Happy fall, music educators! I hope everyone had a successful back-to-school season and is settling into their school years nicely. We are excited to get into our 2025-2026 events and celebrate orchestral music in our state! AOA is looking forward to an excellent year of learning and music-making.
The AOA Headlining Clinician for the 2026 AMEA conference is the incredible Dr. Angela Ammerman. Angela Ammerman, referred to by the Washington Post as the first “music teacher prodigy,” is the author of the Music Teacher’s Guide Series and hostess of the viral instagram page: @musicteachersguide . Dedicating much of her career to providing access to music education for underserved populations of children, Ammerman was named the 2019 Outstanding Advisor of the Year at the University of Tennessee at Martin, the 2016 Virginia Orchestra Director of the Year and has been honored by the Washington Post, Yamaha, the Virginia House of Delegates, Fairfax County Public Schools. Dr. Ammerman is a frequent All State Conductor, international keynote speaker, and clinician. “Dr. A” can be found either teaching at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, or traveling all over the country with her son: David Michael. Ammerman has conducted All State Orchestras in Georgia, California, Utah, West Virginia, and Tennessee. Ammerman is in awe of the dedication and brilliance of the music educators and conductors across the country and is honored to share with them. At this year’s conference, Dr. Ammerman will be presenting on a variety of topics that should pique the interest of all members of AMEA. Her sessions include:
¡Intrumentos Arriba! Recruiting & Retaining English Language Learners
Teaching music in a transient and highly diverse environment can provide a unique set of obstacles including communication, recruiting, retention, and musical growth. The demands for ELL courses have continued to soar and music educators must find new ways to engage this population in music making at school. This session will break down the language barriers and provide tips to recruit ELL students into your ensemble. Participants will leave a wealth of resources to communicate with ELL students and to achieve musical success.
The Goldfish and THAT Student: Classroom Management 101
Did you know that a goldfish has a longer attention span than a human? Is it any wonder we are struggling with endless distractions? Join us for this highly interactive session to learn and practice classroom management strategies that actually work. Here’s the truth, friends: Disruptions are on the rise and attention spans are on the decline. Let’s flip the switch and defeat those Goldfish.
You Can’t Teach Empty Chairs: Recruiting and Retention for String Programs
In a world where enrollment directly influences job security, ongoing recruiting and retention efforts are a necessity for a healthy strings program. Leave AMEA with great resources for generating excitement and interest in your program! Discover unique methods for reaching students of all ages, backgrounds, and musical preferences. Unlock your creativity by composing your own Reruiting Concert packed with story-telling through music, audience participation and sonic branding.
Rehearsal Strategies for a Changing World
Check out this interactive session on innovative rehearsal techniques for any ensemble! Participants wil play through a variety of literature while experiencing tips for engaging students from all backgrounds and ability levels. This session will delve into tips and tricks from the podium of a student-centered All-State Conductor, and will be sure to motivate any student to get to work! Please bring your instrument (no matter what level!)
AOA is also excited to learn from our other AOA sessions, covering topics such as Mariachi, practice strategies, and string programs in general music!
Thank you for your continued support of the Alabama Orchestra Association and music education in our state. We hope to see your familiar faces at our Regions, AMEA and All-State events in the new year!