Committee Updates

Keeping the Conversation Going: Advocacy in Action

Danielle Shaub, OMEA Advocacy Chair

Danielle Shaub,

OMEA Advocacy Chair

As we move into the heart of the school year, I’m continually reminded of the power of music education and the importance of keeping our voices strong and steady in advocacy. This past June, I once again had the honor of attending NAfME’s Hill Day in Washington, D.C., alongside OMEA Executive Director Jay Wardeska, OMEA President Brian Stevens, and OCMEA members. We met with members of Congress and their staff to share our stories, our students’ successes, and the undeniable impact music education has on every learner. Conversations were engaging and advocacy efforts were in full force, reinforcing our central message: a high-quality music education is essential for all students.

Hill Day reminded us that our work doesn’t stop at the federal level. This coming year, OMEA will continue its advocacy efforts here at home. We are planning visits to Columbus to meet with Ohio legislators and keep the conversation going. Maintaining open and ongoing dialogue with policymakers ensures they understand the real-world benefits our students receive from being part of music programs, and it helps protect and strengthen music education across all communities.

I am also excited to share an update from the OMEA Advocacy Committee. While I will continue to oversee the committee’s work, I am thrilled to have Paul Glader, music teacher at Bethel-Tate, now serving as Advocacy Chair. Paul brings tremendous energy, insight, and dedication to this role, and I am confident that with his leadership, our advocacy efforts will grow even stronger. I’m incredibly proud of the momentum we’ve built and eager for the continued progress we’ll see throughout the year.

Paul states: “Music advocacy is a vital, ongoing work that affects us all, directly or indirectly. It’s exciting to be part of something so meaningful, and I’m eager to see the continued impact we can make together for music education in Ohio.”

Let’s keep the conversation going, in our schools, in our communities, and in the halls of government. Every voice matters, and together, we can ensure that music education remains a vibrant, vital part of every student’s experience.

Advocacy is not a moment, it’s a movement. It’s a continuous, collective effort. Whether you're speaking to a parent about the value of your program, inviting a school board member to your next concert, or sharing your students’ successes on social media, you are advancing our cause. Every interaction helps shape the perception and policy around music education.

We have momentum, we have dedicated leadership, and we have a clear mission: to make sure every child in Ohio has access to a high-quality music education led by a certified music educator. Let’s unite our voices and keep the conversation alive, loud, and clear. Let’s do this for our students, for our profession, and for the future of music education. Your voice matters. Your work matters. And together, we are making a difference.

If you ever need input or guidance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at president_elect@omea-ohio.org. We’re in this together.

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