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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10:00am EDT

11:00am EDT

2:00pm EDT

4:00pm EDT

8:15am EDT

9:55am EDT

11:00am EDT

1:15pm EDT

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