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2026 OMEA PDC

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THE 2026 OMEA PDC

January 29-31, 2026 Greater Columbus Conven:on Center and Hya= Regency Columbus


Make your plans now to join us January 29-31 at the beautiful Greater Columbus Convention Center and Columbus Hyatt Regency. Need help convincing your administrator to provide release time? Check out the updated Letter to Administrators which presents the conference through the lens of the standards for the teaching profession. Columbus offers several unique opportunities to enhance your conference experience. Both the Hyatt and Hilton hotels are directly connected to the Convention Center, while the Drury Inn can be accessed conveniently through the Convention Center food court. Opening Measures: Thursday Morning Feature. Conference attendees are invited to begin their experience with Opening Measures, scheduled for Thursday morning from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This session will feature Barry Hartz, one of our most highly regarded band clinicians, presenting Reimagining What’s Possible in Beginning Band. This opening event is designed to inspire fresh ideas and set the tone for the days ahead. The Greater Columbus Convention Center will once again serve as the home of General Music World, featuring the ever-popular Thursday morning Jump Start sessions. Attendees are encouraged to take part in these sessions as well as the evening folk dance. In addition, the Convention Center will host the All-State Band and Orchestra, a special appearance by The Dallas Brass, a wide variety of sessions and performances, and our exceptional Trade Show. The Hyatt will serve as the location for the All-State Children’s Chorus, All-State Choir, All-State Jazz Ensemble, the Research Forum, sessions, performances, meetings, and receptions. In the evening, the Hyatt’s Big Bar on 2 will host the late-night Stanton’s Reading Band and the OMEA Jam Session, providing engaging opportunities to connect with colleagues and enjoy music in an informal setting. Cameo Concerts will perform on two stages in the Hyatt public areas. Still deciding? Be sure to explore the OMEA website Conference Menu for frequent updates and registration information. Attendees are also encouraged to visit and follow the OMEA Facebook page, where clinician spotlights and the latest conference news will be featured in the weeks leading up to the event. 2026 PDC Team Mark Hensler, Director of Professional Development & Conference Management pd_director@omea-ohio.org


Registration Hours Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Exhibit Hours Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

On-Site Registration Fees* OMEA Member - $200 OMEA Member Non-Teaching Guest - $50 Non-Member - $265 OCMEA Member - $75 OMEA Retired Member - $75 OMEA Retired Non-Teaching Guest - FREE Visit registration desk for more pricing information. With a few additional steps, teachers may use their conference experience to earn CEU's and graduate level continuing education credit (additional expense) for their licensure requirements. Make plans to join us for the 2027 PDC to be held in Columbus, Ohio, from January 28-30, 2027, at the Columbus Convention Center. * Conference registration is required to attend sessions and access the exhibit hall. Badges or wristbands must be visible at all times. Fraudulent or unauthorized use will not be tolerated. Live Streaming/Recording Policy Live streaming, video or audio recording of any performance or session at this event without the prior express written consent of the Ohio Music Education Association is strictly prohibited. OMEA PDC Content Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed through the OMEA Professional Development Conference presentations are strictly those of the clinicians and directors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Ohio Music Education Association. Any content provided by clinicians, directors, or performing ensembles, are their opinion, and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, or individual.


OMEA Board of Trustees Brian Stevens, President Daniel Ruckman, Immediate Past-President Danielle Shaub, President-Elect Tim Hoagland, Treasurer Tyler Husosky, Secretary Stephanie Bonitz, Editor of Triad OMEA Staff Jay Wardeska, ExecuFve Director Mark Hensler, Director of Professional Development & Conference Management William WiJman, Director of Business and Trade Show OperaFons Bill Thomas, Director of AdjudicaFons Dane Newlove, Director of Adjudicated Event Materials and Awards Nicholas Turon, Director of Technology Joe Galvin, Membership Coordinator

Michael Crist, President Sheryl Boyer, Board Member Jerry Pellegrino, Board Member Gene Warman, Board Member Kari Willoughby, Board Member Jay Wardeska, ExecuFve Director Kimberly Symonds, Director of OperaFons and Development


Mark A. Hensler, Director of Professional Development & Conference Management as of December 5, 2025

CONTENT CHAIRS

STANDING CHAIRS

Jocelyn Smallwood Band

JD Latorre Adjudicated Events

Dara Gillis Choral

Danielle Shaub Advocacy

Jayne Wenner, Sue Casto General Music

Elizabeth Menard Higher Education

John Rodesh Jazz

Laura Kitchel OCMEA

Jason Falkofsky Musical Theatre

Eugenia Costa-Giomi Nathan Kruse, Paul Louth Research

Kendra Karriker Orchestra Julie Licata Percussion Auditions Ben McMurtrie Ensemble Auditions

LOGISTICS

ALLIED ORGANIZATIONS Jeanne Wohlgamuth OCDA David Pope OSTA

Bob & Debbie Gibson Clinician/Presider Check-In

Mark Lochstampfor Ryan Van Bibber TI:ME

James DeFrancesco Properties Coordinator

ALL-STATE COORDINATOR Robert Cebriak

Nancy Ruth Registration Chair Teresa Cosenza Performing Ensemble Coordinator


OMEA

OHIO MUSIC EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Dear School Administrator: The Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) is one of the largest state affiliates of NAfME, the National Association for Music Education. Founded in 1932, the OMEA serves Ohio’s 1.8 million students in schools and universities across the state. Our membership includes active music teachers, collegiate members, and retired music teachers. The 2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference (PDC) will be held in Columbus, from January 29-31, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center and nearby hotel properties. The OMEA PDC is the third largest music conference in the United States with sessions presented by nationally recognized master teachers demonstrating research-based, best practices in the field of music education and technology. In addition, over 30 performing ensembles will present concerts showcasing the talents of Ohio’s music students. Included in the registration fee is access to the largest music trade show east of the Mississippi. Displays and virtual demonstrations by exhibitors from across the United States allow teachers to see new products available in the music industry. With a few additional steps, teachers may use their conference experience to earn contact hour certificates, (included with registration), and graduate level continuing education credit, (additional expense), for their licensure requirements. Please visit the conference menu on our website to see updates and details regarding the conference. To access the complete conference schedule, please follow our event through the “guidebook” e-program app, (available in late fall). Providing the opportunity for your music staff to attend this conference will have a direct and meaningful impact on the students in your district. If you or another administrator would like to attend the conference to experience this opportunity first-hand, please contact my office at executive_director@omea-ohio.org. I would be happy to provide you with a pass for any single day of the conference and answer any questions regarding how OMEA can assist your music staff. On the attached page are some metrics from a typical conference, viewed through the lens of the Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession. Best wishes, Jay Wardeska Executive Director Ohio Music Education Association


OMEA

OHIO MUSIC EDUCATION ASSOCIATION Average PDC Programming Viewed Through Lens of Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession 1.

2.

3. 4.

5.

6.

7.

Teachers understand student learning and development and respect the diversity of the students they teach. • 7 hours of instruction regarding developmental characteristics of various age groups. • 7 hours relating to students’ diverse cultures, language skills & experiences. • 13 hours of sessions that address students with disabilities and at-risk students. Teachers know and understand the content area for which they have instructional responsibility. • Band – 28 hours • Choir – 24 hours • Orchestra – 14 hours • Jazz – 6 hours • General Music – 38 hours Teachers understand and use varied assessments to inform instruction, evaluate and ensure student learning. • 6 hours of instruction on curriculum and assessment. Teachers plan and deliver effective instruction that advances the learning of each individual student. • 9 hours of instruction related to the learning needs of all students. • 27 hours of technology sessions, showing teachers how to use resources effectively. Teachers create learning environments that promote high levels of learning and achievement for all students. • 15 hours dedicated to creating learning situations in which students work independently, collaboratively, or as a whole class. Teachers collaborate and communicate with students, parents, other educators, administrators, and the community to support student learning. • 7 hours of sessions showing teachers how to collaborate effectively with other teachers, administrators, and their local community. Teachers assume responsibility for professional growth, performance, and involvement as an individual and as a member of a learning community. • In total, 255 hours of instruction are available over the three- day period, giving teachers the opportunity to take responsibility for engaging in purposeful professional development and positively impact the teaching quality, improvements, and student achievement in their school.


