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FROM THE DESK

From the President

Brian Stevens, President
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Brian Stevens, President
As the school year draws to a close, the arrival of spring gives us a welcome opportunity to reflect on the 2025–26 school year. I hope you are able to look back with a sense of pride in the accomplishments of your students and with gratitude for the many meaningful musical moments shared throughout the year. The close of the school year also invites us to look ahead with optimism toward new possibilities and opportunities.

In Reflection…

This has been an exciting year for OMEA as we continue to build momentum through several important initiatives. Our membership has grown by more than 15% this year, a testament to the strength and relevance of our organization and the dedication of music educators across Ohio.
In the area of advocacy, OMEA leaders have visited the Ohio Statehouse twice this year to share the importance of music education with our legislators, and we were honored to welcome State Representative Dontavius Jarrells to speak at our Professional Development Conference.
Our mentorship efforts continue to grow as well, with more early-service teachers than ever before connecting with experienced educators who are eager to support and sustain the future of our profession.
OMEA has established new relationships with Music Will to expand access for students through Modern Band programming, and we are on the cusp of launching our first instrument drive to help bring music education opportunities to some of our most vulnerable student populations. These efforts reflect the shared commitment of our members to ensure that music education continues to thrive, and the possibilities ahead are truly exciting.
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Thank you and Congratulations…

As I complete my term as OMEA President, I am eternally grateful for the support of the OMEA Trustees, Jay Wardeska, our rock star of an Executive Director, the OMEA staff, and so many others! I wish Danielle Shaub the very best as she begins her term as OMEA President. She is a dynamic leader and we will be in good hands under her leadership. I am also pleased to welcome new leadership at the district, region, and state levels. I would like to congratulate those who have been elected to serve and thank them for their willingness to give their time and energy to the organization. Leadership in OMEA is truly an act of service, and I wish each of these individuals the very best as they begin this important and rewarding journey.
I extend a sincere thank you and congratulations to Dan Ruckman, OMEA Past President, and Tim Hoagland, OMEA Treasurer, for their outstanding work as members of the OMEA Board of Trustees. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to the organization have helped guide our work and support the continued strength of music education across our state.
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Looking Forward…

Now is the time to take advantage of the opportunity to participate in the 2027 Professional Development Conference in Columbus, scheduled for January 28–30, 2027. Whether through submitting a clinic proposal, applying for a performing ensemble, or encouraging students to audition for an All-State ensemble, there are many ways to become involved in this outstanding professional event.
Please be mindful that May 31 is the deadline for clinic proposals, performance applications, and All-State auditions. Information about All-State auditions can be found on the OMEA website at https://www.omea-ohio.org/all-state_ensembles_region_orc.php
Information about presenting a clinic or applying for a performance opportunity can be found at https://www.omea-ohio.org/present.php or https://www.omea-ohio.org/perform.php
In closing, I encourage all of you to engage with OMEA as our professional community. The above-mentioned initiatives only work and grow stronger with the participation of our membership.
As the school year concludes, I hope each of you has the opportunity to enjoy a well-deserved and restful summer. May the coming months provide time for renewal, reflection, and inspiration as you prepare for another year of making music and shaping the lives of students across Ohio. Thank you for all that you do for your students, your schools, and for music education in our state. I wish you a wonderful and refreshing summer.