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2026 MMEA Fall In-Service Conference
Company: Band clear filter
Friday, October 16
 

9:00am EDT

How to use your band program to change school culture
Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Room F - 1100
This session helps early career and veteran music educators strengthen their impact on school culture and community engagement. Participants will explore building a structured band program that fosters collaboration, positive relationships, and alignment with school goals.Attendees will learn to design performances that reflect their school community and support students in feeling connected, valued, and safe, especially post-COVID.Key topics include social-emotional learning, expectations, discipline, parent engagement, classroom setup, and rehearsal routines. The session also highlights aligning program goals with the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and School Performance Plan (SPP) to boost recruitment, retention, and long-term success.
Presenters
avatar for Glenn Eichelberger

Glenn Eichelberger

Director of Band & Orchestra, Frederick Douglass High School
A native of Miami, Florida, Mr. Eichelberger began his collegiate studies at Florida A&M University, where he was a member of the renowned Marching 100, Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, Brass Ensemble, and Trombone Choir. During his time there, he was selected to the College... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Room F - 1100
  Collegiate/Pre-Service (Student), High School, Middle School

9:00am EDT

More Than a Performance: Intergenerational Music Making in Schools and Communities
Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Room I - 1131
Music education has the power to build meaningful connections beyond the classroom. This session explores how intergenerational and community-based music-making experiences can foster empathy, belonging, and stronger school-community relationships. We’ll explore real examples such as performances at independent and assisted living communities to collaborations with local schools and the creation of a community performing ensemble for students, family members, and staff. Attendees will learn about the educational and social benefits of these experiences and leave with practical, adaptable ideas for implementing similar initiatives in their own programs.
Presenters
avatar for Sidney South

Sidney South

Choral Director, Richard Montgomery High School
Sidney South is the choral director at Richard Montgomery High School, where she leads the choral program and serves as co-coordinator of the Performing Arts Regional Program. Choirs under her direction have been recognized for their high level of artistry and have been invited to... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Room I - 1131
  Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), High School, Middle School

9:00am EDT

Pro Audio 101 and Introduction to Wireless
Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Room H - 1123
You've been hired - great! Now your district has asked you to run sound for other concerts. What do you do? Perhaps you've been tasked with figuring out why the sound in the auditorium is never what you want it to be. This session will cover the basics of running a mixer, hooking everything up properly, and getting your wireless system to function the way it should!
Presenters
avatar for Fred Camin

Fred Camin

Senior Account Manager, Sweetwater Sound
Fred Camin has been in the music business for over 20 years. He grew up in Metro New York, and was involved in school music programs from the age of 7. While in college studying Jazz Performance, he had the chance to perform all over Europe, including performing his own arrangements... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Room H - 1123
  Music Technology, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, College, Community, Professional

9:00am EDT

Teaching the Intangible: Pillars of Expressivity
Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Room D - 1722
What does music “express” and how do instrumental musicians convey emotions without words? Music educators will discuss which performance techniques contribute to an expressive performance, such as phrasing, and will brainstorm pedagogical strategies to cultivate students’ ability to communicate musically. Suggestions will be made regarding the integration and clarification of expressive metaphors, verbal imagery, aural models, and direct instruction.
Presenters
avatar for Dr. Marina McLerran

Dr. Marina McLerran

Assistant Professor of Music Education, Towson University
Marina McLerran is an Assistant Professor at Towson University. She has a Ph.D. (2024) and an M.M. (2021) in music education from the University of Miami, and a B.M. in music education (2014) from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas. She has been published in the Music Educators... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am EDT
Room D - 1722
  Orchestra, High School, Middle School, Elementary School

10:00am EDT

Culture & Content
Friday October 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room J - 1137
Viral Content Creators Makynzie Barton and Kevin A. Lewis Sr. share background information of their use of social media and how it has positively impacted their professional settings. With a blend of culturally responsive teaching practices and relatable classroom struggles, attendees will get to engage with the creators, find quick useful tips for content and potentially take part in a viral moment during the session.
Presenters
avatar for Kevin A. Lewis Sr.

Kevin A. Lewis Sr.

