Elections and Openings
NAfME-Texas is accepting nominations for President-Elect. If you have any questions about the position, please contact us at nafmetexas@gmail.com.
Member-at-Large Nominees
The results of the election for Member-at-Large resulted in a tie between John Parsons and Garry Williams. A run-off ballot will be emailed to all NAfME-Texas members on April 1st, 2022.
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John ParsonsAssistant Professor of Music Education
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As a researcher, Dr. Parsons’ work is centered on the intersection of attentional focus and motor control in the context of music learning and performance. He has co-authored and presented work at the Clifford K. Madsen International Symposium for Research in Music Behavior, the International Symposium on Performance Science, the National Association for Music Education and the Texas Music Educators Association annual conferences, and recently published work in the Journal of Research in Music Education.
Prior to his graduate work, Dr. Parsons served as a high school band director for 10 years (Westlake High School/Eanes ISD; Hendrickson High School/Pflugerville ISD), teaching a wide array of students and ensembles including wind bands, orchestras, marching band and jazz ensembles. Dr. Parsons is a member of the International Society for Music Education, the National Association for Music Education, the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association.
Prior to his graduate work, Dr. Parsons served as a high school band director for 10 years (Westlake High School/Eanes ISD; Hendrickson High School/Pflugerville ISD), teaching a wide array of students and ensembles including wind bands, orchestras, marching band and jazz ensembles. Dr. Parsons is a member of the International Society for Music Education, the National Association for Music Education, the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association.
Candidate Statement
Dear NAfME-Texas Members:
My name is John Parsons and I currently serve as Assistant Professor of Music Education at Texas Tech University. I am thrilled to introduce myself to you as a candidate for the position of Member-at-Large in our organization.
I come from a family of musicians and educators. My mother is a retired middle school English and American History teacher (and former saxophonist), and my father is a retired middle and high school band director. Each served students in the public schools in Texas for 35 years. Through them, I learned not only the importance of education, but the joy found in leading a musical life, and the triumphs and challenges associated with teaching in a state as large and diverse as Texas. Prior to my time in higher education, I was fortunate to serve as a high school band director in the Austin area for 10 years, working alongside many students and colleagues whose own educational and life experiences differed from my own. Together, we channeled our similarities and differences into the deeply enriching musical experiences that I now incorporate into my work as a university-level teacher trainer.
I believe the depth of knowledge and variety of relationships I have developed through these experiences place me in an excellent position to represent the interests of music educators and their students working in all EC–12 instructional contexts. As your Member-at-Large, I will advocate at the state and national levels for the needs of pre- and in-service teachers, and to contribute to NAfME’s mission to ensure equitable access to music education for all children in Texas and around the country.
Dear NAfME-Texas Members:
My name is John Parsons and I currently serve as Assistant Professor of Music Education at Texas Tech University. I am thrilled to introduce myself to you as a candidate for the position of Member-at-Large in our organization.
I come from a family of musicians and educators. My mother is a retired middle school English and American History teacher (and former saxophonist), and my father is a retired middle and high school band director. Each served students in the public schools in Texas for 35 years. Through them, I learned not only the importance of education, but the joy found in leading a musical life, and the triumphs and challenges associated with teaching in a state as large and diverse as Texas. Prior to my time in higher education, I was fortunate to serve as a high school band director in the Austin area for 10 years, working alongside many students and colleagues whose own educational and life experiences differed from my own. Together, we channeled our similarities and differences into the deeply enriching musical experiences that I now incorporate into my work as a university-level teacher trainer.
I believe the depth of knowledge and variety of relationships I have developed through these experiences place me in an excellent position to represent the interests of music educators and their students working in all EC–12 instructional contexts. As your Member-at-Large, I will advocate at the state and national levels for the needs of pre- and in-service teachers, and to contribute to NAfME’s mission to ensure equitable access to music education for all children in Texas and around the country.
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Garry WilliamsDean of Arts Conservatories
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He illuminated the importance of educational exposure experiences by partnering with arts organizations and supporters, such as, The Dallas Opera, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Black Dance Theater, and North Park Center. He also served executive producer for the district’s annual fine arts production, held at both the Meyerson Symphony Center and the historic Majestic Theater in downtown Dallas, which showcased the talents of 300+ scholars.
Garry obtained a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas. He is humbled and elated to have the opportunity to return to Booker T. as the Dean of Arts Conservatories, where he oversees curriculum and instruction for the performing and visual arts.
Candidate Statement
As an arts educator for more than 20 years, the past two years have presented its fair share of challenges. With the transition to virtual learning coupled with the increase in learning gaps, it is more important than ever for all educators to be a part of a community that will help with the navigation of new educational norms.
I find it an honor to be amongst the nominees that will assist in gathering data, creating conversations, and seeking resolutions that will solidify foundational practices for today's learner and educator. It is important for every student to have a champion, but it is equally important for teachers to have someone who can stand in the gap and advocate on their behalf. As a member of the board, I seek to be collaborative, open-minded, and forward thinking, understanding that it will take a team effort to address and present the best resources and professional development for the community of arts educators.
Garry obtained a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Education in Educational Leadership from the University of North Texas. He is humbled and elated to have the opportunity to return to Booker T. as the Dean of Arts Conservatories, where he oversees curriculum and instruction for the performing and visual arts.
Candidate Statement
As an arts educator for more than 20 years, the past two years have presented its fair share of challenges. With the transition to virtual learning coupled with the increase in learning gaps, it is more important than ever for all educators to be a part of a community that will help with the navigation of new educational norms.
I find it an honor to be amongst the nominees that will assist in gathering data, creating conversations, and seeking resolutions that will solidify foundational practices for today's learner and educator. It is important for every student to have a champion, but it is equally important for teachers to have someone who can stand in the gap and advocate on their behalf. As a member of the board, I seek to be collaborative, open-minded, and forward thinking, understanding that it will take a team effort to address and present the best resources and professional development for the community of arts educators.
Chair Openings
NAfME-Texas currently has an opening for Pre-Service Teacher Education Chair. If you are interested in this position, email a member of the board for more information.