The CMENC and its Function

CMENC
MENC: The National Association for Music Education, with over 95,000 members, is the largest professional association dedicated to the advancement of music education, including professional growth opportunities for its members. The purpose of MENC Collegiate membership is to afford students an opportunity for professional orientation and development while still in training, and to acquaint students with privileges and responsibilities of the music teaching profession.

The University of Oregon chapter of CMENC strives to provide all members with opportunities for professional development, as well as to become acquainted with leaders in the music education profession through participation in programs, demonstrations, discussions, workshops, and performances offered by collegiate chapters, the Oregon Music Educators Association, and the Music Educators National Conference.

Students who are interested in music education and who are not employed full-time in the field of music education are eligible for collegiate membership in MENC. Benefits of membership include reduced rates at conferences, as well as monthly issues of the Music Educators Journal (MEJ) and Teaching Music.

ACTIVITIES
The U of O CMENC chapter supports and runs several activities each year to encourage professional development, and training. Some of our present and future endeavors include:

We are currently facilitating a mentoring program for sophomore and junior applicants to the Music Education Department. Each applicant is assigned a "buddy" who will guide them through the application process. This process consists of an application packet, including a personal statement, and a recommendation from the studio teacher. Applicants must also complete an audition in front of current music education students, as well as an interview for the Music Education faculty. Activities for buddy and applicant include, but are not limited to, a "practice run" for the audition, and a mock interview. At the end of the term, newly admitted Education majors will be introduced in front of the Teaching Lab and invited to our end of the year picnic.

Our chapter currently sponsors a chair for the Eugene Youth Symphony. This donation contributes toward lesson scholarships, coaching for individual students, and helps to pay the salaries of the many talented teachers and guest conductors that come to help our community’s youth. All members are invited to contribute to sponsor this gift.

Professional development opportunities include sponsoring visiting music professionals.

Next year, we hope to be involved in some of the festivals and competitions that the University of Oregon hosts. We will also facilitate "open rehearsals" for students to observe, during which a conductor communicates his/her teaching process with the audience, and we will also be posting upcoming music events for surrounding public schools.

CONFERENCES
MENC hosts a National Conference every two years to provide teacher education for both pre-service and professional educators. In the off years, MENC’s divisions often offer conferences as well.

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