2026 Maine Music Educators Association Conference: Full Schedule

Tim Lautzenheiser is a trusted friend to anyone interested in working with young people in the pursuit of excellence. His own career involves ten years as a band director at Northern Michigan University, the University of Missouri, and New Mexico State University. In 1981 he created... Read More →

Performers

195th Army Nat Guard Band

Thursday May 14, 2026 9:45am - 10:20am EDT
Collins Center for the Arts

Conference Event

10:00am EDT

How Do We Advocate?

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT

Williams Hall Rm 110 @ 18 W Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

Ideas on how to advocate for music within the building, and at district, state, and national levels. This presentation will start with information and then move into discussion around your questions and challenges.

Speakers

Heidi Corliss

Heidi Corliss received a BME in Music Education and an MM in Choral Conducting at the University of Maine. She holds a Certificate of Fine Arts Administration from Fitchburg University and retired as a National Board Certified Teacher after 40 years in Maine public schools. In 2001... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110

All Areas

10:00am EDT

You're Invited!: Creating accessibility for all students and audiences

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT

Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115 @ 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

The root of equity is access. Traditionally, we view “access” as it would be outlined by legal definitions such as the ADA. What does it look like when we go beyond the basics and consider accessibility as an invitation to participate? This session explores real scenarios that you won’t find in music education texts, and offers solutions that foster a truly invitational atmosphere in your program and performances. Edwards will provide a practitioner perspective while Frazier will offer insights as a student who lives with a disability. Resources will be provided.

Speakers

Bridget Frazier

Bridget Frazier (she/they) is a junior music education student at the University of Maine with a vocal concentration. She also works as a BHP and Educational Technician at the Step Forward Center and Preschool in Milford, ME. As a person with disabilities herself, Frazier is passionate... Read More →

Julia Edwards

Poland Regional High School

Julia Edwards (she/her) is the choral music teacher at Poland Regional HS and Whittier MS in Poland, ME, serves as the current president of Maine ACDA, and is the 2026 Maine Teacher of the Year. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115

All Areas DEIA

10:00am EDT

Transform Your Calendar and Scheduling Creation Process (Through AI)

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT

Williams Hall Rm 140 @ 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

Tired of spending hours creating Google Calendar events? Let AI do the heavy lifting! In this session, you'll discover how to slash your calendar setup time in half with a simple, AI-powered Google Sheets template. Imagine creating hundreds of calendar events and invites in just a few quick, easy steps.
Whether you are creating a music events calendar, a lessons calendar, or a school visit calendar, all your needs can be met through this useful tool.
Through this interactive session, feel equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to revolutionize your workflow. (Please bring your laptop if possible)

Speakers

Matthew Mayo

Matthew Mayo is in his third year as Instrumental Music Director at Mount Desert Island High School in Bar Harbor, Maine, where he leads Symphonic Band, Pep Band, Chamber Ensembles, and assists with Jazz Bands. He is passionate about developing innovative curricula that expand student... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140

All Areas Technology

10:00am EDT

Perspectives in Programming

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT

Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107 @ 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

Programming a concert is more than just picking the music. In this session we will look at some guidelines, practices and philosophies for putting together a program which meets your educational goals and is musically satisfying and fun for both the students and the audience.

Speakers

Larry Detwiler

Retired music educator

Larry has had over 40 years experience as a music educator. He spent most of his career overseas teaching in Italy, Indonesia and Brazil. He has run workshops in Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and the United States. Now retired, he spends his time subbing at the Lincoln Academy in Newcastle... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107

Band Choral Orchestra

10:00am EDT

Songwriting In The Music Classroom: Generating Repertoire and Voice Builders for the classroom

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT

Williams Hall Rm 120 @ 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

Be ready to write, create and sing! Songwriting is a creative process and a different way for our students to connect with one another. From first draft to concert ready, We will cover what "Day 1" looks like when starting this process in addition to tackling the challenges you might come across when working with your group. Even if you decide not to create a song for performance, Songwriting in the classroom can be used to give your warm-ups variety, show understanding of musicianship concepts or even be used as an end of year project! My goal is for you to leave with activities you can incorporate in your classes the next day and utilize your students' untapped creativity!