Welcome from the OMEA President Dear OMEA Members, On behalf of the OMEA Board of Trustees, I extend a warm and enthusiastic welcome to our annual Professional Development Conference! I am eagerly looking forward to seeing you all in Columbus from January 29-31 for what promises to be an enriching and inspiring three days. A huge THANK YOU goes out to Mark Hensler, our Director of Professional Development and Jay Wardeska, our Executive Director for their outstanding work to make the OMEA Conference one of the premier events in the nation! This year's conference offers unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and rejuvenation. We have curated a program featuring outstanding clinics covering a diverse range of topics, designed to provide you with practical, innovative strategies you can immediately implement in your classrooms. You will also have the chance to experience breathtaking performances at our scheduled concerts, showcasing the incredible talent within our state and beyond. Perhaps most importantly, the conference is a vital chance to collaborate with your colleagues—the dedicated music educators who share your passion and commitment. Take this time to network, share successes and challenges, and exchange ideas. These conversations are invaluable, and you will undoubtedly take valuable ideas back to your classrooms that will inspire both you and your students for the remainder of the school year. Thank you for your commitment to music education and for being a part of the OMEA community. I look forward to celebrating and learning alongside you in Columbus! Sincerely,

Brian Stevens President Ohio Music Education Association


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference FEATURED ENSEMBLE The Dallas Brass, Thursday, 7:30 PM GENERAL SESSION I Outstanding Young Music Educator Award Mr. Vince Huzicka, Orchestra Director, Jones Middle School Outstanding Music Educator Award Mrs. Ronda Stammen, Director of Bands, Versailles Middle and High School Thursday, 4:30 p.m. GENERAL SESSION II Outstanding Administrator Award Ann E. Schloss, Superintendent, Elyria City Schools Friday, 1:30 p.m. GENERAL SESSION III Distinguished Service Award (DSA) Dr. Shelley M. Jagow, Director of Bands, Wright State University Friday, 7:30 p.m. GENERAL SESSION IV 25-Year Service Awards Outstanding Music Support Group Barberton Band Boosters School District: Barberton City Schools Introduction of OMEA Candidates Saturday, 1:30 p.m. All-State Children’s Chorus, Molly Park, Conductor Thursday, 5:00 PM All-State Band, Stephen Pratt, Conductor Friday, 2:00 PM All-State Choir, Rollo Dilworth, Conductor Friday, 8:00 PM All-State Jazz Ensemble, Michelle Fernández, Conductor Saturday, 11:00 AM All-State Orchestra, Helen Cha-Pyo, Conductor Saturday, 2:00 PM Thank you, Rettig Music, for generously providing major percussion instruments for our performance stages. OMEA and our ensembles appreciate your partnership! We are grateful to Wenger Music for enhancing our performance stages with high-quality sound shells. Thank you for supporting our ensembles and their artistry!


Performing Ensembles Guest Artist: Dallas Brass Baldwin Wallace Symphony Orchestra, Douglas Droste Bowling Green State University Collegiate Chorale, Richard Schnipke Bowling Green State University Faculty Jazz Nonet, Charles Saenz Bowling Green State University Percussion Ensemble, Dan Piccolo Capital University Big Band, William Wolfe Cedarville University Jazz Band, Chet Jenkins Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestra, Elias Miller Dublin Youth String Orchestra, Stephanie Hanson, Matthew Hawley Hilliard Bradley Chamber Orchestra, Erin Broadhurst Hilliard Davidson Senior Choir, Joshua DuMord Kent State Flute Ensemble, Suyeon Ko Kent State Wind Ensemble, Benjamin Lorenzo Kings High School Symphonic Band, Brian McDonough Kings Junior High School Jazz Band, Harry Polen Licking Heights HS Wind Ensemble, Meg Beavers, Doug Perry, Shane Matthews Licking Heights MS Wind Ensemble, Doug Perry, Meg Beavers, Shane Matthews Lincolnview HS Steel Band, Mike Archinal Maysville High School Concert Band, Patrick Murphy Miami University Symphony Orchestra, Ricardo Averbach Miami University Wind Ensemble, Daniel Farr, Ryan Yahl Nexus Saxophone Quartet, Ryan Alexis Northwest Chorale, Conner Busby Olentangy High School Chamber Orchestra, Michelle Beck Sinclair College Community Wind Symphony, Michael Berning The Major 7 Singers, Nate Terry The Ohio State University Men's Glee Club, Robert Ward The Ohio State University Symphonic Band, Scott Jones The Ohio State University Symphony Orchestra, Miriam Burns The Ohio State University Women's Glee Club, Jordan Saul, Donna Chubak Upper Arlington High School Concert Orchestra, Christopher Lape Upper Arlington HS Men's Chorus Camerata, David Monseur Upper Arlington HS Women's Chorus Bel Canto, Amy Leacock West Branch Warrior Jazz Ensemble, William Sheak Worthington Kilbourne HS Wind Symphony I, Alex Brough, James DeFrancesco Wright State University Collegiate Chorale, Adam Kluck Wright State University Wind Symphony, Shelley Jagow


2026 PDC CAMEO CONCERTS Day Time

Title

Presenter

Location Union Station BR Foyer

TH

10:30 AM Dublin Cornet Band

Diana Herak

TH

12:00 PM Men in Black Guitar Ensemble

Isaac Watras

TH

12:00 PM New Bremen Choir

Patricia Ruckman

TH

1:30 PM Men in Black Guitar Ensemble

Isaac Watras

TH

1:30 PM New Bremen Choir

Patricia Ruckman

Franklin East Union Station BR Foyer

TH

3:00 PM Park Avenue Brass

TH

3:00 PM St. Marys Mallet Ensemble

Joe Yaksich Dane Newlove, Howard Spencer

Franklin East Union Station BR Foyer

TH

4:30 PM Park Avenue Brass

TH

4:30 PM St. Marys Mallet Ensemble

Joe Yaksich Dane Newlove, Howard Spencer

FR FR

9:00 AM Pickerington HS North Chamber Strings 10:30 AM Wright State Percussion

Jordan Koogler Gerald Noble

FR

10:30 AM Pickerington HS North Chamber Strings

Jordan Koogler

Franklin East Union Station BR Foyer Union Station BR Foyer Franklin East Union Station BR Foyer

FR FR

12:00 PM Wright State Percussion 12:00 PM TSA Studio Orchestra

Gerald Noble Jay Welenc

Franklin East BR Union Station Foyer

FR

3:00 PM Baldwin Wallace Brass Quintet

FR

3:00 PM Lakeshore Sonora

FR

4:30 PM Lakeshore Sonora

Kenneth Heinlein Jessica GallagherSteuver Jessica GallagherSteuver

Franklin East Union Station BR Foyer Union Station BR Foyer

Franklin East Union Station BR Foyer


2026 OMEA Professional Development Trade Show Exhibitor Lis@ng As of December 9, 2025 Exhibit Hall Hours Thursday, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Badge Required for Entrance 99Pledges Alfred Music American Band College Arcofrog ASBDA Ashland University Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Performing Arts Baroque Violin Shop Beyond The Classroom Tours Bluecoats Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp Bob Rogers Travel Bowling Green State University, College of Musical Arts Buckeye Brass & Winds Capital University Case Western Reserve University Cedar Point - Kings Island Century Resources CFS COLUMBUS, LLC Chagrin Valley Music Cleveland Institute of Music Columbus Pro Percussion Columbus Symphony Conn Selmer Costume Holiday House Crowne Excellence Cuyahoga Community College DeMoulin Brothers & Company Denison University Diamond Fundraising

Eastman Music Company Educational Tours Inc. EPN Travel Services/Festivals of Music/ Music in the Parks FJM, Inc. Flat for Education Foertmeyer and Sons Greenhouse Company Fox Products Corporation Fruhauf Uniforms fullScale Media Garlinger Batons GIA Publications Great Day! Tours & Charter Bus Service Guardian Travel Group Guitar Ensemble Method Hal Leonard Hang Ups Jewelry Designs Heidelberg School of Music & Theatre Heritage Music Press Invention City Choral Festival Jazz Arts Group of Columbus Jupiter/Mapex/Majestic/Sonor Or`/ Nuvo Instrumental Kaleidoscope Adventures Kau`man Travel Services Keiser Productions Kent State University Kincaid's Is Music, Inc. Leading Edge Fundraising Ludus MakeMusic, Inc. Malone University Marietta University Marshall University McCourt's Music Group Messiah University Miami University


2026 OMEA Professional Development Trade Show Exhibitor Lis@ng As of December 9, 2025 Musical Adventures by Poppins Travel Company Music & Arts MusicFirst Musicians Repair Service Music Is Elementary Music Travel Consultants Music Will Muskingum University myblueboard Management App Noteworthy Tours Ohio Foundation for Music Education Ohio Northern University Ohio University School of Music Ohio Wesleyan University OMEA Adjudications OMEA - Trade Show Otterbein University Panyard, Inc. Pearl Percussion Pellegrino Music Center Peripole Music Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America Inc. - Province 3 Phoenix Music Center, LLC Premier Tour and Travel Purdue University Fort Wayne QuaverEd Rettig Music RHS Music Robert D. Mollard Royalton Music Center Sabian Percussion School of Music at West Virginia University Snap! Mobile Soaring Sounds Entertainment Solich Music Stanbury Uniforms, LLC Stanton's Sheet Music

St. Louis Music Stoller Fundraising Students On Broadway Summit Tour & Travel Sweetwater The College of Wooster The Dallas Brass The Loft Violin Shop The Ohio State University The University of Akron Ti`in University University of Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music University of Dayton University of Michigan - School of Music, Theatre & Dance University of Mount Union University of Toledo UR Tours and events US Army Band Wenger Corporation West Liberty University West Music Co. Willis Music WorldStrides Wright State University Yamaha Youngstown State University


2026 OMEA PDC has gone mobile! https://builder.guidebook.com/g/2026pdc/

2026 OMEA PDC

January 26 - January 30, 2026 Columbus, OH

Photo Sharing #OMEAPDC Register OMEA Website Inbox General Info Schedule My Schedule Clinicians/Conductors Performances


