have a wonderful start to the New Year!

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