James Hollingsworth, SCKMEA President
The South-Central District started the 2023-2024 school year with a Kick-off event at Augusta High School on August 26. Attendees enjoyed a light breakfast and heard updates about the many activities and opportunities sponsored by KMEA and SCKMEA. Breakout sessions allowed band/jazz, choir, orchestra, and general music teachers to discuss items pertinent to their particular areas. Following these meetings, the SCKMEA Board gathered to make plans for upcoming events.
On October 21, the SCKMEA Elementary Choir Concert and Clinic were held at Christa McAuliffe Academy in Wichita. The Honor Choir was directed by Dylan Moore, and Resheta Patton led a workshop for teachers in attendance. November 4 was the date for live high school auditions, as well as the rehearsals and performances of the High School Jazz Bands, Middle School Honor Band, and Middle School Honor Choir. Goddard High School hosted all of these events under the same roof. Our conductors were Jeff Kidwell, 1234A Jazz Band; Dan Gailey, 56A Jazz Band; Patti Sweet, MS Honor Band; and Brad Vogel, MS Honor Choir.
The SCKMEA Mini-Convention was held at Maize High School and Maize South High School on Saturday, December 2. The general meeting and lunch were well attended. Jamie Minneman, KMEA President, brought news and greetings from our state and national organizations. Conductors for the high school honor ensembles were McKenna Stenson, Treble Choir; Eduardo Garcia-Novelli, Mixed Choir; Phillip Payne, 1234A Band; Sharon Toulouse, 56A Band; and Keith Dodson, Orchestra.
Four SCKMEA award winners were recognized at their schools in November.
Paden Town, vocal and general music teacher at Sunflower Elementary School in Andover, was named Outstanding Elementary Music Educator.
Marti King, vocal music teacher at Rose Hill Middle School, was name Outstanding Middle School Educator.
The award for Outstanding High School Music Educator was presented to Adam Keller, band director at Smoky Valley High School in Lindsborg.
Scott Dunham, Douglass High School and Sisk Middle School principal, was honored with the Outstanding Administrator award at a whole-school assembly.
The SCKMEA officers and board are committed to doing their best to serve the music students and teachers of South-Central Kansas.
Stay tuned!
