2025 Maine Music Educators Association Conference: Full Schedule

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7:30am EDT

Conference Registration

Friday May 16, 2025 7:30am - 10:00am EDT

2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Speakers

Beth LaBrie

Executive Director, Maine Music Educators Association

Friday May 16, 2025 7:30am - 10:00am EDT
Collins Center for the Arts 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Conference Event

8:00am EDT

Band Repair Basics: FL, CL, Sax

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

In this clinic we will learn and practice repair tactics for the most common emergency woodwind repairs in the state of Maine. We will also discuss materials and tools that every Maine Band Director should keep on hand for emergency repairs when going to the shop just isn’t an option. NOTE: These skills are for emergency repairs and are NOT intended to be a substitute for your local repair shop or service technician.

Speakers

Chris Plaisted

School Service Rep., David French Music Co.

Chris Plaisted is a former music teacher that now works for David French Music as a School Service Representative. Traveling approx 800 miles per week, he visits schools across the state of Maine for instrument rentals and repair services. His passion is to provide top-notch service... Read More →

Sponsors

David French Music Co.

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Memorial Union Coe Room China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Band

8:00am EDT

Preparing Your Clarinetists for College Playing

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

This session will include tips to review for students looking forward to playing in ensembles at the College level, including audition preparation for those hoping to major in music. Embouchure issues, hand position suggestions, tonguing tips, and warm-up exercises from various current clarinet instructors will be presented, along with information from the International Clarinet Association and its online resources. Attendees are encouraged to bring their clarinets with them to the session.

Speakers

Beth Wiemann

University of Maine

Beth Wiemann was raised in Burlington, VT, studied composition and clarinet at Oberlin College with Richard Hoffman and Lawrence McDonald, and received her PhD in composition from Princeton University. She teaches clarinet, composition and theory at the University of Maine, and performs... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Band

8:00am EDT

Eleven Leaps to Literacy for Beginning Band & Strings

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

This session presents a thoughtfully designed approach to Beginning Bands & Strings utilizing the educational philosophies of Gordon, Kodály, Feierabend, Orff, and Suzuki. By emphasizing the importance of auditory preparation, this approach builds a strong foundation in music-making, supporting the success of all students across diverse settings.
Students are encouraged to learn songs first with lyrics and then with solfege, progressing naturally to notation. From there, they expand their creativity through improvisation and composition, using the melodic material of the songs they’ve learned. Finally, authentic playing experiences and auditory assessments showcase student growth while fostering excitement and enthusiasm for continued learning.

Speakers

Dr. Michael Francis Smith

Michael Francis Smith is an American composer, songwriter, author, and music educator with over 30 years of experience. Known for promoting inclusive and creative music-making for all students, he has presented at the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago and music educator conferences nationwide... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Band Orchestra

8:00am EDT

Reclaiming our Craft: Purposeful Structures for Revamed Rehearsal Artistry

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

As the modern choral conductor balances an increasing list of non-artistic duties, our day-to-day work as conductors has never had more potential for discouragement as we wonder when we will ever have time to make art! This session will champion purpose-built rehearsals as the basis for our artistic fulfillment and craft. Proposed rehearsal hierarchies utilizing previous score preparation strategies will guide your diagnostic ears toward repeatable solutions to empower regular creative excellence for you and your singers.

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 →

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Choral

8:00am EDT

Making Digital Music Class a Reality for All

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Does implementing a technology-based music class seem too complicated and expensive? Think again! Explore ways to use your existing resources to build a curriculum that works for you, for your students, and for your budget. No reinventing the wheel or penny-pinching required!

Speakers

Eric Halpin-Desmarais

Kennebunk High School

Eric Halpin-Desmarais is Director of Bands at Kennebunk High School, where he teaches Honors Music Theory, Instrumental Studies, Digital Music & Audio Production, and Unified Music. Eric has served as MMEA District 1 Chair for the past two years and through his work strives to provide... Read More →

Jesse Myers-Wakeman

Kennebunk High School

Jesse Myers-Wakeman is Director of Choirs at Kennebunk High School, where he teaches Piano, Ukulele, Voice Lab, and Digital Music & Audio Production. Jesse serves as MMEA Vocal Jazz Chair, and is a strong advocate for using technology to make teaching easier and more accessible to... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Gen Mus 6-12 Technology

8:00am EDT

Activating Socio-Emotional Intelligence through Composition

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Composition is a powerful tool for inviting students to consider their feelings and how others might feel, as expressed through musical sounds. This session will examine how to design and deliver composition lessons that activate socio-emotional intelligence and foster musical growth. We will begin by examining the critical role of three compositional capacities – feelingful intention, musical expressivity, and artistic craftsmanship – and consider how each empowers young learners in and beyond their work in music. Composition lessons suitable for PK-5 will be shared along with Tips for Teaching that help music educators and their students succeed in any compositional endeavor.

