Building the Next Generation of Music Educators
Election Information: Candidate Photos and Biographies President-Elect Candidate - Tricia Kidd | President-Elect Candidate - Mark Walters District 2 Candidates | District 4 Candidates | District 6 Candidates | District 8 Candidates President-Elect Candidate - Tricia Kidd I am truly honored to be a candidate for President-Elect of CMEA. I am the Elementary Music Specialist at Henderson Elementary in the Brighton 27J Public Schools.  This is my 26th year of teaching music in the public schools. I earned a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Wichita State University in 1979 and a Master of Arts Degree from Adams State College in 1992.  I earned my Level I and II Orff certifications from Western Carolina University and Level III certification from Trinity University.  I hold memberships in MENC/CMEA, the American Orff Schulwerk Association, the Rocky Mountain Orff Chapter and NEA. During my career, I have worked as a traveling strings specialist teaching strings and orchestra in grades 4-12 and conducting the Kansas City, Kansas Elementary Honor Orchestra in the Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools; general music teacher in the Monte Vista, Center, and Cherry Creek, Colorado School Districts as well as the Bullitt County, Kentucky and Coweta County, Georgia School Districts while my husband worked for the Department of Defense Education Activity.  I have also served as adjunct faculty at Adams State College teaching string methods.  In 1992, I was named Teacher of the Year for the Center School District. While teaching at Peakview Elementary School in the Cherry Creek School District, the Peakview Performers, my non-auditioned choir of 95 fourth and fifth graders performed at the 2000 CMEA Clinic-Conference.  In addition to my teaching duties at Arbor Springs Elementary School in the Coweta County, Georgia School District I served as chairperson for the eighteen elementary music teachers in my district with responsibilities of planning and leading meetings, coordinating joint concerts and teaching in-service workshops. I have continued to perform as a violinist with the Northland Symphony in Parkview, Missouri; the Littleton Symphony in Littleton, Colorado and appearing with the Denver Pops Orchestra. I served on the CMEA Board of Directors for nine years, serving first as general music representative from District 6 (south-central Colorado) for four years, then as Chair-Elect of the General Music Affairs Council.  During my term as Chair of GMAC (1997-1999), I formed an agreement with the Rocky Mountain Orff Chapter to co-sponsor an Orff clinician at each Clinic-Conference.  That arrangement continues today.  I ended my time on the board as Society of General Music Chair. I have been blessed to be a music educator in four states, with experiences in 4-12 instrumental, middle school choral, college-level methods and K-6 general music.  These experiences have broadened my perspective to look at various aspects of music education and instruction.  It has made me receptive to the needs of all music educators. All state organizations strive to provide conferences and educational opportunities for their membership.  After attending state conferences in four different states, I can truthfully say that CMEA excels!  It is also a necessity that the work that CMEA does on behalf of Colorado’s music educators must continue to be strong.  CMEA can, and does advocate for music education in Colorado and at the national level.  I believe that CMEA can help preserve and strengthen music education in our state. We have a strong commitment from those serving on the board in your behalf.  The organization would not be as strong as it is without constantly striving for improvement.  During the nine years I spent on the CMEA board, the common question was “How can we make it better?”  I’m sure this continues today. Communication is an area of growth where I will focus if elected.  I’m interested in comments from all on how CMEA can meet your needs, suggestions for improvement, etc.  In turn, are we getting information to our members in the most effective manner?  I’m committed to ensuring that we are supporting all teachers in our profession in valuable, worthwhile ways. I have a strong commitment to music education in Colorado.  I’m personally involved in committee work on our district curriculum and Essential Learning Targets.  As a mentor in my district, I am helping new teachers to make a smooth transition into the profession.  I hope that each of you can step up and do your part to help our new colleagues make the adjustment. It would be my privilege to serve as your President-Elect of CMEA. President-Elect Candidate - Mark Walters As your candidate for CMEA President-Elect, I would like to extend warm greetings to music educators throughout Colorado. For twelve years I have served as Director of Bands at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, where I live with my wife, Dr. Lisa Campi, who is an Associate Professor of piano at the college. At Fort Lewis College, I am responsible for saxophone and clarinet instruction, small ensemble coaching, instrumental music education classes, advanced conducting, and finally, a large general education lecture course covering the history of Blues, Jazz and Rock. Along with extensive committee work at the college I have served on the CMEA College and University Council for twelve years, and