ENMU professor selected as state music educator of the year

Eastern New Mexico University's director of choral activities has won the 2024 New Mexico Music Educator of the Year from the New Mexico Music Educators Association (NMMEA).

Jason Paulk, a professor of music and ENMU's choral activities director, was named the state's Music Educator of the Year on Sept. 6, ccording to a news release from ENMU.

Paulk, who has been with ENMU since 2005, teaches beginning and advanced conducting and choral method courses. The professor also conducts groups such as the Chambers Singers, University Singers and Swanee Singers. Paulk said in the release that he is constantly inspired by his colleagues and students at ENMU's Music Department, as he continues to further his passion to make a more "student-centered" environment.

"I'm very humbled and appreciative of the recognition from NMMEA, and it has given me the opportunity to pause to reflect on the incredible mentors I have had throughout my life. Similarly, it has been nice to reflect on all the great students I've had the opportunity to teach in New Mexico since 2005, many of whom are now in classrooms throughout the southwest and who have gone on to do some wonderful performances," Paulk said in the news release.

Paulk has conducted several choirs that have performed via invitation at state musical conventions in Florida and New Mexico and at national conferences in Oklahoma City and Dallas TX.

The release states ENMU choirs have performed in several world premieres throughout the U.S., Europe, and China. As of last year, the ENMU Chamber Singers have even performed on grand stages such as Carnegie Hall.

"One of my most enjoyable activities yearly is visiting with (choral directors) and their students and hearing their progress with their choirs," Paulk said in the news release. "It's incredible to work in a field where you can continue to have contact with your students, and they continue to send their students to ENMU."

Paulk said it's like a song that never ends.

"I think that keeps me going," he said in the news release. "It feels good to know my work has an impact and will continue to inspire and shape others for many years.".

Along with his teaching and performances, Paulk has written dozens of published articles in scholarly journals, with titles such as "Handel's Messiah: Warm-ups for Successful Performance" and "A Choral Style Guide with Warm-ups for Successful Performance."