2025 Maine Music Educators Association Conference: Full Schedule

So little time and so much to do! Music teachers often struggle to create assessments that are both rigorous and feasible in the context of a busy music classroom and schedule. In order to ensure that students, parents, and administrators recognize the impact that our classes have on our students and the credibility of our grades, we need to be able to clearly show what students are learning – and using outstanding assessments can help! In this session, we will discuss basic principles of assessment to help teachers recognize the building blocks of high-quality assessment tools, explore examples of assessment strategies that can be effectively used in the music classroom, and build individualized assessments that work for each attendee’s specific situation. Come and learn both strategies that you can put into practice tomorrow AND ideas that will help you to create new assessment approaches for years to come.

Speakers

Dr. Marshall Haning

Associate Professor and Area Head, Music Education, University of Florida

Marshall Haning is Acting Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs and Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Florida. He serves in a variety of national and international leadership roles in music education, including Chair of the International Symposia... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

All Areas

10:00am EDT

How to make your 5th grade Band program thrive!

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:55am EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

I will share an overview of a successful year in 5th grade Band including instrument suitability testing for 4th graders, how to run your instrument rental day, effective letters to parents, parent open house, how to curb the quit wave, scheduling ideas and effective rehearsal techniques for 5th grade full band. I want to share things that have worked best through 38 years of trial and error, listening to the experts and honing my skills.

Speakers

Larry Jackson

Larry Jackson has been teaching 5th & 6th grade band for 38 years. He taught at the Willard School in Sanford, ME for 13 and is in his 25th year at Falmouth Middle & Elementary Schools where he currently has a 5th grade band of 105 members. He received his Bachelors degree from the... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Band

10:00am EDT

Drumset Tones and Techniques

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:55am EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

In need of new cymbals or drumheads? Why do my two drummers sound totally different on the set? My brushes don't make any sound on my snare!
There will be over 12 ride/crash/hi-hat cymbals on hand to hear and play yourself..... Over a dozen pairs of drumsticks and mallets.... over 4 different drumheads to hear..... I will explain, play and compare each of those items as well as talk about proper technique to get the best tone out of each cymbal, stick and drum.

Speakers

Patrick Bragdon

Presque Isle Schools

Patrick has taught music for 34 years. He graduated from USM in 1991 and taught for 11 yers at Central Aroostook HS and the past 33 years in Presque Isle. Patrick has performed with the Portland and Bangor Symphonies, McLaughlin Big Band, Dale Perkins Big Band, many musical shows... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Band Jazz

10:00am EDT

All-State Auditions Roundtable

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:55am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

In this interactive roundtable discussion, choral teachers can attend and engage in open dialogue about the current All-State Auditions. Participants can exchange ideas, share their experiences with the current auditions, and give suggestions and feedback for improvement. This lively, collaborative session will begin the conversation on revamping the All-State Auditions for MMEA and lead the work of a larger committee in the upcoming fall.

Speakers

Dr. Christian Giddings

Choral Director, Noble High School

Christian Giddings is a conductor, composer, and music educator from Unity, Maine. He holds a D.M.A. in Choral Conducting from the University of Arizona and an M.M. and B.M. in Music Education from the University of Maine. He is a passionate educator and conductor and has worked with... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Choral

10:00am EDT

Teaching Musical Elements Through Singing Games

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:55am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

This session will walk you through a Kodaly-inspired approach to using singing games to teach musical concepts in your general music classroom. We will demonstrate several examples of how rhythmic or melodic elements can be explored and each example will culminate in participants having the opportunity to play the singing games.

Speakers

Jasmin Eddy

Waterboro Elementary School

Jasmin Eddy is the general music educator at Waterboro Elementary School where she teaches PreK to 5th grade. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Gettysburg College. When not teaching, she enjoys spending time outside or enjoying all the great food the Portland area has to... Read More →

Eddie Holmes

Waynflete Lower School

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 →

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Gen Mus K-5

10:00am EDT

Leading Changes - targeted improvisation to create more musical solos

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:55am EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Often times, using chord scales can be mysterious and overwhelming for students. "Use this scale" isn't always as helpful as we intend it to be. In this session, I'll show simple approaches to targeting certain notes at certain times, to create melodic phrases through the chord changes that give students a confident grasp on how to play the changes in a clear and concrete way.

