Barbara Geer, National President
MENC: The National Association for Music Education
Biography:
Barbara L. Geer is a retired music consultant from the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County (North Carolina) School System. She has taught elementary, middle, and high school vocal, instrumental, and general music. In addition to her instructional duties, she has served as a supervisor of the secondary band, choral, and orchestra programs and has provided extensive mentorship for collegiates and new teachers.
She received her BME degree from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, North Carolina and her MM degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has a distinguished record of state and national leadership experience, having served as President of both the Southern Division of MENC and the North Carolina Music Educators Association. She is currently the President of MENC: The National Association for Music Education. Her term began in 2008 and will conclude in 2010. While on the MENC National Executive Board, she served as a member of the Finance Committee, National Executive Committee, National Convention Task Force, Vision 20/20 Symposium, and planning committees for national conferences in Washington, Nashville, and Minneapolis.
She is currently a member of the Lowell Mason Fellows selection committee and the National Anthem Project committee. She was given the Kentucky Colonel Award in 2000 and 2002 and was voted North Carolina Choral Teacher of the Year in 2002. In 2005 she was a Lowell Mason Fellow. She also received the Samuel Talmadge Ragan Award for contributions to The Fine Arts of North Carolina in 2008. Additionally, she has adjudicated and conducted choirs in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia and currently chairs the North Carolina In-Service Conference as well as district vocal ensemble and large choral festivals.
She received her BME degree from St. Andrews Presbyterian College in Laurinburg, North Carolina and her MM degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has a distinguished record of state and national leadership experience, having served as President of both the Southern Division of MENC and the North Carolina Music Educators Association. She is currently the President of MENC: The National Association for Music Education. Her term began in 2008 and will conclude in 2010. While on the MENC National Executive Board, she served as a member of the Finance Committee, National Executive Committee, National Convention Task Force, Vision 20/20 Symposium, and planning committees for national conferences in Washington, Nashville, and Minneapolis.
She is currently a member of the Lowell Mason Fellows selection committee and the National Anthem Project committee. She was given the Kentucky Colonel Award in 2000 and 2002 and was voted North Carolina Choral Teacher of the Year in 2002. In 2005 she was a Lowell Mason Fellow. She also received the Samuel Talmadge Ragan Award for contributions to The Fine Arts of North Carolina in 2008. Additionally, she has adjudicated and conducted choirs in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia and currently chairs the North Carolina In-Service Conference as well as district vocal ensemble and large choral festivals.
“It is no surprise to music educators that our profession is experiencing challenges. Issues such as teacher recruitment and retention, dwindling financial support, curricular demands for our diverse student population, helping teachers feel valued, and the need to return to a philosophy of ‘educating the whole child,’ must be addressed so that no student gets left behind in music. The current frenzy of standardized testing in our schools creates an even greater need for strong music programs to protect our cultural and artistic future.
“MENC continues to grow and reflect on how it can best serve its membership. Some key issues for us to consider over the next few years will be strengthening communication between national officers and staff and state presidents, increasing attendance at national conferences, improving member services, and using technology effectively. Thoughtful attention must be given to designing division and national conferences that appeal to, and are relevant for, our total membership. A stronger liaison with other organizations such as the National Association of School Boards and the Association of State Boards of Education could also benefit our overall mission. While MENC is comprised of many specialty areas, we must project a unified professional voice that is heard by every decision-making body in the educational community.
“In spite of our challenges, we have reason for great hope. Music teachers around the country are achieving amazing successes. Music enrollments in many parts of the country are soaring due to the great work that you do every day, and the incredible strength of strong state and national music associations. Music teachers and MENC are a powerful force. We must continue our mission together and provide assertive and confident advocacy in our schools, communities, and across the nation.
“Finally, as we look back on our 100th anniversary in 2007, let us always remember that teaching music is a great and worthy adventure for which there is no substitute. Teaching provides the opportunity to instill a love of music in the next generation. Let us rededicate ourselves to this noble cause as we move forward with pride to meet any challenges of the new millennium.”
