This week, we continue our series of articles highlighting the many faces of leadership throughout the CHSAA membership. Our hope is that by taking a small glimpse into the window of their leadership background, you will gain a greater understand of why they are such strong advocates for the vision and core values of the Colorado High School Activities Association.
This week we spotlight a 1995 University of Northern Colorado graduate, who received her degree in Music Education. She currently serves as the president of the Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA) and as the CHSAA Music Advisory Committee chairperson.
Cynthia Eversole has been an educator for 28 years, serving the past 23 years at Lewis Palmer Elementary as the K-6 Music teacher. Cynthia has successfully completed the Orff-Shulwerk Level I and II certification. The Orff-Shulwerk teaching model is defined as “an approach to building musicianship in every learner through the integration of music, movement, speech, and drama.”
What has your journey in education consisted of?
My journey in education began with the influence of Colorado music mentors that existed early in my life that guided me to music education. Music was always in my childhood and a natural choice for my future. I never questioned this direction. I believe that music educators are special and live lives that thrive on the art relationships built through shared aesthetic experiences. My first job was teaching elementary band between five schools. I traveled everywhere with a bass drum in my passenger seat and tried to keep track of the different staff. My instructional pedagogy moved over to elementary general music where I have found the work to be vital for the purpose of preparing students to choose music in their coming years. I love to watch former students grow and embrace the joy that music brings to their souls, community, and expression. I feel very strongly that it is a responsibility to give back to those that have supported the profession and art. This is why I have always been involved in the Colorado Music Educators Association.
Talk about any sport or activity that you participated in during your college years.
When I was in college, I participated in the marching band, wind ensemble/symphonic band, pit orchestra, and women’s glee. Of course, there were also many opportunities to perform in recitals whether they were solo or chamber music.
What do you love most about your current position?
I love my current position because of the guidance that the Music Committee provides for music students and teachers across the state. We have the opportunity to provide change and access to students. This is incredibly important as we want to inspire future of their musical passion and the impact is exponential. This also means that we must do it right! We can’t afford to miss any opportunities that benefit the next generation.
What are some of the challenges you face?
Some of the challenges I face in my position with CMEA and the CHSAA Music Committee are the same. Education policy has changed a lot in the past 30 years which has impacted school music programs…and then we had a pandemic.
Students in rural communities have fewer resources surrounding them making accessibility a challenge for students to be involved in CHSAA music events. In addition, music courses are evolving to shape new ensembles appropriate for their communities. What has always been the typical band/choir/orchestra ensemble is now making space for mariachi or modern band ensembles at the secondary level. How can CMEA and CHSAA support all ensembles and the re-growth of programs post Covid? We need to adapt and expand our definition of access, music literacy, and music performance.
Keeping me up at night is the fact that the number of licenses issued for K-12 music is decreasing at the Department of Education. We need to find some solutions to make the profession more rewarding so that it is more appealing to undergraduates. Humanity needs music for the soul. Without music teachers, we risk the loss of music performers and consumers in the grand scale of the economy.
What do you love most about CMEA and CHSAA?
What I love most about CMEA and CHSAA is that we are all family regardless of what, where, or who we teach. We have different generations of the family, and we are always learning from one another. Music teachers are notorious for taking the competition out of the equation and keeping the student growth at the forefront. One student or teacher can spark the excitement that becomes contagious within a program.
Who are some of your mentors?
My number one mentors are always my husband and children. I learn so much through work conversation as a professional and as a parent observing my own child’s experiences.
What is the significance of women serving in your current position?
It is extremely important that women be represented in music leadership whether they are the director, teacher, coach, or musician. Students see their teachers and administrators as role models, and this includes women as well as BIPOC or API regardless of gender identity.
What needs to be done to open doors for more women to be in your position?
I believe that women should always be part of the conversation when it comes to leadership. Women have always been recognized as musicians and teachers in the musical arts. Our presence is growing stronger every day as ensemble directors, composers, and arts management. Persistence is key.
Do you have any words of advice to share?
The nature of being a woman still includes balancing work and family but is evolving through generations. We tend to be quiet about everything we juggle in life. Remember to focus on work when at work and love on that family when you are together. Not every ball is in your hand when you are juggling.
How do you see yourself impacting the next generation of female leaders?
I hope that I am impacting female leaders by including the next generation in all conversations. I know that I’m inspired by my previous generations even if I don’t always agree. I want the next generation of female leaders to bring facts as well as logic and emotion. It is my role as a leader to give them the opportunity to be heard today.
On behalf of the CHSAA membership, we would like to thank Cynthia for the work that she does. Her commitment to the Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA) and CHSAA goes well beyond what is expected and we know that both organizations are better because of her work.