Virginia Music Educators Association

- Overview
- Contact Us
- History

- Officers/Staff
- Executive Board
- Council Review

- General Info
- Submit Articles
- Advertisers

- Site Details
- Registration
- Exhibitor Info
- Last Year

- Band/Orchestra
- Chorus

- General Info
- Bills Pending

- Blue Ribbon
- Student
- Membership
- Non-members
- Special

- Docs
- Forms

Top of Page

Top of Page

History

As prepared by Betty Tabor for the 5oth Anniversary of VMEA (1994-1995)

Many years ago, THE GRAMMAR GRADE DEPARTMENT - MUSIC SECTION met for the first time during the 1914 Convention of Virginia State Teachers' Association (VSTA). The meeting was chaired by Miss Florence Baird of East Radford. VSTA became Virginia Education Association (VEA) in 1925 and music teachers continued to meet annually as a section with VEA.

This historical commentary on VMEA has been compiled through:
a) review of VMEA board meetings and general session minutes from 1949-1994
b) research of the 1945-1946 Music Educators Journal (MEJ) issues
c) personal interviews and conversations with long-time VMEA members
d) information from research presented in Betty Russell Blasch's 1972 doctoral dissertation at the University of Virginia.

(For the celebration of VMEA's 50th Anniversary, Betty Blasch has shared the "Virginia Years" chapters from her dissertation which refer to the development of music activities and curriculum influenced by Luther Richman, first State Supervisor of Music in Virginia.)

In the 1920s, the majority of music teachers in Virginia were high school graduates with some normal school or college preparation. No uniform standards were required for teacher preparation. As early as 1927, the State Department of Education began to initiate efforts to employ a state supervisor of music in Virginia. This was in response to the growing insistence for more and better trained school music teachers by state school boards across the nation. In 1936, the Virginia legislature provided funds for the position and Sidney B. Hall, State Superintendent for Public Instruction requested assistance from the Music Section of the Virginia Education Association (VEA) in the search for an outstanding candidate. He asked music teachers to prepare a list of requisites the ideal state music supervisor should possess.

Luther Richman, a nationally known and highly respected music educator, more than met those requisites and was appointed to the position in August, 1936. His influence on the professional growth of music teachers, the inclusion of music in the school curriculum, and the organization of music clinics and festivals led to the organization of VMEA.

Luther Richman's positive approach to increase and improve music education in the schools of Virginia encouraged support and assistance from music teachers, school boards, and school and college administrators. Under his leadership, the Music Section-VEA, reorganized to form a permanent body with annual dues of twenty-five cents (25¢). Luther served as president of that group from 1937-1941. 1939 marked the organization of the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association. Its members remained closely affiliated with the Music Section-VEA, participating in the development of projects and policies for music education throughout the state.

In 1935, the Music Section, VEA initiated a newsletter entitled "The Offbeat," which was immediately applauded by the newly appointed supervisor for its value in communicating with teachers throughout the state. He encouraged increased coverage and assisted with improvements. Mayme O'Flaherety, a young music teacher in Richmond served as editor. The newsletter appeared in mimeograph form and was distributed to music teachers at irregular intervals. In 1949, the newsletter "Offbeat" became the official publication of VMEA, appeared in printed form and its name was changed to VMEA NOTES. Mary Elizabeth Kimsey is listed as editor in the first several issues; however, the Board of Control minutes dated November 3, 1949, include a motion for the continuance of Mrs. Shuman as editor. In a March 12, 1950 meeting, Wendall Sanderson was referred to as the Business Manager of Notes and gave a report to the Board. Wendall was subsequently appointed as
editor.

While serving as Chairman of the Virginia State MENC Committee in the late 1930s and early 1940s, Luther Richman encouraged the formation of the Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA). The Music Section-VEA and the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors established the organization in 1944, electing Sena Wood, Choral Director at Maury High School in Norfolk, as its first president.

