Report of the Curriculum and Instruction Chair – Donna Burkholder
May 4, 2008

A. Meetings attended for PMEA included two Executive Board sessions, one in January and one in April to hear statewide concerns.

B. Selection of new Higher Education representative to District 7 in coordination with the President, Vice-President and PMEA State Board Representative to replace Katie Peddell from Messiah. Our recommendation was Dr. Grace Muzzo from Messiah, who has agreed to fill that position.

C. Visit to York College and Dr. Muzzo to discuss the District 7 Professional Development Day for 2008. The College has graciously agreed to host the event and we have contacted the appropriate individuals to reserve facilities and arrange food services for the day.

D. Contract with Denis DiBlasio and Dr. Rick Dammer of Rowen University to be the featured speakers for the October 13, 2008 Professional Development Day. The day will also include a general session with Richard Victor following lunch, so that he can provide updated information on our political situations in the state and nation, and offer suggestions for advocacy.

E. Two fests were successfully completed in April:

1. Elementary Song Fest was held April 5 in Warwick School District with a team of four elementary teachers coordinated by Michelle Conrad
2. Youth String Fest was held April 12 in Gettysburg under the leadership of Jill Marzolf

F. Arrangements have begun for planning all four fests for 2008-2009 with proposed budgets and conductors being presented at the May Executive Board meeting from Kristen Diehl of Cocalico, the host of Middle School Song Fest on November 8 and Jennifer Theilacker of Lampeter-Strasburg, the host of Youth Band Fest on November 21-22.G. Summer will involve PMEA Executive Board meeting on July 22-23 in State College.

H. My thanks to Marie Weber and Mark Romig for their enormous assistance
on this committee during the past year.