Issuu

Expand your range in the foothills of the Rockies. Advanced musical training, professional-level experiences, diverse opportunities for collaboration and a spirit of inclusive excellence await you at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music. Our faculty are deeply dedicated pedagogues standing by to support your success, whether your passion is to teach, perform, compose, research or rethink music entirely.

Application deadlines: Dec. 1, 2025 (grad/undergrad priority) Feb. 1, 2026 (undergrad final) March 1, 2026 (Summer MME)

Discover our wide-ranging undergraduate and graduate degree options—including our Summer Master of Music Education, designed for the working educator. undergraduate.music@colorado.edu graduate.music@colorado.edu

Table of Contents Executive Director: William Kohut Administrative Assistant/Communications Manager: Margie Camp

From the President.................................................................. 4-5 By Casey Cropp, CMEA President

Colorado Music Educator is the official publication of the Colorado Music Educators Association, a federated state unit of NAfME: The National Association for Music Education (which is an affiliate of the National Education Association) and is affiliated with the Colorado Education Association.

From the Instrumental Council Chair...............................8-9 By Chuck Stephen, Instrumental Music Council Chair

©2025 Colorado Music Educators Association. All rights reserved. None of the contents may be duplicated or reprinted without advanced written permission. The statements of writers and advertisers are not necessarily those of Colorado Music Educator, which reserves the right to refuse to print an advertisement. Colorado Music Educator, ISSN 0010-1672, is published quarterly by the Music Educators Association, 3617 Shoshone Street, Denver, CO. 80211. Subscriptions are $12.00 per year for members of the Colorado Music. Educators Association (included in annual dues) and $25.00 per year for non-members. This journal is published on-line at www. cmeaonline.org. For further information write to: Colorado Music Educator c/o CMEA Membership 3617 Shoshone Street Denver, CO 80211 Colorado Music Educator

From the Executive Director................................................ 6-7 By William Kohut, Executive Director

General Music Council News............................................ 12-13 By Paul Malley, General Music Council Chair From the College/University Council Chair.................14-15 By Brett Keating, College/University Music Council Chair-Elect Vocal Music News..................................................................16-17 By Bryan Kettlewell, Vocal Music Council Chair Tri-M News ........................................................................... 20-21 By Michelle Ewer, Tri-M Chair Membership News............................................................. 22-23 By Trey Tafoya, Membership Chair Retired Membership News............................................. 24-25 By Kirk Vogel, Retired Membership Chair Technology News.................................................................26-27 Sean Hedding, Technology Chair CMEA Past Presidents............................................................. 29 List of Advertisers...................................................................... 29 CMEA Conference Presenters.......................................30-73 In Memorium Guidelines...........................................................74 In Memorium - Richard Kusk...................................................75 In Memorium - Doug Dalton............................................76-77 Hall of Fame................................................................................. 78 CMEA Awards Order Form..................................................... 79 CMEA Conference Exhibitors........................................80-89

WINTER 2025-26

Casey Cropp

CMEA President

From the President Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas! ¡Feliz Navidad! Here come the holidays… I’m writing this just over a week before Thanksgiving – the day after the Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, Woo Hoo!! - and am thinking of all that each of you has been doing already this year, as well as making your preparations for what was always multiple performances and appearances throughout the community celebrations. I’m a Christmas guy. I really do love the decorations, lights, trees, and especially the music of the season. Just this morning, I suggested to my very patient wife that we put up the lights on our house. I look forward to this season with great anticipation. I’ve always been that way, but over the past several years, it has become even more special with our three grandchildren (5, 4, and 1 ½ - and one more coming soon). As someone who taught instrumental music for 33 years, not everyone will relate to my experience of band remembrances, but I hope you’ll

Colorado Music Educator

indulge my thoughts for a few minutes. I will land the plane safely for everyone!! For me, the season begins with the culmination of the marching band competitions. The celebrations of all the fantastic work and performances throughout Colorado, and all the final competitions that cap off incredible achievement over the last five or six months. Soon after comes the Thanksgiving Day Parade (which I always thought would be fun to do, but never did), and then I remember the 20 or more performances leading up to the Christmas break… malls, care homes, bookstores, tree lightings in downtown, Tuba Christmas, Parade of Lights, and we always had (and my school continues to do) the Holiday Stocking performance which was held at our large community performance hall. It is a collage style, choir-orchestraband-small ensemble-jazz band-no clapping between songs-90 minute-extravaganza!! Usually, the next day after I’d fly out to Chicago for the Midwest Clinic. Seeing the lights

WINTER 2025-26

and decorations of Chicago and going to the symphony are traditions of the season that are very special and cherished for me. Arriving home just days before Christmas and spending many days with family, smiling and laughing with our grandkids. I highly recommend grandkids!!! Turning the page and starting the second semester while recovering from the numerous responsibilities prior, I have, for the past 46 years looked forward to the culmination of the season by coming to the Broadmoor Hotel, reconnecting with people I respect and enjoy, celebrating outstanding performances, re-energizing for the second half of the year, and enjoying the beautiful decorations and lights that people from around the world travel to as a major destination. Others who are writing articles for this publication will encourage you to attend CMEA for all the professional benefits,

Colorado Music Educator

which are more than valid. They will share information on clinicians and performing ensembles that really deserve your attention and attendance. Hopefully, they will share their own connections to why they have become involved in CMEA and why it has been valuable for them to be a part of it. I echo their encouragement to you! For me, all their arguments for attending are essential to music education and your involvement and success. I have allowed it to become a part of my lifestyle and a culmination to the holiday season. The value of gathering together for this conference is more to me than meetings and concerts. It is engaging with membership, interacting with colleagues, and sharing ideas and strategies to better equip the students we are gifted to have in our programs. It is making friends and developing relationships that enhance our professional and personal lives.

As I approach the end of my leadership position in CMEA in January, I want to thank all of you for the work you do day in and day out. You may be aware that I accepted the opportunity to be considered for this position shortly after a significant health scare in early December 2021. I am blessed to be here with all of you, and I do not take any of this for granted. It has truly been my honor to serve CMEA and all of you in this position. Please allow me the opportunity to thank you personally at our upcoming conference in January. I’d love to hear about your experiences and successes!! And by the way – by that time we may have welcomed our newest grandson! I’m sure to have pictures!!! Until then, I wish you a truly memorable and special holiday season! Casey

WINTER 2025-26

Executive Director News Get Ready for an Unforgettable Experience at the 2026 Colorado Music Educators Conference! We are absolutely thrilled to welcome each and every one of you to the 2026 Colorado Music Educators Conference! This year promises to be one of our most exciting gatherings yet, filled with fresh opportunities, inspiring learning experiences, and meaningful connections. From the moment you arrive, you’ll notice some fantastic new additions, starting with free WIFI access for all participants. Stay connected, coordinate with colleagues, and make the most of every session, performance, and event throughout the conference! This is truly a special time to reconnect with fellow music educators from across the state, explore the newest innovations and resources in our always buzzing exhibit hall, and learn from outstanding experts from

Colorado Music Educator

William Kohut Executive Director

Colorado and beyond. Whether you’re here to grow professionally, spark new ideas, or simply revel in the energy of our vibrant community, this conference has something extraordinary for you. Pizza with the Presidents Event If you’re a CNAfME student or a first- through third-year educator, we can’t wait to welcome you at this fun and friendly gathering! Please remember that this event required an RSVP prior to January 4, 2026, and we look forward to seeing those of you who signed up! Collegiate Reception for Outof-State Graduates Did you complete your degree outside of Colorado? Don’t miss this special CMEA-sponsored Collegiate Reception on Friday, January 30, hosted in the beautiful Main Ballroom at The Broadmoor Hotel. It’s a perfect opportunity to connect, network, and celebrate with other out-of-state alumni now teaching in Colorado.

WINTER 2025-26

Salsa Night – Feel the Rhythm! The celebration continues Friday evening with our sizzling Salsa Night—an event you won’t want to miss! Join CMEA Leadership for a vibrant evening filled with salsa-themed food, lively music, and endless fun. Whether you come to listen, learn a few new moves, or dance the night away, the spotlight will be on the incredible La Orquesta Bailenque, one of Colorado’s most celebrated salsa bands, featuring CMEA members within the ensemble! Please note: this event also required an RSVP before January 4, 2026.

Here’s to a conference filled with music, connection, & celebration!

The 2026 Colorado Music Educators Conference is shaping up to be a truly unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to see you soon and share an inspiring, energizing, and joyful week together.

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Instrumental Council News The Instrumental Music Council has a wonderful lineup for the clinic/ conference in January. The conference promises to be an invaluable opportunity for all music educators to learn, collaborate, and grow. We are excited to announce three Wednesday evening sessions. At 5:30 pm Bob Phillips and Chris Bernotas will present a clinic titled; “Strings, Winds, Percussion, Oh My! A Survival Guide to Full Orchestra for Band and String Teachers”. At 7:30pm there will be a performance by the critically acclaimed Athena Brass (America’s first all female brass band). Also, at 6:15pm Colorado ASTA will present a rehearsal lab featuring Michael Hopkins and the Stargate High School Orchestra. These sessions will be truly inspiring so plan to include Wednesday evening as part of your conference! We are so fortunate to start Thursday morning with a keynote by Ray Cramer. The Instrumental Council headlining presenters this year are Matthew Arau, Michael Hopkins

Colorado Music Educator

Chuck Stephen

Instrumental Music Council Chair

and Beth Fabrizio. Headline topics will include: “Understanding Your Students’ Needs: Motivation in the Orchestra Classroom,” “Developing Aural Skills and Tuning Independence in Orchestra,” “Upbeat! The Power Within,” “Edge of your Seat Rehearsals: Engage All Students Always,” “Inclusive Student Leadership,” “Rockin the Clarinet,” “The Dynamics of Marching Band: Preparing for Rehearsals, Fundamentals and all that Supports your Success with Adjudication.” Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from these outstanding educators. Throughout the conference we have clinics being presented by many of our Colorado colleagues and friends. We have sessions focused on specific instrument tips and techniques, concert programming, inclusion and more. You will find sessions specifically designed for jazz ensemble, concert band, marching band, orchestra, conducting, literature selection, and pedagogy. The schedule this year is packed with clinics as well as time to visit the exhibits!

