Leadership – its fingerprints are all over the Washington State Music Teachers Association. We are members who bring people together on a shared journey. We are musicians, teachers, students. We are learners. We inspire. We create. We respond. By simply being a member, we leave our fingerprints of collaboration and community. Discovering more about our shared leadership roles and opportunities took place for me at the MTNA Summit for state presidents in early September. A summary of the practical and resourceful tools is available to all our members on the MTNA website: www.mtna.org/MTNA/Engage/Summit. Our annual September WSMTA Leadership Seminar, chaired by President-elect Kira Miller, NCTM, provided our local association leaders a time to think “Out of the Box” through The Leadership Challenge as guided by speaker Ryan Colburn. Consider these five practices: 1. Model the Way; 2. Inspire a Shared Vision; 3. Challenge the Process; 4. Enable Others to Act; 5. Encourage the Heart. (Kouzes and Posner) These practices are worth revisiting often.
Along with our fall District II, IV, and VI Conferences, rich with content and camaraderie, our set of state competitions, the Washington State MTNA Performance Competition and the Outstanding Artist Piano Competition are coming up November 9-11 at Central Washington University in Ellensburg. As chairs, Julie Swienty, NCTM, Vice President Amanda Harris, NCTM, and Cherie Felts, are preparing for three days of competition activity. While managing many details, they need willing helpers for a successful outcome. Together we can and will provide support for our students in their performing endeavors.
Our efforts for leading, guiding, and working with each other shows our potential, our purpose, and our passion. Nature has a way of making the point. A few weeks ago, I noticed the beautiful green leaves of a small and nicely shaped tree in my neighborhood and remembered that in due time it would turn a brilliant red. Sure enough, the transformation took place and the small tree stood confident against a backdrop of tall trees of yellows and oranges. Collaborating to encourage the possibilities and potential in others and in our chapters is a fulfilling process and worth the journey!
Leading together,
Colleen Hunter, NCTM
WSMTA President