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 →

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Gen Mus K-5 Composition

8:00am EDT

Setting Up Your Drum Set Musicians for Success in Jazz and Modern Band

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Secondary instrumental music educators are routinely tasked not only with introducing drum set to beginners, but also providing feedback to more experienced drum set musicians to take their playing to the next level. This session will cover essential concepts and techniques that will allow educators to support drum set musicians at all skill levels in jazz and modern band ensembles, including scaffolding comping, development of characteristic sounds for distinct genres, finding an individual groove, and touch. Providing personalized and stylistically appropriate feedback to drum set musicians will help educators elevate their entire jazz or modern band ensemble.

Speakers

Dr. Cameron Siegal

Rhode Island College

Cameron R. Siegal, Ph. D., is a PreK–5 music teacher in the Dartmouth, Massachusetts, public schools and an adjunct faculty member at Rhode Island College. He holds degrees from University of Oregon, Florida State University, Western Oregon University, and University of Massachusetts... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Jazz Modern Band

8:30am EDT

Exhibits

Friday May 16, 2025 8:30am - 3:00pm EDT

2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Friday May 16, 2025 8:30am - 3:00pm EDT
Collins Center for the Arts 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Conference Event

9:00am EDT

Coffee & Donuts Social Time

Friday May 16, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am EDT

2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Come enjoy an informal meet & greet with colleagues across the state the NAfME National President.

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 →

Matthew Waite

Friday May 16, 2025 9:00am - 9:50am EDT
Collins Center for the Arts 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Conference Event

9:50am EDT

Troubleshooting Tone - Using Mouthpieces & Mini-Instruments to Address Fundamentals

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Whether you are trying to establish strong fundamentals in younger students or trying to troubleshoot established habits in older students, teaching students to play with characteristic tone can be a challenge. There are so many factors that can contribute to poor tone - many of which we can’t actually see! Through discussion of embouchure development, tongue placement, and air direction/speed, this session will give teachers concrete tools, language, and exercises to help students improve their tone. We encourage teachers to bring the following to this hands-on session: flute headjoint, trumpet or trombone mouthpiece, and a clarinet or alto saxophone.

Speakers

Caitlin Ramsey

Co-Director of Bands, Cape Elizabeth Middle School

Caitlin Ramsey, Co-Director of Bands at Cape Elizabeth Middle School, has been an active clinician and guest conductor throughout New England for the past twenty-one years. She currently serves as the Eastern Division Representative on the National Council of Band Education and the... Read More →

Missy Shabo

Missy Shabo, Co-Director of Bands at Cape Elizabeth Middle School, has worked as a middle school band director for the past 17 years. Ms. Shabo holds an undergraduate degree in Music Education, Masters in Music Education, and Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Band

9:50am EDT

Tone first then intonation: Strategies to improve your trumpet sections tone and intonation

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Tone First - THEN Intonation

Good intonation is essential for an ensemble to sound excellent - but it’s not all about tuning slides or pulling out your headjoint ¼ inch! Working within the framework of trumpet playing, this session will challenge you to consider good tone production first, with improved intonation as a secondary result. The presenter will discuss the benefits and science of good tone production as well as demonstrate exercises and methodologies to help you improve your trumpet students’ tone, and ultimately their intonation. Participants will also participate in workshopping to brainstorm how to practically apply these techniques for other instruments.

Speakers

Ryan Noe

University of Southern Maine

Dr. Ryan Noe is an active freelance trumpeter and educator. He holds the position of Principal Trumpet for the Glens Falls Symphony(NY) and has performed with the Boston Pops, Portland Symphony, Vermont Symphony, and Bangor Symphony. Dr. Noe has performed for such dignitaries as William... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Band Jazz

9:50am EDT

Accessible Excellence: Unlocking Rehearsal Buy-in Through Student-focused score Preparation

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

How many of us have entered rehearsal with all the techincal ideas in the world, only to get lost real time in how to address the sound coming from our students mouths!? This session will champion purposeful score preparation as the catalyst for efficent, fulfilling, and predictable rehearsals. Building upon skills from previous sessions in theoretical analysis and vocal pedagogy, a reading-session format with hand-picked repertoire will provide a real time test drive for reformatted analytical eyes and ears.

