Maine Motif Issue 3, Vol. II (Spring 2018) | Page 6

Meet the Candidates:
MMEA PRESIDENT-ELECT
MMEA recently invited our candidates for “President-Elect” to tell us a little bit about
themselves and their thoughts on how MMEA can best serve the music educators of
Maine and how the candidate can best serve MMEA.
Sandy Barry:
Please give a brief bio of your experience in Music Education, both in the state of
Maine, and elsewhere if applicable:
I am a native of Maine, born and raised. After a great experience at Plymouth State
College (University), I returned to Maine to begin my career. This spring marks the
completion of year 31 teaching. I have been fortunate to teach in varied and remarkable
areas—Westbrook, MSAD #61 (Naples, Casco, Bridgton), Brunswick, and currently
South Portland. Experience includes beginning instrumentalists, classroom, middle and
high school band and jazz ensembles. A primary focus has been and continues to be the
middle-level learner. They are capable, brave, hilarious and energetic. Additional
professional activities include: host of district events, festival manager, guest conductor,
and district/state adjudicator. I have served as counselor and guest conductor at
summer music camps, most recently at the Piano Monster Festival in the summer of
2017 at PSU. Further opportunities include guest speaker to college music education
majors in Maine and New Hampshire, and instructor of Instrumental Music Methods at
the University of Southern Maine. I advocate for music education in our community by
working as instrumental music coordinator, a position that involves scheduling, budget
and curriculum matters. I served on a variety of committees throughout my career
including representative assembly, stipends, scheduling, building leadership, and
currently middle school building committee. 2)
How should/can MMEA support Music Education K-12 in the state of Maine beyond
and in addition to continuing to provide quality festival opportunities for the students
in Maine?
Our organization has consistently created outstanding experiences for the students of
Maine to strive for and achieve through music. The challenge is in continuing this