Recently, the high school band and choir organizations started a Texas Future Music Educators (TFME) club. TFME is a program recognized by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) that any school, grades 9-12, can implement to help students with a future in music education for band, choir or orchestra.

Three students, seniors Mykey Feldhauser and Stephanie Wilson as well as freshman Luke Chavers, brought the idea to form a White Oak TFME chapter to band director Jacob Ramos. Over the next few weeks, the students gathered members, collected state and local chapter fees and planned their first few meetings.
“I am really excited,” president of TFME Feldhauser said. “I see a lot of promise in the freshman and sophomore classes, and I think they will be able to go a lot of places; it’s really cool to know that I was able to start it.”

Through direct admissions from TMEA, TFME has the opportunity to attend the annual state convention. This convention is recognized globally and has many opportunities for students to learn about what is available for them in the music education field after high school. 

“TMEA is a lot of fun and informational for anyone interested in becoming a music educator,” secretary-treasurer of TFME Wilson said. “There is a night specifically for visiting with different colleges that answer any questions and a meeting specifically for TFME members to learn about music education.”

TFME is a great opportunity for anyone who is thinking about music education as a future career. Members of the choir and band programs are welcome to join at the beginning of each year. 

“As vice president, my plan is to help make TFME organized, consistent and meaningful,” Chavers said. “I want to create opportunities for members like tutoring, leadership activities and service projects. My main goal is to help TFME become something that actually makes a difference, not just another club on paper.”