Speakers

Aaron Henry

Band Director, Yarmouth High School

Aaron Henry graduated from the Berklee College of Music Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Music Performance, and received his M.M in Studio Composition from SUNY Purchase College. He leads bands at Yarmouth High School and is the Artist Faculty in Jazz Saxophone at USM.. He performs... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Jazz

10:00am EDT

Modern Band Guitar & Bass: Play It, Teach It, Rock It!

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:55am EDT

China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Want to bring the energy of a real rock band into your classroom? In this hands-on workshop, you'll learn essential guitar techniques—open chords, power chords, and rhythm strumming—that you can take straight to your students. No matter your skill level, you’ll leave feeling confident, capable, and ready to jam! Get ready to strum, shred, and rock out as we explore engaging, student-friendly approaches to modern band guitar. Come as you are—leave feeling like a rock star!

Speakers

Jennifer Holmes

Jennifer Holmes is a musician, music educator, and passionate about Modern Band. She teaches General Music & Modern Band for Grades PreK through 8th Grade, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Choral Ensembles, and Show Choir. She is a Music Will, Modern Band Teacher Leader, and has presented... Read More →

Sponsors

Music Will

Thursday May 15, 2025 10:00am - 10:55am EDT
Memorial Union Coe Room China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Modern Band

11:00am EDT

Beyond the Snare: Rediscovering Your Percussion Section

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Maybe it's been a while since your percussion methods course, or you just want a refresher/different perspective on foundational techniques. We’ll revisit essential snare drum skills and focus on the often-overlooked instruments in your percussion section. Whether you're working with auxiliary percussion or other instruments that don't always get the spotlight, you'll leave with a deeper understanding of how to integrate them effectively into your ensemble. This interactive session also invites your questions, ensuring you get personalized insights to take back to your practice or classroom.

Speakers

Dr. Timothy Heath

Director of Bands, Wake Forest University

Dr. Timothy Heath is the Director of Bands and Assistant Teaching Professor of Music at Wake Forest University, where he leads the band program. He also directs the Triad Area Medical Orchestra and founded NexTonal, a chamber winds group. An accomplished clinician, conductor, and... Read More →

Sponsors

Remo Drumheads

Sabian Cymbals

Vic Firth Drumsticks and Mallets

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Band

11:00am EDT

Preparing a Farm-to-Table Choir: Sustainable Strategies for Locally-sourced Singers

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

All music educators enter vocal music classrooms having experienced a variety of “meals and recipes” such as ensemble participation and limited methods courses without really learning how the ingredients–the singers–are prepared and from where they are sourced. This session will director your attention away from focusing on the recipe and toward the quality of the ingredients: the training of singers as individual instruments. Immediately-applicable tools related to breath, posture, the vocal “cords,” and the relationship between vowels and consonants to an efficient vocalism will help you understand the why behind choral methods, allowing you to curate your ensembles with farm-to-table artistry.

Speakers

Dr. Kyle Nielsen

Director, Osher School of Music, University of Southern Maine

Dr. Kyle Nielsen is the Head of Choral Activities and Director of the Osher School of Music at the University of Southern Maine. Nielsen conducts the award-winning Chamber Singers, University Chorale, and leads the Master of Music in Choral Conducting degree program. He has presented... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Choral

11:00am EDT

Engaging Music Tech Projects for Middle and High School Classrooms

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Engaging Music Technology Ideas for Middle and High School showcases creative ways to integrate technology into your music classroom. Explore how tools like Soundtrap can empower students to compose, collaborate, and produce music. Learn how to guide students in podcast creation, remixing popular tracks, and using launchpads for live performance projects. Discover the art of sampling and how it can be used to teach music history, creativity, and production techniques. This session will provide practical lesson ideas, accessible tools, and strategies to engage students of all skill levels, fostering creativity and excitement in your music technology curriculum.

Speakers

Wayne Splettstoeszer

Music Technology, Torrington High School, Connecticut

Wayne Splettstoeszer celebrates his 30th year in music education and his 28th year as Director of Instrumental Music and Music Technology at Torrington High School, Connecticut. Since 2000, Torrington Public Schools have received the prestigious “Best Communities for Music Education... Read More →

Sponsors

Jupiter/KHS

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Gen Mus 6-12 Technology

11:00am EDT

My substitute doesn't "do" music...

