2026 Maine Music Educators Association Conference: Full Schedule

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7:30am EDT

Conference Registration

Friday May 15, 2026 7:30am - 10:30am EDT

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

Friday May 15, 2026 7:30am - 10:30am EDT
Collins Center for the Arts

Conference Event

8:15am EDT

Tri-M Roundtable

Friday May 15, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am EDT

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

Do you have a successful Tri-M chapter at your school? Or maybe you want to start a Tri-M chapter but don't know how to start. Or maybe your school has a chapter, but you're trying to figure out what the students should be doing. This session will be a roundtable discussion of teachers sharing their experience with Tri-M including meeting plans, projects, and activities. Come with your ideas and questions.

Speakers

Bill Buzza

MMEA Conference Chair, Edward Little High School

William “Bill” Buzza is in his 33rd year of teaching. He earned his BM in Music Education from USM and his MS Ed in Educational Leadership from UNE. Bill teaches at Edward Little HS in Auburn, Maine where he conducts the concert, pep and jazz bands, multiple levels of guitar classes... Read More →

Jen Fortin

Jen Fortin is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, MA with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education and Music Performance. She also earned her Masters Degree in Education from Thomas College in 2019. Jen began her teaching career at Scarborough High School in Houston,TX... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107

All Areas

8:15am EDT

Optimize Your School Choir’s Sound using Estill Vocal Techniques!

Friday May 15, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am EDT

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

Estill Voice Training is an anatomy-based vocal technique that has transformed my teaching and directing. In this lecture, I will present how to use a few key Estill Figures and qualities with your middle and high-school choir to improve upon their sound. Participants will experience a few Estill basics, for example, thick versus thin, torso anchor, thyroid tilt, and the difference between speech and cry/sob qualities, to help your choir excel and move audiences. I’ll present how I apply Estill to rehearsal practices, including the various prompts that have worked the best with my group.

Speakers

Christine Letcher

University of Maine @ Augusta

Christine Letcher is an Assistant Professor in Music at the University of Maine at Augusta. She teaches applied lessons in Piano and Voice, Music Theory courses, and Music History. Christine is certified by Estill Voice International, LLC, as an Estill Master Trainer. She is the director... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120

Choral

8:15am EDT

Challenge by choice: Getting started with using centers in the general music classroom

Friday May 15, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am EDT

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

Curious about music centers but not sure where to start? This hands-on workshop introduces practical strategies for creating and managing engaging, student-centered music centers. Designed for teachers new to the concept, participants will explore how centers can support creativity, independence, and differentiation while making assessment more authentic. Together, we’ll look at examples of rhythm, melody, listening, composition, movement, and technology centers adaptable for any classroom setup. You’ll leave with ready-to-use templates, activity ideas, and a plan to start small and grow confidently—bringing structure, variety, and joy to your music classroom. Note: This workshop works as a standalone workshop. This also pairs well with its part 2 counterpart--in which teachers further engage to create a center rotation for their own classroom.

Speakers

Dr. Erin Zaffini

Director of Teacher Education, Longy School of Music

Dr. Erin Zaffini is an internationally recognized music and arts education speaker, consultant, clinician, and Assistant Dean of Teacher Education at the Longy School of Music. She directs Longy’s online Master of Music Education, Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies, and graduate-level... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110

Gen Music, K-5

8:15am EDT

Creating a Jazz Culture

Friday May 15, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am EDT

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

"Creating a Jazz Culture" is an engaging, idea-packed session for music educators who want to energize their jazz programs and inspire students. Explore practical strategies for setting up your ensemble, selecting the right charts, and planning effective and creative rehearsals. Learn proven methods for introducing improvisation, developing style and groove, and connecting students to the rich traditions of jazz. With a mix of inspiration and hands-on tips, you’ll walk away with fresh ideas, easy-to-use strategies, and the confidence to grow a jazz program that swings and keeps students coming back for more, developing a lifelong love of jazz.

