Shawna Longo Westfield Public Schools shawnalongo[at]gmail.com
Advocacy
Arwen Kapusta
John Adams Elementary School arwenkapusta[at]gmail.com
All-State Production Manager
Joseph Cantaffa Howell High School jcantaffahhs[at]hotmail.com
Band Festivals/NJEA Liaison
Nancy Clasen Lodi Public Schools nancyclasen[at]gmail.com
President
Yale Snyder
Monroe Township District snyder.njmea[at]gmail.com
Executive Director
William McDevitt Retired wmcdevittnjmea[at]gmail.com
President-Elect
Anthony Lanzerotti, Jr Woodrow Wilson MS lanzerotti.njmea[at]gmail.com
SJCDA, President Brendan Moore Lenape High School bmoore2[at]lrhsd.org
APPOINTED MEMBERS
Band Performance
Jesse Argenziano
W Windsor-Plainsboro HS South njmeaband[at]gmail.com
Choral Festivals
Donna Marie Berchtold Retired firesongwed[at]gmail.com
Choral Performance
Brian Williams Robbinsville High School NJAllStateChoir[at]gmail.com
Conferences
Marie Malara Retired malara97[at]aol.com
D.E.I.A
Isaiah C. Mason Linwood School deia.njmea[at]gmail.com
Emerging Ensembles
Zach Gates East Brunswick High School zacharygatesmusic[at]gmail.com
SJBODA, President John Drechen Retired sjbodapresident[at]gmail.com
Jazz Education
Andrew Lopez
Sparta High School alopez.njaje[at]gmail.com
Orchestra Performance/Festivals
Elisabeth Sato
Martin Luther King Elementary orchestra.njmea[at]gmail.com
PreK-8 General Music
Amy Burns Far Hills Country Day School aburns[at]fhcds.org
Research/Collegiate/HigherEd
Marissa Silverman
Montclair State University silvermanm[at]montclair.edu
Retired Members/Mentorship
Kathy Spadafino Retired kspadeb[at]aol.com
NJMEA President
Dear NJMEA Community,
On behalf of the New Jersey Music Educators Association Board of Directors, welcome to the 2026 NJMEA State Conference, and thank you for being here. We are truly honored to gather as a community of music educators, advocates, and leaders, and we are delighted to welcome you to Atlantic City, New Jersey.
I am incredibly excited about this year’s conference. The lineup of world-class clinicians, performers, and presenters is exceptional, and the depth, quality, and variety of sessions across these three days ensure that there is something meaningful for everyone, regardless of what or where you teach. This conference is designed to inspire, challenge, and support you as you continue the vital work of music education.
I encourage you to attend as many sessions as possible, explore offerings outside your usual areas of focus, and experience something new that you can bring back to your district, your classroom, and your students. Professional development is essential to our growth as educators, musicians, and leaders, and NJMEA is proud to provide opportunities that strengthen our practice, renew our creativity, and fuel our passion.
This year’s conference theme, “Catch the Groove, Fuel the Passion, Grow the Future”, reflects the heart of who we are and where we are headed as a profession. It speaks to reconnecting with the joy of musicmaking, sustaining the passion that drives our teaching, and intentionally shaping a strong and vibrant future for music education in New Jersey.
A core part of that future is connection. I encourage you to CONNECT! Reconnect with old friends and colleagues and make new ones throughout the conference. Our field thrives on collaboration, communication, and shared experiences, and this conference is a powerful reminder that none of us does this work alone.
We are deeply honored to welcome our Keynote Speaker, Dr. Peter Boonshaft. Dr. Boonshaft is a nationally and internationally respected conductor, author, educator, and advocate for music education. He currently serves as Director of Education for Jupiter Instruments and is Professor Emeritus at Hofstra University. His ability to inspire, motivate, and challenge educators is unmatched, and his message resonates with teachers at every stage of their careers. I strongly encourage you to go out of your way to attend his keynote address. On a personal note, this appearance represents a full-circle moment for me during my first year as NJMEA President, as Dr. Boonshaft was my college band director and one of the most influential educators in my own musical journey.
One of the signature events of this conference will be our Friday Night Gala Concert featuring Brasilian Vibes. This is an experience you will not want to miss. This extraordinary ensemble will bring the heart, soul, and rhythmic energy of Brazil directly to Atlantic City in a performance that promises to be both electrifying and unforgettable. Featuring the world-class artistry of Arthur Lipner, Rovanio “Nanny” Assis, Leonardo Lucini, and Alejandro Lucini, this concert will immerse you in vibrant traditions, infectious grooves, and expressive musical storytelling. The energy will be absolutely off the charts, and if you arrive tired from a full day of sessions, you will leave reenergized, inspired, and smiling. This will be unlike anything we have ever experienced at an NJMEA Gala Concert.
Another highlight of the conference is the opportunity to experience our outstanding student performances, which truly represent the heart of music education in New Jersey. I am especially excited to hear the 2026 NJMEA All-State Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Treble Chorus, and I encourage you to attend as many student performances as possible. These concerts showcase the extraordinary talent, dedication, and artistry of our students and the educators who guide them. I also encourage you to spend time in the exhibit hall and visit our wonderful exhibitors, whose support and innovation play an essential role in strengthening our programs and our profession.
