Around 1957, music educators attending a conference in Regina, Saskatchewan discussed the possibility of forming a provincial association. The officers elected to pursue the matter were Lloyd Blackman (convenor); Rj Staples (secretary); and an executive consisting of Jennie McCallum, Don Cowan, Reg MacFarland and Hugh Stephenson. The Saskatchewan Music Educators Association (SMEA) was established shortly thereafter and its constitution was adopted on April 24, 1957. The first annual convention was held on April 12, 1958 in Regina. The SMEA was incorporated as a non-profit organization on June 7, 1976 under the provisions of The Societies Act.
The mandate of the SMEA is to promote the development of high standards of music and music education; to exchange information and ideas with those interested in music; and to sponsor conventions, workshops, clinics and other means of musical development, information and education. The SMEA is currently (2007) governed by a board of directors consisting of the president, vice-president, past president, executive director, and the directors of seven regions. Members of various special interest groups and the Universities of Regina and Saskatchewan act as liaisons to the SMEA Board.
The SMEA, which maintains its head office in Cudworth, is affiliated with numerous provincial, national and international musical and cultural organizations, including the Saskatchewan Teachers Federation (STF) and the Canadian Music Educators Association. SMEA's member organizations include the Saskatchewan Registered Music Teachers Association; Canadian Music Competitions - Saskatchewan Division; Saskatchewan Suzuki Piano Teachers Association; Saskatchewan Carl Orff Chapter and Music for Young Children. SMEA is funded through memberships, grants from SaskTrust and STF, corporate sponsorship and the sale of print and online advertising.
In 1957, the SMEA began publishing its official magazine, known over time as the Bulletin, the Journal, the Newsletter and Cadenza. In 2004, SMEA had four publications: NOTZ, a bi-annual newsletter; CADENZA, the annual journal; MusicEducationOnline, a website; and The Teacher Resource Package.
1935-1988
1969 or before
1987-10-24
1945 or after
1986 or before