Music : CMENC / CWMEA

 Central Washington Music Educators

CWMEA is a club for all music education majors at Central Washington University. This includes those specializing in band, orchestra, choral, and general music. CWMEA is also a chapter of a state and nation-wide professional organization known as the National Association for Music Education (MENC). Most music educators in the nation belong to this organization, and many colleges have collegiate chapters that function in the same ways. MENC, which has been around for over one hundred years, is the strongest music educator organization in the world.

Among other things, MENC and its state and collegiate chapters help to keep music in schools, as well as serve as a major source of networking for music educators. CWMEA has over 80 members, and all music education majors are highly encouraged to become active members early in their college career.

Although the benefits of this club may never be known, a consistent participation often proves to enhance teaching experience while still in college. Members also gain experience through networking with other collegiate members, current teachers and administrators, and legends of the profession. This networking allows for better employment opportunities.

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CWMEA Conference

Every year CWMEA sends its members to the state or northwest conference (alternating years). At this conference, our members get a chance to meet with current music educators and attend all the clinics, concerts, workshops, banquets, and gatherings that current educators go to. This is an invaluable weekend of events, both for current teachers as well as music education students. There are also opportunities to attend multiple clinics and workshops throughout the United States, such as the Mid-West Band Clinic and MENC National Conference.

CWMEA has a long-standing tradition of producing quality music educators. The past three Washington State Collegiate Presidents have been Central students and CWMEA members. Our advisor, Mark Lane, is the current Washington State President of WMEA. CWMEA also has a strong partnership with many local school music programs that are more than happy to have our members come to their schools to work with their music students. There are also some paid teaching positions available to highly qualified music education students.

CWMEA is seen as a predominate source of “real life” preparation for what is to come in the field of teaching music. In addition to the music education classes offered at CWU, this club provides the practical application and experience needed to succeed in the world of teaching music.

Last updated Dec. 23, 2008