We are also excited to offer an Elementary Academy on Thursday, featuring Bill Henry from Mr. Henry’s World. These sessions will be a joyful, engaging, and meaningful experience for our elementary educators and a wonderful celebration of creativity, curiosity, and student-centered learning.
I extend my sincere thanks to the NJMEA Executive Board for serving as thoughtful collaborators and a constant sounding board throughout this process. My deepest gratitude goes to Marie Malara, our Conference Chair, and her entire team. Planning this conference represents a full year of dedicated work, and Marie’s leadership is nothing short of remarkable. I cannot thank her enough for all she does to make this conference what it is.
Thank you as well to our Executive Director, Bill McDevitt, who truly is the glue that holds us together. Bill, thank you for your unwavering commitment, your wisdom, and your deep knowledge in service of NJMEA and its members.
We are thrilled to welcome Jazzmone Sutton who is here from NAfME. She is the Senior Manager for State Advocacy and Equity. It has been a pleasure getting to know Jazzmone, and having her with us in Atlantic City is truly an honor. She will be presenting a workshop each day of the conference, and I strongly encourage you to attend her sessions.
To all of our attendees and guests, thank you for the extraordinary work you do every day for your students. Because of your dedication and leadership, music education in New Jersey continues to be recognized as a national leader, and you play an essential role in shaping that legacy.
It is truly the greatest honor of my career to serve as President of the New Jersey Music Educators Association. If I have not yet had the privilege of meeting you, please come find me throughout the conference and introduce yourself. I would welcome the opportunity to connect.
GET READY……
Catch the Groove, Fuel the Passion, Grow the Future, and most importantly…….HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Warm regards,
Yale Snyder
Monroe Township School District
Supervisor of Fine & Performing Arts, Physical Education & Health
NJ Performing Arts Center 1 Center Street, Newark, NJ
Via Garden State Parkway North
• Follow Garden State Parkway North to Exit 142 (Route 78).
• Follow Route 78 East.
• Follow Routes 1 & 9 South to Route 21 North (McCarter Highway).
• You will travel across the viaduct into downtown Newark. After crossing the viaduct, stay in the right hand lane until you see Don Pepe’s Restaurant. Take jughandle to cross Route 21 on to Center Street.
NJPAC Website www.njpac.org
Via Garden State Parkway South
• Follow Garden State Parkway South to Exit 145.
• Follow signs to Route 280 East. Follow Route 280 East to Exit 15 (Route 21 South-Downtown).
• At Bottom of ramp (traffic light), make a right onto Route 21 South (McCarter Highway).
• Follow Route 21 to Center Street, and turn right.
Professional Development Certificates
The procedure listed below must be followed to receive a certificate that counts towards your hours of professional development from the NJMEA State Conference:
1. An NJMEA Professional Development Certificate is available for download at https://www.njmea.org/state-conference
2. Arrive at your chosen session no later than ten minutes into the start of the session.
3. Remain in the session until the end.
4. One hour of professional development will be awarded for your time at the exhibits.
5. Any questions may be directed to William McDevitt at the registration table.
Convention
Exhibit Floor Plan - Hall A - Level 2
Sheraton Hotel - 1st Floor
Sheraton Hotel - 2nd Floor
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
How to Host a Family Folk Dance
Clinician: Lillie H Feierabend CC302
Teaching Technique with a Popular Music Twist
Clinician: Saleel Menon CC311
Orchestra Reading Session: A Focus on Diverse Repertoire
Clinicians: Isaiah C. Mason, Cooper Ford, Katy Brodhead-Cullen, Jeffrey Smith, Emma Gibbons, Jordan Peters CC415
Podcasting: The New Voice of Your Students
Clinician: Wayne Splettstoeszer CC421
9:15 AM – 10:15 AM
Vocal Development in Young Children
Clinician: Lillie H Feierabend CC302
Warm-up and Ensemble Development Exercises That Work
Clinician: Dr. Peter Loel Boonshaft CC303
Do You Hear What I Hear? Optimizing the Choral Sound of Smaller Ensembles
Clinician: Dr. Bobby G. Helms CC311
Turntables = Instruments: Why Your Modern Band Needs a DJ
Clinician: Eric Jao CC419
The Future Of Music
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
PERFORMANCE
Rowan University Wind Ensemble Joseph Higgins CC411/412 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Smarter Practice, Better Learning
Clinician: Micah Killion CC301
Jammin’ on the Ukulele: Basic Strategies for Elementary General Music
Clinician: Mr. Henry’s Music World CC302
The Young Orchestra - A Powerhouse of Sound!
Clinician: Sandra Dackow CC304
Emerging Conversations through Authentic Community Singing
Clinician: Jeremy Fogel CC421 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM
Clinicians: Jose Martinez, Lauren Competello CC311
Conducting Workshop with the Rowan University Wind Ensemble
Clinician: Joseph Higgins CC411/412
Remixing Made Easy
Clinician: Ryan Van Bibber CC419
11:30 AM
NJMEA Executive Board Meeting
Recorder Basics Can Be Fun!
