2026 MMEA Fall In-Service Conference: Full Schedule

9:00am EDT

2026 Maryland High School Tenor/Bass Demonstration Chorus - Rehearsal

Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT

Maryland Choral Educators Association (MCEA) will host the Maryland Tenor/Bass High School Demonstration Chorus as a featured session at the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA) Fall In-Service on Friday, October 16, 2026 in Frederick County. The chorus will include exemplary tenor and bass singers from across the state of Maryland in grades 9-12 (as of the 2026-2027 school year). Educators may nominate up to six (6) choral students. All nominated students must be members of their high school choral class or school sponsored choral ensemble.

High School tenor and bass choral students will have the opportunity to spend the day making music with a renowned guest conductor and other enthusiastic student musicians. The session will be programmed with diverse literature for lower voices and will focus on aspects of the rehearsal process including warm-ups, vocal technique and intonation, rehearsal techniques for the large chorus, recruitment, time management, and rehearsal pacing. At the conclusion, the ensemble will perform for conference attendees, family, and friends.

Date, Location, Schedule

Date - Friday, October 16, 2026
Location - Governor Thomas Johnson High School, Frederick County
Student Arrival/Check In - 9:00 to 9:30am
Rehearsal - 9:30am to 1:30pm
- There will be a short breaks
- Students remain with ensemble; bring a peanut/tree nut free snack
Lunch Break - 1:30pm-2:00pm
- Students remain with ensemble; bring a peanut/tree nut free bag lunch
Session Preparation - 2:00pm to 2:30pm
Session/Performance - 2:30pm*
Student Dismissal/Pick Up - 3:15pm

*Family and friends are encouraged to attend the concluding performance.

Presenters

Dr. W. Bryce Hayes

Associate Director of Choral Activities, James Madison University

Recently honored as Distinguished Teacher of the year by The College of Visual and Performing Arts, Dr. W. Bryce Hayes maintains an active career as a conductor, teacher, church musician, pianist, accompanist, and singer. As choral conductor, Bryce is currently Associate Professor... Read More →

James "Coach" Turk

Director of Vocal Music, DeMatha Catholic High School

James Turk, is the Director of Vocal Music at DeMatha Catholic High School, in Prince George’s County, Maryland. “Coach”, as he is affectionately called, has directed the High School Tenor/Bass Demonstration Chorus before and with great success. An educator, director, pianist... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 12:00pm EDT
Room K - Media Center

Chorus, High School

1:30pm EDT

Music Supervisor Roundtable with Collegiate Attendees

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT

Room K - Media Center

This session is designed for college attendees to meet music supervisors from around Maryland and interact with the supervisors and hear about effective interview and application strategies. Supervisors will share information with attendees about navigating the application process and effectively interviewing for a teaching position. Supervisors will talk with attendees about common interview questions, ways to promote themselves during the interview, and common mistakes to avoid. Attendees will also be able to ask questions.

Presenters

Dr. Kate Evans

Professor of Music Education, Towson University

Kate Evans, Professor of Music Education at Towson University, is a specialist in choral and general music education. Dr. Evans earned a Ph.D. in music education at the University of Miami. She received Master of Music degrees in music education and choral conducting, as well as the... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Room K - Media Center

Collegiate/Pre-Service (Student), College

Company Music Administration

2026 MMEA Fall In-Service Conference

9:00am EDT

Dr. W. Bryce Hayes

James "Coach" Turk

1:30pm EDT

Dr. Kate Evans

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