And to close this message about leadership, I share the sad news of the passing of one of East’s greatest ACDA volunteers, our dear friend,
Dr. Michele Holt
. Michele served as the state president of Rhode Island from 1987 to 1989, the Eastern Division president from 1996 to 1998, and the national ACDA president from 2005 to 2007. Here are some powerful words from her obituary:
“Michele developed a deep and lasting passion for music in all its forms at a very early age. For Michele, encouraging, nurturing, loving, and mentoring people was of the utmost importance and she accomplished that through music education. Although her accolades are numerous, it was her enthusiasm, determination and passion that made her both larger than life, and so very dear to so many.
Having recently retired, Michele was a Professor and Coordinator of Music Education at her alma mater, University of Rhode Island. She was on the Graduate Choral Conducting and Music Education faculty at Gordon College and Executive Director of Massachusetts Music Educators Association. She also served as both the Eastern Division and National President for the American Choral Directors Association. Michele's dedication to music, care for her students and colleagues, and her deep passion for the highest level of professional development for all music educators are hallmarks of her life.
Providence Journal, July 11, 2018
A volunteer whose life we celebrate!
Peggy Dettwiler