Clinician: Mr. Henry’s Music World CC302
Leading with Purpose: How You Move is Not as Important as WHY You Move
Clinician: Dr. Thomas McCauley
CC303
Selecting Quality Repertoire for Your String Orchestra Classroom
Clinician: Betsy Maliszewski CC304
Prioritizing Building Better Musicians and Humans
Clinician: Beth Moore CC312
Band Reading Session: A Focus on Diverse Repertoire
Clinician: Isaiah C. Mason, Cooper Ford, Katy Brodhead-Cullen, Jeffrey Smith, Emma Gibbons, Jordan Peters
CC415
Music Industry and Entrepreneurship in Education – TechFEST
Clinician: Arin Canbolat CC419
12:00 PM – 12:30PM
PERFORMANCE
West Windsor-Plainsboro HS Wind Ensemble Jesse Argenziano CC411/412
Presider: Yale Snyder Sheraton - States Board Room 11:45 AM – 12:45 PM
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
1:00 PM – 1:30 PM
PERFORMANCE
Mississippi Boychoir
Young Men’s Ensemble
Dr. Bobby G. Helms
CC311
PERFORMANCE
Montgomery High School Wind Ensemble
Rebecca Palmer, Eric Mazurkiewicz CC411/412
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Music for All: Engaging All Learners in the Accessible Music Classroom
Clinician: Brian J. Wagner-Yeung
CC301
Active Musical Thinking Games: Pathways to Building Music Literacy in the Classroom
Clinician: Carol Swinchoski
CC302
Start ‘Em Young! Strategies for Teaching Younger Strings
Clinician: Dr. Larisa Skinner
CC304
“Classroom Management” by Design
Clinician: Rachel Grimsby
CC308/309
The Stories We Tell: Using Storytelling to Shape Our Advocacy Efforts
Clinician: Jazzmone Sutton
CC312
Growing Student Leaders...Delegating Some Things Off the Director’s Plate
Clinician: Grant Mathews
CC313
From Sound to Significance: Connecting Musical Elements to Emotional Meaning
Clinician: Shaun Day, DMA
CC314
So You’re Doing a Musical... Now What?
Clinician: Bruce Van Hoven
CC320
I Saw the Sign: American Sign Language in the Music Classroom
Clinician: Maia Judd
CC322
Burn Bright Not Out: Building a Sustainable Career in Music Education
Clinician: Lauren Ryals
CC401
All-State Orchestra Procedures Meeting
Clinician: Elizabeth Sato
CC415
Updates on Diversity, Inclusion, Equity, and Access (DEIA)
Clinicians: Isaiah C. Mason, Jordan Peters, Katy Brodhead-Cullen, Emma Gibbons
CC417
Building A Modern Band ProgramRock&Roll Academy
Clinician: Steven Thompson
CC418
Bridging Classrooms from Ensemble to Industry
Clinician: Arin Canbolat, Danielle Collins
CC419
“It doesn’t have to be a devil to play!” Modern Day Horn Pedagogy for Beginners to High School
Clinician: Evan Young
CC420
Start a New Program – Digital Music
Production
Clinician: Matthew Lyons
CC421
2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
PERFORMANCE
Paramus High School String Virtuosi
Yoonhee Roberts
Atrium Lobby
PERFORMANCE
Rutgers Voorhees Choir
Dr. Saleel Menon
CC311
PERFORMANCE
West Morris Mendham High School Wind Ensemble
Mick Gibbons
CC411/412
2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Decentering the Podium
Clinician: Wayne Mallette
CC301
On the Move in your Elementary Music Room
Clinician: Amy M Burns
CC302
The World’s Largest Musical Instrument is in New Jersey?!?!
Clinician: Scott D. Banks
CC303
Get Out of Their Way! How Score Knowledge and Efficient Conducting Facilitate the Success of your Ensemble
Clinician: Sarah Culp
CC304
SEL & CRAE in Beginning-Intermediate Band? Look in Your Library!
Clinician: Christina Restine
CC312
Banding Together: Surviving, Thriving, and High-Fiving in Faculty Collaboration
Clinician: Jonathan Helmick, Kathleen Melago
CC313
Teach Full-Time School and Supplement with a Side Studio Gig
Clinician: Mimi Butler
CC314
Travel for a Purpose: Grant Writing to Enhance your music Classroom!
Clinician: Lisa Costantino, Nina Schmetterer
CC320
Leveraging Your Music Ecosystem for Resources & Advocacy
Clinician: Anne Joseph
CC322
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Breaking Down Barriers: Perspectives on Classroom Accessibility
Clinician:Jordan Peters, Jeff Ball, Sharmaine McCree, Calvin Linderman, Isaiah C. Mason
SEL & CRAE in Intermediate-Advanced Band? Look in Your Library!
Clinician: Christina Restine
CC418
Brass Pedagogy in Bloom: Heuristic Tools to Cultivate Tone, Range, Articulation, and Intonation Today!
