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.
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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
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10:30 AM Dublin Cornet Band
Diana Herak
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12:00 PM Men in Black Guitar Ensemble
Isaac Watras
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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
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6:00 PM OMEA Trustee Meeting Brian Stevens
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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
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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
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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
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HY Marion Technology HY Franklin East Cameo CC Union Station Cameo BR Lobby
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
FR
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
FR
FR
FR FR
FR FR
FR FR FR
FR
FR
FR
FR
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
Area
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.