Music Educators Association of New Jersey

Guests from other New Jersey Music Organizations Attended the General Meeting and Potluck Buffet Luncheon on October 18, 2018.

This was a very special occasion because invitations had been extended to many other New Jersey Music organizations. To accommodate the audience, the MEA arranged for the use of a large room in the New Jersey Youth Symphony Building in New Providence. This enlarged meeting was a bold step taken by President Nancy Modell. The choice of the facility was perfect and the meeting was a huge success.

Among the organizations invited were: Elefante Music, New Jersey Federation of Music Clubs, New Jersey Workshop for the Arts, Piano Teachers Forum, Pompton Valley Music Teachers Association, Shore Music Educators Association, South Jersey Music Teachers’ Association, Suburban Music Study Club, The Cecilian Music Club of 1883, The Musical Club of Westfield, The New School for Music Study, The Professional Music Teachers’ Guild of NJ, and Wharton Institute for the Performing Arts.

Hospitality Chair Karen Dann Sundquist and her committee of volunteers worked magic to arrange the impressive Potluck Buffet Luncheon. Ruth Kallen stepped in to help at the welcome table. Thank you, Ruth. President Nancy Modell produced a very informative flyer with descriptions of many of the organizations, leaders, and contact information for distribution at the meeting. The welcome table was filled with additional materials related to the guest organizations.

Before the speaker began, President Nancy Modell invited the representatives of guest organizations to stand and introduce themselves. It was a good beginning. To read about the program, which featured Ingrid Clarfield, click here for the report written by Beverly Shea. After Ms. Clarfield’s presentation, there was ample time to discuss it and to socialize while enjoying a wonderful lunch. The atmosphere was friendly and festive.

Donations of food augmented the basic menu provided by the MEA; every gift was greatly appreciated. Special thanks go to President Nancy Modell for shopping and purchasing food; to Cherwyn Ambuter for purchasing the coffee box; and to Yudit Terry for setting up and arranging the food on the tables. Other MEA-NJ members helped greatly, contributing food and assisting in setting up.

Food donations were made by the following guest organizations: South Jersey Music Teachers Association, The Cecilian Music Club, Elefante Music, New Jersey Workshop for the Arts, and Music Guild. The MEA appreciates their generous gifts.

It was exciting to converse with MEA guests, and good to learn about the many other music groups. We hope that our guests enjoyed the MEA meeting and will consider joining us again.

Bertha Mandel, writer