Clinician: Jonathan Helmick
CC419
Roundtable Discussion: Modern Band
Presidings: Zachary Gates, Vincent Inciong
CC421
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
7:15 PM
NJMEA Awards Ceremony CC402/403 7:30 PM
GALA CONCERT BRASILIAN VIBES QUARTET
CC402/403
Poster Session Participants (on Display in CC319)
“Embodied Approaches to Musicianship: Exploring the Impact of Structured Movement on Beginner Brass Instruction”
- Ken Barry
“Postcards from Summer: Rest, Reflection & Resonance”
- Ardith Collins
“Adaptation and Instruction in Accessible Music Education: A Multiple Case Study”
- Ronan Flynn
“Music Education and Chinese New Year”
- Xiaoyuan Ma
“Reimagining Ensemble Hierarchies: Student Perceptions of Rotational Seating in High School Band”
- Mackenzie Miller
“Musical Play as Pedagogy and Social Practice: Fostering Culture, Community, and Social and Emotional Learning in Elementary Music Education”
- Amy Paz
“Eating the Rice I Planted by Myself”: Prismatic Pedagogy Through Instrument-Making”
- Anastasia Rege
“The Musical Mosaic Method (M.M.M)”
- Birce Tanriguden
“Exploring Assessment Methods in Music Education: A Qualitative Exploratory Case Study of Public High Schools in Northern New Jersey”
- Linea Rondael
“Developing Music Literacy Skills and Virtual Communities Through the Online Secondary Ensemble Rehearsals”
- Argine Safari
“How Trauma-informed Music Teaching Matters: A Case Study”
- Marissa Silverman
“The Emotional, Professional, and Structural Realities of Music Teachers”
- Katherine Wyatt
Friday Night Gala Concert
The New Jersey Music Educators Association is proud to announce that Brasilian Vibes will headline the Friday Night Gala Concert at the 2026 NJMEA State Conference. This acclaimed ensemble—Rovanio “Nanny” Assis (guitar, vocals, percussion), Arthur Lipner (vibraphone and marimba), Leonardo Lucini (bass, vocals), and Alejandro Lucini (drums)—has been dazzling audiences worldwide with their masterful blend of traditional and contemporary Brazilian music.
The evening’s performance will immerse NJMEA Conference attendees in the vibrant sounds of Brazil, featuring Samba, Bossa Nova, Forró, and other Brazilian styles. Known for their rhythmic drive, colorful harmonies, and infectious energy, Brasilian Vibes creates an exhilarating concert experience that both excites the ears and gets the feet moving.
Having graced stages such as New York’s famed Blue Note, SOB’s (Sounds of Brazil), the Pompano Jazz Festival, KOSA (Montreal), Levitt Pavilion (CT), and beyond, Brasilian Vibes has built a reputation for delivering performances that are both artistically rich and joyfully accessible. Their album Brasilian Vibes was even nominated as “Best CD of the Year” by the Brazilian Press Awards.
Each member of the ensemble brings an extraordinary musical journey to the stage:
Rovanio “Nanny” Assis, from Bahia, is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter who has twice been named Best Male Vocalist of the Year by the Brazilian Press Music Awards. His collaborations span the globe, including performances with Paul Simon and, most recently, with jazz greats Ron Carter and Randy Brecker on his 2023 album Rovanio.
Arthur Lipner is recognized as one of today’s leading vibraphonists and marimbists. His global career includes performances in more than 30 countries, extensive educational work, and being the subject of the documentary Talking Sticks (2016). He most recently returned from his 19th performance tour in Brazil, highlighted by an appearance at the Blue Note in Rio de Janeiro.
Leonardo Lucini, originally from Rio de Janeiro, is a bassist, composer, and educator who has performed with legendary figures including Nestor Torres, Arturo O’Farrill, Giovanni Hidalgo, and Marcos Valle. Currently teaching in the NYC public school system, Lucini continues to record and perform internationally.
Alejandro Lucini, born in Rio de Janeiro, studied with master percussionist Ney Rosauro at the Escola de Música de Brasília and earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Howard University. After teaching jazz drumming and Latin rhythms at George Washington University for over 20 years, he has performed with a wide range of renowned artists, including Nestor Torres, Dave Valentin, Alex Brown, Gary Grainger, and Alex Acuña. His unique style blends deep Brazilian rhythmic traditions with extraordinary drum-set independence.
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Design Creative Resources for Your Music Classroom
Clinician: Amy M Burns
CC302
Fragments and Functions: Navigating the Realities of Itinerant Music Teaching
Clinician: Katherine Wyatt
CC303
Behavioral Strategies: Approaches & Techniques for All Students in Musical Environments
Clinician: Brian J. Wagner-Yeung
CC304
What’s New for Jazz Ensemble -
A New Music Reading Session
Clinician: Joseph J. Verderese, Jr
CC311
“Free Your Drill: Accessible, Modern Design with OpenMarch”
Clinician: Alex Dumouchelle
CC312
The Care and Feeding of Heavy Metal Musicians
Clinician: John J. Palatucci
CC313
A Regulated Music Classroom Starts with Us!
Clinician: Val Luther
CC320
Conducting the Bigger Picture: A Music Teacher’s Journey to Arts Leadership
Clinician: Dr. Larisa Skinner
CC415
(Grad) School’s IN for Summer: Graduate Education Considerations for Pre-Service and Practicing Music Educators
Clinician: Dr. Edward (Ted) C. Hoffman, III
CC417
Beyond the Degree: The Skills They Didn’t Cover in College (But You’ll Definitely Need)
Clinician: Domenic Pisano
CC418
High School Piano Lab 101: Teaching Piano
When it’s Not Your Main Instrument
Clinician: Robin McAnally-Sengco
CC419
CJMEA Executive Board Meeting
Presiding: Rebekah Sterlacci
Sheration - Steel Pier
10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Adaptive Education Support for the Accessible Arts Classroom
Clinician: Krysta Mirsik DePuy
CC301
Songwriting the Soul through Hillman’s Imaginative Method & Found Poetry.