WINTER 2025-26

We have a great lineup of performing ensembles: Orchestras – Denver School of the Arts, Ralston Valley High School, Arvada West High School, Lesher Middle School, Rocky Heights Middle School. Concert Bands – Denver School of the Arts, Fountain Ft. Carson High School, Legacy High School, Fountain Middle School, Ken Caryl Middle School. Jazz Bands – Lewis Palmer High School, Montrose High School, Janitell Jr. High School, Lesher Middle School. Collegiate Ensembles –Colorado State University Pueblo Wind Ensemble, Colorado Christian University Wind Ensemble, University of Colorado Boulder Jazz Band, Mesa State University Jazz Band, University of Denver- Lamont School of Music Symphony Orchestra. The most important feature of this conference is YOU! Don’t underes-

timate the impact you have on your fellow music educators - you don’t have to be presenting a clinic or conducting an ensemble to change someone’s perspective or give them a new idea to help rejuvenate them. Our greatest resource continues to be each other. The time we share in fellowship with one another is priceless. Plan to attend the ASTA, ASBDA, and CBA general meetings. Share a meal with a friend you haven’t seen in months or make a new connection with some of our newer/younger colleagues. Take this time to re-energize, and re-ignite your passion for music and teaching at this year’s clinic/conference. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the Broadmoor! Happy Holidays. Chuck Stephen, Instrumental Music Council Chair

Gray Line Full Page Ad

General Music Council News Greetings General Music Teachers! As we head into the end of the year, time is passing faster than I can ever remember. That also means we are getting close to conference time. I am beyond excited for the lineup we have to offer this year in the GMC world of CMEA! Below are some highlights that I am especially thrilled about, including some changes we are making this year. I am pumped to introduce our new Eurythmics on Wednesday Night!! Presented by the Colorado chapter of the American Eurhythmics Society, led by Oren Logan and Jake Elam, there will be a 75-minute Eurythmics session. Following this session, the GMC Council will lead a xylophone-reading session that will include a packet of arrangements for you to use in your classroom. This will be something you will not want to miss! Our West Music headliner this year is Thom Borden! He is leading four

Colorado Music Educator

Paul Maley

General Music Council Chair

sessions, all built around the theme of “process.” Thom has an incredible way of blending the Orff and Kodály approaches to create very accessible, usable, fun, and successful material with kids. The session’s topics will cover body percussion, using literature, using rhymes, and using movement. Thom is a master; come see him in action! Looking at some other highlights, I am excited to share that we have 4 Kodály headliners presenting this year. Any conference would be extremely happy to have just 1 of these ladies, but we have all 4! This year, we have Tanya LeJeune, Amy Abbott, Carrie Nicholas, and ROCKE-sponsored clinician, Melissa Stouffer. This is an amazing opportunity for Colorado teachers to learn from some of our strongest educators! Our incredible partners at the Rocky Mountain Orff Chapter are bringing Kris Olsen this year!! Kris Olson has taught music and movement for over 30 years in public

WINTER 2025-26

and private schools, community centers, and dance studios. I am super thankful to have Kris coming to share her expertise and knowledge. These are just a few of the great things happening at CMEA in the GMC world this year. Don’t forget about the Modern Band 101 training on Wednesday from 10am to 4pm. We are also hosting two choir concerts along with two percussion ensemble concerts. We are offering sessions on trauma-informed education, behavior management, ukulele, recorder, folk dancing, musical theater, games, drumming, lesson planning, and children’s literature. We will truly have something for everyone!

the way. It is easy to get focused on the shows; we tend to forget the fun of the preparation. Don’t forget to enjoy the ride! Happy Holidays to you all, and we’ll see you soon! Paul Maley GMC Chair www.paulmaley.com

I wish you all the happiest holiday concert season! I know I have four concerts coming up, but I keep reminding myself, and encourage you to do the same, to appreciate and enjoy everything along

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Brett Keating

College/University Council Chair-Elect

College/University Council News As Chair-elect of the College and University Council of the Colorado Music Educators Association, it is my great pleasure to invite you to the 2026 CMEA Conference this January. Each year our conference brings together an extraordinary community of music educators, performers, presenters, and students. This coming gathering promises to be one of our most energizing and forward-looking events yet. CMEA has always been a place where meaningful conversations spark new ideas and where educators at every stage of their careers find renewed purpose. The 2026 conference builds on this tradition with expanded opportunities for collaboration between K–12 and higher education with a strong emphasis on innovative pedagogy, and an array of sessions designed to support both artistic excellence and professional growth. Our committee has worked closely with colleagues across the state to curate sessions that reflect the evolving needs of

Colorado Music Educator

our classrooms and ensembles while celebrating the rich musical identity of Colorado. I encourage you to make plans to attend, reconnect with colleagues, and meet new ones. There is nothing quite like being surrounded by people who share your passion for music, learning, and community. The energy that fills The Broodmoar each January reminds us why we do this work and why our students benefit so deeply from the dedication of Colorado’s music educators. On behalf of the College and University Council, I look forward to welcoming you to a conference that celebrates our collective achievements and inspires the path ahead. Let’s gather, learn, perform, and dream together as we start 2026 on a high note. Brett Keating College and University Council Chair-elect

WINTER 2025-26

Vocal Music Council News Hello music colleagues from across the state. I am very excited about our upcoming 2026 conference, and I hope you are too. If you have not yet registered, there is still time. Please visit the CMEA website and make sure you are in attendance for this year’s conference! We will offer some wonderful concerts and clinics this year, and I wanted to take a moment to highlight a few for you. First, I encourage everyone to come to the Broadmoor on Wednesday evening for a unique concert. Kinard Middle School has combined with two of its feeder elementary schools, Traut and Zach Core Knowledge Schools, to present a combined concert with over 100 singers. This combined ensemble will showcase how schools can integrate with their feeders to prepare larger works and music that a single school could not perform on its own. This could serve as a model for any size school or community, showing how combining music programs can yield amazing results and experiences for all students.

Colorado Music Educator

Bryan Kettlewell

Vocal Music Council Chair

This year, we are featuring two collegiate ensembles, one from Colorado State University and the other from the University of Northern Colorado. The Concert Choir from CSU under the direction of Nathan Payant will present a variety of music sure to dazzle all in attendance. The UNIC concert is a collaboration between the UNIC Chamber Choir, the Latin Beats Latinx ensemble, and their conductors. Designed to offer practical suggestions for responsible programming and presenting music that represents Mexico’s diverse musical heritage, this session features music that is rich, diverse, and accessible. A historical context of these works will be discussed, with an overview of rehearsal and programming strategies. This year, we are featuring eight reading sessions, with most sponsored by a specific publisher. This means that from these sessions, you will walk away with a physical packet of music. Reading sessions will focus on music for both middle school and high school students, WINTER 2025-26

from two-part arrangements to four-part with divisi. You are sure to walk away finding something new you can bring to your students this school year. New to the conference this year, all attendees will have access to the Broadmoor wifi, making your connectivity that much easier on all devices. This will significantly help your access to digital reading session materials. Next, I am very excited to announce that our headliner presenter for this upcoming CMEA conference is renowned composer, educator, and church music director Victor Johnson. Victor brings a wealth of experience across all of these realms, and he will present a variety of sessions accessible to choir teachers at any level. Here are some brief descriptions of the headliner sessions that will be offered at this year’s conference: quick-fix techniques to boost rehearsal efficiency, energizers and icebreakers to build classroom community, and two separate curated reading sessions for both high school and middle school choirs packed with fresh, engaging repertoire. Victor will also bring his experience as a church Colorado Music Educator

musician and present a session that will provide guidance for sustaining energy and purpose in music ministry, practical tips for transforming poetry into meaningful choral settings, and strategies to develop tone, teamwork, and confidence in tenor-bass choirs. We are greatly looking forward to showcasing a variety of options at our annual conference this year. This article highlighted only a few of the fantastic sessions and concerts that are presented this year. Make sure to download the conference app to take a more detailed look at all of the sessions and concerts, and make your daily plan to maximize your time. As always, the vocal music council is here to serve the educators across our great state. Should you ever have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us via email at: vocalmusiccouncilchaircmea@cmeaonline.org. Thank you all, and I wish you all the best in the remainder of this semester. All the best, Bryan Kettlewell

WINTER 2025-26

ADAMS STATE UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC

MAVERICK AT HEART coloradomesa.edu/music

Personalized and Relevant Instruction for the 21st-Century Musician

• Bachelor of Arts in Music Education, Performance, Composition, and Music Industry • Master of Arts in Music Education (partially or fully online) > Ranked 7th in the Nation by OnlineMastersDegrees.org Priority Scholarship consideration: March 1 Accredited Member of the National Association of Schools of Music

music.adams.edu

For more information, contact: Dr. James Lind 719-587-7703 • jlind@adams.edu

DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC

SCHOOL OF MUSIC, THEATRE, AND DANCE at t h e Unive r s i t y Ce nte r fo r t h e A r t s

AT COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

UNDERGRADUATE & GRADUATE DEGREE AREAS

EDUCATION l CONDUCTING l THERAPY l PERFORMANCE l COMPOSITION l JAZZ STUDIES

FULL-TIME MUSIC EDUCATION MASTERS DEGREES

M.M., Music Education l M.M., Music Education with Licensure l M.M. Music Education, Composition

INNOVATIVE ONLINE DEGREES with SHORT-TERM SUMMER RESIDENCIES

M.M., Music Education, Kodály l M.M., Music Education, Conducting l M.M., Music Therapy

SPECIALIZED GRADUATE PROGRAMS

Colorado Kodály Institute l Dalcroze-based Eurythmics Course l Graduate String Quartet Program Opera Fort Collins Apprentice Artists l Arts Management Degree l Ph.D. in Music Therapy

ANNUAL ALL-STATE INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS

Videos help high school instrumental students prepare for upcoming auditions. Available each fall

2026 AUDITION DATES: JAN. 24, FEB. 14, FEB. 16, AND FEB. 21 Undergraduate Scholarships and Graduate Assistantships Available; Registration required. Email SMTD@colostate.edu for details.

SCAN ME TO VIEW THE CSU MUSIC BROCHURE

musi c .c o l o state .e d u

# c s u m u s i c

IN-STATE TUITION FOR EVERYONE: $4,830* REDUCED CAMPUS LIVING COSTS: $5,992* GENEROUS SCHOLARSHIPS: UP TO $10,000 *Costs may vary based on room selection, number of credits, and individual program or class fees.

10+ ENSEMBLES | MUSIC | MUSIC TECHNOLOGY 400 SEAT PERFORMANCE HALL, RECORDING STUDIO, AND SO MUCH MORE!

