Dear UMEA members, I regret the confusion and alarm that a recent email sent to some members has caused. Attached is a statement that was approved by the board on September 22, 2017. At that time, it was delivered to the parties directly involved in an incident at the 2016 State Orchestra Festival. Now we send it to all members. A clarification of a point since the approval of this statement - There is reference to a petition to music teachers that at the time was being considered by those in charge of the orchestra festival in 2016, that petition was not circulated. But, now, since they have made this matter public through other means, we share this statement with you. I will gladly entertain any questions about this matter; by phone, by email or by personal conversation at our conference this weekend. Sincerely, Rhonda Rhodes, President -- Rhonda Rhodes, D.M.A. Assistant Professor, Music Education and Woodwinds, Dixie State University President, Utah Music Educators Association 435-705-4270