Clinician: Laura Montanari
CC302
The Music of Puerto Rico: A Workshop in Music, Culture, and Movement
Clinician: Dr. Francisco Luis Reyes
CC303
The Sounds of Success: Evidence for the Arts as a Schoolwide Strategy
Clinician: Annie Ray
CC304
The Magic of Music Education
Clinician: Liz Vex
CC312
Cultural Inclusivity: Expanding Musical Repertoire and Learning Activities
Clinician: Tonia Asel Kaufman
CC313
The Brass Toolbox: Techniques for Developing Healthy Brass Playing
Clinician: Libby Ando
CC314
The Sound of Confidence: Clear Steps to Teach Jazz Improv
Clinician: Dr. Pamela Turowski
CC415
Neuroscience and Music Advocacy: Beyond Higher Math Scores
Clinician: Alex Gittelman
CC417
Something Wholly New: Culturally Generative Music Pedagogy
Clinician: Dr. Brian Gellerstein
CC418
The Stories We Tell: Using Storytelling to Shape Our Advocacy Efforts
Clinician: Jazzmone Sutton
CC419
Bring Your Professor! Strategies for Embedding Social Emotional Learning into Your Music Teacher Education Program
Clinician: Kathleen Melago
CC421
10:30 AM
New Jersey All-State Treble Chorus, Wind Ensemble Symphonic Band
CC402/403
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Recommendations for Supporting Students with Disabilities in Audition and Performance Settings
Clinicians: Angela Guerriero, Miles Cressley
CC301
Plays! Teaching Techniques for Group Ukulele Instruction.
Clinician: Ian White
CC302
Trauma-sensitive Music Teaching Practices
Clinician: Val Luther
CC304
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
“Is Music Easy or a Hard Discipline?” (What does the legacy teach about the journey?)
Clinician: Dr. Frances Covalesky
CC311
A.I. = Am I Ready? Tools for the 21st Century Music Educator
Clinician: Angelo Anton
CC312
The Hidden Power of General Music: Reimagining Music Education for Secondary Students
Clinician: Dr. Vincent Du Beau
CC313
“Sousa-What?” A Non-Sousaphone
Players Guide to Supporting a Strong and Healthy Sousaphone Section
Clinician: Chris Tkacik
CC314
Pass the Praxis!
Clinician: Dr. Ted Hoffman
CC415
From Fear to Fuel: A Research-Based Approach to Fostering Motivation
Clinicians: Juliana George, Dr. Drew X. Coles
CC417
Standing Guard: Gatekeeping and the Persistence of Whiteness in Music Education
Clinician: Dr. Brian Gellerstein
CC418
New Jersey Young Composers Competition Finals
Clinician: Andrew Bleckner
CC419
12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Ideas for your Autism Students
Clinician: Cara M. Chaapel
CC302
Beyond the Method Book: Everything I Wish I Knew When I Started Teaching Beginner Band
Clinician: Sarah Healey
CC304
Body Music & Circlesinging for Spontaneous Musicking
Clinician: Laura Montanari
CC311
Creating Positive, Reflective, and Fully Engaged Classrooms.
Clinician: Michael Lichtenfeld
CC312
New Jersey Young Composers Competition Finals
Clinician: Andrew Bleckner
CC419
All-State Treble Chorus Conductor
Patrick Hachey, Director of Choral Activities and Lead Teacher for the Performing Arts Grades 5-12, has been a music educator for 26 years, and is currently in his 22nd year of teaching at Roxbury High School in Succasunna, NJ. Mr. Hachey holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree and a Master of Music in Vocal Performance degree from Indiana University at Bloomington. While studying at IU, he served two years as the assistant director of the world renowned Singing Hoosiers and was a founding member of the well-known men’s a cappella group, Straight No Chaser. In 2011, Mr. Hachey was awarded the Singing Hoosiers Alumni Council Distinguished Alumni Award.
Before coming to Roxbury Township, Mr. Hachey held choral directing positions at Pequannock Township High School, Pompton Plains, NJ, and Hanover Park High School, East Hanover, NJ. During his time at Roxbury High School, he has conducted Classic Sounds Honors, Roxbury Chorale, Glee Club, Sensation, Revelation, Melodies, Madrigals, Concert Choir, Freshman Treble Choir, and the Eighth Grade Chorus at the district’s middle school. Under his direction, Roxbury Melodies, the auditioned treble choir, was selected as a performance ensemble for the 2014 ACDA Eastern Division Conference in Baltimore. In 2019, the Classic Sounds Honors performed at the National Association for Music Education Eastern Division Conference in Pittsburgh. Classic Sounds was also selected to perform at the 2022 ACDA Eastern Region Conference in Boston.
