Wow, the summer went fast! The older I get the faster they fly by…I hope everyone had a wonderful break and ready for the best year of your career so far. 
KSHSAA and KMEA continue to collaborate to make Music in Kansas one of the best in our nation! I would like to thank you all for providing your young musicians a quality education and being a positive model. One of the many wonderful aspects of my KSHSAA position is witnessing the wonderful music teaching that is being demonstrated in our state each and every day. You definitely make a difference in the lives of thousands of kids every day!
A few points of emphasis for the 2019-20 school year.
2019-20 KSHSAA and KMEA Classifications (Different from the School Classifications and are unique to Music only)
6A – 32 schools; 5A – 32 schools; 4A – 56 schools; 3A – 64 schools; 2A – 64 schools; 1A – 107 schools (Approximate)
We will be emailing all high school music teachers, AD’s and Building Principals the 2019-20 Music Classifications lists in early October after the September 20th count is finalized here in the KSHSAA office.
Music Manual Page 12 (changes in red font)
Piano accompanists need not be students, but we have many talented student pianists in Kansas. We encourage directors to utilize student accompanists when available and appropriate.
- Piano accompanists may serve, whether connected with the school or not. Each school must have a sufficient number of accompanists so that events will not be delayed. The same accompanist may not be used at two different music festival sites on the same day. In order to support our festival host site managers with entry scheduling, it is strongly recommended accompanists limit their events to less than 12. No accompanist may play for more than 22 events. There is no charge for piano or non-piano accompanists of vocal or instrumental entries.
- Intelligent accompaniments (e.g., Smart Music) will be allowed for solo performances only when a qualified accompanist is not available. Schools shall bring their own equipment to be used at the festivals, and the scheduled performance time limit must include setting up and taking down equipment. The intelligent accompaniment unit must be set on the interactive mode for all performances and the intelligent accompaniment must follow the performer. It must be used as piano accompaniment only and is not to be used in orchestral or any other accompaniment modes. Non-interactive accompaniment recording, such as CD or MIDI, etc., will not be allowed. Intelligent accompaniments should only be utilized as a last option when a qualified accompanist is not available. KMEA and their affiliate organizations will plan to assist directors by offering clinic sessions on intelligent accompaniments at the in-service workshop and their summer conventions.
The National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) continues to do an outstanding job of reaching out to music teachers and music adjudicators in our nation. I want to make you aware of five free online music courses that are available at www.nfhslearn.com
Understanding Copyright and Compliance
This course should be taken by ALL K-12 and College/University music teachers! Not complying with music copyright laws could potentially cost you and/or your school district $30,000.00 per infraction. You need to educate yourself on copyright laws and know what is legal and illegal. This course was written in partnership with the NFHS and NAfME.
Introduction to Interscholastic Music
Designed to provide an overview of best practices in the music classroom and interscholastic music competitions.
The skills taught in this course introduce and reinforce time tested guidelines and techniques that music educators of any level of proficiency can use in directing music programs across the United States. Although this course is useful at any point in a music teacher’s career, this course is the best fit for music educators in their beginning years. Upon completion of this course, you will have the skills and knowledge necessary to develop the strategies and tools needed to be successful in the music classroom.
Introduction to Music Adjudication
Designed to provide an overview of music adjudication and the best practices for many adjudicating situations. The skills taught in this course introduce and reinforce time tested guidelines and techniques that adjudicators of any level of proficiency have successfully used to adjudicate interscholastic solo and small ensemble music festivals.
Interscholastic Music Event Management
Designed to provide an overview of management and best practices for hosting music events. These events provide a setting outside of the classroom for students to showcase their musicianship, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. As a contest, festival, or honor group manager, you serve a crucial role in creating a positive and efficient environment for student success. The skills taught in this course introduce and reinforce time tested guidelines and techniques that music event managers with any level of hosting experience can utilize to efficiently and successfully manage interscholastic music events.
Band Safety
Band provides a setting outside of the classroom for participants to showcase their musicianship, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills. In order for these objectives to be met, it is important to provide a safe environment for all participants in Band. To help you provide that safe environment, the NFHS has partnered with Music for All, Bands of America, WGI Sport of the Arts, Drum Corps International, and Varsity Athletic Bands to bring you “Band Safety.” This course addresses heat and other weather concerns, the value of hydration, rest and sleep, hearing protection, and other safety considerations.
Besides these NFHS courses, the KSHSAA and KMEA strongly recommend that all Kansas music adjudicators view the KSHSAA/KMEA Online Music Adjudicator Training videos. This adjudication training video is divided into two sections, Part 1: The General Adjudicating Philosophy with Rules and Regulations that will provide guidance to the novice adjudicator and also remind the veteran adjudicator of important information. It is divided into three five minute videos. Each video will be followed by a question and answer section that requires 100% accuracy in order to continue. Part 2: Offers hands-on instruction from qualified music adjudicators for Band, Choir, and Orchestra. Each different genre lasts approximately one hour to view. Please contact Craig Manteuffel, cmanteuffel@kshsaa.org or Kathy Wilhelm, kwilhelm@kshsaa.org to receive your login and password in order to participate. Our Kansas high school musicians deserve quality music adjudication, so get signed up today!
Our NEW Regional solos and small ensemble festival format for the next two years is shown below. This will allow high school music teachers to adjudicate on their off years, SO PLEASE GET SIGNED UP TODAY!!! Contact Craig or Kathy.
I hope you have a wonderful school year as you create beautiful music with your students. If my office can assist you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me or Kathy Wilhelm, my assistant. The KSHSAA office phone number is (785) 273-5329.
Craig Manteuffel 
Assistant Executive Director of Fine Arts and Spirit
Kansas State High School Activities Association