Speakers

Rebecca Mallory

Adjunct Professor, University of Maine

Rebecca (Becky) Mallory, a native of Northborough, Massachusetts, has dedicated over three decades to excellence in music education and performance. Following her recent retirement as Director of Music at Reeds Brook Middle School, she continues to serve on the faculty at the University... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 8:15am - 9:15am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115

Jazz

8:30am EDT

Vendor Exhibits

Friday May 15, 2026 8:30am - 3:00pm EDT

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

Friday May 15, 2026 8:30am - 3:00pm EDT
Collins Center for the Arts

Conference Event

9:15am EDT

Coffee & Pastry Social Time

Friday May 15, 2026 9:15am - 9:55am EDT

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

Speakers

Matthew Waite

President, MMEA

Dr. Wayne Mallette

Eastern Division President, NAfME

Friday May 15, 2026 9:15am - 9:55am EDT
Collins Center for the Arts

Conference Event

9:55am EDT

I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now

Friday May 15, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT

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

I Wish I Knew Then What I Know Now

Speakers

Dr. Richard Nickerson

Choral Director, Windham High School

Richard Nickerson and Robert Westerberg are veteran music educators with a combined 79 years of teaching experience. Together, these two music educators are united by a shared belief in the power of positive thinking and its ability to transform learning, creativity, and community... Read More →

Rob Westerberg

Friday May 15, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140

All Areas

9:55am EDT

Small Band Techniques

Friday May 15, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT

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

Small bands can be great bands! Join this fast-paced, hands-on session exploring tools and tactics specifically geared towards achieving excellence with unideal instrumentation. Topics will include repertoire selection as well as rehearsal techniques for developing blend and balance, building confidence in sight-reading, and differentiating instruction. Participants will leave with ready-to-use tools to incorporate into their daily teaching. This session is ideal for directors at "one band schools" or at schools with a non-auditioned, open-enrollment band, and it will address both concert and marching band settings.

Speakers

Chris DeVona

Assistant Director of Bands, James Madison University

Chris DeVona is the Assistant Director of Bands at James Madison University, where he conducts the Symphonic Band and teaches conducting courses in addition to working with athletic bands. When not working with the JMU bands, Chris travels frequently as a guest conductor, clinician... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107

Band

9:55am EDT

Make "Whatever" Work and Win

Friday May 15, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT

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

Make Whatever Work and Win
Do you work in a school with a small program or an unbalanced choir? This workshop will be how to look at music differently and give all kids access to great music - even if there is just one boy and 12 girls! This will be a discussion on great repertoire that can be done with all types of groups. Being successful with repertoire can help to build a program stronger and recruit more singers.

Speakers

Ellen Shuler

Ellen Shuler (BA, MME Music Education) is in her second year of building an amazing music program at Kents Hill School in Kents Hill, ME. Prior to moving to Maine, Ms. Shuler was the Chair of the Performing Arts at the University School of Milwaukee, as well as the 5-12 choral director... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120

Choral

9:55am EDT

Challenge by choice: Getting started with using centers in the general music classroom (part 2)

Friday May 15, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT

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

In this hands-on follow-up session, teachers will apply what they learned in Part 1 by designing music centers tailored to their own students, space, and curriculum. Participants will brainstorm, plan, and create ready-to-implement stations that align with musical goals, foster creativity, and encourage student independence. With guided support, examples, and collaboration time, teachers will leave with practical, classroom-ready music centers that can be used immediately—whether teaching rhythm, melody, instruments, or creative movement. This session is ideal for educators ready to move from inspiration to action in bringing music centers to life.

Speakers

Dr. Erin Zaffini

Director of Teacher Education, Longy School of Music

Friday May 15, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110

Gen Music, K-5

9:55am EDT

The Vocal Playground - Games and Tools for Teaching Jazz Improvisation to Choral Singers

Friday May 15, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT

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

Designed for middle school and high school choral and general music educators, this professional workshop is ideal for teachers new to jazz choir or interested in starting one at their school. With a truly beginner-friendly approach, participants will learn how to introduce the concept of vocal improvisation to students and incorporate improvisatory activities into their rehearsals. Through experiential learning, attendees will explore engaging vocal improvisation games, tools, and foundational concepts, and leave with practical, ready-to-use activities—along with renewed excitement for building and investing in jazz choirs across Maine.

Speakers

Alicia Phelps

Director of Music Education, 317 Main Community Music Center

Alicia Phelps is a vocalist, pianist and music educator based in Portland. Alicia has performed with Grammy award-winning vocalist/saxophonist Darmon Meader (New York Voices), the Portland Jazz Orchestra, organist/pianist Dr. Joe Utterback, jazz pianist Jed Wilson, and notable musicians... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115

Jazz Choral

9:55am EDT

Orchestra Reading Session

Friday May 15, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT

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

Bring your string instruments and play through orchestral repertoire for elementary, middle, and high school orchestras.