In addition, Mr. Hachey serves as Drama Advisor at Roxbury High School, directing both the Fall Drama and the Spring Musical, and has a studio of private voice students. Still active as a lyric baritone in the New York metropolitan area, he has vast experience in solo performance, including classical art song, opera, musical theater, jazz and pop styles.
Mr. Hachey was the guest conductor of the 2006 & 2012 Sussex County High School Honors Choirs, the 2008 NJ Region I Mixed Choir, and the 2013 NJ Region II Women’s Choir. In 2017, Mr. Hachey was selected to conduct the New Jersey All-State Mixed Choir. He is a sought-after choral clinician throughout the Northeast, having adjudicated in Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, and is currently the Treasurer for the New Jersey American Choral Directors Association Executive Board.
2026 All-State Treble Chorus Program
Patrick Hachey, Conductor
Krista Sweer, Collaborative Pianist
The Star Spangled Banner
arr. Melissa Dunphy
Commissioned by NJMEA, World Premier Yale Snyder, Conductor
Panta Rhei ............................................................................................. Jim Papoulis
Svete Tihiy ...................................................................................... Pavel Chesnokov
Keep Yo’ Lamps arr. Rosephanye Powell
Arirang arr. Hyo-Won Woo
I Thank You God .............................................................................. Gwyneth Walker
Now Let Me Fly
Caffeine Overload Polka
arr. Stacey V. Gibbs
Eric Lane Barnes
All-State Symphonic Band Conductor
Kevin Michael Holzman serves as the Director of Wind Studies and Division Head of Ensembles and Conducting at the University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music(CCM). He joined CCM’s faculty in2017. As Director of Wind Studies, Holzman serves as the music director for the CCM Wind Symphony (CCM’s premier wind ensemble), CCM Musica Nova, and CCM Chamber Winds, in addition to overseeing other CCM Wind Studies Ensembles. In addition to directing these ensembles, he has served as Music Director of the CCM Chamber Orchestra and CCM Brass Choir, and has conducted performances with the CCM Philharmonia and CCM Concert Orchestra. His academic responsibilities include teaching graduate conducting and related courses, as well as the advising and mentoring of wind conducting students in CCM’s Masters and Doctoral programs. Holzman also serves as Director of the Cincinnati Youth Wind Ensemble (CYWE) Program through the CCM Preparatory Department. Beyond CCM, Holzman has worked with and conducted professional ensembles including the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Beijing Wind Orchestra, the Siena Wind Orchestra (Japan),the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2019, Holzman was appointed Music Director and Chief Guest Conductor of the Beijing Wind Orchestra, China’s premier wind ensemble. Prior to his appointment at CCM, Holzman earned his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting at the Eastman School of Music, where he studied with Music Director of the Eastman Wind Ensemble, Dr. Mark Scatterday. Holzman earned his Master’s degree in Conducting and his Bachelor Music degree in Clarinet Performance at the University of Arizona. Holzman is a passionate advocate for music education and access to music in all schools. In addition to serving as Director of the CCM Youth Wind Ensemble program since 2019,he regularly clinics high school and junior high school ensembles and has served as conductor of honor bands and ensembles across the United States. He is an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha, Tau Beta Sigma and Kappa Kappa Psi music fraternities.
2026 All-State Symphonic Band Program Kevin Holzman, Conductor
Fantasy of Colors Paul Dooley
Meditation Dwayne Millburn
Beacon
Kimberly Archer
El Camino Real ........................................................................................ Alfred Reed
All-State Wind Ensemble Conductor
Dr. T. André Feagin serves as Director of Bands and Associate Professor in the Department of Music at Central Washington University, where he guides the educational and artistic vision of a comprehensive band program. He leads the graduate wind band conducting area and conducts both the Symphonic Band and the Wind Ensemble, the university’s premier wind band. Under his direction, the CWU Wind Ensemble has been recognized for its artistic and musical excellence with featured performances at the 2022 College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Western/Northwestern Division Conference, the 20th World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) International Conference in Gwangju, South Korea (2024); and the 2026 CBDNA Western/Northwestern Division Conference.
Dr. Feagin has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to teaching, service, and building a supportive learning environment at Central Washington University. In 2024, he received the Outstanding Tenured/Tenure-Track Faculty Teaching Award from the College of Arts and Humanities. In 2023, he was honored with two President’s Diversity Awards in both the “Faculty” and “Community” categories for his efforts to foster meaningful relationships and broaden access to opportunity within the university and the wider community. He also serves as Dean Fellow of Student Success in the College of Arts and Humanities, where his work focuses on student achievement, community engagement, and cultivating a model learning environment grounded in connection, access, and opportunity.
Prior to his appointment at CWU, Dr. Feagin held faculty positions at Colorado State University, Coastal Carolina University (SC), and the University of Texas at El Paso. His secondary teaching experience includes serving as Director of Bands at Watkins Overton High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (TN).
Dr. Feagin has appeared as a guest conductor with numerous all-state and honor bands, as well as professional ensembles throughout the United States, Canada, Central and Southwest Europe, and Southeast Asia. As a clinician and presenter, he has been invited to speak on topics including conducting, educational leadership, and broadening participation in music education at conferences and institutions across the U.S. and internationally. In 2022, he was a featured presenter at the 19th WASBE International Conference in Prague, Czech Republic.
