©2023 Ohio Music Education Association
FROM THE DESK
From the President
From the President
Welcome to the Fall 2023 Triad, and welcome to a new school year! Congratulations to our new TRIAD Editor Hilary Patriok. Under her leadership the format and content of TRIAD is moving forward in a way that ensures TRIAD will remain an outstanding resource for our members.
I would like to thank the work of the Board of Trustees. In July the Trustees met to discuss the budget and the future of OMEA. We all left those meetings excited for the direction we are going and the opportunities we will have moving forward. I consider myself fortunate to work with such dedicated, passionate, and creative people. Please help me by thanking the OMEA Board of Trustees:
Dr. Ann Usher, Immediate Past President
Brian Stevens, President Elect
Brandon DuVall, Treasurer
Hilary Patriok, Editor of TRIAD
Stephanie Bonitz, Secretary
Last year at this time, our organization began a new chapter. We welcomed Jay Wardeska as our new Executive Director. He approached the first year with a steadfast work ethic, thoughtfulness, transparency. and proactive communication. Jay and the OMEA staff have worked to make sure OMEA continues its long history of success amidst the many changes we are experiencing. Change will continue to be at the forefront as we transition to an entirely new technology infrastructure. Last Spring the State Board had the first opportunity to get some hands-on training for the new website. This was only the tip of the proverbial iceberg in what needed to be done to begin this year and what remains to be done to have all of our events and activities functional. Since the beginning of switching over to our new system, our staff has been working tirelessly to make sure this happens. There is still quite a bit of work to be done with a compressed timeline, and your patience with the process and the important people behind the scenes is greatly appreciated. Please join me in thanking the OMEA STAFF:
Jay Wardeska, Executive Director
Bill Wittman, Director of Business and Trade Show Operations
Mark Hensler, Director of Professional Development and Conference Management
Bill Thomas, Director of Adjudications
Dane Newlove, Director of Adjudicated Event Materials and Awards
Nicholas Turon, Director of Technology
Joe Galvin, Membership Coordinator
We have accomplished quite a bit as an organization recently and there is more on the horizon. There is a bright and exciting future for OMEA, and with the collaboration and leadership of our State Board, Trustees, Executive Director, Staff, Committees, and Allied organizations, we will continue to excel. Let's challenge ourselves to GROW our profession by inspiring new music educators from our classrooms, CONNECT with new music educators, and STRENGTHEN our relationships with our colleagues. The strength of OMEA lies in our members, and a strong OMEA benefits students and educators in every corner of the state. At the District, Region, and State level we are continuously working to provide opportunities and content for every music educator and student. Thank you for all you do. Good luck, and may you have an outstanding start to the school year!
We are passionate
We are Strong
We are OMEA
We are passionate
We are Strong
We are OMEA
Let’s Celebrate!
Let’s Celebrate!
Any music teacher who has taught for 25 years has an opportunity to be recognized for this outstanding achievement. If this is your 25th year of teaching and you meet the other requirements listed on the application form, you are eligible. The application can be found under the Recognition menu by clicking 25 Year Teaching Recognition. (Deadline Jan. 3).
Dan Ruckman is currently in his twenty sixth year of teaching and serving his twentieth year as the Director of Bands at Coldwater Exempted Village Schools where he directs the 5-12 concert bands, marching and pep band, Cavalier Steel Bands, and music theory. He has served OMEA as a solo and ensemble adjudicator, Past-President of OMEA District 3, and State Secretary. Dan is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Ohio Music Education Association, and Phi Beta Mu. Dan holds a bachelor of music education degree and a master of music in education degree from Bowling Green State University.