Speakers

Bill Bell

Friday May 15, 2026 9:55am - 10:55am EDT
Memorial Union Bangor Room

Orchestra

11:00am EDT

From the Stands to the Stage: Using Pep Band & Marching Band to Elevate Your Program

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

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

Pep band and marching band are more than spirit ensembles, they’re powerful tools for growing and strengthening your overall band program. This session explores practical strategies to boost visibility, enhance recruitment, and elevate musicianship through high-energy, community-focused ensembles. Most of all, how to build a strong community and relationships within your band program. Learn how to leverage game-day and field performance opportunities to build excitement, develop leadership, and support a thriving, well-rounded music program.

Speakers

Hailey Francoeur

Hailey Francoeur is a music educator, percussionist, and arts administrator committed to creating meaningful, high-quality musical experiences for students and communities. She currently serves as the Band Director at Sanford High School, where she leads a comprehensive 9–12 instrumental... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107

Band

11:00am EDT

Barbershop: What can this genre do to enhance your vocal program.

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

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

This session explores the history of barbershop music from its roots to the modern era, highlighting the genre’s musical characteristics and stylistic evolution. Participants will examine barbershop arrangements to better understand harmony, voicing, and expressive techniques unique to the style. The session also includes active music-making, with attendees singing select barbershop tags to experience the sound, structure, and joy of the genre firsthand.

Speakers

Renae Misner

Renae Misner has spent 36 years proving that vocal music education is equal parts discipline, joy, and controlled chaos. She is the Director of Vocal Activities and Musical Director at Lawrence High School, where she has kept the focus on student-centered music-making and lifelong... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120

Choral

11:00am EDT

Judge Training Session

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

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

This session is for all current All State audition judges and anyone who is interested in judging in the future. Come learn the updated judging protocols for MMEA All State auditions along with a deep dive into the judging rubrics, and a hands on experience with Da Capo.

Speakers

Ben Cox

David Morris

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100

Conference Event

11:00am EDT

Practical Application of Universal Design for Learning 3.0 in the Music Classroom

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

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

Universal Design 3.0 is the most equitable framework for educators to date! Come learn how this newly-revised framework can be applied to your own music and arts classroom setting with your own students! This interactive workshop allows teachers to dig into the new guidelines to make some realistic and practical changes that help meet the needs of their students. Whether your goals center engagement, assessment, accessible teaching and learning or creating more joy in your classroom, this session will meet you where you are and skyrocket you to the next level!

Speakers

Dr. Erin Zaffini

Director of Teacher Education, Longy School of Music

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110

Gen Music

11:00am EDT

Solfege & Rhythm Activities to Engage Elementary Learners

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

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

This session, inspired by a TikTok video, is designed to give elementary teachers in grades K-4 lesson ideas for engaging their students through solfege singing and/or Orff instrument playing.

Speakers

Eric Yim

Music Teacher PK-3, RSU 14: Windham Primary School

Eric Yim teaches PK-3 general music and 3rd-grade chorus in the RSU 14 School District. He graduated in 2020 from the University of Southern Maine with his Bachelor in Music Education and has spent 6 years working with all ages K-12 doing anything and everything musical. His current... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140

Gen Music, K-5

11:00am EDT

Getting Out of the Chart – Supporting Beginning and Intermediate Jazz Ensemble Rhythm Sections

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

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

This session will examine the rhythm section and its role in the jazz ensemble. We will discuss the collaborative interactions between rhythm section players and strategies for fostering authentic and creative music making in the context of rhythm sections in early to intermediate stages of development. We will focus on strategies that address moving students away from reading notated charts to understanding lead sheets and generating interactive and improvised accompaniments to big band arrangements. A combo of USM music education students will serve as the rhythm section to model the strategies and activities addressed in this session.

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 →

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115

Jazz

11:00am EDT

Orchestra Round-Table

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT

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

Discussion around all things strings in Maine; from All-State auditions to programs.

Speakers

Andria Bacon

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Memorial Union Bangor Room

Orchestra

11:00am EDT

Live Lunchtime Performance

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT

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

The 195th Army National Guard Band folk group and jazz combo will be performing in the Miller Cafe. Grab your lunch in the Bears Den and come back and enjoy some live music while you eat.

Performers

195th Army Nat Guard Band

Friday May 15, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Miller Cafe @ Collins Center

Performance

12:00pm EDT

General Music Luncheon

Friday May 15, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

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

Keynote by Erin Zaffini

Speakers

Dr. Erin Zaffini

Director of Teacher Education, Longy School of Music

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

Luncheon

1:15pm EDT

"From Wish List to Reality: Advocacy that Gets Results"

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

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

As music educators, we often dream big for our programs, but turning those dreams into reality requires more than creativity. It requires advocacy. In this session, you’ll learn practical strategies to grow your program by effectively working with administrators and stakeholders, building strong parent partnerships, and inspiring student buy-in. We’ll also explore resourceful fundraising approaches and ways to secure the tools, materials, and support your program deserves. Walk away with an advocacy roadmap so that you can start transforming your wish list into reality.

