From the President
James Hearne

From the November 2009 issue of The Louisiana Musician

In this day and time we have so many tools to help make our lives easier, but I sometimes find that they make life faster, more complicated, and less rewarding.  We have email to communicate, but we communicate less.  Microwaves to cook faster, but we eat together less.  We have more expensive cars, but we go places less.  At what point did we lose the desire and ability to share time together at a pace slow enough that we could truly enjoy each others company?  When did we become so busy that the immediate pull on us was greater than being sensitive to the needs of our fellow colleagues?

As I often do, I have been reflecting on my life to see where my priorities truly are.  What is getting too much of my attention and what have I been neglecting?  It is in this time of reflection that one begins to realize how fast life is passing.  We all work enormous amounts of hours and multi-task in almost every scenario.  I believe that it is this constant “work mode” that is hindering our ability to “live”.

 Just a few weeks ago, I had the privilege of attending the SDMENC Symposium in Atlanta, Ga.  The meeting was very pleasant and I had the opportunity to make new acquaintances.  Although the meeting was enjoyable, it couldn’t have come at a worse time; football/marching band season.  While at the meeting, I had so many things running through my mind that it was difficult at times to remain focused on the task at hand.  At the conclusion of the symposium I said my goodbyes and made my way to the airport to begin the trip home.  The return flight home presented one of those “life lessons” that I am sure most of you have had in some form before.  Upon boarding the plane in Atlanta, the captain greeted us and began to tell us about the flight to Houston.  He proceeded to tell that we would encounter some storm clouds and that we would have to maneuver around them.  Once in the air, the pilot flew the plane with skill and other than seeing some clouds off in the distance, I would never have known that a storm was nearby. This flying experience, for whatever reason, presented itself to me differently than similar previous flights. 

Because of the constant pull on my time, I sometimes feel like I am in the middle of a storm cloud.  My focus is hazy, it becomes more difficult to see the way, and I am always weary of the rogue lightning bolt.  The “life lesson” that I took from this flight home is that it never rains above the clouds.  As I reflect on my life priorities, it is very apparent where I have placed the wrong amount of emphasis. Once I refocus my priorities, life is really simple and it is in this understanding that I can lift myself above the clouds and maneuver through the inevitable storm.  I cannot allow the circumstances of doing life bring me down into the storm; rather I must focus on what is truly important and lift myself up.  

I hope that this simple little truth will be of encouragement to you.  Sometimes we need each other to help us soar above the clouds and the time is drawing near for us to join together at our annual conference in Baton Rouge.  I hope that everyone will make plans to attend.  I know that there will once again be outstanding clinics, good fellowship, and great concerts.  Give yourself a treat and a boost and plan to attend this year and remember that it never rains above the clouds.

From the September 2009 issue of The Louisiana Musician
Another school year is about to begin and at the same time my term as President will begin to end.  I can honestly say that serving you as President has been and is indeed my pleasure.  Many of you have worked along side me and many of you have shared words of encouragement and kindness.  Regardless, my job certainly would have been more difficult without workers or the kind words.

In June, I had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. for the “Music Education In Washington Week”.  During the week, MENC presented a petition for equal access to music education to Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and there was much talk about the arts and the “No Child Left Behind Act” (NCLB).  The time has come for the renewal, revision or reconstruction of the NCLB.  Secretary Duncan has made it very evident that he plans on overhauling the NCLB and in effect creating yet another “Education Act”.  Despite the many problems that we all know plague the NCLB, it does recognize the arts as a core subject.  This component of the NCLB may seem trite on the surface, but it keeps us, the arts, in the mainstream.  Although Secretary Duncan has glowingly praised the importance of the arts as a necessary part of a well rounded education, in the next breath he proceeds to eliminate the arts from any federal funding.  MENC is working to keep music education and the arts in the mainstream thought as the NCLB undergoes reconstruction.  As Sec. Duncan and his team move forward, it will become very important that we watch closely and respond when called into action.

As a part of the “Music Education In Washington Week”, I had the opportunity to visit the offices of Senator Mary Landrieu, Senator David Vitter, and Congressman Charles Boustany.  Although I was not able to meet with the Senator’s, I was able to meet with their assistants.  Congressman Boustany was on vacation so I was only able to leave information behind for him. Both Sen. Landrieu and Sen. Vitter’s assistants were receptive and shared that the Senator’s are concerned about music education and the arts maintaining its current status in the new “Education Act”.

After many years of discussion and thought, I am proud to announce that LMEA will be introducing the first LMEA sponsored State Solo Festival.  Details of the festival and qualification requirements will be posted in the handbook section of the LMEA website www.lmeamusic.org.  The State Solo festival will be held at Northwestern State University on Saturday, May 8, 2010.  I hope that all LMEA members will encourage their students to participate in this first State Solo event.

