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Bruce Dickerson
Bruce Dickerson
Bruce Dickerson, Master of Science with a Specialization in Choral Music Education from The Univeristy of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign 1982 and a Bachelor of Science with a Specialization in Music Education: Choral/Vocal Emphasis from the U of I Dec 1978. Retired Choral Director from Truman High School 2006 and as Director of Middle & Upper School Music at The Barstow School in 2018. Previous teaching was at LaSalle-Peru Twp. High School in Illinois. Bruce was President of the Missouri Choral Director's Association 2005-2007, President of KC Metro MMEA District #3, serves on the Board of Directors at Music/Arts Institute in Independence MO where he founded The Young MAIsterSingers Children's Choir in 1985 which performed with KC Symphony, Independence Symphony and Northland Symphony Orchestras as well as recording new children's choir music for Belwin Mills Music Co. Bruce has served as a building rep for the Independence NEA and as District Department Chair. Retirement includes assisting MCDA when needed, teaching piano to 4 of his 7 grandchildren and serving as Finance Chair for LifeConnection Church: Independence.
In a recent interview with MAAE Executive Director, Phyllis Pasley, Bruce had this to say:
QUESTIONS
E.D. -"What are some favored ways of spending spare time?"
Dickerson - Spending time with the Grandkids, giving them lessons, playing games and having as many experiences with them as we can.
E.D. -"What achievement in your life has given you the greatest satisfaction?"
Dickerson - Personally, there is no greater legacy than family where you see how your children grow into adulthood, becoming the parents and people you would choose to have in your life, if given the opportunity.
E.D.-"What achievement in your career has given you the greatest satisfaction?"
Dickerson - These three areas have given me the greatest joy as an educator:
Seeing how music instruction has enriched the lives and career opportunities for students over a 40 year teaching career
Performances at MMEA, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, , St. John Cathedral (NYC) and National Cathedral (D.C.); Edinburgh Fringe Festival, opera houses of San Remo (Italy) and Syros (Greece); the commissioning of the USS Harry S Truman (aircraft carrier) and with the KC Symphony
Membership and service in MAAE, MCDA, NAfME and other member organizations
E.D.-"What brought you into MAAE?"
Dickerson - 2006, when Deborah Fisher and Bob Gifford made contact with me during my tenure as MCDA President. Then MCDA became the first MAAE member from the MMEA affiliate organizations.
E.D.-"In your tenure with MAAE, tell us what educational issue that MAAE has addressed that you believe was most beneficial to Missouri's arts ed community?"
Dickerson - Leadership in advocacy for arts as essential in Missouri Education through STEAM PD opportunities and the persistent presence in the ears of the Missouri School Board, DESE, Missouri Legislature and member organizations.
E.D.-"Are there any particular initiatives of MAAE that are of significant personal interest to you at this time?" If so - tell me which issue and why it is important to you.
Dickerson - Facilitation of networking opportunities to equip arts educators to continue providing a valuable, creative, aesthetic balm during the pandemic.
Growing up in the tumultuous 60's as a "feral child," music gave me an ability to make sense of the world around me and an understanding of myself by having "voice." This redeeming aspect the arts provide MUST continue to be available to all when present pandemic, political and social issues have brought such toxic and traumatic influences that damage the quality of life and mental health of our children and society.
Arts ARE Essential for our schools and communities. Anything that helps to facilitate this is worth supporting.
E.D.-"What do you see as pivotal issues to be addressed moving forward?"
Dickerson - Arts relevancy in developing healthy communities and to restore the dignity of the individual in an imperfect society.
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