2026 Maine Music Educators Association Conference: Full Schedule

10:00am EDT

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jazz Choral

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

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

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

Choral

10:00am EDT

10:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

2:00pm EDT

2:00pm EDT

3:00pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

8:15am EDT

9:55am EDT

9:55am EDT

11:00am EDT

1:15pm EDT

1:15pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

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