Navarro College Band, Choir, Professors Attend TMEA Convention

Feb. 21—Select faculty, band and choir members of Navarro College attended the recently held Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) Clinic/Convention, that hosts over 29,000 attendees, including over 10,000 music educators. The clinic is designed to provide attendees with "unparalleled opportunities for professional development, inspiration, and networking," and features performances, research exhibits, and seminars.

The largest music conference in the United States, it is "the Super Bowl of music performance" stated Navarro College Director of Bands Dr. Josh Buckrucker.

Out of the 100 ensembles selected, Jazz and Symphonic All-State Band and Choir members of Navarro College were privileged to perform at the convention in San Antonio. Dr. Buckrucker explains "the students at Navarro College benefit from these performance opportunities, not only as musicians and performers, but as individuals learning valuable life lessons."

The Texas Two Year College Honor Choir also performed, inviting eight students from Navarro College Choir, lead by NC Choir Director Dr. Cindy Harrison. Dr. Harrison states that the singers "experience Choral singing at a level beyond anything they have experienced before, and are exposed to other ensembles that perform at the highest level of excellence."

The Texas Music Educators Association is an organization that promotes music education by providing unwavering support, advocacy, leadership, and resources to students and educators to foster collaboration and innovation in the fine arts communities, especially within secondary and higher education.

"It truly is a wonderful opportunity for educators to share what works best for them, and how to apply it to your own methods" Dr. Buckrucker said.

Tim Nutting, Associate Director of NC Bands, presented his research in collaboration with Navarro College and the University of Kentucky.

His research, titled "An Analysis of Undergraduate, Student Teaching and Professional Factors Contributing to Music Teacher Success and Longevity," addressed turnover rates in education and considered potential intermediaries.

"The results of this study illustrate that there are multiple factors that music educators perceive as being important to their success and longevity" concluded Mr. Nutting. "Having been a product of a large, successful high school music program, I understand the benefits of music education for all students, and I will continue this research to improve outcomes for both educators and students," he continues.

"It is a 'Great Day to be a Bulldog' when it comes to being in the band program," Dr. Buckrucker said. "The support of administration, colleagues, and communities surrounding Navarro College is monumental in growth and retention."

Navarro College Bands and Choir invite everyone to enjoy the Spring performances. Please visit the Fine Arts calendar located at navarrocollege.edu/calendar to view upcoming events and productions.

For more information about music education at Navarro College, please visit navarrocollege.edu/academics/music.