Speakers

Destiny Cooper

Boston Childrens Chorus

Destiny Cooper is an active performer, conductor and educator whose goal is to find ways to build community through music, education and performance. Graduating from Westminster Choir College, Destiny has been a Middle School Choral Director and Conductor for Boston Childrens Chorus... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120

Choral

10:00am EDT

Folk Dancing from Kindergarten and Beyond!

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT

Memorial Union Bangor Room @ China Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

Let's start from the beginning! Learn how to modify movement, make connections to your current curriculum, and get comfortable teaching folk dance in general. We will adapt two basic dances and learn how to progress them for any age.

Speakers

Dustin Levesque

K-4 Music Teacher, South Portland School Department

Dustin (he/him) currently teaches K-4 Music in South Portland, ME. He has completed Orff-Schulwerk Level II training and is a certified Group Fitness Instructor through the Athletics and Fitness Association of America. Dustin has assisted in presenting two sessions at the annual Zumba... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Memorial Union Bangor Room

Gen Music, K-5

10:00am EDT

Jazz Guitar Comping

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT

Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100 @ 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

In this session we will explore basic techniques for comping on the guitar that apply to big band or combo situations. We will discuss how to carve out a contained space for the guitar through the use of good tone, rootless voicings, rhythmic phrases and voice-leading, including tips on amp placement, equipment and exercises and resources for beginner and intermediate guitarists.

Speakers

Ryan Blotnick

Ryan Blotnick (b. April 30, 1983) is an American guitarist and composer. He has performed with many leading voices in jazz and recorded five albums of his own music. He teaches jazz and improvisation at the College of the Atlantic, leads his own quartet and performs with the Soulbenders... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100

Jazz

11:00am EDT

Help! I'm afraid of sound systems.

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am EDT

CCA - Bodwell Lounge on 3rd floor @ 2 Flagstaff Road Orono, ME 04473

Do you ever feel intimidated by sound systems? Every have trouble with feedback or getting microphones to sound great? Ever end up with a terrible hum in your PA system? This session will cover the basics of using a sound system- microphones, mixers, and speakers. You will learn how to correctly set up a system in order to avoid feedback. You will learn how to EQ a microphone to get the best audio quality. You will learn about correct speaker placement for main and monitor speakers. This session will begin by addressing the concerns of those in attendance. Come learn how to be at ease around audio equipment!

Speakers

Andy Forster

Mr. Forster recently retired from the Messalonskee School District where he was a band director for thirty-four years. He received his B.M. in Music Education from the University of New Hampshire and his M.M. in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Massachusetts. His conducting... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am EDT
CCA - Bodwell Lounge on 3rd floor 2 Flagstaff Road Orono, ME 04473

All Areas

11:00am EDT

The Power of HOPE in Music: Supporting Students through the Healthy Outcomes from Positive Experiences Framework

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am EDT

Williams Hall Rm 110 @ 18 W Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

Music educators know that music programs can create life-changing positive experiences for students where they gain skills that can last through adulthood. But, we don't always know how to share about the power of music in terms that families, administrators, and other decision makers understand. In this session, you will learn about the four building blocks of HOPE: Relationships, Environments, Engagement, and Emotional Growth. The HOPE framework provides evidence based practice that is the “now what” to adverse childhood experiences. HOPE helps us understand and communicate to decision makers the power of HOPE in music education.

