The initial Choral Directors' Workshop, held in August 1973, at Alma College, was such an overwhelming success that the event became a part of MSVMA's regular program. Renamed Summer Conference in 2015, this important learning opportunity attracts experienced and novice directors for professional development for choral education. For information on the Conference, check out the Summer Conference page.
Elections are conducted by an Elections Committee which is appointed by the President and chaired by the Past President. The following procedure is used for elections:
In 1988, the Michigan School Vocal Music Association honored Carolyn F. Leep, head of the Choral/Vocal Department of Malecki Music Inc., with a scholarship in her name. Carolyn demonstrated steadfast support of Association members through provision of materials to support their efforts as music educators.
The Scholarship is awarded in January and must be expended by the end of the next calendar year or be forfeited. The Scholarship(s) shall be awarded according to the following criteria:
Application deadline is November 1. Application will be available May 1.
For further information contact the Past President.
MSVMA's emeritus membership program honors retired individuals whose lives have been devoted to the improvement of choral music programs in the secondary schools of their communities and who have been active members of MSVMA.
Candidates are recommended by their respective district to the Executive Board of MSVMA. A candidate must have taught vocal music or have been actively involved with choral music program(s) for twenty-five or more years prior to retirement. In addition to teaching music, a candidate may have spent part of his or her twenty-five years as a supervisor, coordinator, chairman or director of a school music program of which choral music is a part. A candidate must have demonstrated significant service to MSVMA. Exceptions to the years of experience requirement will be considered by the Executive Board on an individual basis.
Candidates who have spent only part of their careers in the state of Michigan must meet all requirements with credit given for choral teaching or supervising and for being active members of vocal music organizations in other states.
Lifetime membership, with dues paid by MSVMA, will be granted to all individuals who receive the "Member Emeritus" Award. Members Emeritus may not hold office.
An emeritus nomination fee of $100 per candidate is paid by their district. This fee covers the cost of an award and dinner or luncheon during the Michigan Music Conference.
Emeritus members are listed in the MSVMA Member Directory.
Michigan Music Conference
This conference is sponsored by MMEA, MSVMA, MSBOA and MASTA. It is unique among state music meetings in that it is sponsored by four music education organizations, all sharing in the conference planning, management and financing. The conference is held in Grand Rapids and includes many special events. See the Michigan Music Conference website for details.
Interest Sessions: Members are encouraged to submit Interest Session proposals for the Michigan Music Conference on a topic of their choosing. See the Michigan Music Conference website for details.
Performance Application: Members are encouraged to submit an application to perform at the MSVMA Choral Hours of the Michigan Music Conference. Click here to submit an application.
The President will appoint a listening panel supervised by the President-Elect to conduct a blind listening audition of all recordings. The Executive Board has the option of inviting a choral group of its choice, in addition to the groups selected by the panel. School classification is not part of the final decision.
Adjudication
As innovative leaders in vocal music education, we provide experiences to inspire our diverse community.
Our vision is to reach the hearts of all people through song.
The MSVMA Offices are located in the Timme Building on the campus of Ferris State University, Big Rapids, Michigan.