Miami University's National Association for Music Education (NAfME) collegiate chapter is hitting high notes in organizational achievement, recently snagging one of nine national "Chapters of Excellence" recognitions, specifically in the Recruitment category. Under the baton of a dynamic student leadership, the chapter has swelled from a modest ensemble of 16 to an impressive chorus of more than 70 members just this past spring semester, as detailed in a celebratory announcement by Miami University's News.
At the heart of this symphonic surge is Maria Hisey, a rising senior at Miami University. Aside from her repertoire as a double major in Music Education and Music Performance (horn), Hisey orchestrated a membership crescendo within the chapter, making access to its opportunities more widely available. Her efforts mirror the spirit of the NAfME, aiming to strike the right chord among students in their professional development. While attending the Collegiate Leadership Advocacy Summit in Washington D.C. from June 9-11, Hisey represented the school on the state board overseeing Ohio's chapters and brought home the national honor.
The chapter's tune of success hits more than just membership notes, with avid engagement through monthly professional development events, weekly ensemble rehearsals, and various fundraisers, all while singing to the financial support of the College of Creative Arts, various student government bodies, and the Family Fund. This concerted effort in participation caught the attention of the NAfME and resonated deeply with Miami's educators. "I’m absolutely thrilled and so proud of our students," according to Miami University News, assistant professor of Music Education and the chapter's faculty sponsor Robin Heinsen relayed. Heinsen's pride in their achievement was broadcast in the university's announcement, applauding the commitment that earned national spotlight.
Miami's NAfME chapter, through its professional development initiatives, also serves as a networking stage. Guest speakers from throughout Ohio have visited, sharing their professional insights with the student audience. "We want to introduce them to this larger world of music education so they can see how they fit into the profession," explained Heinsen. The chapter's blueprint looks to further boost its rhythm by expanding opportunities that better harmonize with students' schedules and by increasing travel opportunities, which are open resources for all, mandatory or not. Hisey's motive, noted in the Miami University News article, is to keep the chapter as "an open resource for people."
The NAfME's affirmative nod to Miami's chapter harmonizes with a previous accolade, retroactively sung to former chapter president Colleen Gorski. She received one of the NAfME's Professional Achievement Awards for her role in reviving Miami's chapter, signaling a continuous crescendo of excellence and enthusiasm within the organization's ranks.