Speakers

Cassie Cooper-Ricci

Associate Director, OUT Maine

Cassie Cooper (they/them) is Associate Director of OUT Maine. They come from the education profession where they taught elementary music for seven years. They have a Masters in Music Education from Florida State University and have been an advocate for teacher and student wellness... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110

All Areas

11:00am EDT

Curriculum by Design: An Approach to Teaching in the Ensemble Setting

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am EDT

Williams Hall Rm 140 @ 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

In our ensemble classrooms, we aren’t given a curriculum book that tells us what to teach. This session will provide practical strategies for building and expanding your own curriculum, from scaffolding lessons to selecting musical concepts and repertoire. You’ll explore an approach that validates your teaching while encouraging students to actively engage with the concepts you present. Fully developed unit examples, along with free lesson plans and resources, will be shared for immediate use and adaptation. Leave equipped with tools to design a program where every rehearsal fosters musicianship, student engagement, and deeper connections to music.

Speakers

Matthew Mayo

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140

Band Choral Orchestra

11:00am EDT

Voices of Diversity: A Culturally Responsive and Inclusive Choral Repertoire Database with Pre-Teaching Tools

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am EDT

Williams Hall Rm 120 @ 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

In this session the participants will learn about the development of the Choral Access Database (Choral Access), Pre-teaching Tools, and techniques for implementing this resource in their teaching. They will also learn about how they can contribute to the database and help grow this community resource. There will be a reading session component of the session that will include the application of the Pre-teaching tools. Discussion will also include time for feedback about resources and allow participants to offer suggestions for new features. Presented in collaboration with The Longy School of Music of Bard College.

Speakers

David Saunders

Director of Choirs, Mountain View Middle School, SAU 19, Goffstown, NH

David Saunders is currently the Director of Choirs at Mountain View Middle School in Goffstown, NH. During his 17 years of teaching, he has taught at all grade levels in both Illinois and New Hampshire. He is a graduate of Plymouth State University, Summa Cum Laude and a First Steps... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120

Choral

11:00am EDT

Jazz solo transcription as an approachable model for improvisational development and assessment.

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am EDT

Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100 @ 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

Since the birth of jazz, solo transcription has been a tried-and-true methodology for developing improvisers. It instills stylistic, rhythmic, melodic, and historical concepts while strengthening the ear-to-instrument connection. Many music educators struggle to find the time to incorporate improvisational pedagogy into rehearsal and general music settings; transcription may be an underutilized tool in this area. This session will explore practical and progressive approaches to introducing transcription into any jazz related course or ensemble.

Speakers

Chris Gagne

Associate Professor of Music, Springfield College

Active as a composer/arranger and trombonist, Chris maintains a busy performance schedule throughout the Northeast, specializing primarily in jazz and contemporary improvised music. Chris can currently be seen performing with Mehmet Sanlikol and “Whatsnext?,” the Ayn Inserto Jazz... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 11:00am - 11:55am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100

Jazz

12:00pm EDT

ACDA Luncheon

Thursday May 14, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

Buchanan Alumni House @ 160 College Ave, Orono, ME 04473, USA

Performers

Mt. Ararat MS 8th Grade Treble Choir

Thursday May 14, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Buchanan Alumni House

Luncheon

1:15pm EDT

Keynote: THERE’S MORE TO IT THAN CAN BE SEEN!

Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 1:55pm EDT

Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100 @ 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

Music educators create opportunities for their students to achieve at a higher level in every aspect of life’s journey. Let’s pull back the curtain and see what takes place before the holiday concert or the homecoming parade. How do you define success on the annual spring trip or at the festival showcase performance? As we all know, these are only "the tip of the iceberg.” The countless hours of unwavering commitment and disciplined dedication (by both teachers and students) often get overshadowed by the excitement of the musical presentation itself, but without them, there *is* no music to be presented. What are the key road signs to this successful destination?

Speakers

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser

Conn Selmer, Inc., Hal Leonard, Inc.

Sponsors

Conn Selmer Inc.

Hal Leonard Inc.