Speakers

Dr. Kyle Nielsen

Director, Osher School of Music, University of Southern Maine

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Choral

9:50am EDT

Disconnected Students and the General Music Classroom

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Today's General Music classes provide a wealth of opportunity for students from all backgrounds to participate as consumers, active listeners, and exploratory music learners. "Disconnected" students often manifest with a variety of learning styles that are frequently found among the music class population. Through creative units, engaging activities, and modified assessments, this session seeks to access the "teacher's toolkit" for ways to elicit greater participation from the disconnected/disinterested student.

Speakers

David Dashefsky

Clayton Public Schools, New Jersey

Mr. Dashefsky has been a music teacher in the Clayton Public School District since 2000, and has presented for the Arizona, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Nebraska, New Jersey, and Texas State Music Associations. Mr. Dashefsky emphasizes units, activities, topics, and resources available... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Gen Mus 6-12

9:50am EDT

Composition Pedagogy Triage – Ask Me Anything!

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Guiding students as they learn to compose music uniquely reflective of their musical interests and who they are as emerging artists is a rewarding experience. Sometimes, though, finding the right pedagogical approach can be challenging. I invite you to bring your composition stories and challenges to this session. We will identify teaching strategies that help students across PK-12 settings overcome struggles and achieve their goals. We also will examine some of the pedagogical challenges that teachers experience as they empower young composers. Together, we will identify ways of activating student artistry and teacher creativity so everyone experiences success.

Speakers

Dr. Michele Kaschub

Professor of Music/Director of Music Teacher Education, University of Southern Maine

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Gen Mus K-5 Composition

9:50am EDT

Orchestra Round Table

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT

China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

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

Speakers

Andria Bacon

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT
Memorial Union Coe Room China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Orchestra

9:50am EDT

Get to the ‘Good Stuff’ Faster with Tech Tools

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Imagine band and orchestra students walking into rehearsal prepared with the basics of rhythms and pitches. This session will focus on the tools and processes to help your students build skills and foundational knowledge. Through guided practice sessions with authentic assessment and feedback, they will succeed and become better musicians faster. We’ll show five software tools that are simple for you and your students – so that you can rehearse more than the basics sooner.

Speakers

Dr. Jim Frankel

Music First

Dr. Jim Frankel is the Director of MusicFirst. Previously, he was the Managing Director of SoundTree, and before that he was the instrumental and general music teacher for 15 years in New Jersey Public Schools. Jim is a widely published author in various state, national and international... Read More →

Sponsors

MusicFirst

Friday May 16, 2025 9:50am - 10:50am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Technology

10:55am EDT

All Lanes Now Open! Abolishing the Detours and Closed On-Ramps to Music Education

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Music education is for EVERYONE! We will share ideas about how each of us can play an important part in opening doors and knocking down barriers to strengthen the profession for students and teachers alike. Please join the conversation about how we can contribute to the health and wellbeing of the profession to ensure quality music education experiences for all.

Speakers

Dr. Deb Confredo

National Association for Music Education

Sponsors

NAfME

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

All Areas

10:55am EDT

ROUNDTABLE – Demystifying the Pyramid: Creating a Holistic Community of Choral Excellence

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

This proposed roundtable would include elementary, middle school, high school, and college faculty from throughout the state to discuss how we as a broader community can assist eachother in promoting choral excellence at every level.

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 →

Dr. Kyle Nielsen

Director, Osher School of Music, University of Southern Maine

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Choral

10:55am EDT

Bridging the Gap Between Home Music and School Music in the PreK–8 Classroom

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

The disconnect between music students experience at home and music found in school inhibits responsive pedagogy, equitable engagement, and both students’ short- and long-term engagement in music class. Researchers have demonstrated that while home music is of greater interest than most other subjects, interest in music at school trails those same subjects. This session will cover pedagogies to explore home music in the classroom, including distilling rhythmic content to grade appropriate levels, transfer of tonal concepts between genres, connecting the representation of emotion between music with and without lyrics, and composition strategies which utilize aesthetics of home music.

