The end of the school year does not stop the work behind school music programs, according to National Association for Music Education President Cecil Adderley. In a recent column, Adderley described summer as a period when educators assess the previous year and prepare classrooms, ensembles and budgets for the fall.
That work can include reviewing rehearsal and assessment practices, planning equipment repairs, evaluating technology and meeting with administrators about curriculum or program needs. Teachers also use the summer for professional development, sometimes paying for training themselves when local support is unavailable.
Student preparation continues as well. Some educators send practice material and guidance home so returning musicians can retain skills and begin the next school year ready for new challenges. Summer also gives teachers more time to speak with parents, administrators and community supporters about program goals and resources.
The account offers a useful reminder for school leaders preparing annual budgets: the visible performance calendar represents only part of a music educator's workload. Planning, inventory, professional learning and advocacy often occur when students and the public assume the program is idle.
For more information, visit nafme.org.