Music In Our Schools Month

District 5 – Howland Local School District

The Howland Local School District music department (District 5) is celebrating national "Music In Our Schools" month this March. To "kick off" the month, we hosted our first ever Band-O-Rama. Every instrumental ensemble performed a short program and then all students performed a grand finale together (388 students). We also organized a month of March calendar graphic that shows all of the music performances and activities throughout our entire music department in March to share with our families and community. On the days there are no live performances we feature a class or ensemble listed on the calendar with a virtual performance video shared through a music department YouTube channel @htb8947.

District 6

Lee Gibson, District 6 President-Elect

The District 6 Middle School Honor Band, Choir, and Orchestra Festival, held on February 7, 2026, at Barberton High School, serves as a vital cornerstone of our district music education calendar. By gathering top performers from various programs, the event creates a high-achieving atmosphere where students can refine their technical skills and experience the unique dynamics of large-scale ensemble playing. This challenging environment is designed to push middle school musicians beyond their standard daily curriculum, offering them a clear benchmark for success and a broader perspective on their musical studies.

The logistics of the day are carefully managed to ensure the focus remains entirely on music-making. From the early morning check-in to the final afternoon concert, every detail, including festival T-shirts and a communal lunch, is coordinated to provide a seamless experience for both students and directors. By pooling resources for sheet music, facilities, and clinician fees, District 6 continues to demonstrate that high-quality honors experiences can be delivered effectively through collective effort.

This festival is a testament to what can be achieved through the shared commitment of our musical community. We extend our sincere gratitude to the directors who participated in the nomination process and those who volunteered their time to manage the event. Your dedication ensures that District 6 remains a leader in music education within the OMEA. We look forward to building on this success and continuing to strengthen the future of our young musicians in the years to come.

District 10

District 14: "Here's to.... The Love of Teaching Music"

Chester Imhausen , District 14, OMEA

As a "semi-retired" music educator at 75 years old I want to share why I still love teaching. I live comfortably in the center of the school district I taught for 35 years (1972-2007) and I still feel relevant and appreciated as a voice and piano teacher. I "sub" as organist or pianist for several churches in the area when they call with their need for a musician for Sunday worship. Working with new people from week to week and especially working with children and teenagers weekly keeps me feeling younger than perhaps I should feel. The students I teach explain that music brings them joy, and often provides an escape from the stresses of the days as they practice. When my singers earn a part in the spring musical I will be there cheering them on. I do not miss the stresses of the school day, the concern for funding, the parent confrontations, or the daily interruptions to teaching (fire drills, tornado drills, lock downs). I am one of thousands of retired music educators who have great memories to have and to hold. My only claim to fame was actually in College. I was once president of the Chapter of OCMEA at CCM at the University of Cincinnati, and then in 1971-1972 I was the OCMEA State President. I count many music educators as my friends, and I love that several of my former students are now music educators! I will continue to support music in our schools and the Arts as relevant to our society. Bless all who are involved in the art of teaching music!

District 16

Chillicothe Symphonic Choir was selected to perform as the only choir at the Statehouse to celebrate America's 250th on January 7th.

OMEA D16 HS Honor Choir hosted in November.

SC Region

Read-through rehearsal for the OMEA South Central Regional Orchestra at Upper Arlington High School.

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