Choral Director/MCEA President-Elect, Laurel High School
Kevin A. Lewis Sr. is a two-time graduate of Morgan State University with degrees in Vocal Performance and Teaching. He is the Choral Director at Laurel High School in Prince George's County and the President-Elect of the Maryland Choral Educators Association. He serves as Minister... Read More →
avatar for Makynzie Barton

Makynzie Barton

Choral/Theatre Director, Elkton High School
Makynzie Barton is the Choir and Theatre Director at Elkton High School in Elkton, MD, having studied at University of Delaware (roll hens!) as well as Berklee College of Music. Online, she creates content as a music educator, sharing the magic and madness of the classroom, arranging... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room J - 1137
  Emerging Practices, College; High School, Community, Elementary School, Middle School

10:00am EDT

Generated By AI: Using AI As An Assistant, Not A Crutch
Friday October 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room H - 1123
You want AI to organize your library, help bring your ideas to life, assist you in planning, and help facilitate how best to teach particular skillsets. You don't want it to create your music for you, think for you or mentor you. In this session, we will visit a few AI tools and how to use them to augment what we already do without handing over our responsibility to think. AI can be a powerful assistant when used ethically. We can also teach our students to use it this way too!
Presenters
avatar for Kerry J. Gilliard

Kerry J. Gilliard

Director of Instrumental Music, DuVal High School
Kerry J. Gilliard is the Music Department Chairperson at DuVal High School in Lanham, Maryland where he directs the multiple band and string ensembles. He is a past clinician at several MMEA Conferences and In-Services, an active composer and adjudicator. He holds a Masters in Conducting... Read More →
avatar for A. Danielle Gilliard

A. Danielle Gilliard

Director of Band and Orchestra, Samuel Ogle Middle School
A. Danielle Gilliard is veteran Band and Orchestra instructor at Samuel Ogle Middle School in Bowie, Maryland where she teaches grades 6-8. She conducts professional development and serves as a music curriculum writer for the Prince Georges’ County Public School System. She holds... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am EDT
Room H - 1123
  Music Technology, High School, College, Middle School, Professional, Elementary School

1:30pm EDT

More Music - Less Mayhem
Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Room F - 1100
We all have felt the lasting effects of the COVID-19 lockdown, particularly the increase in disruptive and negative student behaviors in classrooms. Since the pandemic, music educators have reported both increased frequency and severity of disruptive behaviors while also feeling underprepared to address them effectively. As schools increasingly adopt Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), many music teachers are seeking practical ways to adapt these strategies to ensemble and general music settings. This session aligns with the Emerging Practices strand by exploring evidence-based approaches for implementing PBIS effectively in music classrooms. Participants will learn strategies to reduce disruptive behaviors, strengthen classroom management, and create positive, safe, and productive learning environments that support student engagement and musical growth.
Presenters
avatar for Hannah Flach

Hannah Flach

Choir Director, North Hagerstown High School
Hannah Flach-Goff is a high school choir and general music teacher passionate about developing students' musicianship, creativity, and confidence. With a Bachelor's degree in Music Education and a Master's degree in Applied Behavior Analysis, Hannah is committed to helping educators... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Room F - 1100
  Emerging Practices, Middle School, High School

1:30pm EDT

The AP Music Theory Exam Detective: The Search For Clues to Enable Student Success In The Free Response Questions
Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Room J - 1137
This session will present an overview of the structure of the seven free response questions in the AP Music Theory Exam (Melodic Dictation, Harmonic Dictation, Part Writing and Soprano-Bass Counterpoint). Attendees will learn which concepts must be taught and strategies on applying these concepts to the individual questions on the exam. Data concerning common construction elements on these questions from prior AP exams will be shared with attendees.
Presenters
avatar for Mr. Barry Chesky

Mr. Barry Chesky

Performing Arts Faculty, Dulaney High School
This session will present newly published music for string orchestra geared towards middle and high school ensembles (grades 2 through 4). Each piece performed will include an annotated list of relevant musical and technical challenges in addition to other pertinent information that... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Room J - 1137
  Emerging Practices, High School, College

