From the President

As the 2023-2024 school year draws to a close, OMEA prepares for an exciting transition in leadership. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the newly elected district and region officers who will begin their terms on July 1st.

Dr. Ann Usher's term as Immediate Past-President concludes at the end of June. Words cannot fully express the profound impact she has made, not only on OMEA but on the entire field of music education. Her exemplary leadership, selfless service, and unwavering commitment to excellence serve as a true inspiration.

Please join me in enthusiastically congratulating Brian Stevens as he assumes the presidency on July 1st. His dedication and passion for music education will undoubtedly benefit our organization immensely.

Having the opportunity to serve OMEA as President has been a deeply rewarding experience, one I did not anticipate early in my teaching career. Even after serving as a district president, I believed that marked the extent of my involvement. I encourage each of you to consider the immense value of serving OMEA in a capacity that aligns with your strengths and interests. While initial anxieties may arise, the personal and professional rewards far outweigh any apprehension.

Serving OMEA has allowed me to give back to the organization that profoundly enriched me as a student and educator. It has also provided an unparalleled opportunity for professional growth. Collaborating with OMEA members, Trustees, State Board members, the exceptional OMEA staff, and esteemed Executive Directors Roger Hall and Jay Wardeska has been an honor. We have navigated challenging times together, yet more importantly, we have shared moments of joy, laughter, and fostered lasting friendships. Through these collaborations and enduring connections, we have strived to provide meaningful musical opportunities for students and significant professional development experiences for music educators across Ohio. This, I believe, is the true testament to the transformative power of service within OMEA.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served this remarkable organization. I urge you to embrace a similar opportunity and contribute your unique talents to OMEA's continued success. As I have often shared with the OMEA State Board, there is no doubt that the most passionate and hardworking educators in Ohio are precisely those who serve on our boards, attend our professional development conferences, and dedicate their lives to bringing the gift of music to millions of children in our classrooms every day.