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Title

Presenter

TU

6:00 PM OMEA Trustee Meeting Brian Stevens

WE

9:00 AM OMEA Trustee Meeting Brian Stevens OMEA Adjudicated 5:00 PM Events Meeting JD Latorre OMEA State Board 7:00 PM Meeting Brian Stevens OMEA Adjudicated 8:00 AM Events Meeting JD Latorre OMEA State Board 8:00 AM Meeting Brian Stevens Opening Measures Reimagining What’s Possible in Beginning 9:30 AM Band Barry Hartz Research Forum/Continental 9:30 AM Breakfast Eugenia Costa-Giomi Approaches to Music Teaching: Kodály and Kateri Miller, 9:30 AM Orff in Action! Aileen Miracle Connecting Kids With 9:30 AM Creativity Jim Frankel Lebanon Hs Electronic 9:30 AM Music Group Will Kuhn Research Forum: Recent Research on Perfectionism in Music 10:00 AM Education Jessica Nápoles

WE WE TH TH

TH

TH

TH TH TH

TH TH

TH

TH

10:30 AM Dublin Cornet Band AE: Woodwind Adjudication 11:00 AM Training/Refresher Development FUNdamentals: Building Community, 11:00 AM Funding All Programs

Location HY 3rd Floor Conference Room HY 3rd Floor Conference Room

Area

HY Harding

Meeting

HY Hayes

Meeting

HY Harding

Meeting

HY Hayes

Meeting

HY Union CDE

Band

HY Harrison

Breakfast

CC A111-115

General Music

HY Knox

Technology

HY Morrow

Technology

Meeting

Meeting

HY Harrison Research CC Union Station Cameo BR Lobby

Heather Marsh-Myers

HY Union AB

Adjudicated Events

Elizabeth Guerriero

HY Knox

Advocacy


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

TH

TH

TH TH

TH

TH

TH

TH

TH

TH

TH

Title

Presenter

OCDA Reading Session for Junior High/Middle 11:00 AM School Choirs Lisa Wong T Time- Choral Rehearsal Strategies for Tempo, Tuning, and 11:00 AM Text Jami Lercher So You Think You Can't Dance - 50 Dances 11:00 AM Kids Should Know John Jacobson Building With the Orff 11:00 AM Puzzle Laura Black Words & Music: Embedding Arts Education and Social and Emotional Aaron Helvig, Learning Through Scott Edgar, 11:00 AM Songwriting Katherine Palmer Now What: Tips and Strategies for the Middle School Jazz 11:00 AM Band Mike Kamuf Creative Costuming Solutions for Staged Productions and 11:00 AM Choirs Carrie Chunat Teaching Instrumental Students to Play Musically by Going Beyond Notes and 11:00 AM Rhythms David Pope Upper Arlington High School Concert Christopher Lape, 11:00 AM Orchestra Gretchen Wyder Zunic Bowling Green State University Percussion Dan Piccolo, 11:00 AM Ensemble Jonathan Ovalle How to Avoid the Meltdowns: Sensory Processing Overload 11:00 AM and the Music Class Joanie Calem

Location

Area

HY Taft AB

Choral

HY Taft CD

Choral

CC A111-115

General Music

CC A120-124

General Music

CC A226

General Music

CC A223-225

Jazz

HY Fairfield

Musical Theatre

CC A220-222

Orchestra

CC Union Station BR PE Orchestra

CC A210-215

PE Percussion Ensemble

HY Madison

Special Learners


Instructional Hour Certificate Program – IHCP • Are you planning to attend the 2026 PDC? • Are you in need of contact hours or verification of completion for your IPDP or reimbursement purposes? • Why not participate in OMEA’s free Instructional Hour Certificate Program (IHCP)? HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1. Preregister for the Professional Development Conference by posted deadline or register on site on January 29, 2026. 2. Attend one concert of your own choosing. 3. Attend six sessions of your own choosing. 4. Electronically submit your post-conference reflection by February 23, 2026. (Required template available on the OMEA website.) 5. Satisfactorily complete all requirements and receive, (via email), an instructional hour certificate (10 hours) from the Ohio Music Education Association. REMEMBER: •

OMEA does not issue certificates of attendance.

Update your Individual Professional Development Plan to include the OMEA IHCP and submit the plan to your LPDC for approval prior to attending the conference.

Consider the many benefits of attending the PDC: • Attend relevant presentations on the latest research/trends in music education • Further develop your online teaching tools and expertise • Explore the latest innovations in music technology • Refresh and enhance your teaching skills • Network with master teachers, clinicians, colleagues and music industry leaders • Hear outstanding ensemble performances from across all disciplines In need of graduate credit? Look for the Ashland credit info on the OMEA website for more details. Please note you may earn contact hours, (IHCP), OR Ashland graduate credit but not both.


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Location

TH TH

HY Marion Technology HY Franklin East Cameo CC Union Station Cameo BR Lobby

TH

TH

TH TH

TH

TH

TH

TH TH

TH

TH

Title Presenter Referencing: Create With Intention, Sound 11:00 AM Like Pros Eric Jao Isasc Watras 12:00 PM Men in Black

12:00 PM New Bremen Choir Research Forum/Luncheon 12:00 PM Meeting

Eugenia Costa-Giomi

HY TBA

AE: Marching Band Jason Graham, Heather 12:30 PM Affairs General Session Marsh-Myers HY Union CDE 4 Pillars of Percussion 12:30 PM Pedagogy Matthew Geiger HY Union AB Empowering Ourselves to Navigate the Profession: Lisa Martin, Perspectives From Michelle Leasor, Female Music Ingrid Larragoity, 12:30 PM Educators Emily Talley HY Fairfield Preparation, Realization, and Interpretation: Three Keys to an Artistic Performance of Band Tyler Ehrlich, 12:30 PM Music Viet Cuong CC A220-222 Appropriation or Collaboration? Programing World 12:30 PM Music for Choirs Austin Norrid HY Taft CD Mixed & Mingle: A High School Reading 12:30 PM Session Jack Zaino HY Taft AB Singing Games: Pure 12:30 PM Joy! Jayne Wenner CC A111-115 Medieval Modes & Movement for Recorders & Orff 12:30 PM Instruments Mary E Knysh CC A120-124 Teaching Guitar: Classical Technique, 12:30 PM Modern Approach Nick Lenio CC A226

Area

Luncheon

Adjudicated Events Band

Band

Band

Choral

Choral General Music

General Music

General Music


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

TH

Title Presenter Playin' Changes: A Stepby-Step Method for Teaching Jazz 12:30 PM Improvisation Shawn O'Connor Peer to Peer Support Diane Ballard, 12:30 PM Through Mentorship Ben Lupo Miami University 12:30 PM Symphony Orchestra Ricardo Averbach Rhythm for Reading's Sake: Dyslexia in the 12:30 PM Music Room Anna Shelow Beyond the Notes: Game-Changing Resources for Music 12:30 PM Educators Mike Kamuf

Location

Area

TH

CC A223-225

Jazz OCMEA, (Collegiate)

TH TH

Let's Ride the Synth Wave: Unleashing Creativity Through the Limitless Possibilities 12:30 PM of Synths! Daniel Keown Isasc Watras 1:30 PM Men in Black

TH TH

TH

TH TH

TH

TH

TH

TH

TH

HY Knox CC Union Station BR PE Orchestra

HY Madison

Special Learners

HY Marion

Technology

HY Morrow Technology HY Franklin East Cameo CC Union Station Cameo BR Lobby HY Harrison Research

1:30 PM New Bremen Choir 1:30 PM Research Roundtable Nathan Kruse Making Connections Beyond your Students and Parents: One of Martin Kral, the Best Ways to Greg Dempsey, 2:00 PM Indirectly Advocate Jarrod Hartzler HY Knox Big Ideas in Woodwind Pedagogy: Spotlight on 2:00 PM Embouchures Robin Heinsen HY Union AB Collaborative Choral Composing as Culmination of 2:00 PM Curriculum Bryan Helsel HY Taft AB Carefully Taught: Teaching More Than 2:00 PM Music John Jacobson HY Taft CD Cultivating an Engaging and Effective Model for Group Guitar Christopher McDonald, 2:00 PM Classes Max Shaffer HY Madison

Advocacy

Band

Choral

General Music

General Music


The Dallas Brass

Thursday, 7:30 p.m. Union Sta8on Ballroom Greater Columbus Conven8on Center

Join us for this special opening night performance!

Hya% Regency Delaware AB Trustees and Adjudicated Events Commi4ee Thursday, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Come and talk with members of the Board of Trustees and AE Commi8ee about your ideas, concerns, or anything else related to OMEA or music educa?on in general. We would love to meet you and have a chance to chat!