Thursday May 14, 2026 1:15pm - 1:55pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100

Conference Event

2:00pm EDT

Character Attributes of a Master Music Educator

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT

Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100 @ 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

Explore the key attributes of a first-class music educator, asking whether content or context is more important, if cognitive or affective is primary in communication, and whether knowledge or wisdom is the key ingredient. Lautzenheiser will spotlight qualities certain to stimulate the joy of inspired mentorship. Be part of a clinic that will remind you why you chose to be a music educator in the first place!

Speakers

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser

Conn Selmer, Inc., Hal Leonard, Inc.

Sponsors

Conn Selmer Inc.

Hal Leonard Inc.

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100

All Areas

2:00pm EDT

It Takes a Village: Building Meaningful Family Engagement in the Music Classroom

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT

Williams Hall Rm 140 @ 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

Families play a critical role in supporting their child’s musical journey. When families feel welcomed and involved, students feel supported and music programs build community. Family involvement extends beyond attending concerts; it includes participatory events, learning showcases, and leadership opportunities that invite them into the learning process.
Join us for a conversation on meaningful ways to involve families throughout the school year. Families, administrators, and students will share how engagement can positively impact a program’s culture.
Participants will receive ready-made templates and timelines for easy-to-execute family engagement events that can be tailored to any grade span or music content area.

Speakers

Hattie Skvorak

PK-4 Music Teacher, Carl J. Lamb Elementary School

Hattie Skvorak serves as music educator at Carl J. Lamb Elementary School in Sanford, ME, where she teaches PK-4 General Music, Adaptive Music Enrichment, and directs the school’s Chorus, Bell Choir and Spartan Show Choir. With a commitment to family engagement and fostering a love... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140

All Areas

2:00pm EDT

Stepping Aside: Student-led Rehearsal and Performance in the Large Ensemble Setting

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT

Collins Center for the Arts @ 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

Since 1974, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra (NY) has been making music without a conductor. Its model calls every musician into deep engagement with the entirety of a composition, the rehearsal process, and every musician within the orchestra. Inspired by Orpheus, music educators at both middle school and high school levels of learning across the country have employed this “conductor- less” rehearsal and performance as a partner to traditional conductor-led music making. The benefits to students are transformational and illuminate the riches of meaningful engagement with the musical, artistic, and human dimensions of the large ensemble classroom.

Speakers

Dr. Scott Jones

Ohio State University

Scott A. Jones is Professor of Music, Associate Director of Bands, and Director of the Lawrence and Isabel Barnett Center for Integrated Arts and Enterprise at The Ohio State University. He conducts the Symphonic Band, leads the undergraduate conducting curriculum, and founded the... Read More →

Brandon Duras

Director of Instrumental Music, Brunswick High School

Brandon Duras is currently the Director of Instrumental Music in Brunswick, Maine where he conducts the jazz band, Symphonic Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and teaches piano and music theory. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, he received his Bachelor of Music Education in... Read More →

Performers

Brunswick H.S. Wind Ensemble

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT
Collins Center for the Arts

Band

2:00pm EDT

Achieving Choral Artistry through Singer-driven Composition

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT

Williams Hall Rm 120 @ 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

Do your singers readily focus on the expressive elements of music they are preparing to perform? Do you wish you could find something extra special for them to sing? This session will feature a step-by-step guide to help you and your singers create a truly unique signature work that showcases your ensemble and its special talents. Students will gain new insights into the choral art as they adopt the role of composer, develop new musical and socio-emotional skills, and prepare a performance that will captivate any audience with a meaningful work that uniquely represents their collective musicianship.

