NAfME Members Elect 2023–2025 Presidents-Elect for the Eastern, Northwest, and Southwestern Divisions

For Immediate Release
Contact: Catherina Hurlburt
catherinah@nafme.org or (571) 323-3395

National Association for Music Education Members Elect 2023–2025 Presidents-Elect for the Eastern, Northwest, and Southwestern Divisions

RESTON, VA (February 13, 2023)—On February 10, 2023, the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) announced the 2023–2025 Presidents-Elect for the Eastern, Northwest, and Southwestern Divisions, elected by NAfME members.

Every two years, NAfME members in these three divisions cast their votes for the next person to lead their respective divisions in the association. NAfME is comprised of six divisions—the other three divisions (North Central, Southern, and Western) elect their Presidents-Elect every other two years along with the NAfME National President-Elect.

The association values the contributions to music education from all the candidates who take part in this process and looks forward to the newly elected Division Presidents-Elect carrying forth the long tradition NAfME holds of leadership in the field of music education.

Learn more about the elected Presidents-Elect:

Eastern Division President-Elect: David M. Brown. David M. Brown is the Immediate Past President of the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) and the Superintendent of Schools of DeRuyter Central Schools. He just started his 34th year in education. He spent 24 years as a High School Choral Director and Artistic Director of Theatre. He has conducted several Area All-State and All County Honor Ensembles. As the President of NYSSMA he worked with the Commissioner of Education and the State Health Director through the COVID pandemic. When he is not leading music or his school district he lives in Skaneateles, New York, with his wife Melissa, and their children Sophia and Nicholas. Brown has a Doctorate in Executive Leadership through the lens of Social Justice from St. John Fisher University. His dissertation was entitled, “Male Participation in Secondary Choral Music.” He also has a Master Degree in Music Education and Performance from Ithaca College, a Bachelor of Science in Music and Theatre from Nazareth College, and studied voice at the Eastman School of Music. Learn more.

“We need to continue to think globally about how and what we educate and ask the question – who are our clients and what are their needs?” stated Brown, continuing, “So my Equity Statement is to know and understand the needs of all children and meet those needs by offering music education opportunities to everyone.”

Northwest Division President-Elect: Joe Dyvig. Joe Dyvig is currently the orchestra teacher at Olympia High School, as well as the Music and Visual Arts coordinator for the Olympia School District in Olympia, Washington. Prior teaching assignments include Band, Jazz, and Orchestra in the Northshore School District, Ferndale School District, and Monroe Public Schools. He was on the Washington Music Educators Association board in various roles for six years from 2017 to 2022 and has been the organizing chair for both the All-State Chamber Orchestra and the All-Northwest Orchestra. At the regional level he served a term as president of the San Juan Music Educators Association. Dyvig has presented at the WMEA and NAfME Northwest Division conferences on multiple occasions. Additionally, he is on staff as assistant director and double bass teacher at the Birch Bay String Teachers’ Workshop, as well as leading the teacher inservice component of the Hammond Ashley Memorial Bass Workshop. Dyvig was selected as the Chinook Music Educators Association music teacher of the year in 2022 and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Learn more.

“Music disciplines, genres, musicians, and repertoire studied should be diverse so that students not only see their own cultural identity represented but also learn about music beyond their current world view,” stated Dyvig, adding, “Work needs to continue on identifying, recruiting, and retaining music educators that are demographically representative of the students they teach. As a professional organization that provides advocacy and professional development for music educators, NAfME should look at all efforts through an equity lens to make progress towards these ends.”

Southwestern Division President-Elect: Christopher M. Baumgartner. Christopher M. Baumgartner is Associate Professor of Music Education and Assistant Director of Undergraduate Studies & Advising at the University of Oklahoma (OU) where he teaches courses in music education, supervises student teachers and graduate research, and directs the New Horizons Band. Prior to OU, Baumgartner taught music education and bands at Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Missouri. He taught instrumental music in the Kenton (Ohio) Public Schools for four years, directing the high school, middle school, and beginning band programs. He continues to serve as a clinician and adjudicator for school bands of all levels. Keeping an active agenda in music education research, Baumgartner routinely presents at state, national, and international conferences. His research interests include music student teaching, instrumental music methods, rehearsal techniques, community music, and music teacher mentoring. Baumgartner is published in numerous state, national, and international journals. His book chapter on music student teaching appears in the Oxford Handbook of Preservice Music Teacher Education in the United States. Learn more.

“As teachers, we must continue to learn how to recognize the barriers (as well as children’s individual needs) that prevent students from making meaningful strides in their educational endeavors,” stated Baumgartner. “Proper education of, professional development of, and support/resources for teachers are essential in guiding music educators to offer more equitable experiences in their classrooms.”

Learn more about the history and leadership of the association.

###

The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is a collaborative community that supports music educators and advocates for equitable access to music education. The only association that addresses all aspects of music education, NAfME, together with its affiliated state music education associations, advocates at the national, state, and local levels and provides resources and opportunities for teachers, students, parents, and administrators. Founded in 1907 and representing more than 53,000 members teaching millions of students, NAfME advances the music education profession and promotes lifelong experiences in music.

Follow NAfME on Instagram and on Facebook. For additional information, contact Catherina Hurlburt at catherinah@nafme.org or 571-323-3395.