Speakers

Erika Gates

Band Director/General Music

Erika Gates is a Band Director and General Music teacher at Lake Region Middle School in Naples, Maine. She has a passion for creating meaningful access to music for all students. Her work focuses on empowering both educators and students through joyful music-making and culturally... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107

All Areas

1:15pm EDT

Stay Woke: Race and Racism in Music Education

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

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

Transform your teaching! Discover how Critical Race Theory serves as a powerful analytical lens to create inclusive music classrooms. Learn practical strategies for diversifying repertoire, broadening auditions, and amplifying marginalized voices while fostering equity for ALL students across every musical tradition.

Speakers

Dr. Wayne Mallette

Eastern Division President, NAfME

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140

All Areas DEIA

1:15pm EDT

From Warm-Up To Wrap-Up: Effective Strategies for Rehearsal, Assessment, and Mindset in the Choral Classroom

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

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

This session gives teachers easy yet effective ways to assess individual student progress in their choral classroom. I hope teachers take away practices for rehearsals and performances that allow students to learn at their own pace, make improvements, and show audiences that there is more to a performance than simply notes on a page.

Key learning outcomes from this presentation include individual assessment strategies for the choral classroom, rehearsal techniques to maximize choral performance, and methods to approach outside learning opportunities.

Discussion topics will include student-led rehearsals, ensemble seating, riser placement, success at adjudicated festivals, and individual student assessment.

Speakers

Christopher Belding

Music Teacher, Goffstown High School

Christopher Belding has been teaching in the Goffstown School District (NH) for 21 years. There, he directs the Chorus, String Orchestra, Full Orchestra, Concert Band, and Jazz Band. Chris holds a Bachelor of Music in Education degree from the University of Southern Maine and a Master... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120

Choral

1:15pm EDT

Championing Music Education: Strategies to Sustain and Support Music Educators

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

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

Music education plays a vital role in fostering student engagement, their creativity, and their social-emotional development—yet those who teach music often face unique challenges that can undermine the support they need to remain in the field. This interactive workshop is designed specifically for music teachers who want to advocate for increased access to the support they need. Participants will explore the specific conditions that help music programs thrive, identify barriers that limit impact, and learn practical strategies for creating a culture where music educators feel valued and empowered. From scheduling and resource building to professional development and advocacy, teachers will leave with actionable tools and insights to elevate music education across schools.

Speakers

Dr. Erin Zaffini

Director of Teacher Education, Longy School of Music

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110

Gen Music

1:15pm EDT

Elementary Repertoire Trends in Maine: A mixed methods exploration of approaches to elementary song selection

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

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

Have you ever been curious to see how other teachers plan and select songs for their curriculum? This interactive session will present findings of a 2025-26 survey of Maine elementary music teachers. Participants were asked what resources they use most, what their top criteria in a good song choice was, and what would lead them to remove a song from their curriculum. Findings show popular trends in Maine elementary music education, the planning practices of Maine teachers, and recent shifts in the ways that music is selected for PreK-5 programs in the state. This research was done under the advisory of Dr. Casey Schmidt at the University of Southern Maine.

Speakers

Eddie Holmes

Eddie Holmes is the general music educator at the Waynflete Lower School where he teaches Kindergarten to 5th grade and directs the 4th and 5th grade chorus. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Gettysburg College and is in the Masters in Music Education program at USM. In... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Memorial Union Bangor Room

Gen Music, K-5

1:15pm EDT

If I Can Jazz, You Can Jazz, Too!

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

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

Jazz is scary! But does it have to be? If exploring vocal jazz feels intimidating, this session will show you why you should consider adding jazz to your curriculum, or even start your own jazz choir! As a newbie to teaching vocal jazz, I'll showcase the benefits I've seen in my program, discuss potential hurdles and how to overcome or avoid them, share some tips and tricks I've picked up, and break down some of the techniques, idioms, language, and other seeming mysteries surrounding jazz choir. If I can do it, so can you!

