May we be the first to say: WELCOME to Rutgers University NAfME!
We are so excited to share our first blog post which will tell YOU about our wonderful organization, how we get involved, and how you can get involved too.
But first thing’s first...
What EXACTLY is NAfME?
NAfME, which stands for the National Association for Music Education, is a national organization that emphasizes and executes the importance of music education in primary education curriculum. Started in 1907 in smalltown Keokuk, Iowa, NAfME has made great advancements to being the organization that single handedly preserves the many branches of music education in today’s education system. NAfME advocates and participates at the local, regional, state, and national levels in organizing a number of different programs, including student masterclasses, Tri-M Music Honor Society chapters, and the all-national honor ensembles.
In addition to student involvement, NAfME is the foundation to the creation of music educator candidates. They are actively involved in creating NAfME chapters across collegiate musical institutions across the US, where students studying music education can bring about NAfME involvement to their own university, in addition to offering professional opportunities to those actively involved.
NAfME also actively helps current participating music teachers by providing resources to help build their classroom environment. NAfME is constantly adjusting to changing times, and has offered a number of resources to revolutionize the classroom environment to adjust to the standards of COVID-19. NAfME also works on inclusivity, and influences music educators to execute material that is created by minority groups (ex: incorporating music created by women and black composers into student lesson plans). NAfME constantly renovates its education plans, so that the tradition of excellence within music education is preserved for generations to come.
The Rutgers University NAfME collegiate chapter is focused on being a direct line to NAfME and music education students. Participating at Mason Gross School of the Arts, RU NAfME strives to be actively engaged in the music education community by practicing to be music educators themselves, communicating with other NAfME chapters at external universities for collaborations, staying informed with NAfME official updates, and organizing events to keep music education students at Rutgers University unified and engaged. RU NAfME represents Rutgers University in a number of environments, such as the NAfME Collegiate conferences, NJMEA auditions, and in university, as well as surrounding community events.
The RUNAfME chapter executive board is composed of individuals who are dedicated to connecting current Rutgers music education students to NAfME involvement.
Read below to get to know who represents the Rutgers University music education community in our exclusive Officers Q&A!
PRESIDENT HANNAH FUSCO
SENIOR
INSTRUMENTAL EDUCATION
PRIMARY: OBOE
Q: Why did you join NAfME?
A: I joined NAfME because I am passionate about building a supportive and encouraging Music Education community within Mason Gross. I believe that Music Education is a career path that is so important to both young and old minds- and all of those in between, and through NAfME, I wanted to be able to work closely with my friends and colleagues to promote the importance of Music Education within our Mason Gross community.
Q: Why do you think music education is important in today's society?
A: I believe that music education is important in today's society because it provides anyone willing to learn with the tools that are necessary to grow into a well- rounded person, to think independently, believe in your abilities, express emotions, and build forever friendships and connections with people who have so much in common with you! Music Education is crucial in today's society because creating music is something that requires much teamwork to do, and learning how to be a successful team member is one of the most important things that anyone could learn in today's society. Teamwork makes the dream work!
Q: What do you plan to do with your Music Education degree after graduation?
A: I plan to pursue a Master's degree in Oboe Performance after I graduate from Rutgers University! I would like to teach the Oboe and I aspire to one day become a college professor or an arts administrator!
VICE PRESIDENT ELIZABETH MONKEMEIER
SENIOR
INSTRUMENTAL EDUCATION
PRIMARY: CLARINET
Q: Why did you join NAfME?
A: I joined because I was really interested in being a part of a music education community where we learn from each other.
Q: Why do you think music education is important in today's society?
A: I think we will always need new ways to express ourselves, and we have an innate desire to connect with others through music, be that listening to or performing it.
Q: What do you plan to do with your Music Education degree after graduation?
A: I plan to teach and go on to graduate school! I can't wait to see what ways I can learn in order to better connect with and teach my students.
SECRETARY ANNA REHBERG
SOPHOMORE
VOCAL EDUCATION
VOICE: MEZZO-SOPRANO
Q: Why did you join NAfME?