(888) 675-0505 | enrollment@sheridan.edu | sheridan.edu/music

Michelle Ewer Tri-M Chair

Tri-M News Greetings from Tri-M, Registration is open for Tri-M Day and we can’t wait to see you January 28th in Colorado Springs. Our Early Registration Deadline closes December 20th. The fee is $35 per student. Late Registration closes January 12th. The fee is $45 per student. All Directors and Assistant Directors must be registered for the Clinic/Conference to attend Tri-M Day. There will be a one-day registration option in January for Directors who can only attend on Wednesday. Go to https://cmeaonline.org/tri-m/ for registration links. Be sure and have students sign up for their sessions once you have confirmed their attendance. Badges will be printed from the registration list. Any substitutions will not receive an updated badge. Lunch is own your own.

Colorado Music Educator

The Broadmoor has a strict policy that there are no on-site food deliveries. You will have 90 minutes to eat. If you bring a sack lunch, we ask that you eat discreetly in the Ballroom and not the Lobby. Thanks for helping us keep a strong relationship with the Broadmoor Hotel. The conference is going to be fantastic. We have 18 sessions to choose from. There is something for everyone. Vocal techniques, Composition, Fiddling, Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Brass Masterclass, Radio Talk Show Host, Mindfulness, Hip Hop, Improvisation, Leadership for future Music Educators, Saxophone Technique, Dancing, Practice Techniques, Ukulele and Embracing musical space. Our Keynote is the 101st Army Band Hot 7 Jazz Band. Enjoy great music and learn about education incentives and travel opportunities. Sing and Dance and

WINTER 2025-26

have a good time. As is tradition we will end our day in song. Welcome our Guest Conductor Michel Hopkins, as he takes us through our performance.

help cover expenses. What parent is going to turn down a day at the Broadmoor Please reach out with any questions. I look forward to seeing all of you in January!

New this year is exhibitor’s time. Sign up your school to visit several of the CMEA exhibitors during lunch and early afternoon. More information will be coming on this.

Sincerely, Michelle Ewer Colorado Tri-M Chair TriMChairCMEA@cmeaonline.org

It is already DECEMBER. What are you waiting for? Register Today!! Your students are going to love the day. Ask for parent drivers to

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Member News As we move into the second half of the school year, I am continually inspired by the dedication, creativity, and resilience of music educators across Colorado. Whether you teach in an elementary general music classroom, direct a middle or high school ensemble, lead a collegiate program, or work as a private studio instructor, the common thread uniting us all is community. Our membership is strongest when we stay connected, share ideas, and support one another. We are seeing an increase in early-career teachers joining our profession, as well as strong support from veteran educators who remain committed to advancing music learning for every student. Active involvement in our organization strengthens our collective voice and expands the impact we can have on statewide music

Colorado Music Educator

education advocacy. Why Membership Matters Being an active member of CMEA is more important than ever. Your membership is paired with your NAfME membership, giving you access to a powerful national network alongside your state community. Membership connects you with colleagues across Colorado and across the country, provides meaningful professional learning, and supports essential advocacy efforts that protect and advance music education in our schools. When you join or renew, you are supporting not only your own growth but the strength of our profession statewide. The Power of Community At its core, CMEA is a community of educators who care deeply about their students and about each other. In a profession that can sometimes feel isolating, it is essential

Trey Tafoya

Membership Chair

to know that you are not alone. We are here for one another. The strength of our association comes from shared experiences, honest conversations, and the collective wisdom we gain when we support colleagues through challenges and celebrate successes together. By staying connected, we ensure that every educator in Colorado has a network to lean on, learn from, and grow with. NAfME + CMEA Membership Benefits Joining or renewing gives you access to a wide range of professional resources and opportunities, including: •

•

Advocacy resources at both the national and state levels to support and protect your music program Professional learning, including webinars, periodicals, teaching guides, and the full

WINTER 2025-26

•

NAfME webinar archive Community and collaboration through NAfME’s Connect forum and leadership opportunities in state and national councils Student opportunities, including honor societies, recognition programs, and composition contests Access to CMEA member benefits, including conference participation, statewide networking, and state-level support Practical resources, including copyright guidance and educator-focused insurance options

If you have questions about national benefits, the NAfME Member Services team is available at memberservices@nafme.org The CMEA Conference Experience Whether you are a new teacher, a college student

Colorado Music Educator

preparing to enter the field, or a seasoned educator, the annual CMEA Clinic/ Conference offers something for everyone. With nationally and internationally recognized clinicians, attendees gain high-level strategies, inspiration, and practical tools that elevate instruction and rehearsal planning. Our student and professional performances are always a highlight, offering artistic excellence that inspires long after the conference concludes. The exhibit hall remains a vibrant hub for discovering new teaching tools, music, technology, travel opportunities, and more. From major companies to local vendors, our exhibitors are dedicated partners in supporting music programs throughout Colorado.

you to take advantage of this window. Make plans to attend, be inspired, reconnect, and recharge for the year ahead. As always, I am here to support our members. If you have ideas about how CMEA can better serve you, suggestions for outreach, or questions about membership, please reach out. Your voice truly matters. Thank you for all you do for your students, your communities, and our shared profession. I look forward to seeing many of you at the clinic-conference and to continuing our work together throughout the year. Warm regards, Trey Tafoya membershipCMEA@cmeaonline.org

Regular conference registration is open until January 10th, and I encourage

WINTER 2025-26

Kirk Vogel

Retired Members Chair

Retired Members Greetings Retired CMEA Membership! I was reminded recently how enjoyable trying new things can be. This summer I tried an e-bike for the first time and this fall I was introduced to pickleball (I know I’m late to that sport!). How fun it is to try new things! I hope y’all are looking for those new events, activities, restaurants, museums, trails or travel that are just waiting to be explored. Have you looked at the convention schedule yet? Did you see a new interesting session, an exciting presenter or a dynamic performing group that you want to see? What are you most looking forward to seeing/doing at the convention? The convention theme Music Speaks: A Legacy of Inspiration can certainly speak to retired membership! I hope you are continually reminded of the impact you had

Colorado Music Educator

(and still have) on students. Running into former students allows us to remember the great kids that they were and the wonderful people they’ve grown into. Registration for the CMEA Conference at the Broadmoor is in full swing. Hopefully, you’re already registered, but if not, remember you must register by December 23rd in order to be included in the count for the retired luncheon. The luncheon is at a new time this year (12 noon) with an extended time, 12:00-1:30, to allow for more time to converse with each other. The luncheon will be held in Broadmoor Hall D/E to allow for the extended time and the 12:00 start time. Retired membership started a tradition last year of presiding over sessions at CMEA that appeal to all members. We are continuing that tradition this year and are presiding over 8 sessions at the 2026 CMEA

WINTER 2025-26

If Fall is in the air, the CMEA Conference can’t be too far off. Convention. Sessions will be held in Bartolin Hall (Room 207,208,209). Here is the schedule of sessions. Find something new and exciting and attend a few of these sessions! THURSDAY JANUARY 29, 2026 • 11:00-11:50 - EdSpeak for Music Teachers: Turning Buzzwords Into Administrative Buy-In Bryce Melaragno and Kim Wilson-Paugh • 2:00-2:50 - Restorative Practices For the Music Classroom - Megan Lewin • 3:00-3:50 - Embracing (Musical) Space: Integrating Music Improv and Composition to Music Curriculum - Nicholas Felder FRIDAY JANUARY 30, 2026 • 10:00-10:50 - Survive, Stabilize, Thrive: Going Beyond Making Ends Meet - Thomas Chen • 2:00-2:50 - Successful Student Teacher/Mentor Teacher Experiences - Krissie Weimer

Colorado Music Educator

•

4:00-4:50 - How Retired Do You Want to Be? - Michelle Ewer

SATURDAY JANUARY 31, 2026 • 9:00-9:50 - Teacher Attrition and Strategies for Maintaining or Reigniting Passion for the Profession - Tim Cox • 12:00-12:50 - Those Who Dream: Empowering Underrepresented Voices in Music - Chue Vue and Xareny Polanco I hope to see all of you at the Retired Luncheon on Friday January 30th from 12:00-1:30PM in Broadmoor Hall D/E. We can share all the new things we’ve tried this year and the ways we continue to inspire in the Colorado music scene. Back on the Slopes, Kirk Vogel CMEA Retired Membership Chair retiredmembershipcmea@cmeaonline.org

WINTER 2025-26

Sean Hedding

Technology Chair

Embracing Innovation: Exploring Technology at the 2026 CMEA Conference As we look ahead to the 2026 CMEA Conference, I am thrilled to share the incredible lineup of technology-focused sessions designed to inspire, empower, and elevate music educators across Colorado. Each year, our conference serves as a reminder of the creative possibilities that arise when music education and emerging technologies work hand in hand. This year is no exception—we have an exceptional slate of presenters ready to guide you through practical tools, fresh ideas, and forward-thinking approaches that you can bring directly back to your teaching setting. We kick off with Craig Edgar’s “Do You Hear What I Hear? Monitoring Solutions for Creative Ensemble.” As more programs explore amplified or electroacoustic elements, monitoring becomes essential for both performers and directors.

Colorado Music Educator

Craig’s session will unpack strategies for creating clear, reliable monitoring environments that support confident musicianship—whether you’re working with a rock ensemble, soloists, or a hybrid acoustic/ electronic group. Continuing our exploration of amplified performance, Justin Hubbard offers two dynamic sessions: “Making It More Accessible: Performing Electroacoustic Works with Your Ensemble” and “Audio Gear 101: Cables, Microphones, Speakers, and More.” Justin combines practical know-how with an educator’s perspective, giving attendees both the philosophical framework and nuts-and-bolts knowledge needed to introduce electroacoustic repertoire or improve the audio workflow within any rehearsal space. If you’ve been wanting to incorporate tech-

WINTER 2025-26

nology but weren’t sure where to begin, Justin’s sessions will provide a perfect entry point. Our marching arts community will be excited to see Ryan Unangst return with “Audio Optimization for the Marching Arts.” With sound reinforcement now playing a pivotal role in outdoor performance, this session will help directors navigate equipment choices, system design, and rehearsal-friendly workflow tips. Ryan will also present “Mic and Mix Tips for Jazz and Modern Band,” ideal for anyone working with amplified soloists, rhythm sections, or venue-dependent performance setups. His real-world expertise will leave you feeling more empowered and less intimidated by the audio side of your performances. Modern band educators will not want to miss Mary Claxton’s “Tech Tools for Modern Band.” Mary brings an educator-centered approach that blends creativity, accessibility, and classroom practicality. This session is a fantastic oppor-

Colorado Music Educator

tunity to discover apps, devices, and workflow ideas that can make your modern band classes more engaging and more streamlined. Whether you’re looking to improve your program’s audio setup, explore new repertoire possibilities, strengthen your digital workflow, or simply try something new, these sessions are designed to support educators at every level. I encourage you to take full advantage of these opportunities. Attend the sessions that speak to your current needs—but also consider stepping into something unfamiliar. Some of the most transformative professional moments happen when we challenge ourselves to learn outside of our comfort zones. The energy, collaboration, and innovation within CMEA continue to grow every year, and I cannot wait to see the connections and creative ideas that emerge from our technology track this January. Let’s make the 2026 conference our most forward-thinking and empowering one yet. See you there!

