Professor of Music Nancy Ditmer has recently been awarded the honor of filling the job of President for MENC: National Association of Music Education.
Ditmer’s recognition comes after a candidacy lasting over one year, an experience she calls “very nerve-racking.” After her nomination from retired Professor and Dean of Music Education at Kent State University William Anderson, Ditmer submitted written materials to the Nomination Committee for the position.† She was selected as one of four semi-finalists and presented a ten-minute speech, as well as respond to questions at the National Assembly of the organization in Washington, D.C. last June. Ditmer was named as one of two finalists for the position at the conclusion of the National Assembly, attended by state and division leaders of the organization.† Ditmer was recognized in March as the President-elect at the conclusion of MENC elections.
Ditmer enters the position after years of state and regional leadership with the National Association of Music Education.† She previously served as President-elect and President of the Ohio Music Education Association from 1994-1998.† Ditmer was named the President of the North Central Division of the organization in 2002, a position she served until the end of her term in 2004.† As President of the North Central Division, Ditmer oversaw programs in 10 states.
The MENC, or National Association of Music Education is “an umbrella organization for 50 state affiliates” bringing together music educators at public and private schools as well as colleges and universities, according to Ditmer.† Her first two years as President-elect will be spent learning about the organization “from the inside out.”† As President, Ditmer is expected to travel to all 50 states as well as participate in the administration of the organization.
During her administration of the organization, Ditmer expects to hold a lighter teaching load.† She expressed excitement, though, at the possibilities the position has for her students.† The organization, for example, grants financial assistance to the President’s home institution, and Ditmer hopes the grant may be used to possibly expand the Music Education Department in her absence.† Ditmer also cited the networking opportunities present in traveling to 50 states and wants to use the connections she will forge as opportunities for her future students.† “The contacts I’ll make and the recognition the position brings to the College will do nothing but help our students,” says Ditmer.† “The National Association for Music Education is very aware of the effect [the presidency has] on the institution where an individual works.”
Ditmer’s appointment to the presidency came while she was on band tour with her students.† Band and Music Education students were elated to hear the news.† “This appointment really puts Wooster on the map as a college as well as a music school,” says Jeannette Carey ’10.† “It provides great opportunities for music students.”
Ditmer indicated she feels honored to be able to serve as President of the organization, but pays homage to others in the department who made the opportunity possible.† She credits Assitant Professor of Music Lisa Yozviak, in her first year teaching at the College, for allowing her the opportunity to pursue the position.† “I would have felt reluctant to apply,” she says, “and leave our Music Education students without a full-time faculty member.”† The appointment comes at an ideal juncture in Ditmer’s career.† This is her 26th year at the College, and she explains that 25 of those years, she was the sole full-time faculty member in Music Education.
Ditmer’s position as President-elect begins July 1 of this year and continues until June 30, 2012, when she will assume the two-year term of President.