necessary work while looking forward to what the needs of our students will be in the near and long term . We need to handle current challenges ( budgets , scheduling , policy changes and more ) while planning new and varied offerings that will provide expanded opportunities for the students we have yet to meet . This most valuable work must be dovetailed with community education efforts at the local , state , regional and national level . The vital importance of music and arts education in the public school setting must be continuously taught to all stakeholders . Now more than ever , we need a rich music curriculum present in all our schools , and voices that speak to that with clarity , persistence and sincerity .
How do you interpret what the role of President Elect is or will be within MMEA ? Chief Listener and Observer . Process , history , timelines and goals must all be learned . The President-Elect needs to gain critical institutional knowledge and then apply it in effective and varied ways . This occurs through involvement in small and large scale projects within the organization . This on-the-job training serves the larger goal of providing the best educational experience and access for our students .
What do you see as your leadership strengths that you will bring to the position and to the board ? The job of music educator is a humbling one , and a few of the lessons I have learned that would serve me in this position are the ability to seek as much information as possible , to work alone and with others , effective time management and organizational skills , the willingness to learn new things , to voice my ideas and concerns and to listen to those of others , the desire to always seek consensus , and the ability to make a decision . Personally , I enjoy meeting and working with people towards a shared and valuable goal . My interests in teaching , learning and music have only deepened throughout my career , and my wish to serve on a larger scale is paired with my curiosity to learn more about what is happening in our great state .
Dennis Boyd
Please give a brief bio of your experience in Music Education , both in the state of Maine , and elsewhere if applicable : Dennis Boyd Jr . is in his 11th year teaching , currently serving as the Director of Choirs for Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and Middle School in South Paris , Maine . Mr . Boyd also directs the Christmas for Teens Choir , an annual fundraiser that serves low-income teenagers in the Oxford Hills Region . Mr . Boyd is from Berwick Maine and attended Noble High School . Mr . Boyd earned his Bachelor of Music degree studying