WINTER 2025-26

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Past Presidents of CMEA 1943-1946 Hugh E. McMillen+* 1946-1948 Katharyn Bauder* 1948-1950 Gus E. Jackson* 1950-1952 Mabel Henderson* 1952-1954 Paul Zahradka* 1954-1956 Warner L. Imig* 1956-1958 John T. Roberts+* 1958-1960 John Held+* 1960-1962 Byron Syring* 1962-1964 Charles Meeker* 1964-1966 Leo Meyer* 1966-1968 Jo Ann Baird+* 1968-1970 Dwight Dale * 1970-1972 James Miller* 1972-1974 Alex Campbell+* 1974-1976 Ralph Levy* 1976-1978 Larry Perkins* 1978-1980 E’Rena Hockenberry* 1980-1982 Kevin McCarthy 1982-1984 Herbert Goodrich 1984-1987 Earl Berglund*

1987-1990 Elza Daugherty+* 1990-1992 Norma Hess* 1992-1994 Mike Weiker* 1994-1996 Willie Hill, Jr.# 1996-1998 Bette Lunn* 1998-2000 Frank Montera* 2000-2002 Michael Kornelsen 2002-2004 Janet Montgomery* 2004-2006 Steve Meininger 2006-2008 Michelle Ewer 2008-2010 Cindy McCaskill 2010-2012 Tricia Kidd+ 2012-2014 Richard Shaw 2014-2016 Mark Hudson 2016-2018 Raleigh “Butch” Eversole 2018-2019 Mark Walters* 2019-2022 Kevin Beaber 2022-2024 Cynthia Eversole *deceased +SWMENC President #MENC President

Index of Advertisers Adams State University..................................... 18 Alfred Music Publishing/MakeMusic............ 80 Colorado Mesa University................................. 18 Colorado State University................................. 18 Gray Line................................................................... 10 Robertson & Sons................................................. 11 S’Cool Fundraising................................................ 11 Sheridan College................................................... 19 University of Colorado Boulder ...................... 2

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter Amy Abbott

Amy Abbott is in her 28th year of teaching elementary music, including the past 24 years in the St. Vrain Valley School District. She earned a B.M.E. from the University of Colorado Boulder and an M.M.E. with a Kodály emphasis from Colorado State University. She holds Kodály certifications from Portland State University (studied with Jill Trinka, Susan Brumfield, Vicki Loebell, and Sean Deibler) and Colorado State University (studied with Sue Litehold-Bowcock, Gabor Viragh, and Ann Eisen). Amy has presented at multiple OAKE national conferences, the Colorado Music Educators Association conference, the Oregon Arts Alliance conference, many OAKE chapters, and for Amarillo ISD, Bakersfield MEA, Fort Bend ISD, and St. Vrain Valley. She has taught Level 2 Pedagogy, Folksong, and Analysis in the CSU Kodály program and will teach Level 2 for LUCKE in summer 2026. She teaches general music at Red Hawk Elementary, directs a 4/5 choir and spring musical, and enjoys family, cross-stitching, blogging (musicalaabbott.com), and creating for her TpT store, Music a la Abbott.

Micayla Bellamy Adams

Micayla Bellamy Adams is an arts administrator, educator, and performer. She holds a Master’s in Arts Leadership and Cultural Management from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado. Micayla began her career as a Vocal Music Director, teaching choir, arts entrepreneurship, and musical theater. Under her direction, the program expanded outreach and produced a community mural. Her interests in ethnomusicology and pedagogy led to presentations at the Society for Ethnomusicology Southwest Chapter (2021) and Northern Illinois University’s Teaching World Music Symposium (2025). In 2022 she transitioned to arts administration and now serves as Managing Director of the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra and Program Director for Art Song Colorado. In these roles, she manages operations and finances and advances audience development. She volunteers in the arts. A soprano, she has performed with Opera Colorado, Loveland Opera, the Greeley Chamber Orchestra, and community choirs.

Colorado Music Educator

Carla Aguilar

Carla Aguilar, Ph.D., is a professor and Coordinator for Music Education at Metropolitan State University of Denver. She also serves as the Music Content Specialist with the Colorado Department of Education Standards and Instructional Support team.

Samuel Anderson

Samuel Anderson is in his third year of teaching at Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument, Colorado, where he directs two concert bands, a jazz band, beginning and advanced guitar courses, and a history of rock and pop class. During his first two years at LPHS, the Wind Symphony performed at the Colorado Bandmasters Association State Festival. A proud alumnus of Colorado State University, Sam earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education in 2023. At CSU, he served as the instrumental representative for the CNAfME chapter, undergraduate program director for the Middle School Outreach Ensembles, and teaching artist for the Junior Lift Clarinet Academy. He also taught woodwinds for the Monarch High School Marching Band and completed his student teaching at Liberty High School. Sam remains active as a performer with the Little London Winds in Colorado Springs and serves on the board of the Pikes Peak Jazz and Swing Society.

Matthew Arau

Dr. Matthew Arau is the founder of Upbeat Global and serves as Chair of Music Education and Symphonic Band Conductor at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. He is the author of Upbeat! Mindset, Mindfulness, and Leadership in Music Education and Beyond and the creator of the Upbeat Leadership Academy, a program designed to empower educators and leaders. Dr. Arau has presented, guest conducted, and taught student leadership across 40 states and four continents. In addition to 14 years in higher education, he draws on 15 years of experience teaching band at Walt Clark Middle School and Loveland High School in Loveland, Colorado, where he pioneered WINTER 2025-26

rs the Leadership Symposium. He continues to inspire students and teachers through workshops and clinics nationwide, combining his passion for leadership and music education. chapter, undergraduate program director for the Middle School Outreach Ensembles, and teaching artist for the Junior Lift Clarinet Academy. He also taught woodwinds for the Monarch High School Marching Band and completed his student teaching at Liberty High School.

Caroline Aylward

Caroline Aylward is in her third year as Director of Bands at Liberty High School in Colorado Springs. Under her leadership, the Wind Ensemble regularly receives Superior ratings at the Colorado Bandmasters Association Regional Festival and qualifies for state-level performance. She earned her master’s degree in Wind Band Conducting from the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music in 2023 and her bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Delaware in 2016. Ms. Aylward previously taught elementary and middle school band in Maryland and the Washington, D.C. area. She has presented research and clinics at national conferences, including the College Band Directors National Association National Conference, and has participated in conducting workshops at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the University of Arizona, and the Eastman School of Music. A frequent performer and conductor, she is now a member of the Little London Winds Community Band.

Roy Bailey

Roy Bailey is a Colorado-based educator and musician who serves as Music Instructional Curriculum Specialist for Denver Public Schools. In addition, he facilitates community projects including DJ workshops through Music Making and Lifted Voices, a spoken word and music initiative. A sought-after clinician, Roy has presented for school districts and organizations nationwide, including the Colorado Music Educators Association, Texas State Teacher Association, Colorado Department of Education, Wyoming and Nebraska Music Educators Associations, Adams State University, and the Modern Band Summit. He is the author of A Neo Soul Songbook, a music imColorado Music Educator

provisation text inspired by his years of teaching, and he has developed culturally responsive units for teaching Hip Hop and Neo Soul for grades 3–12, aligned with national and state standards. Roy’s work emphasizes creativity, improvisation, and culturally relevant approaches to music education.

Andrew Bajorek

Andrew Bajorek is Associate Director of Bands at Colorado Mesa University, where he leads the Maverick Stampede, Maverick Sound, Mesa Brass Band, and CMU Concert Band. He also teaches courses in music education and conducting while mentoring future music teachers. With experience across K–12 and collegiate settings, Prof. Bajorek is dedicated to helping programs thrive regardless of size, setting, or roster balance. His practical, people-centered approach addresses real-world challenges such as unbalanced instrumentation, rural scheduling, and student retention, while emphasizing creativity, community, and musical integrity. A sought-after clinician and speaker, he presents on topics including recruitment, program identity, brass pedagogy, and curriculum development. His research focuses on resilience and belonging in music education, reflecting his commitment to equitable access to meaningful musical experiences.

Ethan Barker

Ethan Barker is a music education student at Colorado State University whose work blends teaching, leadership, and community building. He is President of the Kappa Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi, Instrumental Representative for CSU’s CNAfME, and currently serves as President-Elect for Colorado CNAfME, where he champions equity, access, and representation in music education statewide. His leadership is guided by the belief that music must be a space where all students feel valued and empowered. Ethan’s teaching experience spans diverse contexts. As Section Coach for the Middle School Outreach Ensemble (MSOE), he builds inclusive sectionals that meet students where they are and celebrate growth at every level. At Lakewood High School and Summit Ridge Middle School, he has worked to foster confidence in young brass players, while his time at KinderCare deepened his commitment to creating WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter equitable, safe, and supportive classrooms. Outside of music, Ethan enjoys baking, playing pickleball, cheering on CSU sports, and bargain-hunting on Facebook Marketplace

Jennifer Barnes Jennifer Barnes is a sought-after vocalist, educator, clinician, and arranger, and Professor of Music at the University of North Texas. As Director of Vocal Jazz Studies, she oversees UNT’s vocal jazz program and directs the flagship UNT Jazz Singers, DownBeat’s 2020 Graduate College Vocal Jazz Large Ensemble winners. She has led award-winning ensembles at seven other universities, guest-conducted in sixteen states, taught at the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Camps (1998–2015), and publishes with SMP, Sheet Music Plus, and UNC Jazz Press. A 2016 DownBeat Jazz Education Achievement Award honoree (only the second vocal educator recognized), Barnes previously worked in Los Angeles as a studio and live vocalist, with credits on films such as WALL•E, Star Trek, and Ready Player One, and on TV’s Glee and World of Warcraft. She is the alto in Vertical Voices and released the album You Taught My Heart. MM, University of Miami; BM, Western Michigan University.

