Music Association Names Sheehan President-Elect

The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) recently announced that Scott Sheehan, director of bands and Music Department chairman at the Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School, was named the 2020-22 national president-elect for the National Association for Music Education.

Every two years, the members of NAfME cast their votes for the next person to lead the association, and thus set the direction for NAfME in carrying out the association's Strategic Plan.

At Hollidaysburg, Sheehan directs the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Marching Band and teaches AP Music Theory, Fundamentals of Guitar and Rock, Rap, and Revolution.

Sheehan holds a B.S. degree in music education, a B.M. degree in music marketing from Clarion University and holds a master's degree in music education from the Pennsylvania State University.

"My vision for music education is simple. I look forward to the day when all children study music in every school, in every grade, and in every culture regardless of where they live, their family's income, their personal identity, or the color of their skin," Sheehan said. "I envision the day where music is held in the same regard as STEM and other tested subjects. I foresee a future where every child can achieve their creative, musical potential and share their voice and place in society through their artistic contributions. When this vision is realized, our country will see a more creative and musically literate society where all children have access to a music education that is culturally relevant, sequential and standards-based, and sustainable."

As the president of the NAfME Eastern Division from 2015 to 2017, Sheehan served on the National Executive Band and Executive Committee. He is currently the program chair for the NAfME All-National Honors Ensembles. As an active member of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA), Sheehan has served as state president, as well as a district president and curriculum and instruction state representative. He coordinates the PMEA Leadership Academy, serves on the PMEA Mentoring Program Steering Committee, and is chair of the PMEA Model Curriculum Framework project.

Hollidaysburg has been named one of the Best Communities for Music Education in the United States by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation for the past eight years under Sheehan's leadership. In addition to his duties at Hollidaysburg, Sheehan was a finalist for the 2019 GRAMMY Music Educator Award and is an educational clinician for Conn-Selmer. He is also a consultant for strategic planning and association development.