Every school year seems to go by a little faster than the last. I can’t believe we are halfway through the first semester. The beginning of the year is a whirlwind of new students, establishing new routines, new parents, new policies, scheduling issues, new repertoire, and on and on the list goes. Now that you’ve hit the midpoint, take a moment to breathe and recognize how far you—and your students—have come. You’ve built connections, established routines, and planted the seeds of musical growth that will continue to grow throughout the year. It’s okay if things aren’t perfect. Progress is happening, even on the days that feel like controlled chaos. This season can bring both excitement and fatigue. So, whether you’re riding a wave of momentum or just trying to stay afloat, know this—you are seen, your work is valuable, and your impact runs deeper than you know. Let’s keep going. The best is yet to come.
Fall Workshop
This year’s Fall Workshop provided a much-needed space for connection, dialogue, reflection, growth, and inspiration. Dr. Jessica Nápoles’ sessions on teacher burnout and classroom management led to thought-provoking discussions that balanced practical classroom strategies with deeper insights into the emotional and psychological aspects of the teaching profession. Roundtable discussions provided teachers with fresh repertoire ideas, and teacher-led breakout sessions were full of practical teaching strategies. The exchange of knowledge and experience was refreshing. Events like Fall Workshop remind us that while each of our classrooms is unique, we are united by a shared purpose—and that community is one of our greatest professional assets.
For the first time, the Fall Workshop was held in Fairhope, AL. The new location is intended to prioritize members in every district by providing a more accessible opportunity to attend. It was a delight to see so many faces I’ve never seen before at the Fall Workshop. Admittedly, attendance at this conference was lower than in previous years, but I believe the goal of including more members by rotating around the state is a worthwhile endeavor. The 2026 Fall Workshop will be held in the northern part of the state, so plan accordingly!
At the general membership meeting, the board presented its findings and next steps in the process to add, or not to add, sight singing to the All-State audition process. In an effort to collect performance and perception data, evaluate logistical feasibility, and develop a long-term, equitable implementation plan, the AVA Board proposes to conduct a trial year of sight singing in the All-State Choir audition process. Pending a vote by the AVA general membership during the 2026 AMEA Conference, the trial year would be implemented in Fall 2026.
Key Details of the Trial Year (2026–2027):
- Sight-singing assessments will be administered, but scores will not count toward All-State selection.
- Students will read at a level determined by either their grade level or years of singing experience (teacher selected).
- Sight singing will be evaluated using a rubric modeled after the AVA State Choral Performance Assessment rubric.
The AVA General Membership meeting at AMEA will be streamed via Zoom, and the pending vote will be electronic. Please communicate your questions, concerns, ideas, etc., with your District Chairman. This process continues to require all of us to come to the table with vulnerability, transparency, and professionalism. We invite you to pull up a chair.
All-State Auditions and Festival
All-State auditions are quickly approaching. Make sure you have ordered music for every student who plans to audition, including a copy of “Alabama”. Students should number the measures in each song and be prepared to sing all seven pieces of music. Please go over the audition process with your students. While they need to prepare all songs, they will only be asked to sing 3 of the selected pieces and a portion of Alabama. The audition process will be as follows:
- Each student will sing selected measures from 3 of the six assigned repertoire in addition to Alabama.
- The festival clinicians will select the three auditioned songs.
- Every student will sing selected measures of Alabama.
- Students will not know which of the three songs will be selected until they enter the audition room. Consequently, students will be required to learn ALL 6 selections before the audition.
Please ensure that students bring an adjudication form to the audition filled out completely, including a parent’s signature.
The 2026 Alabama All-State Festival will take place at Samford University in Homewood, AL, on March 12-14, 2026. The 2026 All-State clinicians are:
- MS Mixed: Dr. Josh Palkki
- MS Treble: Jess Edelbrock
- HS TTBB: Gabrielle Pierle
- HS SSAA: Dr. Anthony Trecek-King
- HS SATB: Dr. Anton Armstrong
AMEA Conference
I encourage you to make every effort to attend the 2026 AMEA Conference. This annual gathering offers three days of inspiration, connection, and practical tools to elevate your teaching and artistry. This year’s conference will be held January 22-24 at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex in Birmingham, AL. The AVA headlining clinician is Dr. Alissa Rowe. Dr. Rowe is Associate Professor and Director of Choral Activities at Louisiana State University. She will present two sessions (Inclusive, Responsible and Authentic Choral Programming and Sequenced Choral Warm-Ups United with Movement) and a choral reading session. In addition to Dr. Rowe’s sessions, music educators from across the state will present informative and interactive professional sessions for attendees.
Congratulations to the choirs selected to perform at the AMEA conference: Alabama School of Fine Arts- Cathy Spence, director(District 3), Auburn University Chamber Choir- Dr. William Powell, director(District 6), Journey Middle School- Alicia Mulloy, director(District 5), Paul W. Bryant High School- Hilen Wilson, director(District 2), Tuscaloosa County High School- Ginny Coleman, director(District 2), and Virgil I. Grissom High School- Tucker Ratcliff, director(District 5). Performing at AMEA is a special honor, and I am eager to hear the beautiful music each group will share with the AMEA conference attendees.
A special highlight this year is the AVA Gospel Honor Choir, conducted by the renowned Valerie Harris of Miles College. This ensemble offers a powerful and uplifting experience for students to explore the rich traditions of gospel music under expert direction. Choir directors may register up to eight students, ideally forming two balanced quartets, to participate in this meaningful musical opportunity. The registration deadline for the AVA Gospel Honor Choir is December 1. More information can be found on the AVA website or by emailing the President-Elect (zachary.banks.ava@gmail.com).
Until we meet again, please know that I am grateful for you and the work we do together for each other and for our students. If you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, contact me at amanda.slay.ava@gmail.com.