Amber Bartels

Singers Choir.

Amber Bartels is the music teacher at Blue Mountain Elementary School in Longmont, Colorado, where she is also the director of the Blue Mountain Beats Percussion Ensemble and the Summit

Amber graduated from Colorado State University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree. She completed Kodály Level I at Colorado State University in 2019. She completed Orff Level I at Southern Methodist University in 2019, and Orff Level II at Metro State University of Denver in 2023. Amber is passionate about creating a joyful elementary music experience and developing a lifelong love of music in her students. Amber is a graduate of St. Vrain Valley Schools and is proud to teach in the school district she attended. When she isn’t teaching, she enjoys spending time outside with her husband and their three young boys.

Colorado Music Educator

Jennifer Bartos

Jennifer Bartos has served as the creator and director of Tiger Voices for 15 years while teaching general music at Teller Elementary, where she works with students from Kindergarten through 5th grade. Her curriculum weaves together vocal and instrumental music, dance, and theater, inspiring creativity and self-expression in every child. Jennifer’s dedication has been recognized with the Colorado Thespian Elementary Educator Award in 2013 and 2020 and as Mile High Teacher at Barney Ford Elementary in 2007 and 2010. She has consistently earned top ratings in Denver Public Schools’ evaluation system, most recently in 2023, 2024, and 2025. Jennifer is passionate about guiding students toward self-discovery through the performing arts, helping them uncover their unique gifts and potential. She takes pride in creating a classroom where every child has the opportunity to shine and grow through music and the arts.

Danielle Bayert

Danielle Bayert is an elementary general music teacher in Lakewood, Colorado, where she has taught K–5 music at Kendrick Lakes Elementary since 2006. She has served in Jeffco Public Schools since 2005. Danielle holds degrees in woodwind performance, music education, and a master’s in music education with an emphasis in ethnomusicology from the University of Colorado Boulder. Her teaching blends traditional practices with culturally responsive approaches, using manipulatives, centers, and games to make learning joyful, engaging, and developmentally appropriate. She believes all children can learn through play and that high-quality arts education is a right for every student. Outside the classroom, Danielle enjoys performing on woodwinds and attending live music events. She also spends her time gardening, knitting, and parenting, balancing her passion for teaching with her love for family and creative pursuits.

Margaret Berg

Margaret Berg, Professor of Music Education and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies at the University of Colorado, has taught undergraduate and graduate courses WINTER 2025-26

rs in music education and string pedagogy. She is co-author of the book The ASTA String Curriculum: Assessment Companion and has contributed to the Teaching Music Through Performance series. Berg has published articles in various journals including Music Educators Journal, American String Teacher, Journal of Research in Music Education, Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, Journal of Music Teacher Education, Psychology of Music, and Music Education Research. She has chapters in several books including the Handbook of Qualitative Research in American Music Education, The Musical Experience: Rethinking Music Teaching and Learning, and the Oxford Handbook of Care in Music Education. She has presented at the CMEA Clinic Conference and at several national conferences including ASTA, NAfME, and SMTE. Margaret has served on the National ASTA Executive Board and was awarded the ASTA String Researcher Award.

Chris Bernotas

Chris M. Bernotas is a renowned composer, conductor, and educator with over 25 years of experience. As the Director of Instrumental Publications for Alfred Music, he contributes significantly to developing materials for band and orchestra programs worldwide. Celebrated for their accessibility and emotional depth, his compositions are performed by ensembles globally. In addition to his success as a composer, Bernotas has dedicated his career to teaching and working with students of all levels. He frequently serves as a guest conductor and clinician, leading honor groups and workshops that introduce fresh ideas and approaches to directors and their students.

Rhonda Blair

Rhonda Blair has worked in education for 20 years and currently serves as an Instructional Paraprofessional in her district. She has also held roles as a Reading and English Language paraprofessional, always committed to supporting students in their learning. Rhonda is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in education and brings a strong passion for teaching strategies that nurture the whole child. Her focus on calming strategies and helping students learn to regulate their Colorado Music Educator

bodies underscores her dedication to fostering both academic and personal growth. As a mother of two, she connects with her students on a personal level and strives to create a classroom environment that is both supportive and empowering.

Meredith Blecha-Wells

Praised for her “beautifully full and lyrically strong tone” (Gramophone), Meredith Blecha-Wells is a sought-after performer and instructor heard across the U.S., Europe, Australia, South America, and Asia. Her recordings span solo, chamber, and orchestral repertoire; her solo album was hailed as “technically dazzling” (The WholeNote) with “lyrical warmth and powerful athleticism” (Classical Music Discoveries). Releases appear on Naxos, Navona, and Onyx Lane, and have aired on WFMT. Formerly professor of cello at Oklahoma State University, she received college and university teaching awards. A dedicated pedagogue, her students have won competitions and entered programs at Juilliard, NEC, Eastman, and Rice, and festivals such as NYO/NYO2, Brevard, and Eastern. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana University (studies with Janos Starker and Helga Winold) and a DMA from Eastman, where she assisted Alan Harris; festival studies include Taos, Norfolk, Spoleto USA, and Bowdoin.

Annie Booth

Annie Booth (b. 1989) is an American jazz pianist and educator. She studied with Pat Bianchi, Jeff Jenkins, and Art Lande; trained at the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts; and holds a BM in Jazz Studies and an MM in Jazz Performance & Pedagogy from the University of Colorado Boulder. A three-time Westword “Best in Denver— Jazz” (2015–2017), she toured Mexico with the New York Jazz All Stars—Greg Gisbert Quartet. Honors include the 2017 Herb Alpert Young Jazz Composer Award, the 2017 ASCAP Phoebe Jacobs Prize, the 2020 DownBeat Graduate College Outstanding Performance award, and selection for JEN’s 2020 Young Composer Showcase (U.S. Navy Band Commodores). Her trio tours, including SXSW 2017. Since 2015 she has taught with CCJA and founded SheBop, a program for young women. She has taught at UNC, CU Boulder, UNT, and UNR, is adjunct at DU’s Lamont School, and serves as Managing Director of ISJAC. WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter Thom Borden

Thom Borden teaches PreK–5 music in Las Vegas and Kodály/ Children’s Literature at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. He has a B.A. in Music and an M.A. in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction. He completed Orff Levels at UNLV and the Orff Master Level at the University of Memphis under Jos Wuytack. Studies include music and movement in Paris and Kodály certification through CSU with Sr. Lorna Zemke. Thom is trained in First Steps and Conversational Solfege (Levels I–II). A past president of the Greater Chicago Orff Chapter and a founding member of the Las Vegas Kodály Chapter (LUCKE), he has presented at AOSA and OAKE conferences; in Australia, Canada, and China; and across the U.S. He chaired the AOSA Diversity Committee and helped found International Sharing Sunday USA. Publications include Orff arrangements for McGraw-Hill’s Spotlight on Music and Music Studio, and the FILE FOLDER FUN! series for active, interactive singing games.

Anika Borders

Anika Borders is the general msic teacher at Pagosa Springs Elementary School and a dance instructor and competitive choreographer at Pagosa Springs Dance Academy. With over seven years of experience in dance instruction, her choreography has received national recognition and top awards. Anika also works as a choreographer for community theater, high school, and junior productions, specializing in preparing musical theatre performers of all ages to shine on stage with confidence. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a minor in dance from Colorado Christian University. Beyond the classroom and stage, she and her husband enjoy jam sessions, contradancing, exploring the outdoors, and giving back to their community.

Athena Brass Band

The Athena Brass Band is the first women’s brass band in the United States, founded in 2003 by Laura Lineberger to perform at the International Women’s Brass Conference under the direction of Anita Cocker Hunt. Their successful debut led to numerous invited performanc34

Colorado Music Educator

es and commissioned works. Since 2012, Jessica Sneeringer has served as music director. The ensemble is comprised of distinguished performers, including current and former members of the U.S. Army Band, the U.S. Coast Guard Band, the Brass Band of Battle Creek, and the New Sousa Band. Many members are also college professors, school music educators, conductors, and professionals across diverse fields. In addition to their performances, most Athena musicians also play with NABBA brass bands, reflecting their dedication to advancing brass music and creating opportunities for women in the field.

Josh Brink

Josh Brink teaches music at Range View Elementary School in Severance, Colorado. With 14 years of experience in preschool, elementary, and middle school classrooms across Florida, Arizona, and Colorado, he is committed to fostering a love of music in young learners. His work has been recognized with honors as a Teacher of the Year finalist in both Florida and Arizona, and as the 2021 Coconino County Teacher of the Year. Josh brings energy and creativity to his teaching, inspiring students through engaging lessons and performances. Outside the classroom, he enjoys traveling to unique places, climbing mountains, and spending time outdoors with his wife, two sons, and their dog.

Wesley Broadnax

Wesley J. Broadnax is in his fifth year as Associate Professor of Music/Director of Bands at the University of Northern Colorado (Greeley), where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and Chamber Winds and oversees the wind band and graduate wind conducting programs. He previously held appointments at Drexel University, the University of Delaware, California State University, East Bay, and Michigan State University, and serves as Assistant Conductor of the Newark Symphony Orchestra. A Texas native, Broadnax earned a bachelor’s degree in music education from Stephen F. Austin State University and master’s and doctoral degrees in wind conducting from Michigan State. He maintains an active schedule as guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for honor ensembles. An advocate for new music, he has collaborated with composers. His international work includes WINTER 2025-26

rs masterclasses and concerts in Italy, Spain, and Argentina. He contributes to DEI initiatives with CMEA and holds memberships in CBDNA and ITA.

Jill Burgett

Dr. Jill Burgett is Professor and Director of Choral Activities at the University of Northern Colorado, where she conducts the Concert Choir and Chamber Choir and teaches graduate courses in choral methods and conducting. She previously served as Associate Director of Choral Activities at Ball State University. Burgett holds a DA and MM from Ball State University and a BM from Heidelberg University. She taught in Indiana public schools for twenty years before moving into higher education. A past president of both Indiana and Colorado ACDA, she has also served in leadership roles for Central Division and NCCO. Widely active as a conductor, clinician, conference presenter, and All-State Choir conductor, her research interests include Latin American and Catalan choral music, rehearsal pedagogy, and conducting techniques.