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Come share your most beloved substitute-friendly plans and activities that encourage active musicking for your elementary-age students in your absence. Please bring copies of your plans and / or a link to a Google Doc/Folder with any materials you can share with the group. If you purchased something from places like TpT, please bring the shop owner's information so we all may benefit!

Speakers

Adrian Morneau

A Maine native, Adrian Morneau is an elementary music educator, guest conductor, adjudicator, and performer throughout the state who is known to bring high energy and excitement to the music classroom and the choral rehearsal room. She attended the University of Maine where she sang... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Gen Mus K-5

11:00am EDT

Preparing a Successful Jazz All State Audition (Instrumental)

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Join us for this moderated panel discussion that will provide you with an in depth look at the Jazz All State audition, featuring current and past Jazz All State judges. We will go over tips and tricks to help students prepare, what judges are looking for and how selections are made. Whether you're brand new to the jazz world or an experienced educator you're bound to learn something new here!

Speakers

Benjamin Cox

Director of Instrumental Music, Mt. Ararat High School

Benjamin Cox is the Director of Instrumental Music at Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham, Maine. Cox is the current president-elect for MMEA, has served as the chair for District 3 and has hosted and managed a number of district honors festivals. During the Summers, Cox directs the... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Jazz

11:00am EDT

Modern Band Keyboard: Unlocking Chords & Creativity!

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am EDT

China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Ready to unlock the power of the keyboard in your modern band classroom? This hands-on workshop will focus on essential skills like chord playing, rhythmic comping, and simple bass lines—making it easy to get your students playing right away. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your approach, you’ll leave with practical techniques, engaging activities, and the confidence to bring modern band keyboard to life. Come as you are—leave feeling like a rock star!

Speakers

Jennifer Holmes

Sponsors

Music Will

Thursday May 15, 2025 11:00am - 11:55am EDT
Memorial Union Coe Room China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Modern Band

12:00pm EDT

ACDA Luncheon

Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

131 Munson Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Thursday May 15, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Wells Conference Center 131 Munson Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Luncheon

1:15pm EDT

You Change Lives...You Transform...You Matter!

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Music teachers are the heart and soul of this incredible profession. The ins and outs of everyday life in the classroom and rehearsal hall coupled with the multitude of details that are our responsibility can sometimes overshadow the big picture of the collective purpose of music teaching. In this session, we will take a good look at the power of school music education because of YOU. YOU MATTER! Let’s get together for a little shot of “feel good” and remember all the reasons why.

Speakers

Dr. Deb Confredo

National Association for Music Education

Deb (Sheldon) Confredo, a 44-year veteran music educator, completed the BS in Music Education at Mansfield State College, PA (now Mansfield University), the MEd in Music at The Pennsylvania State University, and the PhD in Music Education at Florida State University. In addition to... Read More →

Sponsors

NAfME

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

All Areas

1:15pm EDT

Why So Many Tambourines? The Art of Curating Your Percussion Section

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

We’ll dive into the art of percussion instrument selection, unraveling the nuances that make all the difference in your ensemble's sound. We'll cover everything from choosing the right drums and drumheads to selecting mallets that enhance your performance. You’ll also explore the subtleties of cymbals, triangles, tambourines, and other essential percussion instruments—learning how each choice impacts the overall timbre and musical expression. Whether you're seeking a brighter tone or a richer, warmer sound, you leave with resources providing knowledge to match the perfect instrument to your musical needs.

Speakers

Dr. Timothy Heath

Director of Bands, Wake Forest University

Sponsors

Remo Drumheads

Sabian Cymbals

Vic Firth Drumsticks and Mallets

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Band

1:15pm EDT

Achieving Choral Artistry through Singer-driven Composition

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

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 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Choral Composition

1:15pm EDT

Soundtrap: The Best DAW for Education

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

"Soundtrap: The Best DAW for Education" delves into how Soundtrap supports music learning with unique features like real-time collaboration and built-in translation tools. This session will explore how students can easily work together from anywhere, breaking language barriers with automatic translation for seamless global collaboration. You'll learn about intuitive tools like loops, virtual instruments, and audio recording that make music production accessible to all students. Soundtrap's compatibility with various devices and integration with educational platforms make it perfect for diverse classrooms. Discover how this DAW can inspire creativity, improve communication, and transform your music education experience.