It has been stated in past VMEA Handbooks that the first announcement of VMEA's
affiliation with MENC was published in the 1946 January/February issue of the MEJ. Relying on those sources, VMEA members have assumed that MENC affiliation was probably official in late 1945. During a research of 1946 MEJ issues, this information was found to be inaccurate. The first acknowledgment of Virginia is in the 1946 MEJ March issue. In that issue, a few states, including Virginia, are listed as having had recent elections. Officers are listed, but no mention was made concerning affiliation. The announcement concerning VMEA's affiliation was found in the 1946 MEJ June issue. Further research has shown that the Virginia Music Educators Association was officially established by music educators with their election of officers and new name during 1944-1945 and became an affiliated state unit of MENC in January, 1946.

1946 was also a special year for Luther Richman as he began his term as president of MENC, the only Virginian ever elected to that office. VMEA continued as a department of and received financial allotments from VEA until 1974. The VMEA Board of Control meetings and General Session meetings for teachers were held during the annual VEA Convention. NEA and VEA passed a "unification" policy in 1974. VEA issued a resolution stating "if a department expected to receive its annual appropriation or be considered for a special appropriation, it must require VEA membership by all members by November 15, 1974." In October, 1974, the VMEA board decided to follow MENC's disassociation with NEA and voted to disassociate with VEA. The decision was approved by the membership, confirming VMEA as an independent professional music organization.

Dr. C. J. Hesch, third State Supervisor of Music, organized numerous state music conferences sponsored by the State Department of Education. According to VMEA minutes, the first such conference was held in Roanoke for 2 days in 1962. In 1979, VMEA President John Savage initiated the first VMEA In-Service Music Conference, sponsored solely by VMEA.

As VMEA celebrates fifty years of providing organizational support for district and All-Virginia student events and continues to serve its membership with in-service opportunities during the annual conference, many of the same obstacles in obtaining program support for schools continue to appear. With no assistance provided for the re-establishment of a State Supervisor of Music position, the VMEA officers, representatives and membership continue efforts to sustain the music curriculum and activities that have been established in the past 50 years.

VMEA Executive Board meetings in the 1990s are quite similar to those held during the past 50 years. Topics that have always concerned the membership continue to surface; redistricting, festival participation, membership involvement, conference, district financial reporting, and revision of rules and regulations governing events.

VMEA PAST PRESIDENTS
During the first 50 years of VMEA, there were 26 Presidents. Only one did not serve the full 2-year term of office. Luroy Krumwiede left the teaching field and resigned in 1957. According to the provisions of the VMEA Constitution at that time, the chairman of the Instrumental Section, Leo Imperial, became president for the remainder of the term. The roster of Past Presidents with teaching specialty and location is as follows:

1944-1946	Sena Wood	V	Norfolk
1946-1948	Sharon Hoose	I	Charlottesville
1948-1950	Wendell Sanderson	I	Richmond
1950-1952	Raymond Reed	S	Arlington
1952-1954	Gene Morlan	I	Woodstock
1954-1956	Sidney Berg	I	Norfolk
1956-1957	Luroy Krumwiede	I	Glade Spring
1957-1958	Leo Imperial	I	Portsmouth
1958-1960	William Troxell	G	Ashland
1960-1962	Bernard Busse	C	Charlottesville
1962-1964	Catherine Dycus	E	Newport News
1964-1966	Alton Howell	V	Richmond
1966-1968	Paul Sanger	I	Staunton
1968-1970	Donald Tennant	C	Richmond
1970-1972	Ruth Pace	V	Martinsville
1972-1974	James Simmons	I	Charlottesville
1974-1976	Doris Hutton	E	Hampton
1976-1978	Sidney Swiggett	V	Hampton
1978-1980	John Savage	I	Richmond
1980-1982	Harriet Heath	V	Portsmouth
1982-1984	David Soloman	I	VA Beach
1984-1986	Daniel Schoemmell	I	Winchester
1986-1988	Betty Tabor	V	Alexandria
1988-1990	Charlotte Collins	C	Winchester
1990-1992	Robert Stamback	V	Springfield
1992-1994	Stephen King	S	Roanoke
1994-1996	Diana Love	I	Blacksburg
1996-1998	Davidson Burgess	S	Spotsylvania
1999-2000	Scott Lambert	I	Chesapeake
2000-2002	Terry Austin	C	Richmond
2002-2004	Linda Gammon	I	Fairfax
2004-2006	Charlotte Smith	C	Montgomery