I have also chaired that council from 2002 through 2004. This is an especially exciting conference year for me due not only to my nomination but also because I will be conducting a performance of the Fort Lewis College Symphonic Band at the conference. Being nominated as a candidate for President-Elect is truly one of my greatest professional opportunities, and I am very excited to have the chance to serve the Colorado Music Educators in an even greater capacity. I believe that my professional experience of teaching in public schools for thirteen years will help me to better serve as the CMEA President-Elect. I have often considered myself to be a grassroots educator, starting my career as a Junior High Band Director in southern Arkansas. The four years I spent working with this grade level provided me with some of the greatest teaching memories of my career, and I fondly recall the inexhaustible enthusiasm of these talented, hardworking young musicians. During this period I received the Stanbury Award for outstanding young director and later transferred positions to the high school band in the same district, thus reaping the rewards of continuing to work with many students from my first beginning band classes. I moved from this rural setting to an urban school district in my hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas where I worked for the final five years of my public school career. These two distinctively different teaching environments imbued me with a broad perspective on teaching strategies, and I eventually shared that perspective with a vast number of undergraduates when I became a teaching assistant at Arizona State University, where I earned my DMA in music education. College teaching has allowed me the opportunity to give that first-hand experience back to my education students and to help them see the importance of quality music education. I recently consulted with our CMEMC chapter president at Fort Lewis College when she asked me for advice concerning a departmental goal for her fellow music students and future music educators on our campus. I suggested raising money to purchase the complete choral and instrumental Teaching Music through Performance series, distributed by GIA publications. I used the fifth volume this semester to research various rehearsal seating strategies utilized by the premiere ensembles across the nation. I believe that these books and recordings are some of our greatest resources as music educators and I encourage all of my students to begin reading and collecting them for their first teaching jobs. It is my personal goal to see our future conventions include workshops explaining the benefits of these resources, presented by the actual experts who initially conceived the series. Anyone who already uses this resource will agree on how much our young teachers will benefit from discussing the fascinating material with the pedagogues who regularly contribute to this series. Along with those types of practical workshops, I also want to endorse more inspirational speakers who deal specifically with teacher job satisfaction and retention. Music education has been a tremendously gratifying career for me and I want to give all of our new teachers the support they need to stick with it for the long run. Throughout the years that I have served CMEA, I have witnessed visionary leadership from the Executive Board and supporting committees. It has been a privilege to serve with such an outstanding group of individuals, and I am excited about the prospect of bringing my own leadership skills to the executive board. Fairness and honesty are two attributes I would bring to the position of President-Elect, and I will vow to make equity between the divisions the highest priority. My experience has taught me to deal with debates by initially listening to all perspectives and opinions, researching the issues, and consulting with trusted colleagues before making important decisions. My work on the CMEA Board has provided me with a thorough familiarity with the types of issues that the Colorado Music Educators Association faces on a yearly basis, and the excellent decision making of the past Boards will guide me toward making good decisions in the future. If elected to the position of President-Elect I will remain vigilant in my mission to always keep the best interest of the Colorado Music Educators in mind, striving to maintain equity between the general, vocal, instrumental and college councils throughout my term. Thank you for considering me for this position, and I look forward to seeing you all again at this year’s convention. District 2 Candidates GENERAL MUSIC COUNCIL - Elke Diefendorf has been teaching general music for over 10 years in both Colorado and the Virgin Islands. She graduated from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY and has a MM from CU Boulder. She currently teaches at Maple Grove Elementary in Jefferson County. GENERAL MUSIC - Jan Osburn is a 27-year music educator and a strong believer in nurturing creativity in children.  Jan is the Music Specialist at Flatirons Elementary School in Boulder, teaching the General Music, Choir, and Brass programs.  Jan received her BA in Music Education and Vocal Performance from Bethany College in Lindsborg, Kansas and her MA in Music Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder.  She has taught in the Boulder Valley School District for 24 years and is currently pursuing a National Teaching Certification.  