“We’ve had an excellent program, we just needed somebody to take it to the next level. When I came on board, I realized that we had such passionate students that really were going to be tremendous music educators, and we just needed somebody to mobilize it,” said Dr. Joshua Chism, associate director of music education and associate director of choral studies, as well as Whitworth’s latest addition to its music department.
“Here in the music department, we decided that the department needed someone to take hold of its music education sector a little more solidly,” Chism explained. “When I was hired, I was given specific instructions to make sure that our music education program was thriving, and for our instrumental kids, our band kids, our choir kids, anyone who’s going to become a music teacher, that we had some excellent programming for those students.”
Chism acknowledged that a rich and immersive culture already exists within the music department. Rather than building a program from the ground up, his mission is to serve as a conduit between students and their external community.
“The students were already ready, they were energized and the potential energy was already there, we just needed to convert it into action–into programming and engagement. The students had all the ideas, all they needed was a faculty member who could bridge the gap from these to putting them into action,” Chism said.
This enthusiasm has especially influenced the growth of Whitworth’s National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Collegiate chapter, which has expanded from three members last school year to 21 as of now. According to NAfME’s website, the organization aims to connect music educators and advocates to promote equitable access to music education.
This past February, Whitworth’s chapter attended the All-Northwest NAfME conference in Seattle. “We took 22 students, and most bigger universities only took about 10-15, so we really made a statement by doing that. It’s three days filled up with sessions and concerts and ensembles. It reminded all of us why we’re doing this and helped us find connections with the other college NAfME members,” recounted third-year Melissa Jones, a member of Whitworth’s NAfME chapter.
Open to all education majors, not just those in music, NAfME provides ample opportunities for education majors to find community and further their interests alongside each other.
“Last year was my first year at Whitworth, and it can be weird transferring to a new school. This year, having NAfME and those options outside of class to bond with people has been so great. I’m applying to be on the state NAfME board, and I’m really excited,” Jones said. “I definitely would not have had that opportunity had I not been welcomed into the organization last year.”
In addition to this blossoming syndicate, Whitworth’s NAfME chapter started Cowles Café, a student-run café located in Cowles Music Building. The café is tailored to health and wellness and professional development. It also offers students numerous opportunities for students to collaborate and grow, ranging from engaging with guest lecturers and guided nature hikes to the periodic café itself.
“Every Monday from eight to eleven, we have coffee, fruit, granola bars, tea – and students come get a mug, sit at our tables, and experience community. It’s a way to help our music students find a connection to another person in their department. It seems like such a simple thing, but it really is very magical,” Chism said.
He added, “We never know what it might do for someone to see a smiling face and hear, ‘Good morning, I’m so glad you’re here. I hope you have a great day,’” Chism said. “Above and beyond that, the NAfME students reap the benefits as well. [Cowles Café is] completely student-run and they take responsibility. It’s become a place of service and positive emotional connection.”