Speakers

Dr. Michele Kaschub

Professor of Music/Director of Music Teacher Education, University of Southern Maine

Dr. Michele Kaschub is Professor and Director of Music Teacher Education at the University of Southern Maine Osher School of Music. She is co-author of Minds on Music: Composition for Creative and Critical Thinking, Experiencing Music Composition in Grades K-2, Experiencing Music... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120

Choral

2:00pm EDT

Jammin' in the Classroom: Hands-On Music Fun for K-8

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT

Williams Hall Rm 110 @ 18 W Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

Ready to bring Modern Band energy into your classroom? This interactive K–8 session gets students rocking, moving, and making music in fun, student-driven ways. Participants will explore engaging music centers, singing games with groove, and creative strategies that connect movement, rhythm, and ensemble skills. Walk away with ready-to-use ideas, song resources, and a digital Rock the Decades WebQuest for grades 6–8 that blends history, performance, and collaboration. Whether you’re new to Modern Band or looking to expand your toolkit, this session will help you make music learning accessible, exciting, and empowering for every student!

Speakers

Jennifer Holmes

Jennifer Holmes is a PreK–8th grade music educator at Woodland Consolidated School in Northern Maine, where she teaches general music, concert band, jazz band, chorus, show choir, and Modern Band. A multi-instrumentalist and lifelong advocate for student-centered music learning... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110

Gen Music

2:00pm EDT

Vocal Jazz Ensemble Pedagogy for Classical or Instrumental Teachers

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT

Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115 @ 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

Learn some essential techniques for developing a successful vocal jazz ensemble and prepping students for jazz-related auditions and performances. Whether it's sound setup, mic technique, stylistic elements, or general teaching methods, we got you covered!

Speakers

Amanda Roswick

DownBeat Award-Winning jazz vocalist Amanda Roswick is currently in her fifth year at the University of Southern Maine as the Artist Faculty in Jazz Voice, leading their two vocal jazz ensembles and teaching a large studio of jazz, classical, and contemporary singers. Prior to teaching... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115

Jazz Choral

3:00pm EDT

Band Conducting Symposium

Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm EDT

Collins Center for the Arts @ 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

This mini conducting symposium will serve as a workshop for educators looking to work on and improve their conducting to create a more meaningful and efficient rehearsal process. All students, no matter what age, can and do respond to conducting gestures effectively. The goal of this session is to provide 6 teachers a chance to conduct a student group on a piece of repertoire representative of what they would do in their own program and receive feedback on their conducting from guest clinicians. This session is primarily for elementary and middle level educators who would like to improve the conducting, however all are welcome to apply and encouraged to observe the workshop. Repertoire for the session will be new literature that will cause the session to double as a reading session for the observers of the session.

Speakers

Dr. Scott Jones

Ohio State University

Brandon Duras

Director of Instrumental Music, Brunswick High School

Performers

Brunswick H.S. Wind Ensemble

Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm EDT
Collins Center for the Arts

Band

3:00pm EDT

HELP! I have a choir!

Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm EDT

Williams Hall Rm 120 @ 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

In a region where many schools, districts, churches, or even community groups rely on a single music leader, regardless of expertise, you might find yourself in a position that requires you to lead a choir but with little to no choral experience. Whether you're a new church director, a recovering band director, or otherwise in over your head, this session has tools, guidance, tips, tricks, and life advice to help you feel capable in front of a singing group of any age, size, or voicing!

Speakers

Jesse Myers-Wakeman

Music Teacher, Kennebunk High School

Jesse Myers-Wakeman has been directing choirs for nearly 20 years and has been teaching voice for well over 15. Jesse is the director of choirs at Kennebunk High School, where he conducts the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Jazz Choir, as well as teaching piano, ukulele, and digital... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120

Choral

3:00pm EDT

Collegiates Meet with NAfME Eastern Div. President

Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm EDT

Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100 @ 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

Collegiate attendees will meet with Dr. Malette.

