Carroll County to Host GMEA District 7 Performance Evaluations for 130 Musical Groups

The Carroll County Board of Education meeting held on March 18, 2025, focused on the upcoming Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) District 7 South large group performance evaluations, set to take place over eight days at the local performing arts center. This event will feature over 130 performances, marking the fifth consecutive year Carroll County has hosted this significant gathering, which serves as a state assessment for music programs.

The meeting highlighted the success of the fine arts programs in the district, including a recent fine arts fair that expanded to include visual arts, drama, and theater. This year, 20 colleges participated, an increase from the previous year, showcasing the growing interest in the district's music programs. The band exhibition also saw record attendance, attributed to enhanced media coverage that allowed for a broader audience engagement.

Several notable achievements were reported, including the selection of eight students to the All State Band and five to the All State Chorus, as well as four students from Rupesville Elementary chosen for the GMEA statewide elementary honor chorus. The meeting also noted the involvement of the Atlanta Opera, which performed for all elementary school chorus programs, further enriching the district's arts education.

In visual arts, four middle school students had their artwork displayed at the Capitol Art Exhibit, and high school students excelled in the Kiwanis Art Showcase. The Carroll County Art Gala concluded with record participation, reflecting the board's commitment to supporting full-time visual arts teachers across all schools.

Recognition was given to three fine arts teachers named Teacher of the Year at their respective schools. Additionally, the Elevate Chorus, composed of students from all educational levels, performed at the GMEA conference, where they were honored to be the featured group.

The meeting concluded with acknowledgments of professional development opportunities for music teachers, including attendance at the GMEA conference, which has been instrumental in enhancing teaching practices. The district also celebrated its recognition as a recipient of the Best Communities for Music Education award by the NAMM Foundation, marking its commitment to music education for the second consecutive year. The board looks forward to further developments in the upcoming year.