Speakers

Dr. Cameron Siegal

Rhode Island College

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

DEIA

10:55am EDT

Music Playcations: Gamification for Everyone

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Music Playcations: Gamification for Everyone is a session that uses Gamification-the process of adding games or game-like elements to something (such as a task) so as to encourage participation. This session will engage participants into games designed to introduce, teach and or refine foundational music skills in a fun and meaningful way. Participants will play their way through several games that are focused on Air Support, Articulation and Rhythmic Accuracy, to name a few.

Speakers

Krystal Williams

University of Maryland - Baltimore County

Krystal Williams is a Music Education Professor at University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). She is currently the Band Director at Suitland High School Creative and Performing Arts Program. Williams attended Morgan State University as a Music Major 1999-2005, & as the Graduate... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Gen Mus K-5

10:55am EDT

Jazz Improv Jam for Less-Experienced Jazz Players

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Like many things in life, our first several attempts at improvisation can be a little nerve-wracking and disheartening. Don’t let that stop you! This session provides a non-threatening environment for all who aren’t experienced in jazz to push through the initial attempts, and move on to some more fulfilling improvisation. No pointed criticism will be given, but some solid basic principles will be discussed: putting together a good mindset, establishing a confident sound, choosing realistic parameters, absorbing style from recordings, and more. Bring an instrument or your voice, and come prepared to participate!

Speakers

Dan Barrett

Assistant Professor, University of Maine

Dr. Dan Barrett directs the Jazz Studies program at the University of Maine, where he directs the UMaine Jazz Ensemble and teaches jazz pedagogy, jazz piano, and jazz arranging. He performs often with the UMaine Faculty Jazz ensemble, and recorded the album Putting a Groove on a Bad... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Jazz

10:55am EDT

Orchestra Reading Session

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT

China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

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

Speakers

Bill Bell

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT
Memorial Union Coe Room China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Orchestra

10:55am EDT

Brunswick High School Honors Wind Ensemble

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT

2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Brunswick High School Honors Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Brandon Duras, is a premier ensemble recognized for its exceptional musicianship and innovative programming. Mr. Duras has led the group to multiple high marks in the American Prize Competition and a recent performance at the Northeast Concert Band Festival, a Music for All affiliate. The ensemble is known for its performances of challenging, diverse repertoire and will be recording their first album in 2025. Join them for a performance of some of their favorite music from the upcoming album!

Speakers

Brandon Duras

Director of Instrumental Music, Brunswick High School

Brandon Duras is the Director of Instrumental Music in Brunswick, Maine, where he conducts two jazz bands, Symphonic Band, Honors Wind Ensemble, and teaches piano and music theory. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire (B.M.E. 2017, M.A. 2019), he has earned national and international... Read More →

Performers

Brunswick HS Wind Ensemble

Friday May 16, 2025 10:55am - 11:55am EDT
Collins Center for the Arts 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Performance

12:00pm EDT

Osher School of Music Jazz Combo

Friday May 16, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Listen to the advanced jazz combo from USM as they perform a set of originals and standards

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 →

Performers

Osher School of Music Jazz Combo

Friday May 16, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Collins Center for the Arts 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Performance

12:00pm EDT

General Music Luncheon

Friday May 16, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT

131 Munson Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Speakers

Sasha White

Sasha White has been an educator since 2019 graduating with her B.A. in Music from University of Massachusetts Boston and Master in Music Ed. from Boston University in 2023. Ms. White teachers at two schools in Boston: Grades 8-12th does Modern Band Ensemble with 8-12th grade and... Read More →

Performers

Voices of Renaissance

The Voices of Renaissance began as a chorus of 150 students and teachers under the direction of Ms. Evelyn D. Lee, formed in the fall of 1999 at the request of then Superintendent and CEO of the Boston Renaissance Charter Public School, Dr. Roger F. Harris. The chorus continues to... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 12:00pm - 1:15pm EDT
Wells Conference Center 131 Munson Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Luncheon

1:15pm EDT

Organization and Record-Keeping for Beginning Music Educators

Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

With hundreds of students coming through their doors each week, dozens of assessments, concerts to plan, and much more, it is easy for beginning music educators to feel like they are juggling all too much. With intentional organization and record-keeping, you can balance all this while feeling confident in your position as an integral part of your school community. In our conversation, we will discuss topics on organization and record-keeping both physical and digital, including curriculum and assessment records, IEP data-tracking, scheduling, and substitute plans. Participants will receive organization and record-keeping examples/templates for use in their own classrooms.