Jan is an active singer in the Boulder area, having performed with Ars Nova Singers, the Rocky Mountain Revels, and the Mount Calvary Church Choir.  She is passionate about sharing her love of music with children inside and outside of the classroom.  Jan lives in Lafayette, Colorado with her husband James and their three children:  Andrew, Jamie, and Elaina. INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC COUNCIL - Darryl Bostwick has been teaching for 17 years. He was the director at Bear Creek High School from 1990-1998. Since then, he has been the band director at Bradford, Coronado, Mortensen, Shaffer, Stony Creek and Ute Meadows Elementary schools in Jefferson County. For each of the past five years, there have been over 300 students participating in the elementary band program. He is active as a judge throughout the United States. Mr. Bostwick is a member of the Colorado Music Educators Association, Phi Beta Mu (International Band Fraternity) and Colorado Bandmasters Association. Darryl was membership chair of CMEA 1991-1992, Recording Secretary of the Colorado Bandmasters Association 1995-1997, President of the Colorado Bandmasters Association 2001-2002, and currently a board member of Phi Beta Mu. INSTRUMENTAL MUISIC COUNCIL - Andy Michaud is the director of instrumental music at Deer Creek Middle School in Jefferson County. In the past 17 years his teaching assignments have included elementary, middle and high school band and orchestra programs. Andy received his BME from Metropolitan State College and a MME from the University of Northern Colorado. His professional affiliation includes CMEA, ASTA, CBA, and Phi Beta Mu. He plays trombone in several brass ensembles as well as bagpipes for the Isle of Mull Pipes and Drums. INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC COUNCIL - Mr. Clay Stansberry has been the Director of Bands at Legacy High School since June of 2004. Previously, Mr. Stansberry taught in Texas and Tennessee. Since he has been at Legacy High School, the Legacy High School Marching band has won the Colorado 5A State Marching Band Championship; the Jazz and Concert bands have all received superior ratings; and the Winter Percussion and Winter Guard have been consistent State Champions. While at Coppell High School in Texas, Mr. Stansberry was an integral part of the Coppell Marching Band’s success as Texas State 4A Marching Band Champions, amongst numerous other awards. Mr. Stansberry’s bands have also been recognized for excellence at numerous national competitions. Mr. Stansberry has also written marching drill at both the high school and college levels. Clay received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX. And, he received his Masters of Music Degree with an emphasis in Instrumental Conducting from The University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN. VOCAL MUSIC COUNCIL - David Gleason is the Choral Director at Green Mountain High School in Lakewood, CO. This is his 16th year teaching in the public schools and eighth in Jefferson County. David received his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Colorado State University and Masters of Music in Choral Conducting from University of Northern Colorado. He also directs choirs at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church and sings with various choirs in the Denver/Boulder area. District 4 Candidates GENERAL MUSIC COUNCIL - Kathryn Ward loves music and sharing it with others. Currently she is a general music teacher in Pueblo School District 70. In the past she taught general and vocal music K-12 in the public schools. Her education includes a degree in Sacred Music from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, as well as a Bachelor in Music Education from the University of Maine at Orono. Kathy has served as Minister of Music conducting vocal choirs of various ages and coordinating service music. Her private studio included group and private piano and voice lessons as well as Kindermusik. She is a member of CMEA, MENC and ACDA. Her musical experience also includes conducting honor choirs at the elementary and middle school levels, workshop clinician for preschool music, middle school and church music, and past president of the Maine ACDA chapter. Kathy is a native of Maine. She now lives in Pueblo West with her husband and 3 teenagers. She looks forward to the opportunity be involved with the CMEA. INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC COUNCIL - Charles Pattie is the director of instrumental music at Rocky Ford High School, Rocky Ford,Colorado. This is his 10th year at Rocky Ford and my 27th year in education. Prior to Rocky Ford, Charles taught in Holly and Springfield. He has also spent 4 years employed in upper level management of agricultural related businesses. Charles has served on the Instrumental Council in the past; 2000 - 2004 and 1982 - 1984 and Vocal Council 1984 - 1986. Charles is married. He and his wife Teresa, is a Registered Nurse and MDS Coordinator at Fowler Health Care Center, have 4 daughters. The two oldest are homemakers and the two youngest have finished college and persuing their respective careers. Charles directs the “Sounds of Joy” Bell Choir at the Community Presbyterian Church inRocky Ford, past member of the Rocky Ford Fine Arts Commission, past president of Ark-Valley Music League, Captain and Treasure of Rocky Ford Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Departments, certified