FROM THE DESK

From the Executive Director

Jay Wardeska, Executive Director

Jay Wardeska, Executive Director

Celebrating Success and Looking Toward the Future

With the recent release of the motion picture version of Wicked, we are once again reminded of the intrigue behind knowing "what is behind the curtain." For OMEA, there is always plenty happening behind the scenes—though, unlike Oz, we lack a wizard! Instead, OMEA’s success, sustainability, and growth are driven by a small but dedicated staff, a committed group of elected leaders, and an extraordinary team of volunteers.

As we reflect on the recently concluded 2025 Professional Development Conference, it is important to recognize the immense effort that goes into making such a world-class event possible. Like many OMEA members, I once took for granted the quality and scope of our conference. Only when I began visiting the conferences in other states and produced by other organizations did I fully appreciate the breadth and depth of what OMEA offers. Despite its impressive scale, our conference is coordinated by just a handful of individuals, reinforcing the essential role of our volunteers. As costs continue to rise and revenue remains steady, the involvement of our elected leaders and the dedication of our members will be more critical than ever in OMEA’s nearly 100-year history. Yet, I am confident that our community will continue to rise to the challenge, upholding the spirit of selfless service that has always defined us.

Financial and Strategic Planning Beyond 2025

As Executive Director, I remain committed to keeping costs manageable for our members while continuing to provide high-quality services. The path forward requires diligent cost monitoring, strategic contract renegotiations, diversification of service providers, and the pursuit of creative revenue opportunities. While sustaining our current services is a priority, we must also look ahead to expanding programming that meets the evolving needs of both our 21st-century educational landscape and Ohio’s diverse communities. Acknowledging our current limitations, we recognize that both our rural and urban areas require special attention, and the changing landscape of 21st education requires new and innovative opportunities in music making and learning. OMEA must continue to evolve to fulfill its mission of ensuring quality music education for every student in Ohio, even in the face of economic challenges. This effort will require collective participation. As a member-driven organization, we must all find ways to advocate for our programs and dedicate time to strengthening and expanding our initiatives.

Fostering Unity in Music Education

One of my greatest concerns is the tendency for our profession to become segmented based on musical disciplines. When we define ourselves strictly as band, choir, general music, jazz, orchestra, modern band educators, and so forth, we risk weakening our collective power. I challenge us all to first and foremost identify as music educators—professionals who guide students to music through various musical experiences, regardless of the medium. By supporting rather than competing with one another, we can ensure that students develop a lifelong love for music and, in turn, become advocates for future generations.

Music educators have long been known for fostering camaraderie, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence. We must renew these traditions and resist the divisive tendencies present in broader society. Our students deserve to see us model collaboration, citizenship, and selfless service. Together, we can make a lasting impact. Together, we are OMEA.

Reflections on the 2025 Professional Development Conference

The 2025 Professional Development Conference was an extraordinary celebration of growth, achievement, and community, reaffirming OMEA’s status as a national leader in music education. This year’s conference featured an unprecedented 325 events, including 227 educational sessions and 66 performances. The performances by the All-State ensembles, Cameo artists, the Intercollegiate Jazz Ensemble, OMEA-Stanton’s Reading Band, and the JECO Jam Session were particularly well received.

Technology remained at the forefront of this year’s conference, with 49 TI:ME/Technology sessions exploring cutting-edge innovations in music education. The newly remodeled Atrium space in the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland successfully accommodated an expanded General Music program as well as additional band and orchestra performances. Meanwhile, the Jazz Hub at the Marriott with our new Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Stage reinforced OMEA’s commitment to jazz education. The enhancements to the Guidebook app, including expanded session tracks and an improved marketing website, provided attendees with a more streamlined experience. Graduate credit opportunities through Ashland University remained a valuable offering for many participants.

Enhancements in Conference Logistics

Several exciting changes elevated this year’s conference experience. Sponsorships played a key role, with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame purchasing naming rights for the Marriott Stage, which served as the venue for all Jazz Ensemble Concerts. A special Steinway exhibit near the Exhibit Hall drew considerable attention, offering attendees a unique opportunity to engage with world-class instruments. Cameo Concerts in the Atrium Lobby and Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland added to the dynamic atmosphere, while a collaborative student art display, presented with the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education, highlighted the connections between visual and performing arts.

Attendees also enjoyed exclusive ticket pricing for the Broadway tour of Parade at Cleveland’s renowned Playhouse Square, a special addition that many found to be a memorable opportunity. The All-State Children’s Chorus, holding both its rehearsal and performance at the Huntington Convention Center, benefited from a more centralized and streamlined experience. Meanwhile, the Exhibit Hall included over 215 booths, featuring more than 136 organizations and approximately 600 exhibitors. Fifty Corporate and Institutional Sponsors lent their support to music education initiatives across Ohio. OMEA was also honored to present Stanton’s Sheet Music with this year’s Industry Service Award, recognizing its longstanding commitment to supporting music educators and students.

Technological Advances and Future Initiatives

Over the past year, OMEA made more than 250 improvements to its event management system, enhancing user experience for participants, site chairs, officers, and staff. High School and Junior High Affairs chairs are now equipped with administrative permissions and now serve as primary contacts for site chairs handling adjudicated event inquiries.

For those interested in becoming adjudicators, flexibility is our goal. Adjudicators can now set their availability and are not required to commit every Saturday to events. Various online resources, including help pages, site chair tools, officer resources, and adjudicator support materials, continue to provide valuable assistance.

Looking ahead, OMEA remains focused on further technological advancements. The 2025 and Beyond Technology Plan prioritizes modern security upgrades and the development of a more accessible and maintainable required music list. As OMEA continues to evolve, members are encouraged to take full advantage of these resources, whether participating in adjudicated events, engaging with technology-driven tools, or attending future conferences.

With the 2025 Professional Development Conference now behind us, we look forward to continuing our work together. Thank you for your dedication to music education in Ohio. Your efforts ensure that our students receive the best possible opportunities, and I have no doubt that, together, we will continue to strengthen our profession for years to come.

Jay Wardeska serves as the Executive Director of OMEA and the Ohio Foundation for Music Education (OFME). He has served OMEA in a variety of leadership roles including District President, All-State Ensembles Chair, All-State Task Force Chair, and Adjudicated Events Chair. He also served as an adjudicator for solo and ensemble, large group, and marching band. Currently a PhD Candidate at The Ohio State University, he holds degrees from Kent State University (M.M.) and the University of Mount Union (B.M.E.). Jay taught music in the State of Ohio for over 30 years and was named the 2013 National Band Director of the Year by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the U.S. Army Band. He currently serves as the music director of the Brass Band of the Western Reserve, as a trumpet player in the Buckeye Brass Quintet, and is an active guest conductor, clinician, and performer. Additional acknowledgements include membership in the NAfME U.S. Army All-American Band Directors Academy, Grammy Quarterfinalist for Music Educator of the Year, Medina County Arts Council Service to the Arts Award, the National Band Association Citation of Excellence, and the National Excellence in Teaching Award. He is also a Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Scholar.

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