Greetings and welcome back to a new school year! We are very excited about the 2018 Professional Development Conference to be held at our new venue in Birmingham January 18-20. Information about the Sheraton Hotel can be found on the AMEA website and I encourage you to book rooms sooner than later. Not only is this more convenient as a conference attendee, but it is anticipated that construction in the downtown Birmingham area will cause heavier traffic than usual, so staying in the conference hotel will be to your advantage.

We have a wonderful lineup of presenters, including sessions by Michael Zelenak (EdTPA), Becky Halliday (2017 Alabama Course of Studies), Ted Hoffman (Music Teacher Education Roundtable), Jamila McWhirter (Mentoring), Shane Colquhoun (Secondary General Music), Ellary Draper (Universal Design), Cameron Weatherford (Choral Leadership), Sean Murray (New Media), and Joe Brashier (International Band Music).

The HED luncheon will again be held on Thursday, at which time we will elect new officers for the positions of President-Elect and Secretary Treasurer. I hope you will consider filling these important roles within the HED Executive Council. You will receive an Evite through which you can RSVP.

This year, we are inviting collegiate soloists and chamber groups to perform in our Higher Education Division recital, also on Thursday. I ask that you contact me by December 15 with names, repertoire, timings, and any other specific needs. We will not have an accompanist available so please make arrangements accordingly. That evening, we will have an opportunity to socialize with our students in a more relaxed setting at our combined mixer.

I look forward to seeing you all in January and I hope you have a wonderful fall semester!