In 2004, Dr. Feagin was one of three conductors nationally selected to perform with the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America as part of the inaugural Young Composer/Conductor Mentor Project, sponsored by the National Band Association. In 2012, he was again one of three conductors chosen nationally to perform with the United States Military Academy Band at West Point during the Association of Concert Bands National Convention.
Dr. Feagin holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in wind conducting from the University of Arizona School of Music, where he studied with Gregg I. Hanson. He also holds a Master of Music degree in instrumental wind conducting from the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music.
Dr. Feagin holds professional memberships in the National Association for Music Education, the College Band Directors National Association, the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, and the Washington Music Educators Association. He is a Patron of Mu Phi Epsilon and holds honorary memberships in both Tau Beta Sigma and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He currently serves on the Diversity and Research Committees of CBDNA and is a member of the advisory board
2026 All-State Wind Ensemble Program
Dr. T. André Feagin, Conductor
Bright Shadow Fanfare ........................................................................ Nicole Piunno Requiem David Maslanka
Congress Hall
John Philip Sousa
Ghosts of the Old Year ........................................................................... James David I. Calm, determined II. Ferocious, intense
Exhibit Floor Plan
A GUIDE TO VISITING THE EXHIBITS
The exhibit area is one of the many highlights of the New Jersey Music Educators Association State Conference. Make sure you save ample time to browse through the exhibit hall. A vast array of products and services of companies from across the United States have gathered for your preview and business.
These guidelines may be helpful, particularly to the new music educator:
1. Take note of exhibit hours. Examine the exhibit listings in the program.
2. Note those exhibits of particular interest for your work.
3. There is an abundance of free material. Take only what you deem significant, making sure it is a free sample.
4. Handle display products carefully and return them to their original location.
5. Be sure to register for the mailing lists of companies which carry products in which you are interested.
6. Get to know the sales persons with the companies whose products are a vital part of your work.
7. Enjoy the marvelous panorama of music education products in one location!
EXHIBITS
HALL A - Convention Center - Second Level
Thursday, February 19th 1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Grand Opening/Welcome Reception 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Friday, February 20th 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
DIRECTORY OF EXHIBITORS
(as of January 24, 2025)
99Pledges 99pledges.com
555 Bryant Street #400 Palo Alto, CA 94301 (650)594-6122
Representative: Katie Rabbe
Free online fundraising platform for music - Keep 95% to 98% Booth 324
American Band College bandworld.org/ABC/ 6736 Jacob Lane Springfield, OR 97478 (609) 304-2536
Representative: Deb Knisely
The world’s largest Master’s degree program designed for band directors Booth 306
American Music Abroad 6542A Lower York Road, STE 144 New Hope, PA 18938 (215 598-8690
Representative: Keith Hodgson Booth 412
ArtsEdNJ artsednj.org 432 High Street Burlington, NJ 08016 (908) 481-9850
Representatives: Jace Pastras, Wendy Liscow
Get materials to advocate for arts education in your community Booth 223
301 South Tubb Street STE H-1 Oakland, FL 34760 (407) 345-4899
Representative: Andrew Haderthauer
We provide exceptional group travel services to students & directors Booth 310
Kean University kean.edu/academics/programs. music
1000 Morris Avenue Union, NJ 07083 (908) 737-4345
Representatives: Linda Green, Lyn E. Schraer-Joiner, Patrick Burns Excellence in music education, vibrant performances, and strong community connections Booth 313
Litchfield Performing Arts litchfieldjazzcamp.com PO Box 69 Litchfield, CT 06759 (860) 361-6285
Representatives: Albert Rivera, James Cannizzaro Inspiring young musicians through immersive jazz education, mentorship, and performance experience Booth 210
Marine Corps Music Program marines.com/about-the-marinecorps 605 Stewart Avenue Garden City, NY 11530 (661) 510-1655
Representatives: Sgt. Jonathan Faz, GSgt. Josh Malone
We are hiring talented musicians looking to serve their country Booth 327
Representatives: Brian Yatauro, Vito Calamito, Matt Thompson, Andrew Gavin, Joe McDonough, Chris Kastner
One-stop shop for instruments, lessons, rentals and repairs Booths 300/201
Music and the Brain CONFERENCE SPONSOR musicandthebrain.org
412 W 42nd Street, 5th Floor New York, NY 10036 (917) 612-4575
Representative: Lisala Beatty
Music and the Brain is a 29-year validated general music program offering piano learning for all students (K-12) Booth 323
Music in the Parks/EPN Travel edprog.com 1784 W Schuylkill Road Douglassville, PA 19518 (800) 323-0974
Representative: Joseph Spina
