As I reflect on our 2026 AMEA Conference, I am extremely proud of our state association and the effort that goes into making it the best it can be. Many hands work together for many hours to ensure that the music educators in our state have the best possible environment in which to grow as professionals and recharge as colleagues. Congratulations to our AMEA Board for another great conference year.
Our ABA performances and clinics were a huge part of the conference’s success. While it’s not a bad thing to look beyond state lines for ideas and examples to follow, our slate of performing ensembles and clinicians reminded me once again that we have absolute rock stars right here in our own state. I left inspired by my colleagues and thankful to have such great examples to keep learning from. I also want to congratulate our Jazz Division on a great All-State Jazz Band weekend. I know we were all very relieved that the event was able to continue without being affected by the weather!
A motion was made during our general meeting on Friday morning to move our proposal votes to a virtual format due to weather uncertainties. As of this writing, the vote on the proposed changes (scale memorization, use of electronic devices, and Level 1 Band programming exemption) is ongoing. An announcement with the results of the vote will be posted on the ABA website.
Many of you are now preparing your bands for the State Music Performance Assessment coming up in just a few weeks. I appreciate the work our Past President, Lori Hart, has done with our Adjudication Committee to ensure that directors and students receive quality feedback from their MPA experience. Please also thank and encourage your district chairmen, vice-chairmen, and site hosts for their work in making each district’s MPA a smooth and successful event. Best of luck to you and your ensembles on your upcoming performances.
It’s hard to believe, but our All-State Band Festival will be here before you know it. I am very excited to welcome our clinicians for this year’s festival. For the All-State Red Band, we have Dr. Emily Threinen, Director of Bands at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities. The All-State White Band will be led by Loras John Shissel, Senior Musicologist at the Library of Congress. Conducting the All-State Blue Band is Dr. Danh Pham, Director of Bands at Washington State University. For our All-State Middle School Bands, we welcome Darcy Vogt Williams, Head Band Director at Stiles Middle School in Leander, Texas, and Audrey Murphy, Band Director at East Cobb Middle School in Marietta, Georgia. I look forward to our All-State students working with these outstanding musicians.
Finally, remember that this part of the school year is busy and often draining. In the midst of all the band activities, a “normal” school week might include a different schedule each day, weather-related closures, or other interruptions. Focus on one thing at a time, stay connected with your people (friends, colleagues, mentors, etc.), and look for the blessings in each day. Some days it may be harder than others, but they are always there. I look forward to seeing everyone in Mobile this April!