Summary of President Representation 1944-2004

VMEA Presidents by Districts		Teaching Speciality
Districts 6, 7	5	Instrumental	14
Districts 2, 4, 8	8	Vocal	7
District 5	6	Elementary	2
Districts 1, 3	7	College	4
Districts 9-12	4	Supervisory	3


Highlights and Interesting Tidbits Through 50 Years
1935
Music Section-VEA initiated communication newsletter for members.
1936
First appointed supervisor of music in Virginia.
Only 68 regular and 47 part-time school music teachers in Virginia.
1938
First summer music clinics held for elementary teachers.
1941
More than 1000 band instruments that had belonged to the United States Army Band were donated to the State Department of Education and distributed to various high schools.
1942
First band clinic was sponsored by the State Department of Education. Held in Richmond with 20 participating band and orchestra directors and 70 high school students selected for the first "all-state" band.
First "clinic chorus" sponsored by the State Department of Education. 1500 selected singers from 35 high schools

1944-1946
Music educators formed the Virginia Music Educators Association (1944).
The first string clinic under state sponsorship was held in Richmond (1944).
28 of the 111 school districts had no music teachers 1949-1950).
VMEA affiliated with MENC in January, 1946.
Supervisor of Music Luther Richman began term as MENC President.
First division of Virginia into 6 music districts by Luther Richman and VMEA.
10 different district music festivals with more than 10,000 students were conducted.
1948-1950
VMEA treasury balance was $671.94 with no outstanding bills (1949).
First approval for mileage reimbursement to board meetings (1949)
Publication "Offbeat" renamed VMEA NOTES, Mary Kimsey, Editor (1949)
Second revision of Constitution completed.
$1,000 bond purchased to cover VMEA treasurer @ $2.50 per year (1949).
Membership approves new constitution, 86-0.
MENC Code of Ethics for music education and school and community functions distributed.
1950-1952
VMEA treasury balance of $1,129.64
Southern MENC Conference in Richmond.
Motion for 1,000 letterheads to be printed with envelopes as needed.
VMEA board raised mileage reimbursement to 5¢ per mile.
State dues for VMEA were $1.00.
Russell Williams appointed third editor of VMEA Notes.
Schedule of event dates adopted.
3 year bonds of $2,000 each approved for VMEA Treasurer and VMEA NOTES editor.
Constitution printed and distributed (1952).
1952-1954
VMEA President Gene Morlan accepted invitation to meet with Negro music teachers' organization, Music Conference of the Virginia Teachers Association (MCTVA) for purpose of discussing problems of mutual interest and concern.
Carl Fehr informed the VMEA board that a curriculum in music and music education, leading to the degree of B.S. will be inaugurated at the College of William and Mary in the fall of 1953.
244 paid members of VMEA.
VMEA board voted for VBODA members to no longer pay separate dues because VMEA dues covers VBODA membership.
Allotment of $25 was approved for the VMEA president and editor of Notes to attend the MENC National Conference in Chicago.
VMEA expanded to 7 districts.
Fees for festival participants were raised from 25¢ to 35¢.
1954-1956
VMEA treasury balance in October was $1,373.14.
VMEA and MENC dues were $6.00.
First revision of VMEA Handbook printed and distributed.
VMEA treasury balance in June increased to $2,484.30.
VMEA sponsored North, East, and West All-State Bands and Choruses.
$155 each allotted to the VMEA president and editor of Notes for the MENC conference in St. Louis; $75 each to the treasurer and secretary.
1956-1958
First annual budget ($2,070) adopted (1956).
VMEA sponsored four All-State events: Northern, East, West, and Central All-State Bands and Choruses.
VMEA approved a proposed budget of $15,600 (1957).
College section approved as a section of VMEA (1957).
Motion passed for the treasurer to be empowered to purchase an adding machine.
$100.00 was included in the 1958 budget for the elementary section; $150.00 for the college section, vocal section, and VBODA.
1958-1960
General membership voted in October to approve the recommended reorganization of the VMEA Board. Board of Control name changed to Executive Board composed of: president, first vice-president, second vice-president, secretary, treasurer, chairman of four sections, chairmen of each district and the ex-officio members.
MENC Southern Division Conference held in Roanoke.
Motion approved VMEA officers and representatives to assume office on February 1
Second revision of VMEA constitution approved. (Dr. C. J. Hesch, committee chair, presented five drafts prior to the adoption.)
1962-1964
Each section was requested to select a Treasurer.
Vocal section name changed to Choral section, VMEA.
First VMEA president, Sena Wood, dies in September, 1963
First report found in VMEA minutes concerning one All-Virginia Band and All-Virginia Chorus, both held at the University of Virginia in April. Previous reference to All-State was changed to All-Virginia.
Office of Treasurer was changed from elected to appointed.
Dr. Bernard Busse was nominated for President of MENC Southern Division.*
James Simmons was appointed as the fourth editor of Notes.
1964-1966
The matter of incorporation of VMEA was discussed during the October meeting.
The VEA allotment to VMEA was $300.00 in 1966.
Sidney Swiggett was appointed first membership chairman.
Third president of VMEA, Wendall Sanderson, dies in November, 1965
VMEA had 800 members (1966).
1966-1968
Student Chapter-VMEA, to be sponsored by the College Section, approved.
Membership chairman approved as Ex Officio member of the board.
Alton Howell appointed as fifth editor of Notes.
VMEA membership increased to 1039 by April.
Second revision of VMEA handbook completed and distributed.
1968-1970
Motion approved in October, 1968, that no individual may be considered as a representative of VMEA on the board of any organization unless appointed by the VMEA Executive Board.
VMEA mileage reimbursement was raised to 9¢ per mile.
Non-Participation fee of $4.00 established.
VMEA Board voted to merge with MCVTA.
Dr. Hesch introduces Lena Long as the new Assistant Supervisor of Music.
String teachers requested and received representation on the VMEA Board.
Gerald Granderson appointed as VMEA Treasurer.
1970-1972
VMEA membership totaled 1300.
Third revision of the VMEA constitution approved.
VEA gave a grant of $630 for research on why Virginia music students choose to attend out of state colleges.
1972-1974
MENC Southern Division/VMEA Conference was held in Norfolk (1973).
VMEA district IV was divided into the current 4 districts (9,10, 11, & 12), increasing the number of VMEA districts to 12 (1973).
The non-member participation fee increased to $6.00.

