TASME Term 3 Newsletter, 2022

Chapter News

At the latest Chapter Council meeting, we discussed a number of matters that will be of interest to members.

The Chapter Council has been considering how best to support composition and young composers within Tasmania. In June, we held a forum to discuss this and as a result are planning a series of composition workshops for the first half 2023; the workshops will potentially feed directly into choosing the Chapter's representative for the 2023 Young Composers' Program as part of next year's National Conference. The workshops will be for students in Years 9 to 12 and university.

With the next National Conference on the horizon, it's only a matter of time before we also begin considering the Chapter's nominee for the Music Educating for Life Award. Recent recipients include Jennifer MacDonald (2021) and the late Carolyn Cross (2019). More information about this award will be circulated in due course but for now, start thinking of a worthy nominee! We know how hard music teachers work and how deserving so many are of recognition. Hence, it will no doubt be a difficult choice once again.

Members may be interested to learn that the National Council is exploring the possibility of introducing awards in addition to the Music Educating for Life Award. A subcommittee is being formed to explore this further.

With students under the age of 18 increasingly likely to attend TASME's professional learning events, the Chapter Council is looking more closely at what we may need to do to ensure that minors are adequately catered for in our planning. More information will be provided in due course.

Importantly, the Chapter Council is mindful that it has been several years since we held a state conference. This is due in part to the fact that we decided to direct our resources towards hosting the 2021 National Conference and because we have opted for a series of one-day workshops rather than the usual two-day conference. However, we are considering the possibility of holding a two-day conference next year and the Chapter Council will meet towards the end of this term to specifically discuss this.

Lastly, please note that the TASME AGM will take place on Saturday 5 November at 10am at the Ross Village Bakery. We encourage all members to attend this meeting either in person or online. Additional information will be sent out in advance of the meeting. We're always particularly keen to hear from members who might be interested in joining the Chapter Council. So, if you're keen to get involved in this way, please drop us a line. We've got a terrific team of music educators on the Council but are always pleased to welcome new members, particularly given several office bearers will be stepping down at the next AGM as their respective two-year terms will have come to an end. Current Council members are:

• Paul Radford (Chair)

• Andrea Marks (Vice Chair and Immediate Past Chair)

• Sarah Elliott (Secretary)

• Peter Stewart (Treasurer)

• Suzie Terry (Membership Co-ordinator)

• Wendy Ross (Conference Convenor and National Secretary)

• Dr. Bill Baker (Tertiary representative)

• Fiona Bye

• Andrea van Emmerik

• Jennie MacDonald

• Claire Farrell (Student representative)

If you wish to raise any matter with a council member, please get in touch at tasmemeetings@gmail.com.