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.

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!