Dena Byers

Dena Byers has been with the Durham Children’s Choir since its founding in 2004. She teaches at Hillandale Elementary School and serves as a lead elementary music teacher for Durham Public Schools, where she has taught 27 years. National Board Certified, she was a finalist for District Teacher of the Year and received NC Symphony’s Jackson Parkhurst Award for Special Achievement in music education. An active ACDA and AOSA member, Dena has guest-conducted AllState Honor Choirs in Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee, and All-County choirs in NC, SC, GA, FL, and AL. She has presented for Orff Schulwerk chapters nationwide and at AOSA conferences. She teaches Level II Orff Schulwerk at the University of Memphis each summer. Dena holds B.A. degrees in Music Education and Vocal Performance from the University of Connecticut, an M.M. from the University of Minnesota, and Level III and Master Level Orff Schulwerk certifications (UNLV; University of Memphis).

Colorado Music Educator

Margie Camp

Margie Camp recently retired as Administrative Director and Training Choir Director for Young Voices of Colorado. With thirty years of public school experience, she served the Cherry Creek School District as choir director at Campus Middle School and as district music coordinator. Camp has been an active leader in CMEA, SWACDA, and ACDA, serving in a variety of roles throughout her career. She holds degrees from Trinity University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, as well as a music specialist degree from the University of Colorado Denver. In recognition of her contributions, she was inducted into the Colorado Music Educators Hall of Fame in 2011 and received ACDA’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 2023. In 2024, she was honored with both the SWACDA Lifetime Achievement Award and the Colorado ACDA Legacy Award, reflecting her enduring impact on music education

Kelly Carmichaell

Kelly Carmichaell is Director of Choirs at Boulder High School, where she has taught since 2021. She began her teaching career in 2016 at Challenger Middle School in Academy District 20, taking her choir to perform at CMEA in 2019. A Colorado native, Carmichaell grew up in Arvada and developed her love of music early on. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master’s degree in Music Education with an emphasis in ethnomusicology from the University of Colorado Boulder. From 2020 to 2022, she served as co-chair of the Colorado All-State Choir Board. Carmichaell is passionate about teaching at Boulder High, a community filled with creative and dedicated students, and is grateful for the ongoing support of her school and community in fostering meaningful musical experiences.

Alejandro Castaño

Alejandro Castaño is a jazz and Afro-Cuban drummer and percussionist based in Denver, Colorado. A first-generation Colombian and Cuban-American, he blends his heritage with his artWINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter istry, drawing deeply on cultural traditions. He has performed and recorded with renowned artists including Chuchito Valdés, Ron Miles, Benny Benack III, Raul Murciano, Steve Turre, Greg Gisbert, and Annie Booth. As an educator, Alejandro has led master classes at institutions such as the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, Truman State University, and the University of Wyoming, and since 2012 has served as a guest artist and educator at the National University of Costa Rica. He holds a Master of Music in Jazz Performance and Pedagogy from the University of Colorado Boulder, where his research focused on the history and cultural impact of Cuban music. Alejandro currently teaches percussion and jazz at the University of Colorado Boulder and the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts.

Michael Chandler

Originally from McKenzie, Tennessee, Michael Chandler taught music and movement to elementary students in Texas for 16 years, most in Lewisville ISD, where he was Teacher of the Year at two campuses. His ensembles performed at the TMEA Clinic/Convention in 2005, 2007, and 2013. Dr. Chandler has presented workshops in 38 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico for TMEA, TCDA, AOSA, and many state MEAs. He has taught in AOSA-approved Orff Schulwerk courses at Southern Methodist University, the University of Central Arkansas, the Hartt School, Oregon State University, the University of St. Thomas (MN), the University of Memphis, and Education Through Music–NYC. A past president of the North Texas Chapter of AOSA, he also served as a Regional Representative on the AOSA National Board of Trustees. He was pianist for the Children’s Chorus of Greater Dallas (10 years) and organist/pianist at Round Grove UCC (17 years). Author of Everyday Recorder, Recorder Everyday!, his work has appeared in Update, The Orff Echo, and Southwestern Musician. Degrees: BM (Union), MM (Arkansas), MA (St. Thomas, MN), PhD (North Texas).

Caleb Chapman

GRAMMY-nominated educator, producer, author, executive, and saxophonist, Caleb Chapman is a leading voice in modern music education. His youth bands (ages 12–18) rank among the finest worldwide, earning 85 DownBeat Awards 36

Colorado Music Educator

and 32 Utah Best of State medals. Utah Governor Gary Herbert honored him with the 2013 Governor’s Performing Artist Award. Since 2005 he has shared the stage with 200+ guest artists, including Branford Marsalis, Joe Lovano, Esperanza Spalding, and members of Maroon 5, Steely Dan, and the Saturday Night Live Band. His flagship Crescent Super Band has headlined JEN (2014, 2017), toured internationally, and made a soldout Carnegie Hall debut in 2013; it was a national finalist in Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington. Chapman was the 2011 John LaPorta International Jazz Educator of the Year, a 2015–16 GRAMMY Music Educator Award semifinalist, past president of JEN, and coauthor (with Jeff Coffin) of The Articulate Jazz Musician.

Nicole Cecillani

Nicole Ceciliani is an experienced and dedicated music educator with ten years of teaching in Northern Colorado. She is the new Director of Choirs at Longmont High School this year, where she leads a vibrant and growing choral program. Prior to her work at Longmont, Nicole directed choirs and musical theatre at Loveland High School for more than seven years, fostering community, artistry, and excellence in her students. Nicole holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Colorado State University. She remains active as both a conductor and performer, sings with Laudamus Chamber Chorale and NOCO Singers, serves as the Choir Director at First United Methodist Church in Loveland, and is one of the Northern Governors for the Colorado All-State Choir Board. She lives in Loveland with her husband, Josh, and their two dogs, Jude and Prudence. Outside of teaching and performing, Nicole is a spin instructor, enjoys hiking, yoga, traveling, and is an avid foodie.

Thomas Chen

Thomas Chen is in his 15th year of teaching at Traut Core Knowledge Elementary School in Fort Collins. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music Education with Kodály emphasis from Colorado State University and an advanced degree in Educational Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. During his tenure, he WINTER 2025-26

rs has mentored over 20 colleagues and CSU students, served as president of Traut’s leadership team, and supported the school community as its website administrator. A dedicated teacher, Chen takes pride in seeing his former student teachers now serving as full-time music educators in Northern Colorado. In addition to his classroom work, he has directed handbells, taught private lessons on multiple instruments, and contributed to music programs in many roles. Outside of teaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children, Vivian, Landon, and Logan.

Amy Cherry

Amy Cherry is a freelance musician and trumpet teacher in the Philadelphia area. She holds a B.M. from the University of Illinois and an M.M. and D.M.A. from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Dr. Cherry serves as Instructor of Trumpet at Millersville University. She currently performs with the Lancaster British Brass Band as Principal Cornet. She has performed with numerous ensembles including Bach in Baltimore, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Opera Philadelphia, Philadelphia Ballet, Reading Symphony, Maryland Winds, Monarch Brass Ensemble, and Athena Brass Band. Since 2000, Dr. Cherry has been involved with the International Women’s Brass Conference and currently serves as the President of that organization. Amy is an active chamber musician interested in expanding the repertoire for brass instruments. She founded the Balaton Chamber Brass with her husband, trombonist Dan Cherry. Their debut album, Changing Times & Colors was released in 2015.

Michael Christiansen Michael Christiansen is Professor Emeritus of Music at Utah State University, where he served as Director of Guitar Studies for 39 years. He has been recognized with numerous honors, including Utah State University Professor of the Year, Caine College of the Arts Professor of the Year, and U.S. Carnegie Professor of the Year. A widely respected performer, he has appeared as a soloist and with ensembles including the Brazilian group Evening in Brazil, the Lightwood Duo, and the band Mirage. As an author and pedagogue, Colorado Music Educator

Christiansen has written or co-authored over 40 guitar and ukulele instruction books and appears in hundreds of instructional videos. He has also been a featured TED speaker, further highlighting his influence as a teacher and communicator. Through performance, scholarship, and education, Christiansen has left an enduring mark on guitar pedagogy in the United States and beyond.

Ashley Civelli

Ashley Civelli teaches at Thomas B. Doherty High School in Colorado Springs, where she serves as Director of Bands. She first joined the Doherty faculty as Assistant Band Director for the 2024– 2025 school year before stepping into her current role. Dedicated to her students and their growth as musicians, Civelli brings passion and energy to the band program, fostering a community of collaboration, creativity, and high-level performance.

Mary Claxton

Mary Claxton has built her career at the joyful intersection of music performance, teaching, and advocacy. A lifelong musician, she participated in band, choir, jazz band, pit orchestra, and drumline, plus pop groups—experiences that shaped her student-centered ethos. After earning a B.M.E. from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, she taught those ensembles and gravitated to the modern band movement elevating songwriting and student voice. Mary joined Music Will in 2017 as Colorado Director of Programs, partnering on the Take Note initiative launched by former Governor John Hickenlooper and Isaac Slade. She now serves as Associate Director of Teaching and Learning, creating culturally responsive curriculum and leading the Little Kids Rock Courses platform. An active clinician and presenter (APME, NAfME, Modern Band Summit, UNC Jazz Festival, NAMM), she earned an M.M. in Jazz Studies from UNC in 2021 and continues performing on drums, vocals, and ukulele.

DeAnna Clink

DeAnna Clink has been an elementary music educator for over 10 years. Originally from western New York, she earned her bachelor’s degrees in Music Therapy WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter and Music Education from the State University of New York at Fredonia. She began her career as a music therapist, serving children and adults with disabilities, before discovering her passion for elementary music education after moving to North Carolina in 2014. DeAnna has taught general music for Kindergarten through eighth grade as well as secondary ensembles. She completed her master’s degree in Music Education with a Kodály emphasis at Colorado State University, completing her Level 1 and 2 training through the Colorado Kodály Institute and her Level 3 certification at Capital University in Ohio. In 2022, she and her husband relocated to Colorado, where she continues her teaching career while enjoying ringing handbells, cross-stitching, and exploring her love of true crime stories.

Tim Cox

Tim Cox is the Director of Educational Outreach for Music for All, a national nonprofit dedicated to education and advocacy in the arts. He previously served as Fine Arts Program Manager for Indianapolis Public Schools, where he oversaw the revitalization of fine arts programs, including $6.5 million in new equipment and curriculum development for grades K–12. With 30 years of classroom teaching experience, Cox was recognized as MSD Decatur Township Teacher of the Year, Indiana Music Education Association High School Teacher of the Year, and one of Indiana’s Top 25 Teachers. In 2017, he was honored as one of SBO Magazine’s “50 Band Directors Who Make a Difference.” He served nine years on the Indiana State School Music Association State Board and as an officer for District II of the Indiana Bandmasters Association. A member of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, he continues to champion music education nationwide.