A: New Jersey’s branch of NAfME (NJMEA) was a huge part of my high school experience as a musician, and the experiences, opportunities, and memories they gave me are ones I’ll never forget and always be thankful for. NAfME is a wonderful organization, and upon entering college last year, looking to get involved at the collegiate level was a priority for me. NAfME does so much for music educators across the nation, as well as for those aspiring to become music educators, such as many of us here. It really is a wonderful organization to be apart of, not only to connect with those at Rutgers, but to connect with educators across the country and be able to learn so much from them.
Q: Why do you think music education is important in today's society?
A: Music Education is important in today’s society because it is so much more than just that. I wasn’t a musician upon entering high school - a friend of mine suggested I take choir my freshman year because they thought I’d like the teacher, and so I chose to on a whim. I had absolutely no idea how much that class, and being taught by her, would change my life. She, through music, has inspired so many students from all different walks of life, and for me personally opened up a world of possibilities that I never knew I was capable of. Like her, there are countless music educators who do the same every single day, who are constantly making that difference in someone’s life, no matter how big or small. Many of these educators don’t teach music because they expect their students to all become professional musicians, but rather because there is so much in life that can be taught through music, through inspiring young students the same way that they were once inspired. I am thankful to this day, as I know so many others are, for the music educator who changed my life, who teaches life through music, and continues to do so each day. She, and so many other music educators I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and working with, demonstrate each day just why it is so important. It is our job as aspiring educators to teach through them and inspire others as they inspired us.
Q: What do you plan to do with your Music Education degree after graduation?
A: After graduating, I plan to teach high school choir and furthermore work towards a masters degree. :)
TREASURER JUDY YORK
JUNIOR
INSTRUMENTAL EDUCATION
PRIMARY: FLUTE
Q: Why did you join NAfME?
A: I joined NAfME because I wanted to be a part of the music education community and explore my passion for music ed. with other students at Mason Gross.
Q: Why do you think music education is important in today's society?
A: Music education is so important today because I believe that music uniquely allows us to share thoughts and ideas far beyond what words may reach. Music education gives us the opportunity to bring students together and explore new ideas with them.
Q: What do you plan to do with your Music Education degree after graduation?
A: After graduating at Mason Gross, I'm planning to teach band at either the middle school or high school.
PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER VICKI IASSO
SENIOR
INSTRUMENTAL EDUCATION
PRIMARY: FLUTE
Q: Why did you join NAfME?
A: I joined NAfME in order to combine many of my passions and to give back to the Rutgers Mason Gross Community. During quarantine, I became very involved in social media. I love being able to use that newfound passion to spread my love for teaching and music. I wanted to find a new way to bring people together at Mason Gross especially since we have been apart for so long.
Q: Why do you think music education is important in today's society?
A: As a music educator, we do more than just teach music. We listen to students when they do not feel comfortable talking to anyone else. We feed students snacks if they have nowhere else to eat. We open our hearts and our doors to children who need it. There are so many people who are hurting, and I believe music education is a way to reach those people.
Q: What do you plan to do with your Music Education degree after graduation?
A: I plan on becoming an Elementary General Music Teacher. I have always imagined myself working with a group of young minds, and this would give me that opportunity. Simply, I plan on teaching in any way I possibly can.
CLASS REPRESENTATIVE EMMA RENTZEL
FRESHMAN
VOCAL EDUCATION
VOICE: SOPRANO
Q: Why did you join NAfME?
A: NAfME was something that my high school choir teacher was really involved in, and I attended one convention with her. I really loved her passion for music education and I'm excited to pursue that as well.
Q: Why do you think music education is important in today's society?
A: I think music education is important in today's society because music is a universal language. I've met so many people through our connections in music and I think it should be something every person gets to experience.
Q: What do you plan to do with your Music Education degree after graduation?
A: Since I'm only a first year, I'm not entirely sure just yet. Although, I have such a love for both band and choir and I'm really excited to be teaching music in any facet.