As always, I am here to serve you as President.  If there is anything that I can do to help please don’t hesitate to ask.  If you have suggestions or concerns, please send an email to james.hearne@cpsb.org.  And finally, remember that LMEA is your organization and it will be to you what you make of it.  Keep up the good work and have a great year.

From the February 2009 issue of The Louisiana Musician
Success!  I believe that this year's LMEA State Convention was truly a success.  Attendance was good and participation was great.  Clinics were at capacity, exhibits were very helpful, and of course the concerts were just wonderful.  Many thanks must be given to many people (too many to start naming) for producing a successful conference.  Without the selfless work of so many, LMEA simply would not be able to provide this quality conference.

A special thanks and kudos go to our division chairs for organizing and manning their respective divisions with passion and professionalism.  If you happen to come in contact with them or if you would take the time to contact them, please make sure you express your thanks for their diligent work on behalf of your students.  Until you have served in one of these positions, you cannot fully understand and appreciate the level of work and stress that comes with All-State.  Fran Hebert, Choral, Craig Millet, Band, Ye Tao, Orchestra, Andy Pizze, Jazz, and Michelle White, Elementary; Great job and keep up the superior work!

As we move into the second half of the school year, I would like to take a moment and remind everyone of a few things.  First, it is absolutely important that everyone, new and old, familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations surrounding LMEA events.  Most problems that occur at an LMEA festival do so due to lack of knowledge of the rules.  Second, realize that deadlines are very important.  Someone has to check applications, schedule the event, and return information in a timely manner.  When deadlines are missed, it causes delat not to mention extra entry fees.  Finally, remember that we are all working towards the same goal, excellence in music education through our individual ensembles.  The rules and regulations that have been established are not to limit or encroach upon a performing ensemble, but rather to maintain order and consistency.

It is my sincere hope that all of our membership will have a prosperous spring.  Please contact your district director, division chair, or myself if you have any questions regarding LMEA.  On behalf of LMEA, thank you for all your hard work in moving music education forward in the state of Louisiana.

From the September 2008 issue of The Louisiana Musician
I would like to begin this article by saying thank you.  Thank you for entrusting me with the responsibility of running our great organization.  It is my pleasure to serve and work for all the membership of L.M.E.A.  I would be remised if I didn't single out and thank a few very special people.  First, I must thank Bruce Lambert and Pat Deaville.  Over the years of coming up through the different offices I have always found comfort in the fact that I could pick up the phone and get some sage advice.  Next, I would like to thank Dale Liner and Carolyn Herrington for serving a second term after the untimely death of Ronney Mayard.  Due to their sacrifice, I was given the time to learn the process of and the duties surrounding the office of President.  Last but certainly not least, I must thank my wife Monie and son Collin.  Without their support and sacrifice, I simply would not be able to do this job.

For those of you who take the time to read this article, I will go ahead and apologize for my lack of writing skills (I just heard a great Amen from all of my past English teachers).  However, I will try and keep my words light and functional.  This tactic will be useful to you the reader and me the writer.

Recently at our May board meeting, some very positive and open discussion took place regarding different issues.  As is usually the case, the board was looking for ways to improve our organization.  One of the issues discussed was that of transparency.  I was asked to address this issue in my first article so here it is.  Many times due to different circumstances, individuals feel like the board is not being transparent.  This could seem to be the case for someone who is not well informed.  However, as I addressed the board, being an uninformed member does not reflect a non-transparent board.  The board in its very makeup is designed to be transparent and the source of information gathering is up to the individual member.  The following is a list of resources to stay informed and know exactly what is taking place at the board level:  1.) District Director, 2.) The Louisiana Musician, 3.) the L.M.E.A. webite www.lmeamusic.org, 4.) attend a meeting, and 5.) contact any member of the board.  The information regarding the operations of our organization is readily available through all five of these resources.  Stay informed, get involved and let's make this the best organization possible.

Some other issues have come out of our last meeting and will be put in place for this coming year.  First, there have been positive changes in the sight-reading process for choir.  Next, the band division will introduce a Class D for first time teachers.  This class will have some well defined parameters, and must be applied for and approved by committee.  Please refer to the respective division reports for more details on the issues.  The last issue that has come about involves hotel reservations for convention.

In closing, I would like to restate how honored I am to serve you as President.  If there is anything I can do to be of service to you, please don't hesitate to contact me.  My most effective means of communication is email at james.hearne@cpsb.org.  You may also contact me by phone at (337) 477-4571, ext. 28 (office) or at (337) 309-1279.