Hya% Regency Faye%e Room - TI:ME Tech Support Lounge Thursday, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Friday, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Location

Area

TH

CC A111-115

General Music

CC A120-124

General Music

CC A220-222

General Music

CC A223-225

Jazz

CC A226

OCMEA, (Collegiate)

HY Fairfield

Orchestra

TH TH

TH

TH

TH

TH

TH TH

TH TH

TH TH TH

Title Presenter Creating a Movement Vocabulary Using Marla Butke, 2:00 PM Dalcroze Eurhythmics David Frego More Than a Month: Incorporating Black American Music in the Elementary Music 2:00 PM Classroom Jennifer Rozsa Grab Your Lifejacket. 2:00 PM It's Elementary Music! Kim Bruguier From Scratch: Teaching Jazz for Those 2:00 PM New to Jazz Bethany Robinson Still Becoming an Adult? Communicate Like You've Been Here 2:00 PM for Years Wyatt Heinz Expand your String Teaching Palate With Fun, Fundamentals 2:00 PM and Performance Gayley Hautzenroeder Wright State University 2:00 PM Wind Symphony Shelley Jagow The Ohio State University Women's Jordan Saul, 2:00 PM Glee Club Diana Chubak Dublin Youth String Matthew Hawley, 2:00 PM Orchestra Abigail Miles What No One Ever Told You in Methods Class: Exactly What Changes Lives in Our 2:00 PM Classrooms James Jordan Artificial Intelligence 2:00 PM Sharing Session Floyd Richmond Musical Mayhem: Sound, Mics and More 2:00 PM Oh My! Kris Gilbert Joe Yaksich 3:00 PM Park Avenue Brass St. Marys Mallet 3:00 PM Ensemble

CC Union Station BR PE Band

HY Regency BR

PE Choir

CC A210-215

PE Orchestra

HY Union CDE

Teacher Evaluation

HY Marion

Technology

HY Morrow Technology HY Franklin East Cameo CC Union Station Cameo BR Lobby


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Location

Area

TH

HY Knox

Adjudicated Events

HY Union CDE

Band

HY Fairfield

Band

HY Taft CD

Band

HY Taft AB

Choral

CC A111-115

General Music

CC A120-124

General Music

CC A226 HY Union AB

General Music OCMEA, (Collegiate)

CC A220-222

Orchestra

TH

TH

TH

TH

TH

TH

TH TH

TH

TH

Title Presenter AE:Come Play 'Adjudicator': Orchestra Solo and Elizabeth Hankins, 3:30 PM Ensemble Edition Roberto Iriarte Designing for Impact: How to Create and Communicate your Marching Show Jacob Litwiller, 3:30 PM Concept Mike Procyk The Tree of (Brass) Knowledge: A Hierarchy of Pedagogy for Meaningful Solutions for Brass 3:30 PM Players Kenneth Heinlein Using Games to Transform the Middle School Band Angela Davoll, 3:30 PM Experience Korey Black OCDA Reading Session for High School/University 3:30 PM Choirs Lisa Wong Dance Like a Butterfly: Children’s Music from 3:30 PM Ghana Karen Howard Storybook Magic: Using Picture Books to Teach 3:30 PM Instrument Skills Jeanette Mihalchik Classroom Management by 3:30 PM Design Rachel Grimsby OCMEA All-Collegiate 3:30 PM Seminar Laura Kitchel Strategies for Successfully Teaching Vibrato and Shifting in 3:30 PM the String Classroom David Pope Meg Beavers, Doug Perry, Licking Heights HS Shane Mathews, 3:30 PM Wind Ensemble Megan Knapp

CC Union Station BR PE Band


Jazz Hub Hyatt Big Bar on 2

OMEA-Stanton’s

Jazz Reading Band Thursday 9-10:30 PM

OMEA Jam Session Friday 9-10:30 PM

Cash bar and lounge seating available. Come join the fun!


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Presenter

Location

Area

TH

Harry Polen Erin Broadhurst, Emily Johnson

HY Franklin

PE Jazz Band

CC A210-215

PE Orchestra

Veronica McMurray Ryan Van Bibber

HY Madison HY Morrow

Special Learners Technology

Toby Rush

HY Marion Technology HY Franklin East Cameo CC Union Station Cameo BR Lobby HY Regency BR

TH TH TH

TH TH TH TH TH

TH

TH

TH TH

TH TH TH TH TH

Title Kings Junior High 3:30 PM School Jazz Band Hilliard Bradley 3:30 PM Chamber Orchestra Special Learners 3:30 PM Roundtable 3:30 PM Remixing Made Easy! Taking the Next Step With Multimedia 3:30 PM Lessons 4:30 PM Park Avenue Brass St. Marys Mallet 4:30 PM Ensemble 4:30 PM General Session I AE: Marching Band 5:00 PM Affairs Open Forum

Joe Yaksich

Jason Graham, Heather Marsh-Myers

From Mistakes to Music: Honing Error Detection for Deeper Ensemble Catheryn Foster, 5:00 PM Musicianship Ward Miller Making It MeaningFull: Building Connections and Motivating Students Matthew Schatt, 5:00 PM Through Music Meghan Schatt Fostering Student Engagement in the 5:00 PM Choral Rehearsal Jessica Nápoles Free Music Reading 5:00 PM Session! Bryan Helsel Teaching Intonation in the School Orchestra: 5:00 PM Yes, We Can! Bob Gillespie Miami University Wind 5:00 PM Ensemble Daniel Farr Kent State University 5:00 PM Flute Ensemble Suyeon Ko All-State Children's 5:00 PM Chorus Molly Park Capital University Big 5:00 PM Band William Wolfe

HY Union CDE

Adjudicated Events

HY Union AB

Band

HY Harrison

Band

HY Fairfield

Choral

HY Taft AB

Choral

CC A220-222

Orchestra

CC A210-215

PE Band

HY Taft CD

PE

HY Regency BR

PE Choir

HY Franklin

PE Jazz Band


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Location

Area

TH

CC A120-124

Special Learners

HY Madison

Technology

HY Marion

Technology

HY Hayes

Reception

CC A220-222

Reception

CC A111-115

General Music

TH

TH TH TH TH TH TH TH TH FR

FR FR FR

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Title Presenter Sing Say Dance Play in 5:00 PM a UDL Centered Way! Rachel Grimsby AI Technology in String Education and Kristen Yeon-Ji Yun, 5:00 PM Performance Ka-Wai Yu Harness the Boom Bap - Integrating Percussion Backing Tracks Into Everyday 5:00 PM Rehearsals Michael Yonchak Rettig Music 6:00 PM Reception Abbi Rettig OSTA Reception & 6:30 PM General Meeting David Pope Folk Dancing With Live 7:00 PM Music Jayne Wenner Hilliard Davidson Joshua Dufford, 7:00 PM Senior Choir Siri Nguyen 7:30 PM Dallas Brass Dalas Brass Columbus Symphony 8:00 PM Educator Reception Meghan E McDevitt OMEA/Stanton's 9:00 PM Reading Band Zach Compston OSMTE Annual 7:45 AM Breakfast Meeting Elizabeth Menard Beyond the Basics: Amplifying Music Education Advocacy 8:00 AM Tools Courtney Nurre Accessorizing your 8:00 AM Percussion Section Gerald Noble Brass Fundamentals 8:00 AM with the Dallas Brass Dallas Brass Triple Threat: Teaching Triple and Compound 8:00 AM Meters Barry Hartz 8:00 AM OCMEA Breakfast Laura Kitchel OMEA Retired Music 8:00 AM Educators Breakfast Jay Wardeska Building Critical Thinking Skills in the 8:00 AM Choral Rehearsal Jessica Nápoles

HY Regency BR PE Choir CC Union Station PE Chamber BR Ensemble CC A120-124

Reception

HY Big Bar on 2

Jazz

HY Grant

Breakfast

HY Knox

Advocacy

HY Madison

Band

HY Union CDE

Band

HY Fairfield HY McKinley

Band Breakfast

HY Hayes

Breakfast

HY Taft AB

Choral


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

FR

FR

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FR

FR

Title

Presenter

Three Voices, One Journey: Navigating Impostor Phenomenon Marci Major, Across the Hilary Apfelstadt, 8:00 AM Conductor's Career Amanda Erno Middle School Ensembles - a 8:00 AM Dumping Ground Eleanor Nickras Singing Is for All: First Steps in Vocal Development - the 8:00 AM Feierabend Way David Rankine Orchestrating Success: Making Orchestra Accessible 8:00 AM for Every Student Abigail Miles Democratic Music Education Through Authentic Performance 8:00 AM Contexts

Dennis Giotta, Danny Mylott

FR

Including Nonverbal & Non-Speaking Students in General Music: From SelfContained to Fully 8:00 AM Inclusive Emily Lambert Music Technology: Projects for Middle School Music 8:00 AM Technology Shawn Reynolds

FR

Sound & Science: Cross Curricular Lesson Ideas for the 8:00 AM Music Tech Classroom Jenny Barham

FR

FR

FR

Pickerington HS North 9:00 AM Chamber Strings AE: From the Judge's Seat: Percussion Evaluation for Solo & Bill Thomas, 9:30 AM Ensemble Dane Newlove

Location

Area

HY Taft CD

Choral

CC A223-225

Choral

CC A111-115

General Music

CC A220-222

Orchestra

HY Harrison

Research

CC A226

Special Learners

HY Morrow

Technology

HY Marion

Technology

CC Union Station Cameo BR Lobby

HY Madison

Adjudicated Events


2026 OMEA PDC Ashland Graduate Credit Program    

Are you looking for affordable college credit? Do you need credit hours to renew your license or for salary advancement? Would you like to earn graduate credit every year for something you are already doing? Why not take advantage of this special program designed specifically for music educators? Earn one (1) semester hour of graduate credit by completing the requirements outlined below. This credit is being offered through Ashland University.  

Register for the Professional Development Conference by January 29, 2026. Log on to Ashland University's online registration system and enroll in the OMEA PD Conference course option, (link coming soon). Submit payment of $219.

1. Attend twelve and one-half hours (12.5) of PDC sessions of your own choosing. Your selections may include no more than four (4) concerts. 2. Electronically submit a post-conference reflection and session attendance log by February 23, 2026 through the 2026 Ashland Credit Reflection Upload form. The required template and rubric for this reflection are posted on the OMEA website. A reflection rating of Exemplary or Satisfactory (using rubric) fulfills the graduate credit requirement. The credit is offered on a S/U basis. All work must be submitted through the 2026 Ashland Credit Reflection Upload form. Please note: Registration for graduate credit will be available throughout the conference (online only). This will allow you to take advantage of this great offer, even if you are unable to preregister. For questions during the PDC, please visit the clinician-presider check in desk in the convention center.

