From Alabama cNAfME

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. 

Join/Renew Register Reserve

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:

Moments Matter: Make the Most of Them

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.

Go Beyond the Band Room as an Educator and Leader in Your School

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. 

Welcome Back, AVA

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.

AOA Updates

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! 

Old, New, Borrowed, Blue

Your new Elementary/General AMEA executive board met in July to get the ball rolling with plans for our conference in January and our Elementary All-State Choir. If you are new to teaching elementary or general music this year, welcome! Please send me an email at elementaryamea@gmail.com – your board, and I would love to help you get plugged in.