Dear KMEIA members,
It has been an action packed year for KMEIA with some major achievements to note. Our revised National Constitution was unanimously adopted in January, and our first AGM under this document was held in March, where we welcomed both new and continuing members into National Council.
We have also welcomed our new National Administrator, Ms Sue Beech, who has begun to update and modernise our records and coordinate communications with members. Our response to the ACARA draft Curriculum: The Arts was very well received, and I know that many of our members not only assisted us in our submission, but produced their own detailed submissions to shape how music education will be approached on a National basis.
Our many branches and chapters have continued to work hard in providing professional development opportunities and publications throughout the year. We receive many positive comments from members about various workshops they have attended, and it is exciting to hear of the innovations which branches have instigated to keep their offerings fresh and relevant to their members.
Many congratulations to the South Australian branch and organising committee for their outstanding hosting of the National Conference in October this year. This event was not only exciting and educational, but an excellent opportunity to network, find resources, and to connect with many friends, old and new.
Special congratulations also go to Mark O’Leary on becoming an Honorary Life Member of KMEIA. The Victorian Branch had a wonderful time keeping this presentation a well-guarded secret over the past year, and it was very special to present this award at a concert given by Young Voices of Melbourne during the Conference in Adelaide.
The New South Wales Branch of KMEIA has been busily taking on the mantle of hosting the next National Conference in 2014. We wish them all the best in their preparations, and are looking forward to hearing from them soon with some details for our diaries. In the meantime, the International Kodaly Symposium will be held in Kecskemet next year. Europe in the summer time sounds delightful!
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our members for their loyal support this year, and for your work in providing quality music education in all of your classrooms, ensembles and studios. On behalf of the National Council of KMEIA I wish you peace and joy this Christmas, and a successful and happy 2013.
Best wishes,
Tess Laird
National President
Kodaly Music Education Institute of Australia, Inc