One-Two festivals and the professionals to get you there Booths 411-413
Musical Gifts and Treasures musicalgiftsandtreasures.com 3038 Hayes Avenue Fremont, OH 43420 (419) 334-326
Representative: Gregg Kerns
We sell musical gifts and jewelry and much more Booth 400
Musical Motivations
musicalmotivations.com
387 Malcolm Avenue North Plainfield, NJ 07063 (908) 377-9876
Representatives: Thomas Langmaack, Betsy Langmaack Innovative Musical Method book and novel - Individual and classroom applications Booth 321
MusicFirst musicfirst.com
180 W 40th Street, Suite 1600 New York, NY 10018 (855) 684-4567
Representatives: Robin Hodson, Amy Burns
Musicfirst: Your K-12 partner for fine arts assessments and solutions Booth 315
Musicnotes musicnotes.com
901 Deming Way, STE 100 Madison, WI 53717
Representatives: Clayton Johnson, Jaleesa Garland Musicnotes makes it easy to instantly find and download sheet music Booth 312
NEMC - National Educational Music Company nemc.com 1110 Centennial Ave, STE 2 Piscataway, NJ 08854 (908) 232-6700
Representatives: Fred Pasqua, Matt Griffith, Ron Beaudoin, Jeff Slater, Chris Angelino, Adam Grubewr, David Geltch Servicing school music programs throughout the state of New Jersey Booths 318/219
New Jersey Association for Jazz Education njaje.org 44 Chase Road Lumberton, NJ 08048 (609) 923-4978
Representative: Jeffrey Lesser Organization for instrumental and vocal jazz educators in New Jersey Booth 325
New Jersey Performing Arts Center njpac.org 1 Center Street Newark, NJ 07102 (973) 353-7042
Representative: April Jeffries Booth 209
New Jersey Symphony njsymphony.org 60 Park Place Newark, NJ 07102 (862) 401-4515
Representative: Nisha S. Srinivas The New Jersey Symphony is the state orchestra of New Jersey Booth 404
NJSMA njsma.org
Representatives: Lyn M. Lowndes, Sue Piombo
Educational group the sponsors musical ensemble activities and professional development Booth 213 PaGu Batons pagubatons.com 303 Grayton Road Tonawanda, NY 14150 (716) 200-6518
Representative: Phil Aguglia PaGu Batons offers personal baton fittings, baton cases and more Booth 206
Peak Group Travel CONFERENCE SPONSOR
peakgrouptravel.com
6542A Lower York Road, STE 144 New Hope, PA 18938 (215) 598-8690
Representatives: Beth Beccone, Bruce Rickert, Charlie DiCarne Group Travel/performance tour provider for domestic and international destinations Booth 410
Representatives: Eric Laprade, Colleen Sears, Brandi Diggs, Nicholas McBride Booth 202
The Music Den themusicden.com 1030 Rt 10 West Randolph, NJ 07869 (973) 464-2068
Representatives: Jerry Scognamiglio, Mike Spoer, Steve Zimmerman, Mike MacVicar
Musical instrument sales, repairs, rentals, lessons, sound installations, piano labs
Booth 304
The Music Shop themusicshop.com
56 Fanny Road Boonton, NJ 07005 (973) 334-8484
Representatives: Jenna Pavis, Jordan Lynch, Tim Jedlicka, Erich Trusheim, Dave Bychek Providing exceptional music educational services across the tri-state area Booth 424
University of Delaware
School of Music music.udel.edu
100 Orchard Avenue
Newark, DE 19711
Representative: Adrienne Harding
Come learn about opportunities for music majors, graduates, and non-majors
Booth 309
US Bands
6542A Lower York Road, STE 144 New Hope, PA 18938 (215) 598-8690
Representatives: Sean King, Ginny Kraft Booth 414
Westminster Choir College of Rider University 2083 Lawrenceville Road Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 (609) 896-5000
Representative: Sarah Perry, Alastair Stewart, Josh Bacomo Center for artistry and pedagogy for 100 years and counting Booths 326/227
William Paterson University wpnj.edu/cohss/departments/music 300 Pompton Road Wayne, NJ 07470
Representatives: Payton MacDonald, Skyler Hagner, Carol Frierson-Campbell
The William Paterson University Music Department information booth Booth 208
• Concept Depth and Whole-Class Piano and Recorder Application
• Music Literacy and Exploration
• Partner Learning and Analysis
• Broad Repertoire, Cross-Curricular
• Rhythm, Singing, Movement
Music Teacher Benefits
• 20,000+ Online resources with recordings, videos, and slides
The New Jersey Music Educators Association would like to thank the following for their contributions to this conference and for their continuing pursuit of excellence:
CONFERENCE SPONSORS
HISTORIC ORGAN RESTORATION COMMITTEE
JERSEY SURF, INC.
MUSIC AND THE BRAIN
PEAK TRAVEL GROUP
Jersey Surf, Inc. for sponsoring the Mobile Music Lab Drum Circle Experience
Cunningham Piano Company for providing the pianos used for the Conference and All-State rehearsals.
NJ Collegiate Chapters for invaluable assistance throughout the Conference.
The many schools, colleges and universities throughout New Jersey and the United States for the clinicians and performing ensembles appearing at this conference.
The Music Industry, Affiliated and Associated Organizations including the following for sponsoring sessions and providing materials:
Coles Music Service
GIA Publishing, Inc.
Groover Pro Percussion
Historic Organ Restoration Committee, Inc.
Jersey Surf Mobile Music Lab
Ludwig-Musser
MusicFirst Elementary
Neil Kjos Music Company
NEMC
QuaverEd
Salyers Percussion
Yamaha
The NJMEA Conference Committee for their unending dedication and commitment to Music Education.
