Senior named All-Eastern first chair; Seybert presents workshop

Carlee performed with more than 160 other student musicians from NAfME’s Eastern Region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont as well as Washington, D.C. and Department of Defense schools in Europe. Travis J. Cross, director of bands at UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, served as guest conductor.

The All-Eastern Conference is held every other year.  Students who place in the top chairs of the All-State Ensembles are able to apply and audition to be a part of the All-East Ensembles.

Carlee, who serves as a marching band drum major for the 2024-25 school year, receives music instruction from Nick Deutsch, high school band director. She plans to study economics and music at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois this fall.

The NAfME Eastern Division Conference also featured a workshop presented by Dr. John Seybert, performing arts curriculum leader. Titled “Ten Things Mentally Strong Music Teachers Do,” the session provided new teachers and young professionals with strategies for developing mental strength based on a three-pronged approach – thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.  

“Music teachers face diverse challenges daily that require multifaceted skills,” Dr. Seybert said. “Effective educators must successfully negotiate ever-changing situations facing our students, parents and educational community.”

The workshop reviewed 10 habits to better manage challenges facing in school music programs- big or small. The strategies are designed to help music educators embrace change, face their fears, and focus on happiness and success.