National association recognizes UC music program

The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) recently recognized the NAfME Collegiate Chapters of seven schools as “Chapters of Excellence” this summer, including the chapter at the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg.

These preservice music educators and collegiate chapters will be recognized early this fall in a virtual event that will bring together NAfME Collegiate members to share best practices from their chapters. The Chapter of Excellence recognition was developed to encourage chapters to plan and execute successful chapter music programs, professional development projects, recruitment techniques, and service projects.

Recognition of excellent projects is conferred annually and is based on activities completed by the chapter between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 of the year prior. Chapters are evaluated on participation, commitment, creativity, impact, organization, uniqueness and visibility.

The University of the Cumberlands, Florida State University and Central Michigan University were recognized as Chapters of Excellence for service.

Indiana’s Ball State University, New Jersey’s Rutgers University, the University of Nebraska-Omaha and the University of North Georgia were recognized as Chapters of Excellence for professional development.

Oakland University’s Hannah Combs, Sunderman Conservatory of Music’s Amanda Herold, University of Nebraska-Omaha’s Aida Soria, and Butler University’s Kelsey Zetzl were the four NAfME collegiate members recognized with the Professional Achievement Award.

The purpose of the Professional Achievement Award is to recognize individual collegiate members for their commitment and dedication to NAfME and music education. This recognition is given to collegiate members who have served their chapters in an exemplary manner.

National Association for Music Education is among the world’s largest arts education organizations and is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers.

The Association has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century. With more than 50,000 members teaching millions of students nationwide, the organization is the national voice of music education in the United States.