Mayday Group

Get engaged! Nominations are open for the MDG Colloquium Coordinator and Editor for Action, Criticism, and Theory for Music Education (ACT) Journal. Please see below for positions descriptions and application instructions.

A. MDG Colloquium Coordinator: This position is to oversee the annual MDG colloquiua; and coordinate with the host(s) and any groups with whom we are collaborating.

Position Description: Colloquium Coordinator

1. Sought out and appointed by Steering Committee.
2. No set term of office; position re-filled as it becomes available.
3. In conjunction with the Steering Committee, seeks out local sponsor for the next MDG Colloquium, at least one per year.
4. Coordinator works with the local sponsor for all MDG events and the Steering Committee concerning theme(s), dates, CFPs, program development, fees, and details of accommodations, etc.
5. Sets agenda for each business meeting in conjunction with input from the Steering Committee.
6. Runs business meeting (if present), including collecting of donations from those present.
7. Takes notes and reports to general membership in a timely fashion.
8. Posts report on MDG website.
9. Until such time as a MDG-wide dues structure is implemented, and a treasurer appointed by the Steering Committee, donations collected at meetings will be given to the Editor of ACT for use in production costs, honoraria (e.g., webmaster), and the like.

Nominations for the MDG Colloquium Coordinator will remain open until the position is filled. If you are willing to serve, or would like to nominate someone, please submit your nominations(s) to Steering Committee Chair Dr. Juliet Hess at jlhess@msu.edu.

B. Editor for Action, Criticism, and Theory for Music Education (ACT) Journal:

The Steering Committee of the MayDay Group (MDG) invites applicants for the position of Editor (or co-editor) for the journal, Action, Criticism, and Theory for Music Education (ACT). This is a volunteer position, appointed by the MDG Steering Committee in consultation with past and current ACT Editors. The current Co-Editors will provide support during the transition period. The position is held for a term of five years with the possibility of an additional five-year term. The term of appointment begins in June 2023, following the next MayDay Group Colloquium. Applications from persons interested in serving as a Co-Editors will also be considered.

Application deadline: Jan. 1, 2023, or until a new Editor is named.

Founded in 2001, ACT is an official publication of the MayDay Group (MDG) with a rigorous editorial standard and an average acceptance rate of 28%. Authors do not pay a fee to be published in ACT. Articles are published as they are accepted through an anonymous referee process, are technically prepared for publication, and as a sufficient number of articles is assembled to comprise an issue. ACT does not publish a set number of issues per year, although the Steering Committee has an interest in maintaining the journal’s high standing in Google Metrics and other online publication assessments.

Action, Criticism, and Theory for Music Education is devoted to the critical study and analysis of issues related to the field of music education serving an extensive international readership with diverse needs, interests, and concerns. ACT welcomes submissions from diverse perspectives (e.g. education, music, philosophy, sociology, history, psychology, curriculum studies), dealing with critical, analytical, practical, theoretical, or policy development concerns, as well as submissions that seek to apply, challenge, or extend the MayDay Group’s Action Ideals. Where articles deal with national or regional specifics, authors are encouraged to frame their research in terms that are relevant and interesting to readers in other countries or situations. Critiques of publications relevant to music education are also welcome, including those that have appeared in ACT. In a typical year the journal is read in more than 160 countries throughout the world.

Editor’s Responsibilities:

1. Assume all customary editorial responsibilities for ACT (e.g., receiving submissions, overseeing the anonymous review process, communicating with authors, accepting, and editing manuscripts for publication, overseeing the work of the production team, and maintaining indexing agreements with online databases).
2. Delegate responsibilities, as appropriate, to the Associate Editor and members of the Production Team.
3. Counsel with members of the Editorial Board (including past Editors) on matters pertaining to their individual areas of expertise and experience.
4. Actively seek manuscripts for publication, drafting invitations and calls for papers, prioritizing publication of papers presented at MDG Colloquia.
5. Design special-topic issues as appropriate and selecting and collaborating with guest editors.
6. Maintain high scholarly standards in the content and presentation of articles published in ACT.
7. Write informed and engaging editorials.
8. Copy-edit and format all articles in preparation for the production process.
9. Collaborate with the Production Editor to ensure the journal projects a professional image.
10. Work with Newsletter and Website & Social Media managers to disseminate journal announcements to the MDG membership and the public.
11. Present an annual report to the MDG Steering Committee on ACT accomplishments and future plans.

Qualifications: The successful applicant(s) should have:

• A record of experience in music education scholarship and practice
• A record of refereed scholarly publications and editorial experience
• Administrative skills to oversee the publication cycle
• Ability to work cooperatively with volunteer guest editors when applicable
• Ability to work cooperatively with the volunteer ACT production team and MDG Steering Committee to produce a high quality, professional journal
• A commitment to the MayDay Group’s Action Ideals

Applications should include:

1.   Cover letter. This letter should include an expression of interest in the position, highlighting relevant background, plus a brief statement that outlines a vision and possible goals or directions for the journal. This statement could include a brief assessment of the journal’s perceived strengths and/or weaknesses, plus suggestions for how areas of concern might be addressed.

2.   Curriculum vitae. The vitae should include a complete listing of publications and editorial experience, also identifying areas of interest and expertise in music education.

Note: This position is a significant responsibility. It is important that potential candidates consider and assess the feasibility of serving as Editor considering resources and supports available. The MDG and ACT are not able to provide a salary, office space, or release time. Support offered by institutions varies widely (e.g. release time, office support, recognition for service in performance reviews). Potential candidates are encouraged to consider these factors carefully.

The Steering Committee will begin reviewing applications immediately following the Jan. 1, 2023 submission deadline. Applications and/or requests for further information may be directed to the Chair of the Steering Committee, Dr. Juliet Hess, at jlhess@msu.edu.

Sincerely,

Danielle Sirek, PhD

on behalf of the Steering Committee

https://conta.cc/3dgDbrz