NJMEA President

Welcome to the 2023 NJMEA State Conference!

On behalf of our Board of Directors, I would like to thank you for joining us for our 2023 New Jersey Music Educators Association State Conference here in Atlantic City!

I want to commend you all for investing in your professional growth! I hope that this conference will impact the way you teach and give you the fuel to take your teaching to the next level! Professional development is a central component of what we offer our members and is my earnest hope that by taking advantage of the sessions, performances, exhibits, and opportunities to connect with colleagues, you return to school excited, renewed, refreshed, and refocused.

As you look through the conference schedule, please note that we have dedicated concert hours that feature several performance groups throughout the Northeast. Our General Sessions on Thursday and Friday will provide us a time to recognize our Master Music Teachers and other award recipients. This year we are having two keynote speakers, Dr. T. André Feagin and Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser—come be inspired and challenged by these two dynamic speakers! We also hope you enjoy the Friday evening special guest performance artists, Naturally 7.

One of the reasons we moved our conference to Atlantic City, was so that you could enjoy some of the evening and social life of the city. Please take some time to visit some of the area’s eateries and stores, they will be grateful for your business.

This year, the All-State ensembles, Treble Choir, Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Band, will render two performances! The first will be Saturday morning, right here in Atlantic City! The final performance will be Sunday at 3:00 p.m. in Newark at the prestigious New Jersey Performance Arts Center. I hope you join us for one or both of these performances.

Finally, would like to thank Marie Malara, our Conference Chairperson, and her team for all of their time and hard work in putting together this year’s program. I would also like to thank our Executive Director, Bill McDevitt, for his efforts and aid in all aspects of registration and planning. His wisdom and institutional knowledge have been essential during this transitional time in our profession and our organization.

I firmly believe that this conference can be a moment for you to Ignite Your Passion! Do not miss this moment. Use the momentum from this weekend to propel you to the next level.

Yours, Wayne