ACEMM Updates 2019

ACEMM, like the field of music education itself, is constantly changing, evolving, reflecting, and improving in order to best suit the needs of our community. Since many of these changes have occurred recently, we as an organization thought it pertinent to provide updates. We thank you for continued support as we look forward to another year of promoting elemental music and movement education!

Changes to the Board of Directors

Steven Calantropio has stepped down as founding President of ACEMM.

ACEMM could not be the organization that it is today without the vision and leadership of Steve.  His steadfast leadership, vast knowledge of elemental music and movement, network of colleagues around the world, and kind heart has allowed ACEMM to come to fruition as well as grow into an organization that can support educators in a variety of ways.  The Board of Directors extends its deepest thanks and gratitude to Steve and wishes him the best in all he pursues in retirement.

Donna Fleetwood has transitioned out of the role of Vice President and continues to serve as one of our Directors.

“It has been my privilege to help initiate ACEMM as a non-profit charity for the purpose of
highlighting and advancing the importance of elemental music and movement in all lives. It has
also been my privilege to serve as its first Vice-President for 7 years alongside founding
president Steve Calantropio who nurtured this vision over many years before taking the bold
step to form ACEMM. At the inception of ACEMM, it was necessary, to wear multiple hats that
included raising awareness of the importance of an elemental approach among practitioners,
educators and the general public throughout the country, and fund-raising for worthy projects
that would represent the purpose of the organization. Keeping those two fundamental goals at
the forefront has enabled ACEMM to move forward while growing into its mission of
responsiveness and advancement. I am grateful for the ever-widening circle of Directors,
friends, supporters and educators who have come alongside to support ACEMM with their
time, funding and interest. Many have generously donated, nominated outstanding educators
for recognition, written compelling articles about the elemental approach, furthered their
education through ACEMM’s support and received material support for their AOSA Chapter
members. ACEMM is now poised to move to the next steps of its mission, while strengthening the
programs and projects that have been successfully initiated and I am happy that we have
dedicated leadership to carry that forward!” – Donna Fleetwood

Welcome to Crystal Pridmore and Lisa Sempsey, our two newest directors.

Crystal Pridmore

Crystal Pridmore has been teaching music for 12 years as a private voice instructor, secondary choir director, early childhood music specialist, and PreK-8 general music teacher.

She currently runs the general music, choral, and strings program for PreK-6th grade students at Finney Elementary School.

She holds a BA in Music Education and MA in Teaching from Point Loma Nazarene University, and California Single Subject Teaching Credential in Music. She proudly serves as a member of the MUSICALumni Auxiliary board for her alma mater. She actively serves throughout the community as a singer and choir member, and frequently collaborates with other musicians in various capacities.

In addition, Crystal has completed level certification in Orff-Schulwerk, and serves as the San Diego American Orff Schulwerk Association Chapter Vice President.

Lisa M. Sempsey

Lisa Sempsey graduated with honors from Millersville University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelors of Science in Music Education in May 2001. She completed her Kodály Levels through West Chester University of Pennsylvania and New England Conservatory.  She has also completed her Orff-Schulwerk Levels through the University of the Arts in collaboration with Villanova University’s graduate summer music education programs and George Mason University. Lisa has also completed level 1 of World Music Drumming and holds a master’s degree in Leadership for Teaching and Learning from Millersville University.

Lisa is a clinician and workshop presenter who loves to share and collaborate with her colleagues.  She has presented workshops and sessions covering topics including classroom management, choral reading sessions, technology in the music classroom, movement and music curricular connections, Kodaly Pedagogy in the modern elementary music class, curriculum development and lesson planning, and Orff-Schulwerk elements in K-6 music classes.

Lisa has taught kindergarten through sixth grade general music, elementary choruses, as well as elementary and middle school strings in Dauphin and Lancaster Counties in PA, as well as been the Artistic Director and Prelude Choir Director for the Children’s Choir of Lancaster from 2005-2012.  Currently, Lisa teaches kindergarten through sixth grade general music, chorus, and Orff, Drum & Strum Ensemble in Columbia Borough School District. She also serves as the K-12 Art & Music Curriculum Coordinator for the district.  

Lisa lives in Lititz with her husband and son, enjoys cooking and baking, spending time with her family, and generally taxiing around her teenage son. 

ACEMM Leadership

Drue Bullington – President

Kristin Smith – Vice President

David Thaxton – Treasurer

Lissa Ray – Secretary

Kate Bright – Director

Donna Fleetwood – Director

Casey Goryeb – Director

Crystal Pridmore – Director

Lisa Sempsey – Director

Updates on our Retreat and Jamboree at Frost Valley YMCA

Save the Date for May 1-3, 2020.

Registration for this event will be open from mid-August, 2019 to January 31, 2020.  Stay tuned for more details!

Spark Grants

Spark Grant applications are being accepted until September 30, 2019.

The recipients will be announced on October 14, 2019.

To apply for a Spark Grant click here!