Pioneering Music Education Experience
In the world of music education, the California All State Music Education Conference (CASMEC) serves as a significant platform for educators, professionals, and students alike to connect, collaborate, and learn from one another. This year, UCLA's music education students were once again a prominent presence at the conference, reaping the benefits of hands-on learning experiences, networking opportunities, and professional development.
Brendan Lockie, a third-year undergraduate in the saxophone studio at The UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, played a pivotal role in organising the UCLA chaperones for the 2023 conference. His efforts were not in vain, as UCLA Music Education students attended the event alongside faculty members, making the most of the conference's offerings.
One of the standout moments came from Emma Marie Surdilla, a 2018 graduate, who co-presented with Lily Chen-Hafteck, professor of music education and founder of the UCLA chapter of CNAME. Their presentation focused on Filipino music, specifically the Rondalla ensemble and the folk song "Bahay-Kubo." Surdilla, who is active in the Los Angeles Filipino community, shared insights and guidance on incorporating Filipino culture into music education classrooms, including technical aspects of the Rondalla ensemble and the folk dance Tinikling.
Surdilla's presentation was met with gratitude from fellow educators, with one teacher expressing appreciation for the instruction in Tinikling and accompaniment for a while. This demonstrates the impact UCLA music education students can have on the wider educational community.
CASMEC also provided opportunities for students to network with professionals, including UCLA alums, who shared their experiences and offered advice on navigating the industry. Johanna Gamboa-Kroesen, a recent arrival to the UCLA School of Music, praised the flexibility and talent of the students, citing an alumnus' success in the Long Beach Unified School District.
The UCLA music education program is unique in offering a credentialling program, allowing students to obtain their credential in their fourth year and apply for any K-12 position in the state. This practical focus on preparing students for their careers is evident in their involvement at CASMEC.
Professor Chen-Hafteck, a strong advocate for cultural responsiveness in teaching, believes that it is crucial for music educators to be aware of and sensitive to the diverse cultures within their classrooms. This ethos is reflected in the UCLA music education students' activities at CASMEC, as they strive to bring a variety of musical traditions into their teaching practices.
In conclusion, UCLA music education students' participation in CASMEC offers invaluable opportunities for hands-on learning, networking, and professional development. This immersive environment helps them gain practical knowledge, build professional networks, and refine their pedagogical approaches, ultimately benefiting them as they transition into teaching careers. For precise details about UCLA’s role at CASMEC, it is recommended to check UCLA's music department announcements or CASMEC's official materials directly.
- Brendan Lockie, a UCLA music education student, organized the UCLA chaperones for the 2023 California All State Music Education Conference (CASMEC), allowing them to learn from experienced professionals, network with peers, and contribute to the discussion on education and self-development, especially in regard to Filipino music and culture.
- At CASMEC, students like UCLA's Johanna Gamboa-Kroesen could engage with entertainment industry professionals, including UCLA alums, to learn about their careers and gain insights into entertainment, music, and learning within the field, ultimately enhancing their educator skillset and preparation for their own careers.