Speakers

Dr. Wayne Mallette

Eastern Division President, NAfME

Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100

Conference Event

3:00pm EDT

Musical Generation & Self-Expression – Improvisation in General Music Classrooms

Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm EDT

Williams Hall Rm 140 @ 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

Improvisation is an important facet of a comprehensive general music education. This session will engage participants in music making through a variety of activities utilized to teach music for and with improvisation in general music classrooms. In addition to generating improvised music, we will discuss the values and benefits of providing students with learning opportunities through improvisation, different applications of improvisation activities, challenges to teaching improvisation and overcoming those challenges, and some of the myths about learning to improvise. Join this session to make music and reflect on the inclusion of improvisation in general music curricula.

Speakers

Casey Schmidt

Assist. Professor of Music Education, University of Southern Maine

Casey Schmidt is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Southern Maine’s Osher School of Music. Casey taught instrumental music and music creativity classes in Illinois and Wisconsin public schools for more than a decade prior to his work in higher education... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140

Gen Music

3:00pm EDT

Something Old and Something New: Exploring Traditional and Contemporary Approaches to Folk Dance

Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm EDT

Memorial Union Bangor Room @ China Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

Based on compilations such as Dance Music for Children by the Shenanigans, Rhythmically Moving by Phyllis Weikert/Gemini and the New England Dancing Masters, participants will revisit some "tried and true" folk dances they may not have taught in a while. In addition, the clinicians will sprinkle in some new ideas that students will enjoy. Come prepared to dance!

Speakers

Carlena Trombley

K-2 Music Teacher, Falmouth Elementary School

Carlena Trombley is a general music teacher in Falmouth teaching grades K-2. She graduated from UMaine Orono in 2014 with a B.A. in Music Education with a Vocal concentration. In 2021, she earned her M. Ed. in Integrated Teaching Through the Arts from Lesley University. She is currently... Read More →

Rebecca Hanaburgh

Music Teacher-PreK, 5th Grade and Small Group Chorus, Falmouth Elementary School

Becky Hanaburgh has been teaching general/choral music in Maine public schools for thirty three years. She currently teaches general music to grades PreK and 5 and directs the Small Group vocal ensemble at Falmouth Elementary School. She holds a B.A. in music from Cairn University... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm EDT
Memorial Union Bangor Room

Gen Music

3:00pm EDT

Elite Jazz Combo Performance, Communication, and Interplay

Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm EDT

Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115 @ 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

Featuring advanced improvisation by Ryan Blotnick (guitar), Chris Gagne (trombone) and Aaron Henry (sax), this session will demonstrate how musicians interact with each other in a combo setting. Often times in a jazz combo, students think of the group as a vehicle for one instrument to solo while the others "back them up." In this session, we'll discuss how to have a more focus on on advancing communication between members, motivic development, and interplay within the group.

Speakers

Amanda Roswick

Aaron Henry

Band Director, Yarmouth High School

"Aaron Henry is director of bands at Yarmouth HS and faculty in jazz saxophone at USM in Portland ME. He has performed at venues from Lincoln Center, The Blue Note, and Birdland to international jazz festivals, with artists including Dave Liebman, Miguel Zenon, Antonio Sanchez, and... Read More →

Ryan Blotnick

Chris Gagne

Associate Professor of Music, Springfield College

Nick Falk

Thursday May 14, 2026 3:00pm - 3:55pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115

Performance

4:00pm EDT

Hookpad and Hooktheory for Education

Thursday May 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm EDT

Williams Hall Rm 140 @ 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

Discover how Hookpad and Hooktheory Classroom can transform songwriting instruction for your learners. This session explores practical, tech-friendly strategies for teaching melody, harmony, and form using Hookpad’s intuitive, browser-based tools. Attendees will learn how to set up classes, create assessments, guide students through compositional tasks, and integrate music theory concepts seamlessly into creative projects. Real classroom examples and workflow demonstrations will help educators bring accessible, engaging songwriting experiences to all students—no prior compositional background required. Perfect for general music, theory classes, digital music production classes, or your exceptional students in need of a creative challenge.