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 →

Friday May 15, 2026 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115

Jazz Choral

2:20pm EDT

All Member Meeting

Friday May 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:35pm EDT

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

Speakers

Matthew Waite

President, MMEA

Friday May 15, 2026 2:20pm - 3:35pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100

Conference Event

3:45pm EDT

Beginning Teacher Bootcamp

Friday May 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

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

Calling all early career music teachers who are in their first five years of teaching! Come get the support and resources you need as you continue to navigate your early years in the profession! Working collaboratively with each other, you will work with your peers through tried-and-true strategies as you apply them to your own teaching situation and students. Come engage in "challenge by choice" as you choose which area(s) of your teaching you wish to create an action plan for so that you can improve your skills in the classroom. Specific areas that this workshop addresses includes classroom management, student engagement, time management skills, lesson planning, adapting to meet the needs of students and teacher assessment. By the end of this workshop, beginning teachers will have developed a plan for immediate actionable steps that they use in their classroom, along with a Google drive of resources that will support their work and goals moving forward.

Speakers

Dr. Erin Zaffini

Director of Teacher Education, Longy School of Music

Friday May 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110

All Areas

3:45pm EDT

What do you mean the schedule is changing???

Friday May 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

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

The transition from MS to HS yields the highest attrition rate across the board… now you’re saying we are adding new graduation requirements AND the school schedule is changing!?! Rob discusses strategies to help combat the never ending list of obstacles we face and help turn them into opportunities.

Speakers

Rob Wheeler

Rob Wheeler is a 26 year veteran of music education. He is an active educator, guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator in the greater New England area and is currently the director of instrumental music at Cape Elizabeth High School, ME.

Friday May 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115

All Areas

3:45pm EDT

Expressive Conducting - Connecting Gesture to Music

Friday May 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

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

In this session, we will move beyond conducting time and explore
possibilities for improved artistic communication in rehearsals and
performance. We'll examine pragmatic ways to practice
expressive gesture, train your ensembles to be responsive to
expressive conducting, and apply these skills to repertoire. Bring
your batons!

Friday May 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140

Band Choral Orchestra

3:45pm EDT

Equity in General Music and Beginner Band

Friday May 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

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

In this session, UMaine undergraduates present expanded versions of their final project for coursework in which they took a critical look at common practices in PK–12 music education. Situated in current research, the preservice teachers identify a variety of practices—including elementary students receiving general music instruction once a week and the experiences of students with disabilities in beginner band—which they then analyze and problematize through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access. The undergraduate students provide ideas to address the deficits in music education in order to create opportunities for all PK-12 students.

Speakers

Maddy Vlahos

Maya Gould

Rebecca DeWan

Asst. Prof of Choral/General Music Education, University of Maine

Rebecca DeWan is Assistant Professor of Choral/General Music Education at the University of Maine where she teaches undergraduate music education courses and conducts Collegiate Chorale. Rebecca’s 14 years in the K–12 classroom inform her research on trauma-informed, equity-centered... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107

Band Gen Music DEIA

3:45pm EDT

Reading Session; Santa Barbara Music Publishing

Friday May 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

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

Join us for an energizing choral reading session featuring music from Santa Barbara Music Publishing. This session highlights a diverse selection of works across styles, voicings, and difficulty levels—chosen to support strong musical growth, be musically compelling, and excite singers grades 6-12. Attendees will leave with a packet of practical resources to help program your next concert!

Speakers

Christian Giddings

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

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 →

Friday May 15, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120

Choral

7:30pm EDT

Friday Evening Concert

Friday May 15, 2026 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT

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

Performers

Cousin Itt

Cousin Itt was formed in December, 2012 by four teachers at Windham High School. Their intent was to also incorporate student musicians. While the original lineup has changed, the band is still made up of teachers; Matt Shardlow on bass, a special education teacher at Windham Primary... Read More →

Friday May 15, 2026 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
Collins Center for the Arts

Conference Event

8:30pm EDT

UMaine / USM Alumni Reception

Friday May 15, 2026 8:30pm - 10:30pm EDT

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

Friday May 15, 2026 8:30pm - 10:30pm EDT
Buchanan Alumni House

Conference Event

7:30am EDT

8:15am EDT

8:15am EDT

8:15am EDT

8:15am EDT

8:30am EDT

9:15am EDT

9:55am EDT

9:55am EDT

9:55am EDT

9:55am EDT

9:55am EDT

9:55am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

12:00pm EDT

1:15pm EDT

1:15pm EDT

1:15pm EDT

1:15pm EDT

1:15pm EDT

1:15pm EDT

2:20pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

7:30pm EDT

8:30pm EDT

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