Allied Organizations

NFHS Update

Brandon DuVall, NFHS Liaison

State Updates

Ohio - The state faces continued concerns over property tax roll back and education funding even with bi-partisan meetings. Florida - Educators are gearing up to meet with their legislators in January. Florida Hill day is in February this year with educator and collegiate representatives. The collegiate representation has led to an increased participation by younger people in advocacy work. In addition, Florida is allowing part time teachers to be hired without college degrees, causing concern. New Mexico - Over 4,000 students participated in their second annual State Marching Band Festival. Missouri - updated their bi-laws for the state music association. There was a controversial group competing in vocal events that is a conglomeration of several schools into one group but doesn’t list itself as such; opened it up to see if other states have seen similar issues. California said they have seen similar issues and put it to rest; mentioned issues of equity and fairness. California - Assembly Bill 49 in California was passed to keep ICE out of schools and provide students with a sense of security. Parents as well.

Updates from Around

NFHS held their performing arts conference in Chicago in late September. Here is a link to all of the presentations from the conference: Presentation Materials from 2025 Performing Arts Conference NFHS is discussing their Outstanding Music Educator Awards. Recently they have expanded their reach to include middle and high school. The Music Committee has created a few “Points of Emphasis” for this year. Please use the link below to learn more about their work:

2025-2026 Music Committee Points of Emphasis - Workforce Development

- Health and Safety I. Repetitive Strain Injuries II. Event Safety: Annual Review of Emergency Action Plans III. Climate-Related Concerns - Access

- Artificial Intelligence

- NFHS Learn

NFHS has also started work on copyright information and resource revision due to the interpretation of copyright laws and legal updates. More information can be found at NFHS Copyright. Finally, while everyone monitors federal changes, the Music IS Education Coalition is now focusing on the state-level issues impacting music and arts education. They know that areas like Workforce Readiness and Career Pathways are affecting some states, but they need to hear about all the challenges you face. This survey is their tool to better understand a state's unique needs, allowing them to design specific strategies and support systems to assist you. Dr. James Weaver, who previously served as the performing arts chair for NFHS, left to become the President / CEO of Music for All. Dr. Weaver stated at the music committee meeting at the NFHS conference that one of Music for All’s big initiatives is to expand its reach into the younger grade levels.

Brandon DuVall is in his 11th year as Director of Bands for Orange City Schools near Cleveland, Ohio. He previously taught band in the Cuyahoga Falls Schools for 14 years. At Orange he directs HS Wind Ensemble, Marching Band, and Jazz Band plus the 3 grade-level bands at Brady Middle School. DuVall holds degrees in Music Education and Educational Administration from Kent State University. An active adjudicator and guest conductor, DuVall’s previous roles within OMEA include OMEA Treasurer, All-State Jazz Coordinator, District President, and Solo and Ensemble host.

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