West Music Events: We’re talking conventions and workshops with Director of General Music, Judy Pine.
West Music has a long history of not just supplying general classroom music teachers with quality instruments and materials, but also having a team of associates who help those teachers craft the right inventory for their unique classrooms and continue to build on their skills to promote a robust and joyful curriculum. We sat down with our own Director of General Music, Judy Pine, to talk about the evolution of West Music’s approach to workshops, teacher trainings, and music educator conferences.
Q: How does West Music decide which conventions to attend and support each year?
A: When putting together our convention season, we ask ourselves, “What states can we best assist in providing quality materials?” Once we have that list identified, we focus on what value we can add to the conference through our presence there — we try to be more than just an exhibitor in an exhibit hall.
Q: How do we go about ensuring that we offer value outside our booth?
A: Long before we attend each annual convention, we talk to the local primary chair or committee of this region to understand the next need we can fill in general music to help round out the state’s programming. We are always thinking about how we can continue to improve their experience and that students in these teachers’ classrooms will receive a robust elementary music education.
Additionally, we often sponsor presenters at the conventions we attend. We want to help keep the national general music ecosystem healthy, and part of that is making sure those new teachers are taught and inspired by the best in their fields. With West Music having such a steady presence at these conventions, the attendees know that if we sponsor someone, the person’s recommendations will add real value to their classrooms. We choose to sponsor presenters based on the quality and resonance of their messages, as well as their level of recognition in their areas of specialty. Attendees also know the speakers’ materials can be found in our booth.
Q: What other sorts of materials can be found in West Music booths? Is there a space that is more heavily trafficked over the rest?
A: Our presenter materials are always clearly marked, and people walk right up to them. We also feature new and bestselling items to help guide our visitors to see what they haven’t seen before (or to replenish their worn-out favorites). We like to put our booth together so that it encourages seeing everything that we’ve brought — we don’t want to take any of it home with us, after all! Our intention is always to bring an assortment that will represent the West Music catalog evenly.
Q: In addition to our convention schedule, we support a number of teacher trainings every year during the summer.
A: We do! The relationships we’ve cultivated over the years have enabled us to develop partnerships and supply the equipment for professional development workshops across the country each year. We offer this as a free service, a bonus to help support local programs. I love getting to see the teachers who attend these events each year and getting to talk with them face-to-face; it’s like having a reunion with friends at each event. I also love meeting new teachers who’ve been bitten by the music bug. They come to events eager to learn and go back to their classrooms with fresh ways to enthusiastically engage their students.
Q: If you had a person in front of you who has never attended a West Music-sponsored event, what would you tell them about why it’s the right fit for them?
A: With new teachers, I encourage them to go for training to get new ideas. Do more than just stay in your own building! I am always pleased to see someone from a state conference at a national conference. It means they want to learn more, and can pass that spark on to another person. Every time a new student becomes interested in music, it’s another opportunity for someone to “play for life.”
Oh, the PLACES you will go…
For many years, West Music has been a trusted partner for many fantastic teacher training opportunities across the country. In this ever-changing landscape, while traditional in-person workshops and conventions were canceled, the community continues to evolve and new ways to connect are established. We will keep our plans updated on westmusic.com. We hope to see you virtually or in-person soon!
A personal message to you from Judy:
With everything going online this year, I will really miss seeing you in person! I’m bummed to not see you face-to-face after 40 years of looking forward to our annual meetups. I look forward to connecting with you anyway – whether it’s a talk on the phone, a video call or messages on social media. And you can always email me!
— Judy
Aaron Hansen is an experienced K-6 General Music educator, passionate about bringing music to life through the Orff Approach. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Aaron has completed comprehensive Orff Teacher Training, including three levels at the University of St. Thomas and an Orff Master Class. His dedication to the Orff method took him to the Summer International Course at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria. Aaron also shares his expertise by teaching movement at various Orff Teacher Training Courses and conducting workshops for local Orff Chapters.
