Monday, March 24, 2014
NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. – The Westminster College Department of Music hosted a professional development day for area educators and students March 1. The event was open to all teachers who are members of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) in District 5, which includes Beaver, Butler, Lawrence and Mercer counties; and members of the Pennsylvania Collegiate Music Educators Association (PCMEA). The day included a concert by the Penn State Gospel Choir, under the direction of Dr. Anthony Leach, who also gave two presentations. Dr. Melinda Crawford, Westminster College assistant professor of music and Westminster Orchestra director, presented “The Interaction Between Bow Techniques.” Dr. Bob Matchett, band director at Seneca Valley High School, presented “Developing a Comprehensive Jazz Ensemble.” There were also PCMEA specific presentations during the day. Westminster alumni who have recently graduated were also in attendance to answer questions about interviewing and landing their first job as a music teacher. Paul Fox, a music teacher for the Upper St. Clair School District for more than 30 years and now retired, presented interviewing strategies. The event was organized by Westminster student Emily Raines, senior music education major and president of Westminster’s chapter of PCMEA, and Dr. Robin Lind, Westminster associate professor of music and director of choral activities. Contact R. Tad Greig at 724-946-7279 or email for additional information.
About Westminster College…Founded in 1852 and related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Westminster College ranks first in the nation as “Best College for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math,” according to Forbes.com. Westminster is a top-tier liberal arts college and a national leader in graduation rate performance, according to U.S. News Best Colleges guide. Westminster is also honored as one of “The Best 378 Colleges” by The Princeton Review, and is named to the President’s Honor Roll for excellence in service learning.Nearly 1,600 undergraduate and graduate students benefit from individualized attention from dedicated faculty while choosing from 41 majors and nearly 100 organizations on the New Wilmington, Pa., campus. Visit www.westminster.edu/advantage to view “Advantage: Westminster” A Strategic Plan 2010-2020.