Please note you may earn contact hours, (IHCP), OR Ashland graduate credit but not both.


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

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FR

FR FR

FR FR

FR FR FR

FR

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Title

Presenter

From Educator to Advocate: Empowering Music Educators to Advocate at the State 9:30 AM and Federal Level Amanda Karhuse Beyond the Notes: Teaching Expressivity 9:30 AM in the Band Rehearsal Shelley Jagow Year-Long Lesson Planning: Teach With 9:30 AM Intention Angela Davoll 9:30 AM Choral Perspectives Hilary Apfelstadt From 0-60: How to Rebuild a Choir Program From the 9:30 AM Ground Up Jacob Young Children’s Music and 9:30 AM Dance from Mexico Karen Howard Be a Unicorn: Crafting a Magical Elementary Music Experience for 9:30 AM Teachers and Students Allison Kummerfeldt Poems and Books With 9:30 AM Musical Hooks Katie Grace Miller 9:30 AM Uke 101 Christina O'Brien Building Culture Through Dynamic 9:30 AM Rehearsal Techniques Bethany Robinson The Sounds and Styles in Contemporary Musical Theatre: Vocal Strategies for the 9:30 AM Modern Stage Alexandria Hanhold It's All About the Bow! The Best Strategies for Developing a Beautiful Tone in Beginners and 9:30 AM Beyond Charles Laux Doug Perry, Shane Mathews, Licking Heights MS Meg Beavers, 9:30 AM Wind Ensemble Megan Knapp

Location

Area

HY Knox

Advocacy

HY Union AB

Band

HY Fairfield HY Union CDE

Band Choral

HY Taft CD

Choral

CC A111-115

General Music

CC A120-124

General Music

CC A120-124 CC A226

General Music General Music

CC A223-225

Jazz

HY Taft AB

Musical Theatre

CC A220-222

Orchestra

CC A210-215

PE Band


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

FR

FR FR FR

FR

FR FR FR

FR

FR

FR

FR FR FR FR

Title

Presenter Ryan Alexis, Rob Cebriak, Don Nathan, Matt Guirreri

Nexus Saxophone 9:30 AM Quartet The Ohio State University Men's Glee Robert Ward, 9:30 AM Club Casey L. Cook Columbus Symphony 9:30 AM Youth Orchestra Elias Miller Teacher Burnout: 9:30 AM Research Implications Jessica Nápoles AI Harmony: Generative Ai for the Modern Music 9:30 AM Educator Matt Winarski Sing, Dance, Play, Create: Transform your Elementary Music Dr. Jim Frankel, 9:30 AM Classroom! Mike Olander Wright State Jerry Noble 10:30 AM Percussion Pickerington HS North 10:30 AM Chamber Strings AE: Come Play 'Adjudicator': HS/MS Vocal Solo and Kristen Snyder, 11:00 AM Ensemble Edition! James Vaughn Ryan Smith, Wendi AE: Small Band Bechtol-Davis, Robert 11:00 AM Strategies for Success Antonucci, Joe Kane All Means All: Ensuring Every Student Belongs 11:00 AM in Music Danielle Shaub How We Teach Is as Important as What We 11:00 AM Teach Peter Boonshaft Movement in Modern 11:00 AM Band DeWayne Even Marla Butke, 11:00 AM Wicked Eurhythmics David Frego Props, Movement, and 11:00 AM More Kim Bruguier

Location

Area

HY Franklin

PE Chamber Ensemble

HY Regency BR PE Choir CC Union Station BR PE Orchestra HY Harrison

Research

HY Morrow

Technology

HY Marion

Technology

HY Franklin East Cameo CC Union Station Cameo BR Lobby

HY Madison

Adjudicated Events

CC A220-222

Adjudicated Events

CC A223-225

Advocacy

HY Union CDE

Band

HY Taft CD

General Music

CC A111-115

General Music

CC A120-124

General Music


OMEA Research Poster Session

Friday, January 30, 2025: 12:00– 1:00 PM Hyatt Hayes Room Session Chair: Paul Louth Poster Presenters Melissa Anderson Understanding Teacher Perceptions of Responsibility for Teaching Music Reading (The Ohio State University) Natalia Elizabeth Moreno Buitrago Desde el Principio: Engaging Parents in their Children’s Learning (The Ohio State University) André Felipe Culturally Responsive Teaching: Learning from Good (and Bad) Examples The Ohio State University Lisa M. Gruenhagen Examining Practitioner Inquiry: A First-Year Teacher Researcher’s Journey (Bowling Green State University) Aaron D. Himes It’s About Time: A Profile of Nostalgia Proneness in Music Educators (Westminster College) Daryl W. Kinney Academic Trajectories of Urban Students in School Music Ensembles: A Longitudinal Analysis of Reading and Math Achievement (The Ohio State University) Kristine Krejsa Game On! A Synthesis of Research on Game-Based Learning for the Music Classroom (Kent State University) Heather Lofdahl & Wei (Wendy) Qin The Effect of Mental Practice on the Performance Achievement of Collegiate String Players (The Ohio State University) Douglas McCall Where Have All the Singers Gone? Recruitment and Retention in the West Liberty University Choral Program (West Liberty University)


David Mehlhope A Neverending Story: A Pilot Study on the Impacts of Reflective and Deliberate Practice of College Flute Students (Kent State University) Andrea S. Mikolajczyk Spirituals in Contemporary Choral Classrooms: A Review of Literature (Kent State University) Bruce Nist Jr. Does Personality Influence Ensemble Membership: A Pilot Study (Kent State University) Carly S. Robinett The Balance of Sacred and Secular Music in Choral Music Education (University of Cincinnati) Jennifer Rozsa Changing the Score: A Literature Review of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy in Choral Classrooms (Kent State University) Alvin F. Simpson, III Factors Contributing to Knowledge Retention Within Secondary Instrument Techniques Courses (West Liberty University) Matthew D. Talbert, David Teachout, & Jeremy S. Lane Pathways to Leadership: Background, Preparation, and Perspectives of Three Music Executives in Higher Education (Ohio University, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, & Belmont University) Patricia Terceros Motivations to Participate and Feelings of Community in a Multi-generational Communiversity Choir (Kent State University) Jieying Zhang Music Preference in the Digital Age: A Meta-Analysis of Platform Effects and Personality Differences (The Ohio State University)


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

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FR

General Music

FR

FR FR

FR

FR FR FR

FR

FR FR FR FR FR FR

Title Presenter Location 5 Steps to Teaching Students With Special 11:00 AM Needs Jeanette Mihalchik CC A226 Connecting Community to University: Creative Band Field Elizabeth Menard, Laura Experiences for PreHicken, 11:00 AM Service Teachers Matthew Shirey HY Harrison Start Your Engines: Building Confidence With Less Experienced Rhythm Section 11:00 AM Players Mike Kamuf HY Fairfield Ohio Association of 11:00 AM Music Schools HY Garfield Setting the Stage: Advice on How to Stage a Musical 11:00 AM Theatre Production Bruce Nist Jr HY Knox Rehearsal Strategies to Energize your 11:00 AM Students Sarah Lenhart HY Union AB OSTA Reading David Pope 11:00 AM Session The Ohio State University Symphonic Scott Jones 11:00 AM Band

Wright State Univerersity Collegiate 11:00 AM Chorale Adam Kluck Bowling Green State University Faculty Jazz 11:00 AM Nonet Charles Saenz Launch Into Creativity 11:00 AM With Launchpad! Kris Gilbert 11:30 AM OMEA Da Capo Lunch Dan Ruckman Wright State Jerry Noble 12:00 PM Percussion

Jazz Meeting

Musical Theatre

Orchestra

CC A210-215

Orchestra

CC Union Station BR

PE Band

HY Regency BR

PE Choir

HY Regency BR

PE Jazz Band

HY Morrow HY Grant

Technology Luncheon

HY Franklin East Cameo CC Union Station Cameo BR Lobby

12:00 PM TSA Studio Orchestra Research Poster 12:00 PM Session

Higher Education

Nate Kruse

HY Hayes

Research


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Location

Area

FR

HY Harrison

Advocacy

Dallas Brass

HY Union CDE

Band

Larry Kennon

HY Taft CD

Band

Jacob Robinson

CC A223-225

Band

HY Taft AB

Choral

CC A111-115

General Music

CC A120-124

General Music

CC A226

General Music

HY Fairfield

Jazz

HY Knox

Orchestra

CC A220-222

Orchestra

CC A210-215

PE Band

FR

FR

FR

FR FR

FR

FR

FR

FR

FR FR

Title Presenter Save the Music Foundation: The Power of Connection. Building Your SchoolCentered Music 12:30 PM Education Ecosystem Jaclyn Rudderow The Importance of 12:30 PM Small Ensembles Boom Smack: A NoStress Approach to 12:30 PM Drumset Instruction Using 'How to Learn' Sheets to Approach Repertoire With 12:30 PM Developing Bands