Speakers

Lindsey Wiehl

University of Maine at Augusta

Lindsey Wiehl teaches woodwinds, music theory, music production, and composition at the University of Maine at Augusta. As a musician, Dr. Wiehl encourages others to unapologetically pursue their interests while ignoring stereotypes and preconceived notions of what it means to be... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140

All Areas Technology

4:00pm EDT

Blueprint Before the Downbeat: Designing the First Nine Weeks of Middle School Band

Thursday May 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm EDT

Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107 @ 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

The first nine weeks of school can feel overwhelming for middle school band directors, especially new teachers and those entering the profession. This session offers a clear, supportive blueprint for designing those critical weeks with intention and confidence. Participants will explore a practical, week-by-week framework focused on establishing routines, building positive classroom culture, developing sound fundamentals, and fostering student buy-in before the first performance cycle. Emphasis is placed on simple, consistent systems for instruction, communication, and assessment. Attendees will leave with actionable tools and planning structures to help build an organized, confident, concert-ready band program before the first downbeat.

Speakers

Kelley Johnson

Ms. Kelley Johnson is an experienced music educator, clinician, and instructional leader with a strong focus on middle-level band education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Bethune-Cookman University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Curriculum... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107

Band

4:00pm EDT

Choral conducting basics for instrumental/Choral hybrid Directors

Thursday May 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm EDT

Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115 @ 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

This session is designed for directors who conduct both instrumental and choral ensembles, but is open to anyone with an interest in refining their Choral gesture. In this session, we'll cover the similarities between instrumental and choral conducting, and also explore some simple and effective choral gestures in an effort to add clarity and simplicity to your practice.

Speakers

Darrel Whidden

Conductor and music educator Darrel Whidden joined the music department as choral director at South Portland High School in the fall of 2022. There, he teaches music electives, and conducts the chorus, and the South Portland Chamber Singers. Previously, Darrel has taught general music... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115

Band Choral

4:00pm EDT

My students’ won’t sit still!: Engaging Students through Movement and Manipulatives in the General Music Classroom

Thursday May 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm EDT

Williams Hall Rm 120 @ 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

Rainy days. Special schedules. The last days of school. All these seem to give students extra energy. Instead of dreading these times, what if we used them to our advantage? Strategically planning movement activities or pulling out a colorful manipulative could be the trick to tapping into students’ excitement and continuing to reinforce curriculum.

This session will explore different tried-and-true movement activities. It will also discuss ways to use puppets, scarves, and more to hold students' attention and dig deeper into their musicianship. You’ll gain a toolbox of easy-to-use activities for your classroom!

Speakers

Claudia Gruett-Labus

Lower School Music Teacher & Middle School Choral Director, Berwick Academy

Claudia Gruett-Labus graduated from the University of Michigan Ann Arbor with her Masters of Music in Music Education in 2025. She previously attended Butler University where she studied and earned a degree in instrumental music education. Claudia has taught general music, band, and... Read More →

Thursday May 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120

Gen Music, K-5

4:00pm EDT

Jazz Meeting

Thursday May 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm EDT

Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100 @ 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

This meeting will provide members with the opportunity to receive updates on the upcoming changes to jazz activities for the 2026-27 school year.

Speakers

Ben Cox

Thursday May 14, 2026 4:00pm - 4:55pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100

Jazz

5:00pm EDT

LGBTQIA+ Educator Meetup

Thursday May 14, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT

Memorial Union Bangor Room @ China Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

Sponsors

OUT Maine

Thursday May 14, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
Memorial Union Bangor Room

Conference Event

6:00pm EDT

President’s Reception & Awards Ceremony

Thursday May 14, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT

Wells Conference Center @ 131 Munson Rd, Orono, ME 04469, USA

Thursday May 14, 2026 6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT
Wells Conference Center

Conference Event

8:00pm EDT

Thursday Evening Concert

Thursday May 14, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT

Collins Center for the Arts @ 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473, USA

Performers

Osher Jazz Combo

Thursday May 14, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Collins Center for the Arts

Performance

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