1974-1976

VMEA membership voted to disassociate with VEA following MENC action to disassociate with NEA (1975).

VMEA contributed $1000 to the MENC Building fund in memory of Dr. C. J. Hesch, State Supervisor of Music until his death in 1975.

The 3rd revision of the VMEA handbook was distributed.

VMEA members made private contributions of more than $10,000 to the MENC building fund during 1975-1976.

1976-1978

VMEA board approved a motion to delete the All-State String Orchestra designation and make all future references as All-State Band and Orchestra (1977).

VMEA annual section allotments increased to $450 for VBODA, $350 for VCDA, College section, and $300 for Elementary section.

HEW acknowledges that SSA and TTBB choirs are acceptable.

1978-1980

The first music conference sponsored for and by VMEA held in November.

25 year service recognition award initiated.

1346 VMEA members. 700 music teachers are not members.

Harriet Heath initiates and plans first VMEA Honors Choir for 1979 Conference.

1980-1982

Sidney Swiggett appointed as Parliamentarian.

Southern Division President and MENC Executive Director attend VMEA Conference.

Second VMEA Conference held in Virginia Beach.

Music Supervisors section, VAMEA, added to VMEA Executive Board.

1982-1984

Travel reimbursement increased to 20¢ per mile.

Orchestra Representative approved by Executive Board to be appointed by VBODA.

Membership approved change in constitution for Past-Presidents who attend at least one meeting per year to remain on the Executive Board indefinitely.

Robert DeWell appointed as sixth editor of Notes.

1984-1986

Superintendent of the Year Award initiated (1985).

VMEA position statement distributed during review of Virginia High School diploma requirements.

Non-member participating fee raised to $25.

VMEA Handbook and Constitution revision begin.

1986-1988

VMEA active membership totaled 1550 in 1988.

VMEA NOTES, Robert DeWell, editor, receives MENC State Journal Award.

Congress and Virginia Governor designate March as "Music In Our Schools Month."