The ABCs of SOVTs: Semi-Occluded Alternatives to Lip Trills for the Choral 12:30 PM Rehearsal Alexandria Hanhold Songs from the Middle 12:30 PM East Karen Howard Drumming Together: Drumming Games & 12:30 PM Drum Circles Mari Schay General Music? No Problem! Practical Strategies for Middle & 12:30 PM High School Success Michelle Leasor Good Choices: Selecting Repertoire for Your Young Jazz 12:30 PM Ensemble Mike Kamuf How Do I Start? Incorporating Alternative Styles in Kathleen Stebal, 12:30 PM the String Classroom Kelsey Dewar We Tell Our Students to Go Home and Practice, but Do They 12:30 PM Know How? Charles Laux Maysville High School Patrick Murphy, 12:30 PM Concert Band Kari Gibson


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Title

Presenter

Location

Area

David Monseur Billy Sheak, Bryan Stehura

HY Regency BR

PE Choir

HY Franklin

PE Jazz Band

FR

Upper Arlington High School Camerata 12:30 PM Tenor/Bass Choir

FR

West Branch Warrior 12:30 PM Jazz Ensemble

FR

Be the Best Teacher Your Student Ever Had: Visual Impairment and 12:30 PM the Music Classroom Toby Rush

HY Madison

Special Learners

FR

Making a Number One Hit With AI Songwriting 12:30 PM Techniques Will Kuhn

HY Marion

Technology

FR

Modern Notation Tools for Educators: Building 12:30 PM Workflows With Dorico Greg Ondo

FR

FR

FR FR

FR

FR

FR

1:30 PM General Session 2 Get the Grant: What to Ask for, How to Ask, 2:00 PM and Where to Look Bronwen Fox Finding the Voice: Vocal Pedagogy Foundations for Instrumental Jordan Saul, 2:00 PM Educators Sarah Baker Developing Stronger Sarah Santilli, 2:00 PM Musicians Jacob Reed Listening to the Science: Miracle Cures for Choral Blend, Intonation and 2:00 PM All Vocal Ills James Jordan Movement Is for All: First Steps in Movement Development - the 2:00 PM Feierabend Way David Rankine RU Ready to Move: Exploring Rhythmische Ubung Body 2:00 PM Percussion Robert Turriff

HY Morrow Technology CC Union Station BR

CC A226

Advocacy

HY Fairfield

Band

HY Union AB

Choral

HY Union CDE

Choral

CC A111-115

General Music

CC A120-124

General Music


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

FR

Title Presenter Conducting the Scene: Directing and Blocking 2:00 PM for Music Educators Lara Wolford Differentiation: Helping All Students 2:00 PM Learn Sarah Lenhart

Location

Area

FR

HY Madison

Musical Theatre

CC A220-222

Orchestra

FR

Reaching for Superior: Adjudicators' Solutions to Common Performance Heather Lofdahl, 2:00 PM Challenges Rotem Weinberg

FR

FR FR FR FR

FR FR

FR

FR FR FR FR

2:00 PM All-State Band Stephen Pratt Bowling Green State University Collegiate 2:00 PM Chorale Richard Schnipke 2:00 PM The Major 7 Singers Nate Terry Olentangy High School 2:00 PM Chamber Orchestra Michelle Beck Translanguaging in the 2:00 PM Music Classroom Abby Means Fine Arts Standards, Assessments, and Highly Qualified 2:00 PM Student Data Laura Kitchel Making Beats, Making 2:00 PM Sense. Kate Hargreaves Musescore, a Free Open-Source Notation 2:00 PM Program Floyd Richmond Turning your Classroom up to Eleven: How to Start a Rock Band Program at 2:00 PM your School John Anthony Baldwin Wallace Brass Kenneth Heinlein 3:00 PM Quintet 3:00 PM Lakeshore Sonora Make Tri-M Work for 3:30 PM You

Amy Thompson, Dana Hire

CC A223-225 Orchestra CC Union Station BR PE Band

HY Regency BR HY Franklin

PE Choir PE Choir

CC A210-215

PE Orchestra

HY Harrison

Research

HY Taft AB

Teacher Evaluation

HY Morrow

Technology

HY Marion

Technology

HY Taft CD

Technology

HY Franklin East Cameo CC Union Station Cameo BR Lobby HY Knox

Advocacy


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Location

Area

FR

HY Union CDE

Band

HY Union AB

Band

HY Fairfield

Choral

HY Harrison

Choral

HY Taft AB

Choral

HY Taft CD

General Music

CC A111-115

General Music

CC A120-124 CC A223-225

General Music Jazz

CC A220-222

Orchestra

CC A210-215

PE Band

HY Regency BR

PE Choir

HY Madison

Special Learners

FR

FR FR

FR

FR

FR

FR FR

FR

FR

Title Presenter Warm-up and Ensemble Development Ideas 3:30 PM That Work! Peter Boonshaft Who Is Herbert? Flute Fundamentals and Quick Tips for Non3:30 PM Flutists Katherine B. Jones Approaching SightSinging With Dalcroze Marla Butke, 3:30 PM Eurhythmics David Frego Choral Programming 3:30 PM With Purpose Matthew Swope Middle School Magic: Music for Developing 3:30 PM Voices Jack Zaino Listen up! Boosting Musical Learning With 3:30 PM Active Listening Stacy Werner Music of South Korea for Elementary and 3:30 PM Middle School Karen Howard Unpacking Kodály: A Philosophy, Not a 3:30 PM Formula Karla Cherwinski 3:30 PM Jazz Girls Day Bethany Robinson Unlocking Artistic Performances Through 3:30 PM Stylistic Playing David Pope Brian McDonough, Kings High School Mike Maegly, 3:30 PM Symphonic Band Joe Polen

FR

Upper Arlington High School Bel Canto 3:30 PM Treble Voice Choir

FR

Embracing Neurodiversity in the Music Room: Beth Yoder, Strategies for Inclusive Jennifer Cobb, 3:30 PM Music Education Chelsey Kester

Amy Leacock


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Presenter

Location

Area

FR

Jordan Saul, Tina Tallon

HY Marion

Technology

FR FR

FR

FR

FR FR

FR

FR

FR

FR FR

Title Human in the Loop: Embedding AI Literacies in Music 3:30 PM Education Sky's the Limit: Revolutionizing Music Education With Drone 3:30 PM Videography

Shawn Brandt

4:30 PM Lakeshore Sonora Repertoire Selection and Sight-Reading Catheryn Foster, 5:00 PM Strategies Ward Miller Chasing Tone: Vocal Artistry - It's Worth the 5:00 PM Chase Lynda Hasseler We're Gonna Make You Pop-U-Lar: Establishing Pop a Cappella Groups Within your Choral Joshua Dufford, 5:00 PM Program Siri Nguyen Magical Movement in 5:00 PM the Music Classroom Katie Grace Miller Drumming 101: Basics, World Rhythms, Creativity & Classroom 5:00 PM Management Mary E Knysh Connecting the Community and Your School Through a 5:00 PM Theatre Experience Adam Albright When More Isn't Better: Drawing Boundaries in Music 5:00 PM Education Lisa Martin Beyond the Notes: Nurturing Student 5:00 PM Musicianship Elizabeth Reed Kent State University 5:00 PM Wind Ensemble Benjamin Lorenzo

HY Morrow Technology CC Union Station Cameo BR Lobby

HY Union AB

Band

HY Regency BR

Choral

HY Taft AB

Choral

CC A111-115

General Music

CC A120-124

General Music

CC A223-225

Musical Theatre

CC A226

OCMEA, (Collegiate)

CC A220-222

Orchestra

CC A210-215

PE Band


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Presenter

Location

FR

Chet Jenkins Douglas Droste

HY Franklin PE Jazz Band CC Union Station BR PE Orchestra

Abby Means

HY Madison

Special Learners

Erika Haskell

HY Harrison

Reception

Erin Vile

HY Delaware AB Reception

Thomas Zugger

HY Fairfield

Reception

Lisa Koops

HY Garfield

Reception

Stephanie Pavlovich

HY B131-132

Reception

Jay Dorfman

HY Hayes

Reception

Benjamin Smodler

HY Knox

Reception

Richard Edwards

HY Nationwide B Reception

Nicholas Ross

HY Champaign

FR

FR

FR

FR

FR FR FR

FR FR FR

FR

FR

FR

FR

Title Cedarville University 5:00 PM Jazz Band Baldwin Wallace 5:00 PM Symphony Orchestra Differentiating Music Instruction for All Students Using Adaptive Notation & 5:00 PM Materials Baldwin Wallace University Alumni 6:15 PM Reception BGSU College of Musical Arts Alumni & 6:15 PM Friends Reception Capital University alumni and friends 6:15 PM reception CWRU Department of 6:15 PM Music Reception Dana School of Music 6:15 PM Alumni Reception Kent State University Alumni & Friends 6:15 PM Reception Miami University 6:15 PM Alumni and Friends Ohio Wesleyan 6:15 PM University Reception Otterbein University Department of Music 6:15 PM Alumni Reception

The College of Wooster 6:15 PM Alumni Reception Melissa Puster The University of Akron School of Music Alumni 6:15 PM & Friends Christine Russell UC CollegeConservatory of Music Alumni & Friends 6:15 PM Reception Marie Morgan

Area

Reception

HY Nationwide A Reception

HY Delaware CD Reception

HY Fayette

Reception


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Title University of Dayton Alumni and Friends 6:15 PM Reception

Presenter

Location

Area

FR

Holly Stanley

HY Harding

Reception

CC B131-132

Reception

Dana School of Music

FR FR FR FR FR

FR SA

SA

Stephanie Pavlovich 6:15 PM Alumni Reception 7:30 PM General Session 3 Worthington Kilbourne Alex Brough, 8:00 PM HS Wind Symphony I James DeFrancesco 8:00 PM All-State Choir Rollo Dilworth 9:00 PM OMEA Jam Session Bobby Selvaggio Distinguished Service Award Reception 9:00 PM (Invitation Only) Dan Ruckman Phi Beta Mu 7:00 AM Breakfast/Meeting Linda J Fox-Miller AE: Come Play Adjudicator: Choral 8:00 AM Large Group Edition! Thai Sribanditmongkol

SA

AE: Come Play Adjudicator: Orchestra Elizabeth Hankins, 8:00 AM Large Group Edition Roberto Iriarte Beyond the Bell: Making Music Resonate in Urban Michael Yonchak, 8:00 AM Schools Dustin O'Neil

SA

Coordinating the Chaos: Classroom Management Strategies for Middle School Music 8:00 AM Teachers.