2:30pm EDT

From Accomodations to Empowerment: Practical Strategies for True Classroom Inclusion of Disabled Students
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room I - 1131
No matter where or what you teach, you teach disabled students. We will define disability, learn how and why to presume compitence, and learn how to make the environment, materials, instruction, and communication truly accessible and inclusive for all students. You will actively use communition tools during the instruction, experience the effect of instuctional modifications, and get to try out adaptive materials to play instruments and interact with other participants. You will also have the opportunity to apply these strategies and tools to prepare for your classroom and your students.
Presenters
avatar for Erika Safford

Erika Safford

Music Teacher, Carroll Springs School
As a music educator, Erika Safford has taught all high and middle school choir, as well as k-5 general music. In her current position, she teaches vocal, instrumental, and general music at a separate day school in Carroll County, serving students aged 3-21 with diverse, but significant... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room I - 1131
  Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Access (DEIA), Elementary School, Middle School, High School, College, Community, Professional

2:30pm EDT

And These Instruments, Too!
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room C - 1745
Standard and non-standard accessory percussion instruments will serve as the focus of this interactive session, featuring programming, instruction, and active student participation through a variety of solo, chamber, and concert works. Participants will explore rehearsal and practice strategies designed to engage student musicians of all skill levels, building confidence and performance proficiency on these often-overlooked instruments.
Presenters
avatar for Jonathan Bisesi

Jonathan Bisesi

Director, University of Maryland Percussion Studio, University of Maryland
Jonathan Bisesi is currently Assistant Clinical Professor, Percussion and the Director of the Percussion Studio at the University of Maryland where he teaches private lessons, directs the UMD Percussion Ensemble, teaches courses in Percussion History and Literature, Percussion Pedagogy... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room C - 1745
  Emerging Practices, Middle School, Elementary School, High School, College, Community, Professional

2:30pm EDT

Microlearning Music: Chunking Learning vs. Time
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room J - 1137
Rehearsals often struggle to balance depth of learning with realities of limited time. This session explores microlearning as a learning design strategy that targets retention, transfer, and ensemble growth. Explore the cognitive science behind attention, knowledge transfer, and context switching, while evaluating the definition of a complete learning experience. Participants apply concepts through a guided activity that will give them a practical framework for implementing microlearning in their own classes.
Presenters
avatar for Evan Combs

Evan Combs

Composer & Educator, PIXEL
Evan designs learning experiences that blend creativity, technology, and educational science, helping learners of all ages grow in meaningful, measurable ways. His work spans K-12, higher education, workforce, and organizational development, where he leads teams in building authentic... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room J - 1137
  Emerging Practices, High School, Middle School, Elementary School, College

2:30pm EDT

Mirror, Mirror: Exploring the why and how of reflective practices for music teachers.
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room B - 1719
Drawing on the work of Stronge, Danielson and van Manen, and predicated on Dewey’s statement that “learning improves to the degree that it arises out of the process of reflection,” this session provides an overview of the philosophical foundations of reflective practice and facilitates an exploration of a wide variety of reflective practice tools that can be implemented by music teachers at all stages of the professional experience continuum. Once we begin this process, we begin to see and hear what we really do – or don’t do – not just what we think we do. It will lead us to be more reflective and to be comfortable leading our students into reflective activity by example.
Presenters
avatar for Stephen W. Miles, Ph.D.

Stephen W. Miles, Ph.D.

Adjunct Faculty, Washington County Public Schools and Southern New Hampshire University
Dr. Stephen Miles is a former member of the music education faculty at Towson University and is active in the Mid-Atlantic region as a clinician, conductor and adjudicator. Dr. Miles served as a music supervisor for 25 years and taught instrumental music in Virginia and Maryland for... Read More →
Friday October 16, 2026 2:30pm - 3:15pm EDT
Room B - 1719
  Music Administration, High School, Middle School, College
 

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Friday, October 16
Area A - Entrance
Area B - Cafeteria
Room A - Auditorium
Room B - 1719
Room C - 1745
Room D - 1722
Room E - 1732
Room F - 1100
Room G - 1117
Room H - 1123
Room I - 1131
Room J - 1137
Room K - Media Center
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