Speakers

Hattie Skvorak

Carl J. Lamb Elementary School

Hattie Skvorak is a third-year 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 Bell Choir and Spartan Show Choir. With a commitment to family engagement and fostering a love... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

All Areas

1:15pm EDT

Beginning Band at the High School Level

Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Having a high school beginning band class can be a valuable recruitment and retention tool for the high school instrumental music program. This session will cover the many aspects to consider when developing such a class including: philosophical considerations, providing instruments, instructional approaches, assessment tools, and resources for you to use.

Speakers

Bill Buzza

MMEA Conference Chair, Edward Little High School

William “Bill” Buzza earned his BM in Music Education from the University of Southern Maine studying with Bill Street and Peter Martin and his MS Ed in Educational Leadership from the University of New England. Bill teaches at Edward Little HS in Auburn, Maine where he conducts... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Band

1:15pm EDT

Running an Effective rehearsal or "Why is it taking so long to learn this music!"

Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

We never seem to have enough rehearsal time, so making the most of what we do have is essential. Larry will draw on his more than 40 years of teaching to offer suggestion on how to structure a rehearsal, how to deal with problems, both personal and musical and most of all how to keep our students engaged in learning. Workshop attendees will leave with ideas they can use right away in their next rehearsals.

Speakers

Larry Detwiler

Band Director, Lincoln Academy

Larry is a retired music educator with over 40 years of experience. He spent almost all of his career overseas in Italy, Indonesia and Brazil. His high school a cappella groups were were featured many times on the Varsity Vocals Best of High School A Cappella CD's. Larry has presented... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Choral

1:15pm EDT

It’s Time to Play the Recorder

Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Recorders will be provided for all participants, clean and sanitized! The recorder is an inexpensive yet beautiful musical instrument that deserves a sequential curriculum enriched with a diverse repertoire of songs from around the world. By building on students' prior experiences in General Music, entire classes can learn and perform songs, rounds, and harmony parts together. Effortlessly transitioning between singing, solfège, and playing ensures that all students—of all abilities and ethnicities—experience success and achievement.

Speakers

Dr. Michael Francis Smith

Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Gen Mus K-5

1:15pm EDT

New York Voices

Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Performers

New York Voices

New York Voices was born in the mid-1980s at upstate New York’s Ithaca College. Peter Eldridge, an aspiring jazz pianist who came late to singing; Kim Nazarian, who dreamed of a life on Broadway; and Darmon Meader, a saxophonist and self-described “choral geek,” came together... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Collins Center for the Arts 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Jazz Choral

1:15pm EDT

Teach Your Ensemble Fiddle Tunes (By Ear!) - Session 1

Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT

China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Learn useful melodies and chords in a variety of folk styles, as well as the how and why you would want to add them into your existing classical repertoire and curriculum. We’ll cover the nuts and bolts of leading fiddle tunes and ear training in a large mixed instrument/level ensemble, touch upon gentle ways to start improvising, and even arranging tunes for performances. Bring your instruments for learning and jamming, leave feeling empowered with repertoire and resources. Session 1 will cover 2-3 tunes, Session 2 will cover an additional 2-3 tunes. Tunes will vary in key, time signatures, styles and difficulty so you have a tune for every occasion. All instruments welcome!

Speakers

Lauren Rioux

Lauren Rioux is a proud Maine-iac, born in Portland and raised in East Machias. She graduated from the University of Southern Maine with degrees in Violin Performances and Music Education on full-scholarship. She is enthusiastically sought out for her teaching expertise and leads... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 1:15pm - 2:15pm EDT
Memorial Union Coe Room China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Orchestra

2:20pm EDT

All-Member Meeting

Friday May 16, 2025 2:20pm - 3:35pm EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

The annual meeting of the membership. This will include a presentation of highlights of the past year, a recognition of outgoing board members, retirees, longevity recognitions, and any business that needs to come before the membership.