SA

SA SA

SA

Aaron Rex

Leading With Safety: Developing Emergency Response Plans for Our 8:00 AM Ensembles Kenneth Will Viva Mariachi: Starting 8:00 AM a Mariachi Program Jochen McEvoy Recognizing Your Reflection: Supporting 8:00 AM ADHD Singers Peter Haley

HY Regency BR CC Union Station BR

HY Regency BR HY Big Bar on 2

PE Band PE Choir Jazz

HY Hayes

Reception

HY Hayes

Breakfast

HY Taft CD

Adjudicated Events

HY Union AB

Adjudicated Events

HY Fairfield

Advocacy

HY Union CDE

Band

CC A223-225

Band

CC A226

Band

HY Taft AB

Choral


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Location

Area

SA SA

CC A111-115 CC A120-124

General Music General Music

HY Knox

OCMEA, (Collegiate)

HY Harrison

OCMEA, (Collegiate)

CC A220-222

Orchestra

HY Madison

Special Learners

HY Morrow

Technology

HY Marion

Technology

HY Madison

Adjudicated Events

HY Champaign

Adjudicated Events

HY Fairfield

Band

HY Union CDE

Band

SA

SA

SA

SA

SA

SA

SA

SA

SA

SA

Title Presenter Internalizing Rhythm With Dalcroze Marla Butke, 8:00 AM Eurhythmics David Frego 8:00 AM Beginners at the Bars Katie Grace Miller How to Prepare for 10 Key Focus Areas Principals Explore in 8:00 AM Interviews Paul Young Orchestrating Success: Crafting your 8:00 AM It Factor for a Job Elizabeth Reed Building a Culture for Successful Recruiting 8:00 AM and Retention Sarah Lenhart Bridging Music Education and Music Therapy: Expanding 8:00 AM your Impact Veronica McMurray Artificial Intelligence Jordan Saul, and the Future of Tina Tallon, Music Education: a David Hedgecoth, 8:00 AM Panel Dialogue Lindsey Scarberry Tips for Composing Songs With Suno and 8:00 AM Udio Floyd Richmond AE: Adjudicated Events 9:30 AM and the New Teacher JD Latorre OMEA Young Composers Initiative Composition 9:30 AM Competition Concert Jennifer Merkowitz Big Programs in Small Places: Band Recruitment, Retention, and Growth in Rural and Urban Kenneth Carpenter, 9:30 AM Communities Jennifer Beair Conducting Is Teaching - Conducting 9:30 AM As Teaching Stephen Pratt


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Location

Area

SA SA

Title Presenter OCDA Reading Session for Elementary/Children's 9:30 AM Choirs Lisa Wong 9:30 AM Recorder Refresh Stacy Werner

HY Taft AB HY Harrison

Choral General Music

9:30 AM Pop...Goes the Ukulele Christina O'Brien Approaches to Music Teaching: Dalcroze Kateri Miller, and Music Learning Herbert Marshall, 9:30 AM Theory in Action! Marla Butke Wait? That Book Is a 9:30 AM Song!? Jason Bash Arranging for Your School Jazz Ensemble 9:30 AM A Step by Step Guide Jochen McEvoy Practice Rooms and Pressure: Navigating Comparisons as a Music Major and 9:30 AM Beyond Laura Kitchel Perceptual Discrepancies Between Live and Recorded Musical Performance: Emily Talley, Understanding and Nathan Southwick, 9:30 AM Addressing Maddie Conaway The Ohio State University Symphony 9:30 AM Orchestra Miriam Burns 1, 2 Let's All Play! Drumming & Movement for Young & Special Needs 9:30 AM Students Mary E Knysh

CC A226

General Music

CC A111-115

General Music

CC A120-124

General Music

CC A223-225

Jazz

HY Union AB

OCMEA, (Collegiate)

CC A220-222

Orchestra

SA

SA SA

SA

SA

SA

SA

SA

SA

SA

Engaging, Empowering, and Inspiring your 9:30 AM Students Mike Kamuf Gear, Goals, Growth: Rethinking Tech in 9:30 AM Music Education Kate Hargreaves

CC Union Station BR PE Orchestra

HY Taft CD

Special Learners

HY Morrow

Technology

HY Marion

Technology


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Location

Area

SA

HY Knox

Technology

HY Union CDE

Adjudicated Events

HY Union AB

Band

HY Fairfield HY Union CDE

Band Choral

HY Taft AB

Choral

HY Taft CD

General Music

CC A111-115

General Music

CC A120-124

General Music

CC A223-225

General Music

CC A226

General Music

HY Harrison

Higher Education

HY Hayes

Luncheon

HY Knox

OCMEA, (Collegiate)

SA

SA

SA SA

SA SA

SA

SA

SA

SA

SA SA

SA

Title Presenter Google Sheets Can Do That?!: Tips and Tricks 9:30 AM for the Busy Educator Nicholas Turon AE: Brass Tacks: Moving Beyond Stephanie Smith, 11:00 AM Generalizations. Katherine McIntosh Creating Servant Leaders in your Student Leadership 11:00 AM Team David Montgomery From the Page to the Podium: Score Study for the Busy Band Daniel Farr, 11:00 AM Director Ryan Yahl 11:00 AM Choral Perspectives Hilary Apfelstadt Keeping Kids in Choir Vertical Alignment Eleanor Nickras, 11:00 AM From MS to HS Megan Meyer Introduction to 11:00 AM Modern Band DeWayne Even Ideas for Incorporating Everyday 11:00 AM Improvisation Laura Black The Power of Reading Aloud in the Music Lisa Gruenhagen, 11:00 AM Classroom Jennifer Cobb Playing and Teaching Ukulele: How Fun Is 11:00 AM This? Michael Christiansen Artful Literacy: Bridging Reading and Helen Buck-Pavlick, 11:00 AM Music Jeremy Luke Find Your Why, Plan Your How: Succeeding in the Graduate Studies Application Jessica Haley, 11:00 AM Process James Gates OMEA 25-Year 11:00 AM Luncheon Brian Stevens Methods Class to Music Program: Empowering the Early11:00 AM Career Conductor Maxwell Trombley


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

Location

Area

SA

CC A220-222

Orchestra

SA SA SA

SA

SA SA

SA SA SA SA

SA SA SA

SA

SA

Title Presenter Methods for Maximizing Middle11:00 AM Level Musicianship Johanna Kitchell Sinclair College Community Wind 11:00 AM Symphony Michael Berning Northwest High School 11:00 AM Chorale Conner M. Busby All-State Jazz 11:00 AM Ensemble Michele Fernández Level up your Classroom: Inspiring the Next Video Game 11:00 AM Music Maestro Shawn Brandt Practical Technology for the Performance 11:00 AM Classroom Brian Frey Get to the 'Good Stuff' 12:30 PM Faster Dr. Jim Frankel Small School Success: Surviving and Thriving in Small Music 12:30 PM Programs Eric Bable Be Gone Sight Reading 12:30 PM Scaries Kelsey Burkett 12:30 PM GM Sharing Session Jayne Wenner 12 Ways to Improve 12:30 PM your Guitar Class Michael Christiansen Inspire, Retain, and Empower Intermediate 12:30 PM String Students Charles Laux The Cleveland Heights Women's 12:30 PM Barbershoppers

Jesse Lange

Lincolnview HS Steel 12:30 PM Band Mike Archinal Strengthening Musicianship through Creative Musicking in William Bauer 12:30 PM Ensembles Special Needs Music Education: An 12:30 PM Innovative Approach Leslie Baker

CC Union Station BR PE Band HY Regency BR

PE Choir

HY Franklin

PE Jazz Band

HY Marion

Technology

HY Morrow

Technology

HY Knox

Band

HY Union AB

Band

HY Taft AB CC A111-115

Choral General Music

CC A223-225

General Music

CC A220-222

Orchestra

HY Regency BR

PE Choir

CC A210-215

PE Percussion Ensemble

HY Harrison

Research

CC A226

Special Learners


2026 OMEA Professional Development Conference Day Time

SA

Title Presenter Articulate Clearly: Align Standards for a 12:30 PM Successful You Shawna Hinkle Crowd-Sourcing Assessment With Students: Transforming a Subjective Idea Into 12:30 PM Objective Rubrics Bryan Helsel

