FROM THE DESK

From the President

Brian Stevens, President

Brian Stevens, President

WELCOME!!!!....Now What?

A huge welcome goes out to the 315 brand new active, retired, and collegiate OMEA members who have joined us since August 1st, 2025. Congratulations! You have taken the first step in your journey as part of a vibrant and active music education community. My question to you, now, is what are your second, third, fourth steps? The answer that you are searching for is simple. Get involved! Say “YES” when asked to participate in OMEA activities and events.

Michelle Leasor said “YES” when she agreed to host our first ever OMEA/MusicWill Modern Band Workshop on November 15th. Nearly 40 music teachers from across the state attended and learned how to reach more students through modern band. I came away from the event with a renewed appreciation for how Modern Band can bring music into the lives of even more students in our schools. Thank you, Michelle.

This is but one example of how members all over the state serve OMEA and help achieve the mission of bringing music education into the lives of every student.

Here are some things that you can do…

Attend the 2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference in Columbus on January 29-31

This looks to be an outstanding conference! You can register here.

A huge THANK YOU goes out to Executive Director Jay Wardeska, Director of Professional Development Mark Hensler, Director of Business Affairs and Trade Show Operations Bill Wittman and Director of Technology, Nicholas Turon for their tireless work and dedicated leadership! Join us and attend the many concerts, clinics and events and reconnect with your colleagues from all over the state. I always return from the conference with new ideas and a renewed energy. The Guidebook is live and can be accessed from the Guidebook app by searching for “2026 OMEA”.

Get Involved in your OMEA District or Region

A huge thank-you goes out to our State Board for their continued work to provide meaningful musical experiences to our students at the District and Region levels. All of our OMEA Districts and Regions have a multitude of events. Attend the district meeting to network with your colleagues, recommend students for district and region honor ensembles, volunteer to serve on a committee or attend a live or virtual workshop. There are so many ways to be involved.

Consider a Leadership Role

This Summer, the Trustees and Da Capo Committee will host our first Charles Benner Leadership Academy since the pandemic. The Trustees will be sending invitations soon based on the nominations of your district leaders. If you receive an invitation, I hope you will consider attending. If you are interested in a leadership role, you can also fill out the Leadership Interest Form on the OMEA Website. Your preferences will be communicated to the appropriate officer or committee chair for consideration.

Participate in Adjudicated Events

There are now more options to suit every soloist, ensemble and large group than ever before. This Spring, District 15 will be piloting a Junior High interactive solo & ensemble option where the student will have the opportunity to receive immediate feedback from the adjudicator. Thank you to the District 15 leadership for taking on this pilot.

Become an Adjudicator

The personal professional development of adjudicating is some of the best PD you can get! Listening to other groups and providing meaningful feedback will help you reflect on your own teaching and improve your own craft. With our ever-changing pool of adjudicators, there is ALWAYS a need for new, qualified teachers to provide this important service. Check out the process here.

Vote

Elections for State, District and Region offices will open on March 1 and run through the month of March. One of the most basic ways to get involved is to VOTE! Look for a communication around March 1st and take a few minutes to read about the candidates and cast your vote.

MIOSM

March is Music in Our Schools Month! Thank you to Grace Dickman, our MIOSM Chair for coordinating this important information. There is too much to put in one article, so please visit NAfME for resources and ideas on how to celebrate MIOSM and incorporate it into your curriculum.

Finally….The Trustees and Adjudicated Events Committee will once again be holding open office hours at the PDC. We will be available to chat on Thursday afternoon from 1-4, or Friday morning from 9:30-11:30 in the Hyatt Delaware room. Please stop to chat!

I look forward to seeing you in Columbus at the end of January!

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