CLASS REPRESENTATIVE MARIE PARKIN
SOPHOMORE
INSTRUMENTAL EDUCATION
PRIMARY: OBOE
Q: Why did you join NAfME?
A: Growing up participating in programs NAfME was responsible for, my music education experience was extremely influenced because of this organization. When I saw the opportunity to actively participate with NAfME in college, I was ecstatic to help in the advocacy of the importance of music education in today’s society.
Q: Why do you think music education is important in today's society?
A: Emigrating from Colombia to the United States at the start of my primary schooling, I found solace in music education since early youth, when it was the only class I could actively participate in due to language barriers. Music Education is the key to opening doors for the voiceless, whether it’d be a language restriction, developmental disability, or due to other means. With today’s society, education has to adjust to adversity accordingly. Not only does music education help with unifying new generations, but it also helps build onto the preservation of culture, something civilization has done for thousands of years.
Q: What do you plan to do with your Music Education degree after graduation?
A: Currently participating in the Air Force ROTC program, I plan to spend at least 4 years commissioned as an Air Force officer post graduation, with a desired career as a Band Officer. After my time in the Air Force, I hope to work as a music therapist for neurodivergent youth.
CLASS REPRESENTATIVE BRIGID HEITMANN
JUNIOR
INSTRUMENTAL EDUCATION
PRIMARY: FLUTE
Q: Why did you join NAfME?
A: I love how our association is centered around building a tight-knit community of people who love music! It’s reassuring to know that in 10-15 years, I’ll have a whole list of colleagues to ask for teaching advice.
Q: Why do you think music education is important in today's society?
A: Everyone should have access to an activity that is inclusive and welcoming, where people are able to come together and share in a unique musical experience.
Q: What do you plan to do with your Music Education degree after graduation?
A: I want to teach public education, possibly middle or high school and hopefully nurture a love for all kinds of music in my students. I’d also like to perform in Broadway pit orchestras on the side.
CLASS REPRESENTATIVE VERONICA KULEK
SENIOR
INSTRUMENTAL EDUCATION
PRIMARY: HORN
Q: Why did you join NAfME?
A: I joined in 2019 to connect with other music majors and to learn more about music education.
Q: Why do you think music education is important in today's society?
A: Music education is extremely important in today’s society. It gives students an outlet for their creativity, has a positive effect on academic progress, and helps students with social and emotional learning.
Q: What do you plan to do with your Music Education degree after graduation?
A: Currently I plan to teach middle school band or general music.
With a wonderful executive board, Rutgers NAfME is ready for the incoming school year. However, the most important part about our organization are the future music educators that compose our school! Here is what you, as a future music educator can do to help support Rutgers NAfME.
Learn something new at our Professional Development Events: Rutgers NAfME organizes a variety of events to help music education students stay involved, informed and unified. Our Professional Development events focus on meeting with faculty and guest speakers that teach concepts and lessons not typically discussed in our curriculum classes, but that are important for music educators to know. Some topics covered in our past events include Teaching as a Performer, Diversity in General Music, and Marketing Yourself as a Private Lesson Instructor.
Drop in to have some fun at RU NAfME Vibe Time. RU NAfME is extremely excited to bring Vibe Time events to you in person once again! Creating relationships and building morale is super important to intertwining our Mason Gross future educators together, and Vibe Time sessions do just that! Vibe Time themes, from Game Night to Yoga Time are guaranteed to connect you to your fellow peers.
Write for us! Read from us! Do you have ideas you want to express to your fellow colleagues? RU NAfME’s Blog Post team is looking for students like you to write about hot topics your peers would be interested in reading! If you aren’t keen on writing, that’s ok! Make sure to stay up to date on our most recent blog posts, publishing biweekly!
Stay updated on our social media pages. We have a number of sites where you can stay updated on what RU NAfME is doing. Click on the sites below to stay updated on RU NAfME events. Click HERE for everything RU NAfME!
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