EMT-B+. In his spare time, he enjoy bowling, motorcylcing, and responding to fire and ambulance calls, collecting and starting to restore old/antique toy vehicles. VOCAL MUSIC COUNCIL - Throughout her 28 year teaching career, Joanne Vargo has taught vocal and general music in grades K-12 in addition to private voice and piano instruction in Kansas and Colorado. She has served as adjudicator and coordinator of many high school and middle school festivals. A native of southern Colorado, she received her BA from Adams State College and MME from Wichita State University. Ms. Vargo has previously served on the CMEA Board as Vocal Rep for Districts 6 and 4. She presently teaches grade 6-8 Vocal and General Music at Heaton Middle School in Pueblo. District 6 Candidates GENERAL MUSIC COUNCIL - Veronica Starcher started teaching in Colorado in 2006. She lives in Alamosa, Colorado and teaches grades 2-5 and beginning band at Bill Metz Elementary school in Monte Vista. Veronica am originally from Canton, Ohio and went to college at Kent State University in Kent, Ohio. She graduated from Kent in May of 2003 and started teaching the next school year. Veronica is married to Dr. Matthew Schildt who is also a musician and teaches Music Theory and Composition at Adams State College in Alamosa. Mrs Starcher is an active member of Rocky Mountain AOSA and drives to Denver frequently to attend workshops and meetings. She is also excited to be presenting at the May workshop. Though teaching is a top priority in her life, she is also a very active Horn player in the San Luis Valley. Veronica plays in the Adams State Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, as well as community and student chamber groups. She loves teaching, playing music, learning, and sharing what she knows with others. INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC COUNCIL - Chad Green received his B.A. M. Chad Green, B.A. Music Adams State College 2001 and is currently teaching at Sangre de Cristo School District, PreK-12th grades, general music, choir, & band. Chad is currently serving as the president in the San Luis Valley Music Educator’s Association and has served the last two years as the District 6 representative on the CMEA Instrumental Music Council. As a low brass specialist, he performed with the Adams State College Wind Ensemble and brass ensembles, the Colorado Brass Band, the SLV Big Band, and the newly formed SLV Brass Quintet Honors: CBDNA Colorado Honor Band, 1995 CBDNA Small Schools Honor Band, 1998 VOCAL MUSIC COUNCIL - Linda McGinn is in her 27th year of teaching and 8th year as choral director at Alamosa High School. Linda graduated from Colorado State University (B.M.E. 1981) and Grand Canyon University (M.A.T. 2000). Her teaching experience includes vocal music at Thompson Valley High School in Loveland for 5 years, Ft. Worth, Texas 1 year, Crested Butte Elementary for 1 year, and Gunnison High School 12 years. Linda also directed the Gunnison Community Church adult choir for the 13 years she lived in Gunnison. Linda was named Teacher of the Year by her colleagues at GHS (1999) and the Gunnison Chamber of Commerce (1995), and selected Honorable Mention to the USA Today All-Teacher Team (1999). She currently serves as the R&S Chair for Men’s Choirs for the Colorado ACDA and as a staff accompanist at Adams State College. District 8 Candidates GENERAL MUSIC COUNCIL - Jeff Van Devender teaches elementary general and vocal music at Bea Underwood Elementary School in Parachute - Garfield School District 16. Currently in his 17th year of teaching music in the public schools, Van Devender has found elementary music to be equally as rewarding as any other level in music education. Having taught instrumental, choral & general music at all levels K-12 in both Colorado and Iowa, he particularly enjoys the genuine expression of absolute joy and unbridled enthusiasm displayed by younger children during their music class time. Under his direction, the 65 member 4th - 6th Grade Soaring Eagle Choir has established an award-winning performance tradition, finding themselves in continual demand for their next community performance. Van Devender’s philosophy of music education at the elementary level includes a foundation rooted in the enjoyment of appreciating, creating and feeling music as a basic element of our civilization. Jeff will complete his Masters in Music Education studies at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, Summer 2008. He has also has released 2 piano/instrumental cd’s on his own JavaMusiK Label. INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC COUNCIL - Kelli Turnipseed graduated from Adams State College in 2003 with a B.A. in Music Education, and is currently in her 5th year as director of Music at Soroco Secondary Schools in Oak Creek. Kelli teaches Percussion Ensemble, Choir, Band, and Drama at the Middle School level, and Choir, Jazz Band, Guitar and Concert Band at the High School level. VOCAL MUSIC COUNCIL - Daryl Gingrich received his Bachelors of Vocal Music Education from the University of Minnesota Duluth in 2004. He started his teaching career on the western slope of Colorado in Rifle. During his first year directing he taught at Riverside Middle School and Rifle High School. Along with Jayme Wagner he organized the 2004-05 district solo ensemble. He has also been an active member of the church choir in Glenwood. Daryl currently teaches at Rifle H.S. and Coal Ridge H.S.