WHY SDMEA? The South Dakota Music Education Association’s purpose is the advancement of music education. Specific purposes include: To conduct programs and activities to build a vital musical culture and an enlightened musical public for the benefit and the general welfare of all persons. To ensure that every student shall have access in school to a balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction. To improve the quality of teaching, research, and scholarship in music. To promote the involvement of persons of all ages in learning music. To foster the utilization of the most effective pre-service and in-service preparation of music teachers. SDMEA serves all areas and levels of music education by: Improving the quality of music teaching and learning Being a leading advocate for music education Providing high quality music experiences for members and their students Maintaining a vital and effective organization