Speakers

Wayne Splettstoeszer

Music Technology, Torrington High School, Connecticut

Sponsors

Jupiter/KHS

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Gen Mus 6-12 Technology

1:15pm EDT

The Musical Mansion: Using Canva for Daily/Weekly Slideshows

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

In this session participants learn how to utilize free Canva slides for easy to navigate visual schedules by grade level, visuals for popular classroom lessons and activities, and links to frequently used videos like scarf dances – all “rooms” in one single presentation: The Mansion. Participants will receive a link to a template mansion to get started, it is encouraged but not required to bring a laptop with you. The mansion not only gives students visual support through class but also gives you digital organization of your most-used activities.

Speakers

Jodie Hampton

General Music K-3, Waterville Public Schools

Jo Hampton is currently a K-3 general music teacher in Waterville. Prior to lower elementary she served as Waterville's 4th-8th grade general music teacher and 5th grade chorus director. She received her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Coe College in 2021, and recently received... Read More →

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Gen Mus K-5 Technology

1:15pm EDT

Teaching Meaningful Improvisation

Thursday May 15, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Meaningful improvisation is where creativity and honest expression intersect with jazz language. After students begin improvising with appropriately simple materials, they often hit a plateau of repetitiveness. This session explores how we can help our students expand their perspectives and move toward a more advanced, creative approach. We will talk about processing and absorbing great recordings, mirroring conversation, paying attention to our inner voice, and more. Bring an instrument, or your voice!

Speakers

Jason Priest

Speakers

Dr. Marshall Haning

Associate Professor and Area Head, Music Education, University of Florida

Thursday May 15, 2025 3:35pm - 4:35pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

All Areas

3:35pm EDT

Enhancing Performance Development with Comprehensive Musicianship in Instrumental Ensembles

Thursday May 15, 2025 3:35pm - 4:35pm EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Performance development and repertoire mastery are central aims within instrumental ensemble learning experiences. Although performing is a primary artistic process students engage with in instrumental ensembles, the National Core Arts Standards call on ensemble educators to also foster the artistic processes of creating, responding, and connecting to support comprehensive music learning experiences in ensemble rehearsal spaces. The challenge for ensemble teacher/directors is to carve out time and space for all the artistic processes while fulfilling the important obligation of meaningful performance development. This presentation will explore practical strategies that attend to each of the artistic processes in performance ensemble learning environments. Please join this session on comprehensive musicianship in instrumental ensembles to learn more about how this approach can have a positive impact on both individual and collective performance achievement.

Speakers

Casey Schmidt

Assist. Professor of Music Education, University of Southern Maine

Thursday May 15, 2025 3:35pm - 4:35pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Jazz

3:35pm EDT

Modern Band Jam: Bring It All Together!

Thursday May 15, 2025 3:35pm - 4:35pm EDT

China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Let’s rock! In this full-band experience, you’ll get to play guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, or sing—your choice! We’ll jam on charts you can bring back to your students, learning how to lock in as a band while keeping things fun and accessible. This workshop will give you the tools to create an engaging, student-driven modern band experience. No matter your instrument, you’ll leave feeling like a rock star!

Speakers

Jennifer Holmes

Sponsors

Music Will

Thursday May 15, 2025 3:35pm - 4:35pm EDT
Memorial Union Coe Room China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Modern Band

4:35pm EDT

LGBTQIA+ Educator Meetup

Thursday May 15, 2025 4:35pm - 5:45pm EDT

2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Sponsors

OUT Maine

Thursday May 15, 2025 4:35pm - 5:45pm EDT
Bodwell Lounge 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Conference Event

6:00pm EDT

President’s Reception & Awards Ceremony

Thursday May 15, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT

131 Munson Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Speakers

Matthew Waite

Thursday May 15, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT
Wells Conference Center 131 Munson Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Conference Event

8:00pm EDT

Thursday Evening Concert

Thursday May 15, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT

2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Performers

Star City Syndicate

Northern Maine’s Premiere Motown & Classic Pop to Contemporary Live BandA group of Maine-based musicians with diverse backgrounds coming together to celebrate the sounds of the past from Motown and Classic Pop to Contemporary.

Thursday May 15, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Collins Center for the Arts 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Performance