NYSCAME, was founded in 1964. The organizational meeting to approve its Constitution and By-Laws was held in Schenectady, New York, on December 5, 1964. More than fifty (50) Directors of Music from the entire state braved a tremendous ice storm to attend this most important conclave. In the ensuing years, NYSCAME has grown in scope, size, and service. Activities have included work with the State Education Department concerning teacher and administrative certification, examination revisions and development, music staffing recommendations, research, minimum competencies, and standards.

As an affiliate of NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association), COMTEP (Council of Music Teacher Education Programs), and NYSCEA (New York State Council of Educational Associations), NYSCAME has worked closely to sponsor annual summer and winter clinics, Music In Our Schools Day in Albany, Part 100 Regulation changes, and a survey-based publication, “What To Look For In A New Music Teacher.”
Our roster of Past Presidents represents a Who’s Who of Leaders of Music Education in New York State.

NYSCAME Past Presidents:

1964-1965    John Brierly                    1985-1986    James Brown  
1965-1966    H. Dudley Mairs              1987-1990    Joseph Sugar
1967-1968    Charles V. Decker           1991-1992    John McNeur
1969-1970    Elwood Easton                1993-1995    James J. Cassara   
1971-1972    Allen Segal                      1996-1997    John Krestic    
1973-1974    Joseph Herbison             2000-2001    Gary Stith
1975-1976    William Gee                     2002-2003    Stuart E. Rauch
1977-1978    Harriet Bartlett               2004-2005    Marc Greene
1979-1980    Richard McCrystal           2006-2007    Cindy Baldwin
1981-1982    Kirby Jolly                       2008-2009    Joel Ratner
1983-1984    Dennis Miller                   2010-            Pat Wheelhouse