Updated information regarding 2021 CASMEC and the All State Orchestras

Dear Music Education Colleagues,

With the 2020-21 academic year now underway, teachers and students across the state are working collaboratively to find new ways to connect, engage, and create. And while this environment may differ significantly from what we may have grown accustomed to previously, it also provides us the opportunity to explore new paths, pursue collaborative solutions, and build new relationships.

As may come as little surprise, the California All-State Music Education Conference (CASMEC) and the affiliated All-State Ensembles will not have the opportunity to meet on site in Fresno this year. However, the coalition of organizations that work together to facilitate these experiences for students and teachers alike will continue to provide meaningful music education opportunities for all. In fact, the CASMEC coalition has worked diligently through the summer to prepare experiences that are worthy of our students and of value to our music education professionals.

With that in mind, the CASMEC coalition, including the California Music Educators Association (CMEA), California Alliance for Jazz (CAJ), California Band Directors Association (CBDA), California Choral Directors Association (CCDA), and California Orchestra Directors Association (CODA) would like to take this opportunity to invite both students, teachers, and other friends of music education to take part in and enjoy this year’s conference and All-State Ensembles.

These opportunities, which will be facilitated digitally, will allow all of our students and educators the chance to further their own knowledge and participate in meaningful music making activities, all while doing so in the safest manner possible — from the comfort of their own home.

Please do join us as we not only celebrate music education in California through the annual All-State Ensembles, but also take this moment to assess, enhance, and adapt our curriculum, not just for the present year, but for years to come.  Details can be viewed on the attachments linked below.

All-State Ensembles (Click here for more information)
CASMEC Professional Development Sessions  (Click here for more information)

As always, thank you for all you do for students, schools, and communities across the state.

See you soon!

Sincerely,

Armalyn De La O
California Music Educators Association

Gaw Vang Williams
California Alliance for Jazz

Jeff Detlefsen
California Band Directors Association

Dr. Jeffrey Benson
California Choral Directors Association

Matthew Mulvaney
California Orchestra Directors Association