Location

Area

SA

HY Madison

Teacher Evaluation

SA

1:15 PM General Session 4

SA

2:00 PM All-State Orchestra

Helen Cha-Pyo

HY Marion Technology CC Union Station BR CC Union Station BR PE Orchestra

LOGOS THROUGH THE YEARS


CORPORATE/ INSTITUTION PARTNER

OMEA

Ohio Music Education Association 2025-26 Corporate and Institution Partners

Pinnacle Partner Wenger Music Premier Partner Solich Piano Visit the Solich Salon in CC A125 President’s Club Bob Rogers Travel Bowling Green State University Canal Fulton Music* Capital University Conservatory of Music Columbus Symphony Orchestra Custom Fundraising Solutions* Kauffman Travel Services Kent State University Mollard Conducting Batons Music and Arts Music Travel Consultants* Noteworthy Tours, Inc. Pellegrino Music Center Premier Tour and Travel* Peripole Music Rettig Music, Inc. Royalton Music Center Summit Tour & Travel, Inc. The Ohio State University School of Music University of Cincinnati – CCM

Conductor’s Club (continued) Ohio University School of Music Otterbein University The Bluecoats* University of Dayton The University of Toledo UR Tours and Events* Willis Music Wright State University School of Music Yamaha Corporation of America Youngstown State University - Dana School of Music Musician’s Club Ashland University Baldwin Wallace University Century Resources College of Wooster Crowne Excellence Fruhauf Uniforms, Inc. Heidelberg University School of Music & Theatre Muskingum University Ohio Wesleyan University* QuaverEd Tiffin University West Music Company

Conductor’s Club Akron, The University of Case Western Reserve University Educational Tours, Inc. Flat for Education* Fred J. Miller Inc. Miami University Department of Music Music is Elementary, Inc. Ohio Northern University *Indicates new partner. Thank you!


Day TH TH TH

Time Title 9:30 AM Connecting Kids With Creativity 9:30 AM Lebanon Hs Electronic Music Group

Presenter Dr. Jim Frankel Will Kuhn

TH

11:00 AM Referencing: Create With Intention, Sound Like Pros Eric Jao Beyond the Notes: Game-Changing Resources for 12:30 PM Music Educators Mike Kamuf

TH

Let's Ride the Synth Wave: Unleashing Creativity 12:30 PM Through the Limitless Possibilities of Synths!

TH

Daniel Keown

Location HY Knox HY Morrow HY Marion HY Marion

HY Morrow

TH

2:00 PM Artificial Intelligence Sharing Session Musical Mayhem: Sound, Mics 2:00 PM and More - Oh My!

TH TH

Turning your Classroom up to Eleven: How to Start a 2:00 PM Rock Band Program at your School John Anthony HY Taft CD 3:30 PM Remixing Made Easy! Ryan Van Bibber HY Morrow

TH

3:30 PM Taking the Next Step With Multimedia Lessons

TH

TH FR FR FR FR FR

Floyd Richmond HY Marion Kris Gilbert

HY Morrow

Toby Rush HY Marion Kristen Yeon-Ji 5:00 PM AI Technology in String Education and Performance Yun, Ka-Wai Yu HY Madison Harness the Boom Bap - Integrating Percussion 5:00 PM Backing Tracks Into Everyday Rehearsals Michael Yonchak HY Marion Music Technology: Projects for Middle School Music 8:00 AM Sound Technology & Science: Cross Curricular Lesson Ideas for Shawn Reynolds HY Morrow 8:00 AM the Music Tech Classroom Jenny Barham HY Marion AI Harmony: Generative Ai for the Modern Music 9:30 AM Educator Matt Winarski HY Morrow Sing, Dance, Play, Create: Transform your Dr. Jim Frankel, 9:30 AM Elementary Music Classroom! Mike Olander HY Marion 11:00 AM Launch Into Creativity With Launchpad! Kris Gilbert HY Morrow


Day FR FR FR FR FR FR

SA SA SA SA SA SA SA SA

Time Title Making a Number One Hit With AI Songwriting 12:30 PM Techniques Modern Notation Tools for Educators: Building 12:30 PM Workflows With Dorico 2:00 PM Making Beats, Making Sense. 2:00 PM Musescore, a Free Open-Source Notation Program Human in the Loop: Embedding AI Literacies in 3:30 PM Music Education Sky's the Limit: Revolutionizing Music Education 3:30 PM With Drone Videography

Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Music 8:00 AM Education: a Panel Dialogue Tips for Composing Songs With Suno 8:00 AM and Udio

Presenter Will Kuhn

Location HY Marion

Greg Ondo HY Morrow Kate Hargreaves HY Morrow Floyd Richmond HY Marion Jordan Saul, Tina Tallon HY Marion Shawn Brandt

HY Morrow

Jordan Saul, Tina Tallon, David Hedgecoth, Lindsey Scarberry

HY Morrow

Floyd Richmond HY Marion

9:30 AM Engaging, Empowering, and Inspiring your Students Mike Kamuf HY Morrow Gear, Goals, Growth: Rethinking Tech in Music 9:30 AM Education Kate Hargreaves HY Marion Google Sheets Can Do That?!: Tips and Tricks for 9:30 AM the Busy Educator Nicholas Turon HY Knox Level up your Classroom: Inspiring the Next Video 11:00 AM Game Music Maestro Shawn Brandt HY Marion Practical Technology for the Performance 11:00 AM Crowd-Sourcing Classroom Brian Frey HY Morrow Assessment With Students: Transforming a Subjective Idea Into Objective 12:30 PM Rubrics Bryan Helsel HY Marion


SPECIAL FUNCTIONS Meetings and Receptions Day

Time

Title

TU

6:00 PM OMEA Trustees

WE WE WE TH TH

9:00 AM OMEA Trustees 5:00 PM OMEA AE Committee 7:30 PM OMEA Winter Board 8:00 AM OMEA AE Committee 8:00 AM OMEA Winter Board

TH TH TH TH TH TH FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR FR

Contact Brian Stevens

Brian Stevens Bill Thomas Brian Stevens Bill Thomas Brian Stevens Eugenia Costa9:30 AM Research Forum/Continental Breakfast Giomi Eugenia Costa10:00 AM Research Forum Giomi Eugenia Costa12:00 PM Research Forum/Luncheon Meeting Giomi 1:30 PM Research Roundtable Nate Kruse 6:30 PM OSTA Reception & General Meeting David Pope Meghan E 8:00 PM Columbus Symphony Educator Reception McDevitt Elizabeth 7:45 AM OSMTE Annual Breakfast Meeting Menard 8:00 AM OCMEA All Chapter Breakfast Forum Jay Wardeska 8:00 AM OMEA Retired Music Educators Jay Wardeska 11:30 AM OMEA DA CAPO Jay Wardeska Baldwin Wallace University Alumni 6:15 PM Reception Erika Haskell BGSU College of Musical Arts Alumni & 6:15 PM Friends Reception Erin Vile Capital University alumni and friends 6:15 PM reception Thomas Zugger 6:15 PM CWRU Department of Music Reception Lisa Koops Stephanie 6:15 PM Dana School of Music Alumni Reception Pavlovich 6:15 PM Kent State Alumni & Friends Reception Jay Dorfman Benjamin 6:15 PM Miami University Alumni and Friends Smodler

Location HY 3rd Floor Conference Room HY 3rd Floor Conference Room HY Harding HY Hayes HY Harding HY Hayes HY Harrison HY Harrison TBA HY Harrison CC A220-222 CC A120-124 CC Grant HY McKinley HY Hayes HY Grant HY Harrison HY Delaware AB HY Fairfield HY Garfield CC C150-151 HY Hayes HY Knox


SPECIAL FUNCTIONS Meetings and Receptions Day FR FR

FR FR FR FR FR SA SA

Time

Title

Contact

Location

6:15 PM Ohio Wesleyan University Reception Richard Edwards HY Nationwide B Otterbein University Department of Music 6:15 PM Alumni Reception Nicholas Ross HY Champaign Melissa Puster, Administrative 6:15 PM The College of Wooster Alumni Reception Coordinator HY Nationwide A The University of Akron School of Music 6:15 PM Alumni & Friends Christine Russell HY Delaware CD UC College-Conservatory of Music Alumni 6:15 PM & Friends Reception Marie Morgan HY Fayette University of Dayton Alumni and Friends 6:15 PM Reception Holly Stanley HY Harding 9:30 PM OMEA DSA (Invitation Only) Dan Ruckman HY Hayes Linda J Fox7:00 AM Phi Beta Mu Breakfast/Meeting Miller HY Hayes OMEA 25 - Year Award Recipient 11:00 AM Luncheon Jay Wardeska HY Hayes


Networking Lounge Connect. Share. Recharge.

Hyatt Delaware CD near Big Bar on 2. The Networking Lounge is a casual, welcoming space designed for music educators to connect with colleagues from across the state. Whether you have five minutes between sessions or a longer break in your schedule, stop by to meet fellow educators, exchange ideas, and engage in informal conversations about teaching, leadership, and music education. No agenda. No pressure. Just meaningful conversation with people who understand your work.

What You’ll Find • • • •

A relaxed space to meet and reconnect with music educators Informal, educator-led conversations on a variety of topics A great place to share ideas, ask questions, or just listen Drop in anytime—stay as long as your schedule allows

Conversation Topics May Include • • • • • •

Classroom and rehearsal strategies Recruitment and retention Program advocacy and administration support Work-life balance New teacher support and mentoring Technology, resources, and best practices

Come and Go as You Please The Networking Lounge is open all day Thursday, Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. No sign-up required! Join a conversation already in progress— or start one of your own.

All Music Educators are Welcome.


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2026 OMEA PDC by Ohio Music Education Association - Issuu