COUNCIL OF MUSIC EDUCATION ASSOCIATIONS

The Council of Music Education Associations (COMEA) was formed in 1981. It is a coalition of music education and related organizations working cooperatively with the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA).

Many of the COMEA membership groups are state units of national music education organizations and others are solely based in New YorkState. All are committed to the promotion and advancement of music education in New YorkState. Since COMEA was formed, many of the member organizations have combined their efforts in presenting workshops, sessions, clinics, and concerts at numerous State Conferences. The New York State Summer Music Conference is planned and implemented by the affiliate COMEA organizations under the aegis of NYSSMA.

The success of the New York State COMEA group has been praised nationally as a unique complement to other music education organizations and other states have begun to fashion such coalitions after the COMEA model.

PREREQUISITES FOR MEMBERSHIP IN

THE COUNCIL OF MUSIC EDUCATION ASSOCIATIONS

  • Each Association petitioning for membership in COMEA must submit a letter requesting admission to COMEA to the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Executive Administrator.
  • Accompanying the letter of application, each Association must provide one copy of its Constitution and/or By-Laws.
  • Each Association must show, in writing, that a two-thirds majority of its own membership has approved the application for membership in COMEA.
  • The President, Chairperson, or Chief Executive Officer of the petitioning Association must submit proof of his or her own membership in the Music Educators National Conference (MENC)/NYSSMA. Membership in MENC automatically registers the Association’s President in NYSSMA.
  • After all materials have been received, the COMEA Chairperson shall submit said application to the NYSSMA Executive Council for review at the next calendared Council meeting. Executive Council meetings are held at the Annual Winter Conference (either November or December) and in January, March, and June.
  • The COMEA Chairperson shall provide a written reply to the petitioning Association regarding action by the NYSSMA Executive Council on the Association’s request for admission into COMEA. This communication shall be made no later than three weeks after the NYSSMA Executive Council session.
  • Upon notification of admission into COMEA, initial dues will be assessed based upon the date of admission. Thereafter, annual dues shall be payable to COMEA no later than August 31 of each year. This assures full participation privileges for the Association for the school year beginning September 1 and ending August 31.

BENEFITS OF COMEA MEMBERSHIP

  • As a member of the Advisory Council, the COMEA Chairperson gives each member organization a direct voice at all NYSSMA Executive Council Meetings.
  • COMEA member organizations are given the opportunity to schedule sessions and business meetings at the NYSSMA Winter Conference. The New York State Summer Music Conference is planned and implemented by COMEA and NYSSMA.
  • COMEA represents you with an exhibit booth at New YorkState conferences during the year.
  • The coalition of all COMEA member organizations is vital to the success of Music Education in New YorkState.