FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JAY WARDESKA

The lyrics from Stephen Sondheim’s “Putting It Together” captures the theme of the OMEA staff over the past several months as we have been preparing for the roll out of the new OMEA Website and Online Management System. One line of Sondheim’s song is “Change Isn’t Easy,” and that is very true in this case.

As a membership, we have taken for granted the numerous OMEA-specific applications that were built by Greg Taylor. It is now taking a team of programmers to attempt to replicate these same applications from Solo and Ensemble registration to event scheduling. While the new website it going to revolutionize the OMEA Membership experience, there will be challenges along the way. The magnitude of this project will require some retooling and adjustment as the website comes fully online. We all must be patient, positive, and gracious as we undertake this monumental transition. The end result is going to be well worth the wait! Our appreciation is due Nick Turon, Assistant Director of Technology and Greg Taylor, Director of Technology for their leadership, planning, and work on this exciting project.

The Mechanisms Of Change

It is not uncommon to read a post on social media, usually in a Facebook group, that involves a comment like “OMEA never changes” followed or preceded by a particular policy or event that the poster feels is important. While the significance of the topic of the post may be both sincere and relevant, three important considerations would improve the chance of implementation. First, and most importantly, change rarely happens via social media posts. OMEA has a system of volunteers, leaders, and staff members who are responsible for representing the interests, needs, and desires of all OMEA members. This is where change is initiated. If you have an idea or a concern, use your device to send an email or make a phone call to someone that can put your idea into action. Each member is represented by a district president, region chair, and a state trustee all of whom can take your ideas to the appropriate committees and see that action is considered. Social media is where great ideas go to die.

Secondly, try to look at issues from someone else’s classroom or podium. OMEA is tasked with serving the needs of teachers in the smallest rural school, the largest urban districts, the mid-sized suburbs, general music teachers, band teachers, choir teachers, orchestra teachers, and everyone in between. When some directors are demanding more rigor and competition, other directors are looking for on-ramps that will enable their students to participate and grow in a nurturing and nonjudgmental environment. Some teachers are motivated by trying to get the highest placement, while others are demotivated by placements. Ultimately, OMEA is all of US, and WE have a multitude of varying needs, all of which deserve to be addressed.

Finally, WE are OMEA. As a member, avoid saying “OMEA needs to…” in favor of “We need to….” Our organization is built on a foundation of professional service. We thrive through the selfless service of each of our members. In addition to sharing your ideas, share your time. It is the ultimate reward when you help someone else succeed. There are a multitude of ways for you to become involved from hosting events, to serving a committee or in an elected office, to sharing your ideas and helping them come to frui- tion. Please reach out with the ideas you have to the people who can help make them happen, and please consider lending your hand to the effort to support music education in Ohio.

Change Is Happening

In addition to the new OMEA Website and management system, many new initiatives are already under development. Change is happening in OMEA! Immediately, 2023 includes the arrival of a regional level audition option for string players. The region orchestra chairs worked hard to develop a more accessible audition on-ramp to encourage more of Ohio students to audition. Beginning this year, string students can opt to perform a regional level audition or an all-state audition. The goal for this initiative is to remove barriers and encourage more students to participate. Please see the All-State audition link on the OMEA website for details.

In 2024, the OMEA Adjudicated Events Committee is piloting a new large group format for the State Orchestra Event that is built around a theme of “choice.” Directors will have the option of choosing three different tiers of participation which includes a clinic option, a sight-reading option, and various choices of literature. This is an innovative pilot program that will enable directors to choose the option that best addresses the variety of needs and concerns that have been expressed regarding large group events. This initiative is coupled with an adaptation to the AE calendar which eliminates the use of President’s Day weekend and results in four straight weeks of large group events. The AE committee is continuing to look at innovative ways to address concerns with the calendar and has some additional plans under design. If you have specific ideas or concerns, please reach out to the AE Committee Chair (ae_chair@omea-ohio.org), or Director of Adjudications Bill Thomas (adjudications_director@ omea-ohio.org).

The State Of Omea

OMEA is currently the 3rd largest state affiliate of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). During the 2022 calendar year, there was a 12% increase in active membership and an 8%

SCHOOL OF MUSIC Youth Summer Music Programs

RESIDENT PROGRAMS

— with a commuter option

Clarinet Academy • June 11–14

Saxophone Camp • June 11–14

Jazz Camp • June 14–17

Flute Workshop • June 18–22

Double Reed Camp • June 21–24

Ohio State Marching Band Summer Clinic • July 7–9

Day Programs

NEW! Vocal Arts Camp • June 9–11

Music Leadership Intensive • June 18–21

Middle School Concert Band Academy • June 25–30

All events are subject to change. Details increase in retired memberships. The 2023 Professional Development Conference matched attendance metrics from the last conference pre-COVID with over 9,000 total in attendance over the three-day period. Overall, there was a sense of renaissance and renewed energy from the 2023 conference. Many people said it feels like “We’re Back!”

There is no question that the COVID pandemic has left music programs facing an unfamiliar landscape. We will be ushering through classes that were affected by long-term virtual learning models, restrictions to music making, course reductions, and many other unique situations. However, we will continue to provide high quality music education to students and develop new and innovative ways to address student needs. It is inherently what we do. For decades we have faced budget cuts, policy challenges, and a changing social landscape and through it all we have persevered. We are facing the current landscape with the same spirit, and in the end, we will come out of it stronger than ever.

Jay Wardeska serves as the Executive Director of OMEA. He has served OMEA in a variety of leadership roles including District President, AllState Ensembles Chair, All-State Task Force Chair, and Adjudicated Events Chair. He also served as an adjudicator for solo and ensemble, large group, and marching band. Currently a PhD Candidate at The Ohio State University, he holds degrees from Kent State University (M.M.) and the University of Mount Union (B.M.E.). Jay taught music in the State of Ohio for over 30 years and was named the 2013 National Band Director of the Year by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) and the U.S. Army Band. Additional acknowledgements include membership in the NAfME U.S. Army All-American Band Directors Academy, Grammy Quarterfinalist for Music Educator of the Year, Medina County Arts Council Service to the Arts Award, the National Band Association Citation of Excellence, and the National Excellence in Teaching Award. He is

Programs in chamber music, collaborative piano, composition, conducting, ethnomusicology, jazz studies, music education, performance, theory, and technology (Stark Campus).