Here we go again! Staring at multiple news reports and weather apps, trying to determine if the 2026 AMEA Professional Development Conference is going to be iced over as it has threatened to do consecutively for multiple years. Truth be told, James Spann and I have become best friends, he just doesn’t know it. As I had done multiple years prior, I sat preparing my speeches for the various talks I had to deliver during multiple events at conference wondering how many faces would look back at me. Those who know me personally know that I am a worrier. Not only was I worried about my journey to Birmingham, but I was worried about all of those music educators from across the state who had the same desire to attend AMEA as I did, but winter weather was an issue. When it seemed as if my thoughts would overtake me, I began to receive text messages and phone calls from members of the governing board finalizing last minute details about the conference and suddenly, my anxiety morphed into assurance. I was reminded once again that AMEA is a resilient organization full of determined people who love learning and teaching just as much as I do, if not more. The people of the Alabama Music Educators Association always continue to make it what it is today. It’s the people that determine the quality.
Several years ago, schoolwide book studies became a thing in my school system. At least twice a year, my administration would discover a book of interest, and we would set off on learning the new lingo that author uses, or the new mindset the author wants us to adopt. I’ll be transparent, I did not read much of most of the books, but one book caught my attention. Todd Whitaker is the author of the book What Great Teachers Do Differently. In his book, he discusses 17 points that really matter in schools that make a difference. While many of the 17 points are interesting and worthy of thought, it was his 2nd point that I always remember. His second point is “It’s people, not programs that determine the quality of a school.” Not only is this applicable to schools, but it is also true of AMEA. It’s really the people of AMEA who work tirelessly to ensure conference and other AMEA events go off without a hitch. It’s Rusty Logan who spends countless hours planning, scheduling, mapping rooms best suited for various sessions, ordering meals for different celebrations at the conference, speaking with presenters and performing ensembles about times to arrive, warm-up, and performances, and not to mention running the day-to-day operations of AMEA just to name a few of the things he does. Rusty has announced his retirement from AMEA. I hope he knows that the shoes he has left to fill are big!
It’s David Raney who diligently maintains the website that keeps us well informed throughout the day all while working his real job. He also continually works to elevate the professional look of AMEA by designing signage and media that welcomed and kept us informed throughout the conference. Not to mention the wizardry he performs at the registration desk.
It’s Pat Stegall, and his wife Mary Ann, who work from conference to conference ensuring that registration of over 1,000 plus people happens somewhat smoothly and flows freely. The Stegall’s also spend hours making name badges and making sure our conference is enjoyable for its members.
It’s the division presidents who really put on a conference within a conference. Their dedication for the division they lead is inspirational and noteworthy. Thank you, Keith Anderson (ABA), Jordan Kirchner Ford (AOA), Amanda Slay (AVA), Jason Jackson, (Elementary/General), Stephen Foster, (HED), Meghan Merciers and JP Aufdemorte (Collegiate), and Joey Harbison (Industry) for keeping AMEA and its divisions running smoothly.
It’s the past president and president-elect who bring the creativity and wisdom to AMEA. Thank you, Travis Bender and Rob Lyda for your service and mentoring throughout my tenure as president. It’s Heather Holmes who keeps reminding us of what we said we are going to do, and ensures we are doing it. Thank you, Heather!
Finally, it’s you! Just as you set the tone in your classrooms, you set the tone for AMEA. Just as you make magic happen at your school, you make that same magic available and happen for us in AMEA. It’s the people, not the program that matters most, and my friends, you matter most as you are AMEA!
Professional Development
For those who attended the AMEA 2026 Professional Development Conference and would like to receive PD credit through the PowerSchool Professional Learning Portal, be on the lookout for an email from me. The instructions will also be in the February eNewsletter. The East Alabama Regional Inservice Center (EARIC) has agreed once again to input your pd credit hours for you. After you complete the Google form I send, you will still need to follow-up in the PowerSchool Professional Learning Portal and complete the survey for the hours to be added to your transcript. To get to the survey, click on Courses at the top of the page and then look for “my surveys”. You will see one for AMEA 2026. The Google form that will be coming from me is due by Monday, February 16, 2026. It will take EARIC some time to enter credit for all of us, so please be patient and check back after a few days after February 16 to complete the survey. If you need a certificate, email Rusty Logan and he will send one to you.
AMEA Election
This year is an election year. Biographies for President-elect and Recording Secretary of AMEA will be included in this issue of the Ala Breve. The election will open April 1st and close May 1. Please be sure to watch your email and even junk emails for ballots.
It has been my honor to serve you in the role as President. Although my tenure isn’t completed until May 31, 2026, I hope that I can still make an impact on our association. Know that you are, and continue to be, the people that make AMEA what it is and can be.
Phil R. Wilson, AMEA President