UIndy music education students honored at annual IMEA convention
Two University of Indianapolis music education students recently were honored at the annual Indiana Music Educators Association Convention in Fort Wayne, held Jan. 19-21.
Amanda Vidal, a senior music education major was honored as one of only two Indiana students named Outstanding Future Music Educator.
When the IMEA board chooses candidates, they consider involvement in leadership positions of collegiate National Association of Music Education (MENC) chapters as well as participation and involvement in music education activities outside of the organization. Vidal served as secretary of the UIndy collegiate MENC chapter. Her responsibilities included advertising, coordinating guest speakers for meetings and various other tasks.
The IMEA does not notify its winners until the convention. She arrived at the convention and her name was pointed out to her in the program. At the convention, she was presented a pl
aque of recognition at the opening session of the conference by this year’s IMEA president.
According to Vidal, she realized her passion for music at an early age, around seventh grade.
“It wasn’t long before I realized that I loved playing my flute both by myself and within any semblance of an ensemble, and I began imagining my future, grown up self as band director,” Vidal said in the essay submitted as part of her application for the award.
Andrew Moran, a sophomore secondary instrumental music education major, was elected to a two-year term as collegiate representative on the IMEA Board of Directors.
He received a recommendation from Brenda Clark, the program coordinator of music education and assistant professor of music.
At the convention, all nominees were asked to give a speech and were voted upon following the speeches.
Moran started out as an aeronautical engineering major at Purdue University but realized that music was a much stronger passion for him.
“I quickly found that I couldn’t ignore music as my passion and, ultimately, my career,” Moran said. “Once music gets in your blood, it doesn’t leave.”
Moran said, his overall goal is to build something positive for his future students and to teach lessons that wouldn’t normally be taught through music.
“I’m aiming to be a music teacher, and while I have every intention of teaching my kids music-making at the highest level I can, music is the vehicle I will be using for teaching them lessons that extend far beyond the walls of a classroom,” Moran said.
He learned at a young age just how important music could be in life and how it could apply to everyday living.
“Music instills qualities such as perseverance, motivation, drive, teamwork, confidence, respect, etc.,” Moran said. “I think even if music doesn’t remain an active part of their [students] lives after graduation, the lessons they learn from being a part of a musical organization will stick with them for the rest of their lives.”
