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This year, there is an AI initiative at the school where I teach. This got me thinking about what AI would come up with if I asked it what the issues were in higher education in Alabama for Music Education.

We hope that your semester is off to a strong start! The beginning of the year brings many choices, such as what classes to take, which events to attend, and which organizations to get involved in. Our time in college is limited, and as a result we must make decisions about how to best use our time. 

I would like to encourage our members to go ahead and pre-register for the 2026 AMEA Professional Development Conference.  The process is easy, and you can check it off your to-do list today!  The link is here:

During my travels as the Alabama State Teacher of the Year, I had the amazing opportunity to meet and form bonds with state Teachers of the Year (STOYs) from the other 49 states as well as some of our U.S. territories including Washington, D.C. We even met and became friends with international Teachers of the Year as we spent a week in Huntsville, Alabama learning about the American space program.

By now, we’re all back in the swing of things after an always-too-short summer break. Whether it’s the first steps of the marching band show or the first steps of putting an instrument together, there’s an excitement about the start of a new year. And while the responsibilities that exist within the walls of our band rooms are numerous, I want to encourage you to go “beyond the band room” as an educator and leader in your school. 

As the school year begins anew, my hope is that you all are stepping back into your classrooms and rehearsal spaces with fresh energy, renewed purpose, and passion for nurturing young voices. Whether you’re a veteran director or just beginning your journey in choral music education, the Alabama Vocal Association stands ready to support, guide, and inspire you throughout the year.

It is wild that we have made it to the start of another school year. I hope Alabama music teachers have enjoyed a well-deserved rest. The Alabama Orchestra Association has an exciting year ahead, so please make sure you keep up with member emails, social media, and our website!