Speakers

Matthew Waite

Friday May 16, 2025 2:20pm - 3:35pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 100 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Conference Event

3:45pm EDT

Teaching With A Full Glass

Friday May 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

One of the most challenging aspects of the music education profession is giving the maximum amount of commitment and expertise possible to our students, while at the same time keeping our own energy reserves filled to meet the multiple challenges and demands inside and outside of our professional responsibilities. The goal of this presentation is to provide perspectives, viewpoints, and suggestions to keep our tanks full and glasses filled to become the best balanced, healthy, and giving versions of ourselves.

Speakers

Jason Worzbyt

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Jason Worzbyt is professor of Bassoon and associate director of Bands at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He holds a BS in music education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a master of music in wind conducting from the University of North Texas, and a doctor of musical arts... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 140 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

All Areas

3:45pm EDT

Band Repair Basics: Brass

Friday May 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

In this clinic we will learn and practice repair tactics for the most common emergency brass repairs in the state of Maine. We will also discuss materials and tools that every Maine Band Director should keep on hand for emergency repairs when going to the shop just isn’t an option. NOTE: These skills are for emergency repairs and are NOT intended to be a substitute for your local repair shop or service technician.

Speakers

Chris Plaisted

School Service Rep., David French Music Co.

Friday May 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 115 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Band

3:45pm EDT

Beginning Band Day - Fighting the March Slump

Friday May 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Could you start a beginning band day in your area? This session will discuss the Beginning Band Day that Aroostook County has done for the past nine years. Topics include what schedule for the day, what music to perform, faculty involvement, benefits we've seen since starting this event, and other things we've learned along the way.

Speakers

Jon Simonoff

Ashland School

Jon Simonoff is the music teacher in Ashland Maine, a PreK - 12 school in Aroostook County. Jon is also the director of the Central Aroostook Community Band. Jon is performing bassist. He plays for the Star City Synidcate, Skinny Elvis, Haystack Union, and the Pelletier Lovejoy Jazz... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Donald P Corbett Hall Rm 107 28 Beddington Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Band

3:45pm EDT

Considering Equity and Access in Ensemble Recruitment and Retention

Friday May 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

This session will explore recruitment and retention for secondary ensembles through the lenses of equity and access. First, we will synthesize research on recruitment and retention. Then, we will offer practical and ready-to-use ideas teachers can implement into their programs. We will consider equity and access for Maine music students, underpinned by the belief that all students deserve quality music education opportunities through their public school education.

Speakers

Dr. Rebecca DeWan

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

Rebecca DeWan is the Libra 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... Read More →

Ellie Grant

Ellie Grant is a third-year Vocal Music Education major at the University of Maine, originally from Houlton, Maine. Ellie currently serves as the Assistant Music Director of UMaine Renaissance, an all-treble acapella group. She is also a member of the University Singers and performs... Read More →

Jeffrey Nowack

Jeffrey Nowack is a third-year music education/performance major with a trumpet concentration at the University of Maine, originally from Auburn California. He has been serving in the Maine Air National guard since 2021. At the university, Jeffrey participates in various ensembles... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 120 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Choral DEIA

3:45pm EDT

General Music (Theater) Class

Friday May 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Want to put a little drama (the good kind) into your K-4 General Music classes? Few of us have theater opportunities in our schools for this age group. Come to this workshop to learn a few songs/activities that will bring out the actor in your young students.

Speakers

Patti Gordan

Patti Gordan has been a General Music teacher for 43 years, 42 of those in the town of Raymond. In her career she has taught PreK through grade 8, General Music, Chorus, Band, and Orchestra. Currently, she teaches PreK through grade 4 General Music, and grades 3/4 chorus. She also... Read More →

Friday May 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Williams Hall Rm 110 18 E Mall Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Gen Mus K-5

3:45pm EDT

Teach Your Ensemble Fiddle Tunes (By Ear!) - Session 2

Friday May 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Speakers

Lauren Rioux

Friday May 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Memorial Union Coe Room China Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Orchestra

7:30pm EDT

Friday Evening Concert

Friday May 16, 2025 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT

2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Performers

New York Voices

Friday May 16, 2025 7:30pm - 9:00pm EDT
Collins Center for the Arts 2 Flagstaff Rd, Orono, ME 04473

Performance

9:00pm EDT

UMaine / USM Alumni Reception

Friday May 16, 2025 9:00pm - 11:00pm EDT

131 Munson Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Friday May 16, 2025 9:00pm - 11:00pm EDT
Wells Conference Center 131 Munson Rd, Orono, ME 04469

Conference Event