4th revision of VMEA Handbook with fifth constitutional revision approved.

First VMEA leadership conference held for officers and representatives.

VMEA and VBODA co-commissioned an instrumental work for the 1988 All-Virginia Band in memory of Sharon Hoose, former president of VMEA and VBODA.

Alton Howell, former president of VCDA, VMEA and Editor of Notes dies in January, 1987, while playing an organ prelude at church.

VMEA Notes staff was reorganized for improvement in content, finances, printing and distribution. Appointments included Vernon Burnsed as seventh editor, John Husser as
Business Manager, George Megaw as Advertising Manager, and an editorial staff representing all sections of VMEA.

Conference Coordinator position established.

Revision of financial reports from District event hosts.

Non-member participation fee raised to $50.

Committees study securing VMEA insurance, Music Educator of Year Award.

1988-1990
Events Manual adopted.
VMEA purchases association insurance for officers and events.
Gerald Granderson retires as Treasurer, (1968-1989). Vincent Tornello appointed.
VMEA awards study completed and committee recommendations approved.
MENC appoints Betty Tabor as Chairman of first MENC International Chorus.
All-Virginia groups perform for 1990 MENC Convention.
John Yeager and Betty Tabor appointed to MENC Course of Study Committee.
VMEA is incorporated.
VMEA Task Force promotes arts education requirement in the Standards for Accrediting Schools in Virginia and Agenda for the Nineties.
VMEA and VCDA co-commission a choral work in memory of Alton Howell.
1990-1992
State Department of Education reorganizes. No designated Supervisor of Music for the first time in 45 years. Theresa Lee appointed as Music Specialist.
Robert DeWell, former Editor of NOTES, dies in May, 1990.
Travel reimbursement raised to 24¢ per mile.
Membership approves hiring an executive director for VMEA.
VMEA sponsors Virginia Music Camp.
1992-1994
VMEA total membership reaches 2000.
Lyn Tarabick employed part-time as first VMEA Executive Director.
President's Committee, Executive Director, and Governmental Relations Chair, Jean Shackelford, active in promoting The Goals 2000: Educate America Act.
VMEA President attends national press conference in Washington, D.C. for presentation of National Standards for Arts Education.
Preparation for VMEA 50th Anniversary begins.
1994-1996
VMEA 50th Anniversary Celebration.
VMEA board approves full-time position for executive secretary.
Fifth revision of VMEA Handbook begun.
Sixth revision of VMEA Constitution approved.
As approved by the VMEA Executive Board in January, 1995, the VMEA Archives will soon be housed in the Music Library, Hornbake 3210, University of Maryland. (Tel 301/405/9216; Fax 301/314-7170). Mr. Bruce Wilson, Archivist, maintains the MENC archives, CBDNA archives, and National Piano Teachers archives in addition to other national music associations. VMEA members who hold VMEA items or data that have contributed to the history of VMEA should contact Mr. Wilson. He will advise on procedures for either sending data by mail or bringing it to the library personally. VMEA members are encouraged to visit the music library and browse through your professional music history.
DIRECTIONS TO U OF MD
Wilson Bridge then take #295
Follow #295 to Baltimore/Wash Parkway
Take B/W Prkwy to #495 (West?) toward College Park (Silver Spring?)
2 exits(?) look for College Park Exit but BE SURE TO TAKE RT. 1 SOUTH
Go about 2 miles - will come to fast foods, etc. then come to wide intersection with gate to Univ of Md. Go toward traffic circle with floral M -
enter circle at 6:00 - exit 12:00
end of construction fencing - right into Lib area
drive over sidewalk to end of fence(?)
Use phone at entrance at arrival
Library phone code - 59215 - Meridith

Office phone: 301-405-9216 (9215) Bruce Wilson
VMEA minutes indicate a constant professional attitude toward supporting
Virginia representation at all MENC National and Southern Division conferences.
VMEA "NOTES"
(from 1995 article "Advocating Music Education For Nearly Fifty Years" Kevin Fenton)

When officials of the Virginia Music Educators Association distributed the first issue of the VMEA Notes in January of 1949, its purpose was to inform music educators throughout the state of the official business and activities of the association, and to build unity among its members through communication.In an attempt to fulfill these goals, Mary Kimsey, the original editor, formatted the first issue to include a message from the association president, announcements of upcoming events, and minutes from official VMEA meetings-she had been allotted only eight pages for the publication so there was little room for anything else.