Ray Cramer

Emeritus Professor Ray Cramer conducted the Wind Ensemble and Chamber Winds and taught graduate conducting, band history, and wind literature classes. He is president of the Midwest Clinic, an international band and orchestra convention with over 14,000 attendees representing 28 countries, and was recently named president of the American Bandmasters Association. He is the past president of the College Band Directors 38

Colorado Music Educator

National Association and the Indiana Bandmasters Association. Mr. Cramer is in demand internationally as guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. He is a regular guest conductor of the Musashino Academy of Music Wind Ensemble in Tokyo.

Casey Cropp

Mr. Cropp graduated from Colorado State University in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. He received his master’s degree in Multiple Intelligences and the Creative Arts in Education in 2001. In the spring of 2004 he was awarded a Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship to study Music and Education in Japan. Mr. Cropp retired from teaching in the spring of 2013 after 33 very special years of music making with students. Mr. Cropp had the honor of being the director of bands at Rocky Mountain High School in Fort Collins, Colorado for twenty-six years. Mr. Cropp is a member of Phi Beta Mu, Colorado Bandmasters Association, Colorado Music Educators Association, is currently on the board of the Colorado Bandmasters Association and is the Coordinator of the state CBA Middle School Festivals. He was recently elected to the position of President of Colorado Music Educators Association. He received the National Band Association Citation of Excellence in May of 2013. He is honored to be selected as the 2016 inductee into the Colorado Bandmasters Hall of Fame. He continues to play professionally with several Northern Colorado ensembles, including the Colorado Brass Company and the Fort Collins Wind Symphony.

Andrew Dahlke

Dr. Andrew Dahlke is Professor of Saxophone at the University of Northern Colorado, where he has taught since 2003. He previously held teaching positions at Texas Christian University and in Michigan public schools, directing both instrumental and vocal music. His former students now hold K–12 and university teaching positions throughout the United States and abroad. Dr. Dahlke has presented clinics across the country as well as in China and Korea, and he frequently performs at the Aspen Music Festival. A versatile performer, he was first-call saxophonist with the PhiladelWINTER 2025-26

rs phia Orchestra and toured and recorded extensively with the Capitol Saxophone Quartet. He is currently preparing the release of a new quartet recording featuring his compositions and collaborations with Craig Taborn, Michael Formanek, and Ches Smith.

Aliyah Danielle

Aliyah Danielle is a dynamic, unconventional artist whose work blends genres to tell stories through sound. A singer and French horn player, she explores funk, neo-soul, gospel, jazz, classical, and contemporary styles, performing her own music and collaborating with artists worldwide, with appearances across the U.S., Europe, Canada, and Japan. She has also presented lectures and masterclasses at institutions including James Madison University, Arizona State University, University of Georgia, and the International Horn Symposium. She holds a Master of Music in Contemporary Performance from Berklee College of Music in Valencia, Spain, a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Arizona State University, and is currently pursuing a Master in Management with a specialization in leadership at Marquette University. Aliyah is the founder of The Fusion Collective, a multidimensional community that fosters collaboration and redefines performance, and is a founding member and former Director of Artistic Programming for the Chromatic Brass Collective.

Nicholas Darpino

Nicholas Darpino is Band Director at Fountain Middle School, where he has grown the program from 120 to more than 250 students since 2018. His ensembles regularly earn Superior and Excellent ratings at Colorado Bandmasters Association large group festivals. Darpino holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and began his teaching career at Highland Elementary in Rifle before moving to Mountainside Elementary on Fort Carson. In recognition of his outstanding teaching, he was named the 2024–2025 Middle School Teacher of the Year by the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Darpino also serves as Vice President and Jazz Coordinator for the Pikes Peak Middle School Honor Band Committee. Dedicated to creColorado Music Educator

ating inclusive and supportive classrooms, he believes music is for everyone. He performs with the Fountain Valley Community Band and Jazz Band and enjoys hiking, kayaking, and time with his wife, Chesney, and their two children.

Henrique De Almeida

Professor Henrique De Almeida is founder and Music Director of The Drum Set Coach Academy in Palmer Lake, Colorado, and Professor Emeritus of Berklee College of Music. An internationally recognized drummer, educator, and author, he has written more than 40 instructional books and recorded hundreds of videos used worldwide, many adopted into Berklee’s percussion curriculum. His book Double Bass Integration for the Jazz Fusion Drummer received 4.5 stars in Modern Drummer Magazine. De Almeida has performed with artists including Victor Wooten, Gloria Estefan, Jerry Bergonzi, Nat Adderley, and Luciana Souza, as well as with the United States Air Force Academy Falconaires Jazz Big Band and Blue Steel rock band. He has appeared at Carnegie Hall and festivals across the globe, and his work extends to television and commercial music projects with companies such as HBO and Victoria’s Secret. A sought-after clinician, he presents regularly at PASIC, JEN, and jazz festivals worldwide.

Ryan Deignan

Ryan Deignan is a versatile vocal music educator, performer, and director whose work bridges classical and contemporary commercial styles. An award-winning conductor, his “collage” programming and vocal pedagogy help singers deliver authentic, stylistically diverse performances. He is in his first season as Artistic Director of Choral Arts Rochester (MN) and Honors Choirs of SE Minnesota. Previously, he was Associate and Interim Director of Choral Activities at the University of Minnesota Duluth, leading University Singers and the award-winning Lake Effect. He also directs the Twin Ports Choral Project, winners of the 2024 American Prize for the Performance of American Music and a featured choir at the 2024 Minnesota ACDA convention. Minnesota’s R&R Vocal Jazz Chair, he advances CCM pedagogy statewide and helped bring Matt Falker’s Vocal Jazz Academy to Minnesota. An active tenor, he has sung with ensembles nationwide. Degrees: BA Luther; MA Iowa; DMA UNT. WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter Alice Del Simone

Alice Del Simone, a San Francisco Bay Area native, is an active performer and educator currently pursuing a DMA in Voice Performance & Pedagogy at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she also earned her MM. She holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Vocal Performance and Plant Science from UC Davis. Del Simone has performed opera, concert, and choral repertoire with companies across the United States and brings the same artistry into her teaching. She serves as Education Director for Boulder Opera, teaches vocal pedagogy for the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir, and maintains a thriving private studio. Passionate about stylistic diversity, she commissions works by female and POC composers for her students and for her own performance, including I Shall Go West by Eric Tuan. Her research explores nasalance in musical theater and classical singing, reflecting her commitment to bridging science and artistry in voice pedagogy.

Bryant Denmark

Bryant Denmark, a conductor from Kingsport, Tennessee, serves as assistant conductor and orchestra librarian of the Lamont Symphony Orchestra and associate conductor for the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra. He currently studies orchestral conducting at the Lamont School of Music with Lawrence Golan and Scott O’Neil, and holds a bachelor’s degree in conducting from the Mannes School of Music under David Hayes. Denmark has also worked with leading conductors including JoAnn Falletta, Sarah Ioannides, Diane Wittry, Anna Edwards, and Miguel Harth-Bedoya. His career highlights include serving as the Julius Rudel Conducting Fellow with the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, working with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as a score reader for video productions, and being named a 2025 Cascade Conducting Fellow. Denmark’s artistic focus is on bringing attention to living composers and rediscovering overlooked works of the 20th century, a passion that continues to shape his performances and programming.

Colorado Music Educator

Mark Dorn

Mark Dorn is Professor of Music at Colorado Christian University, where he coordinates instrumental music, conducts the Symphonic Band, directs the Mainstream Jazz Ensemble, and performs on trumpet. He teaches trumpet and conducting, oversees senior theses, and leads CCU’s general education course “Musical Perspectives.” Over three decades with CCU ensembles, he has presented concerts in 60+ cities across 15 states. Honors include CCU Faculty Member of the Year (2003) and Faculty Teaching Excellence (2010). A freelance trumpeter and clinician, he regularly guest-conducts honor ensembles; from 1996–2016 he produced Wisconsin’s KIDS from Wisconsin. His memberships include NAfME, ITG, JEN, CBDNA, and CBA; he was initiated into Phi Beta Mu in 2020. Dorn mentors students, maintains a counseling practice, and writes on faith and the arts. Degrees: MM (Trumpet) and BM (Music Education), Indiana University; MA (Biblical Counseling), Colorado Christian University. He lives in Morrison, CO with his wife, Jill, and family.

Matthew J. Doty

Matthew J. Doty recently completed his 29th year as a Colorado music educator and serves as Director of Choral Music Activities at Palisade High School, where he has built the choral program over the past 15 years. He previously taught at Bookcliff Middle School, Highlands Ranch High School, and Grand Junction High School, and was on the vocal music faculty at Colorado Mesa University. Doty has long been active in professional service, twice chairing the Colorado Music Educators Association Vocal Music Council during his 15-year tenure in leadership. His choirs have been invited to perform at the CMEA Conference, and he has represented the Western Slope on the Colorado All-State Choir Governing Board, where he now serves as Chair-Elect. He also adjudicates for CHSAA Large Group, solo, and ensemble festivals.

Brian Ebert

Brian Ebert is Director of Bands at Legacy High School in Broomfield, Colorado. He served as Affiliate Professor of Clarinet at Regis University (2011–2021) and has also taught music at the ComWINTER 2025-26

rs munity College of Denver and audio production at the Art Institute of Colorado. As a clarinetist, he has performed with the Playground Ensemble and Antero Winds, with recordings on the Naxos label and projects with British songwriter Alex Highton. His compositions include works for chamber and large ensembles, with performances by the Playground Ensemble and others. Originally from Kankakee, Illinois, Ebert studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds clarinet performance degrees from the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Denver, and the University of Northern Colorado.

Craig Edgar

Craig Edgar taught band and general music for 10 years, directing ensembles from 4th grade through high school. His groups performed at the San Francisco Festival of Gold, the National Memorial Day Parade and Concert Series, and in Carnegie Hall’s Honors Performance Series. His teaching emphasized developing holistic musicians who could compose, improvise, and think critically about their role in an ensemble. Now part of the institutional sales team at Sweetwater, Edgar supports schools and universities and trains new sales engineers. He is an active presenter on music education technology, appearing at TMEA, OMEA, and the Midwest Clinic, and in 2025 was the guest conductor for the NJMEA AllState Modern Band.

