©2023 Ohio Music Education Association
Allied Organizations
News You Can Use from the Ohio Arts Council
News You Can Use from the Ohio Arts Council
Jodi Kushins, PhD
Back to school season in music education, when I close my eyes I can hear it. High school marching bands taking the field at halftime. Elementary schoolers raising their voices together in song. Middle schoolers smoothing out the screechy notes on their violins. Thank you for all you do to bring the joys of music into the lives of students across the state.
While you have been busy welcoming students back from summer recess, the arts learning team at the Ohio Arts Council (OAC) has been working hard to support our statewide partnerships and revise our grant guidelines so we can continue to support your efforts to engage, inspire, and lead learners of all backgrounds and abilities.
Marion Local Band in the Bremenfest Parade, Maria Stein, Ohio
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Grant Applications for the 2025-2026 School Year
Grant Applications for the 2025-2026 School Year
This summer, the OAC sent TeachArtsOhio (TAO) funding to a record number of schools across the state. These grants will support teaching artist residencies across artistic disciplines. We are proud to offer this support for school-based arts educators to enhance curriculum and learn alongside peers of their choosing. Our Ohio Teaching Artist Roster is a great place to find partners for this work. Participating TAO educators report exciting results of these projects, for themselves and their students. Here’s an example from the current school year we hope will inspire you to apply for 2025-26.
Kalida Local School District received TAO funds to support a 108-day residency that will provide percussion instruction to students K-12. Elementary school students will be introduced to percussion as an artform, middle school vocal classes will learn to use percussion to enhance their performances, and high schoolers in an entry-level course for non-band students as well their band-committed peers will receive percussion instruction based on their needs and interests. In addition to performing in various academic settings, community performances at local assisted living facilities and/or senior citizen centers in Kalida and other communities in Putnam County will offer students and the teaching artist the opportunity to engage and enhance the greater community.
Another OAC grant opportunity that may interest music educators is Big Yellow School Bus which provides up to $500 for transportation to arts institutions and events. This grant has a rolling deadline and is a great way to fund equitable access to high quality arts experiences. (NOTE: Transportation to student performances and competitions is not eligible for this funding.)
Please visit http://www.oac.ohio.gov/grants for information on all our grants. For more information, including setting up a time to brainstorm ideas for a TeachArtsOhio application, contact Jodi Kushins via email (jodi.kushins@oac.ohio.gov) or phone (614-728-4481).
Mentor Beginning Bands- Mentor, Ohio
SAVE THE DATE - You’re Invited!
SAVE THE DATE - You’re Invited!
Governor’s Awards for the Arts
May 28, 2025 in Columbus
Governor’s Awards for the Arts
May 28, 2025 in Columbus
Since its beginning in 1971, the Governor's Awards has recognized individuals and organizations who have been vital to the growth and development of Ohio's cultural resources. One of the most prestigious arts events in Ohio, the Governor's Awards showcases and celebrates exceptional Ohio art educators, artists, arts organizations, arts leaders and patrons, and business support of the arts. Governor's Awards recipients are honored at a luncheon ceremony in Columbus, where they are presented with the only arts award in the state conferred by the Governor. Plan to join us for this great celebration of the arts across our state! Registration will open in March 2025.
The OAC wishes all of Ohio’s music educators an incredible school year as we collectively find ways to create, engage, innovate, and lead in pursuit of musical excellence.
Jodi Kushins, PhD serves as arts learning coordinator at the Ohio Arts Council, a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically. Prior to joining the OAC staff in April, Jodi taught Art Education in an online Master of Arts program for the University of Florida. A native New Yorker, Jodi has called Ohio home since 2003 when she began doctoral studies at The Ohio State University.