A similar format was used for each of the five remaining issues of the first year but, because VMEA officials desired more from the publication, they voted to expand Notes to twelve pages for the 1950-51 year. They believed the expansion would give the membership the opportunity to share ideas and methods for teaching music, and they invited members of the association to submit articles pertaining to any aspect of music education.

A perusal through the back issues of Notes clearly indicates that the music education profession in Virginia has grown and matured throughout the past fifty years. From eight pages to as many as eighty, Notes has reflected the growth and professionalism of VMEA. State leaders and editors have contributed much to the development of Notes. During Bob DeWell's reign, Notes was awarded state journal of the year by MENC. That issue featured a beautiful full color picture taken from the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Perhaps the most change occurred with Notes when President Betty Tabor appointed the current publication staff. Notes is now completely formatted with computer technology prior to going to the printer. This has saved money and given the staff more control over the appearance of Notes. This fall (1995), Notes will become the first state journal to go on-line with its own World Wide Web home page.

Notes has grown from eight pages of primarily minutes and supervisor's messages to a comprehensive journal with music reviews, research columns, feature articles, and messages from each section president. Throughout its forty-six year history it has been a staunch defender of music education in Virginia. Each era of VMEA's history shows that a segment of society will always challenge the importance of music education in Virginia. Reflecting on the history of VMEA Notes should provide Virginia music educators confidence that they will be ready to face these future challenges.
The Editors 1949 - 1995
Mary Kimsey 1949-1950
Wendell Sanderson 1950-1952
Russell Williams 1952-1963
James Simmons 1963-1966
Alton Howell 1966-1984
Robert DeWell 1984-1988
Vernon Burnsed 1988-2005
David Greennagel 2005-present

VMEA ANNUAL AWARDS (Presented during annual conference)
Outstanding Music Educator
Outstanding Administrator
Lifetime Achievement
Outstanding General Music Educator

RECOGNITION AWARDS
15 Year Teaching Service Award
25 Year Teaching Service Award
Retired Teacher Plaque
Conference Performance Plaques
VMEA CONFERENCES
1979 JOHN MARSHALL HOTEL, RICHMOND
FIRST HONORS CHOIR
1980 JOHN MARSHALL HOTEL, RICHMOND
1981 PAVILION, VIRGINIA BEACH
1982 JOHN MARSHALL HOTEL, RICHMOND
1983 HOTEL ROANOKE
1984 HOLIDAY INN/SCOPE, NORFOLK
1985 HOTEL MARRIOTT, RICHMOND
FIRST SUPERINTENDENT OF THE YEAR
1986 HOTEL ROANOKE
1987 MARK RADISSON HOTEL, ALEXANDRIA
1988 OMNI WATERSIDE HOTEL, NORFOLK
1989 HOTEL MARRIOTT, RICHMOND
1990 CAVALIERE HOTEL, VIRGINIA BEACH
FIRST MUSIC EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
1991 HOTEL MARRIOTT, RICHMOND
1992 HOTEL MARRIOTT, RICHMOND
1993 MARRIOTT WATERSIDE, NORFOLK
1994 MARRIOTT WATERSIDE, NORFOLK
1995 THE HOMESTEAD, HOT SPRINGS
FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
1996 THE HOMESTEAD
1997 THE HOMESTEAD
1998 THE HOMESTEAD
1999 THE HOMESTEAD
2000 THE HOMESTEAD
2001 THE HOMESTEAD
2002 MARRIOTT and SHERATON WATERSIDE, NORFOLK
2003 MARRIOTT and SHERATON WATERSIDE, NORFOLK
2004 MARRIOTT and SHERATON WATERSIDE, NORFOLK
2005 MARRIOTT and SHERATON WATERSIDE, NORFOLK
2006 THE HOMESTEAD 2007 MARRIOTT and SHERATON WATERSIDE, NORFOLK

Top of Page

Webmaster and Designer: Scott Lambert
Educational Music and Design
www.EdMusicDesign.com