2026 MMEA Fall In-Service Conference: Full Schedule

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

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

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

Company Classroom Music, Band, Chorus, Orchestra

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

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

Company Band, Orchestra, Collegiate/Pre-Service (Student), Higher Education (Faculty)

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

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

Company Classroom Music, Band, Chorus, Orchestra, Higher Education (Faculty), Music Administration

2026 MMEA Fall In-Service Conference

1:30pm EDT

Mr. Barry Chesky

2:30pm EDT

Jonathan Bisesi

2:30pm EDT

Evan Combs

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