The University of North Georgia's (UNG) collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) received a 2022 Collegiate Chapter of Excellence award from the national group in the professional development category.
The University of North Georgia chapter of the Collegiate National Association for Music Education (NAfME) is the professional organization for future music educators. Membership is open to Bachelor of Music majors with concentrations in music education who will receive professional certification to teach in the public school systems. Membership is also open to Bachelor of Music majors with concentrations in Performance or Musical Arts who may teach in private studios or in other settings.
The NAfME among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century.
Since 1907, NAfME has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. NAfME’s activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education.
Sarah Ann Mallard is currently a junior at UNG and has been a part of the cNAfME family since 2021. As a sophomore she served as Treasurer for cNAfME and she is excited to serve as President this year. Sarah Ann is majoring in BA of Music, Choral Music Education. Though she has loved music since she was two years old, she first experienced choral music and fell in love with it when she joined her high school choir. While in the choir, she held the leadership position for her own section and helped oversee other choir sections. Her experience has led her to grow as a person and become involved in various organizations at UNG. In Sarah Ann's free time, she enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, listening to music, drinking sweet tea, and bingeing on the TV series, "Bones".
Logan Starr is a third-year BA of Music, Instrumental Music Education Major. His applied instrument is the Trombone. He has truly enjoyed his UNG experience so far getting involved in his Fraternity and as Vice President of cNAfME. He has grown up playing music with his brother Hayden. Logan plans to attend graduate school upon completing his degree at UNG and becoming a high school band director.
Bethany Bruning is in her second year as a BA of Music, Instrumental Music Education major at the University of North Georgia. Her principal instrument is euphonium, which she studies under the direction of Doctor Adam Frey. She is a current member of UNG’s Wind Ensemble, Pep Band, and Low Brass Ensemble. Bethany has always had a passion for music, and she loves that she can share that passion with the rest of the community at UNG. She believes that no matter where you start as a musician, with hard work and dedication you can reach any goal. This will be Bethany's second year in cNAfME, and she is grateful to take on the position of Treasurer. Bethany is not only working to help cNAfME grow as an organization but also toward her future as a music educator with the help of her peers and professors.
Carly Waugh is currently a sophomore at UNG, majoring in BA of Music, Choral Music Education. Her area of applied studies is voice. She is involved in the Music Department and currently holds two positions as Secretary of cNAfME and Chorister of Mu Phi Epsilon. She has been singing since eighth grade when she discovered her vocal ability. Her passion for choir grew in high school when she developed her talent and passion for choral music. Things that Carly loves to do are singing and dancing to KPOP, learning languages, and watching YouTube. She also loves to make friends!
Hayden Starr is currently a second-year student, majoring in BA in Music, Instrumental Music Education degree on the UNG Gainesville Campus. He has been involved with all forms of music since middle school. He enjoys the close-knit feel of the Gainesville campus and encourages others to begin their music journey there. Hayden is a member of both the band and choir and served as the student director of the choir his first and second term. His areas of applied focus include the saxophone and baritone/bass in the choir. He is prepared to act as a liaison to cNAfME meetings and activities on the Gainesville campus.