2026 Maine Music Educators Association Conference: Full Schedule

10:00am EDT

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

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

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.

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 →

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

2:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

8:15am EDT

9:55am EDT

1:15pm EDT

1:15pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

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