Jake Elam

Jake Elam teaches elementary music as well as middle school band and orchestra at Riverview PK–8 in Johnstown, Colorado. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education and Composition from Colorado State University and is currently pursuing certification through the American Eurhythmics Society. In addition to his teaching, Elam is an active freelance composer, focusing primarily on music for middle and high school bands and orchestras.

Elise Ehlert

Elise Ehlert is a senior music education major at the University of Colorado Boulder. She is currently the President of the State Colorado Music Educator

CNAfME collegiate chapter, as well as President of CU Boulder’s local collegiate NAfME chapter. This year, she has helped guide the CNAfME chapter towards becoming a more unified community across the state of Colorado, and continues to advocate for connection throughout the state. Elise has taught in a variety of classrooms throughout her college education, and has served as the Band Area Director for CU’s Middle School Ensemble Program for the past two years. She also maintains a private trumpet lesson studio, and has received several trumpet-related honors, most recently winning the National Trumpet Competition with her small trumpet ensemble (the first all female ensemble to ever win!) in March 2025. Outside of school, Elise enjoys curating amazing spotify playlists, hunting for the best matcha latte in Colorado, and admiring the mountains (she is from the very flat state of Illinois).

Roger Emerson

Roger Emerson is one of the most widely performed choral composers in America, with over 500 titles in print and more than 30 million copies sold. A graduate of Southern Oregon University, he began his career as a music specialist in the Mt. Shasta Public Schools before teaching at the College of the Siskiyous. Emerson is known for creating “songs kids love to sing,” with bestsellers such as Sinner Man, Didn’t My Lord Deliver Daniel, and Shoshone Love Song. His educational arrangements include Africa, Hallelujah, and Somebody to Love, along with popular Broadway and commercial titles such as Disney’s Seize the Day, Mary Poppins Returns, and Waving Through a Window from Dear Evan Hansen.

Alex Entin Alex Entin is a music educator, designer, and marching-arts enthusiast who’s been immersed in the activity since 2005. A proud University of Northern Colorado music alum, Alex has spent his career teaching marching band, writing shows, designing, composing, and working with students and educators across the country. Today, he serves as a regional representaWINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter tive for Romeo Music, supporting programs throughout many states in the US. Alex specializes in helping schools bring their creative and technical ideas to life — from instructional tools and audio solutions to hands-on design and installation work. Although he calls Indiana home, Alex can be found in Colorado often, usually talking shop with directors, troubleshooting gear, or diving into new ideas that help music programs thrive. Cynthia Eversole

Cynthia Eversole is in her 30th year of teaching elementary music in Colorado public schools and currently teaches at Lewis-Palmer Elementary. As a native of the Pikes Peak Region, Cynthia has participated as an active musician in various community ensembles on clarinet and piano while also maintaining a private clarinet studio. She holds a degree from the University of Northern Colorado with an emphasis in instrumental music and has completed Orff-Schulwerk Levels I & II. Prior to her position at Lewis-Palmer Elementary, Cynthia taught at Bates Elementary in Colorado Springs. She has held positions in CMEA, including Chair of the General Music Council and now CMEA Past-President. Also active in the Rocky Mountain Chapter of AOSA, Cynthia has assisted with various committees including mentor/mentee & board nominations. In 2013, Cynthia was Chair of Student Performances for the National AOSA Conference in Denver where over 1,000 students participated. Cynthia is most proud of the collaborative work she has done with the CMEA DEIA Task Force since the summer of 2020. Cynthia resides in Monument where she and her husband (also a music teacher) are fully vested in the Lewis-Palmer School District as homeowners, teachers, students, and parents. She is extremely proud of each of her 19-year-old twins that have established themselves as accomplished musicians in their own right.

Raleigh “Butch” Eversole IV Raleigh “Butch” Eversole IV is a faculty member at Colorado State University–Pueblo, where he teaches music education courses, saxophone, and con42

Colorado Music Educator

ducts the Little London Winds. He was a founding faculty member of Palmer Ridge High School, where he taught from 2008 to 2023, and has also held teaching positions at Lewis-Palmer High School, Manitou Springs High School and Middle School, and Colorado College. His ensembles have performed at seven Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA) Conferences and four Music for All National Festivals. Eversole has conducted internationally at the LeBam Summer Band Camp in Beirut, Lebanon. A past president of CMEA, he has been inducted into both the Colorado Bandmasters Association and CMEA Halls of Fame. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Shepherd University and a Master of Music in Saxophone Performance from the University of Northern Colorado.

Heather Ewer Heather Ewer is a freelance tuba player and educator born and raised in Colorado, living her best life in New York City. She plays in a wide variety of ensembles from brass bands of multiple varieties to orchestras, and loves teaching low brass lessons and master classes. Favorite performance opportunities to date include the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular Orchestra, playing the Mardi Gras season at Universal Studios Orlando, and performing on Tuesday nights with Slavic Soul Party in Brooklyn. As an educator, she has taught 6 years of middle school band full time, and continues to prioritize middle school musicians through the Music Partners Program at the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. She maintains private tuba and euphonium studios at both BKCM and as the Adjunct Instructor at Molloy University on Long Island. Heather earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Western Michigan University studying with Deanna Swoboda, and her Master’s in Tuba Performance from Colorado State University with Stephen Dombrowski.

WINTER 2025-26

rs Michelle Ewer

Michelle Ewer has been an educator for 46 years, specializing in strings. She began her career in Westminster Public Schools and later taught in Jefferson County, serving as a strings specialist for 27 years. Her ensembles have consistently earned top ratings at state and local festivals, with multiple performances at CMEA conferences. A frequent presenter for CMEA, CASTA, and CBA, she has also served as president of both CMEA and CASTA. Inducted into the Colorado Music Educators Hall of Fame in 2014, she now serves as State Chair for TRI-M Music Honor Society and coordinates CMEA Tri-M Day, involving more than 750 students annually. Since 2017, Ewer has been part-time faculty at the CU Boulder College of Music, mentoring student teachers and leading seminars. She also conducts for the Front Range Youth Symphony and continues to coach in area schools, sharing her passion for teaching strings.

Beth Fabrizio

Beth A. Fabrizio holds a BM in Clarinet Performance from the Eastman School of Music and an MM in conducting, education, and performance from Ithaca College. She studied conducting with Donald Hunsberger and clarinet with Michael Webster, Stanley Hasty, and others. Fabrizio maintains a private clarinet studio and serves as principal clarinetist and personnel manager for the Greater Rochester Music Educators Wind Ensemble. A freelance performer and clinician, she recently retired after 36 years in public schools, most recently as Director of Bands at Village Elementary (Hilton CSD), and presents clinics through Fabrizio’s Musical Concepts. She has conducted honor bands and taught marching bands and drum corps across the U.S. and abroad, serving with Carolina Crown, Boston Crusaders, Glassmen, Spirit of Atlanta, and Tokyo’s Pride of Soka. An adjudicator for DCI, BOA, WGI, and state associations, Fabrizio is president and charter member of Chi chapter of Phi Beta Mu (2022)

Jasmine Todd Faulkner

Jasmine Todd Faulkner is the music teacher at Polaris Expeditionary Learning School (Fort Collins, CO), where she teaches K–12 modern band, songwriting, and Colorado Music Educator

recording studio. Since beginning her career in 2002, she has worked in rural and urban schools and at an international school in Berlin, and founded a hip-hop and break dance club. A 2024 NEA Global Learning Fellow (Costa Rica) and 2023 GRAMMY Music Educator Award quarter finalist, she contributed to Oxford University Press’s The Modern Band Handbook. Jasmine is developing a K–12, full-inclusion modern band curriculum and frequently presents professional development to help teachers design culturally responsive, student-centered programs. Find her resources on YouTube: K–12 Modern Band with Jasmine. She earned a B.M.E. in vocal music from North Central College (Naperville, IL) and an M.M.E. with a Kodály emphasis from Silver Lake College, studying with Lorna Zemke and John Feierabend, and is trained in modern band by Music Will.

Nicholas Felder

Nicholas Felder (he/him) is a Black queer artist, composer-vocalist, activist, and educator whose work centers on community, identity, and embodied expression. Dedicated to youth engagement, he has led educational programs and workshops with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra, Denver Young Artists Orchestra, El Sistema Colorado, Neutral Zone (Ann Arbor, MI), and the University of Colorado Boulder College of Music. His art making encourages young people to express social and political views through music and creativity. Felder earned degrees from the University of Michigan and Kennesaw State University and is currently pursuing a DMA in Music Composition at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Matt Ferry

Matt Ferry is a percussionist, music educator, composer, and nonprofit leader from Minneapolis, Minnesota. For over 25 years, he has been a percussion educator, arranger, and consultant for marching bands, drum corps, percussion ensembles, and indoor percussion. Since 1999, he has composed and arranged more than 100 works for dance, percussion, marching band, and color guard. Ferry has also spent two decades in educational technology, helping teachers adopt digital curriculum through MakeMusic, Edmentum, K12, MusicProdigy, and now as West Coast Education Manager for MusicFirst. In 2025, he was WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter inducted into the MPA Hall of Fame for his work as an educator, designer, board member, administrator, and judge. He currently serves as Board President and Designer for Invictus Color Guard in Austin, Texas, and Co-Head Judge for the MPA Circuit

Dylan Fixmer

Dylan Fixmer is a Colorado-based composer, musician, and educator whose works reflect his diverse career and passion for blending traditions. Classically trained at the University of Colorado and Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, Fixmer’s music is inspired by nature and the human spirit. He is currently Composer in Residence with the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra, which premiered his Concerto for Violin: In Memory of Terri Sternberg (2022) and Concerto for Electric Cello (2025). His Four Portraits for Strings and Droid Funk were J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choices, and his music has been featured on Colorado Public Radio, Radio Classique Paris, The Times of London, and Le Figaro. As a performer, Fixmer plays with his band Traditionish and has collaborated with artists across genres. He serves on the composition faculty at the University of Northern Colorado(with Jeff Coffin) of The Articulate Jazz Musician.

Sean Flanigan

Dr. Sean Flanigan is Director of Music Entrepreneurship Studies at Colorado Mesa University, where he teaches low brass, directs the Jazz Ensemble, and leads courses he created in Music Industry & Marketing, Entrepreneurship for Creatives, and Arts Management. A featured trombone soloist and guest conductor in the U.S. and abroad, he directed the 2024 Colorado Small Schools All-State Jazz Band. As a freelance artist, he has backed Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmy Heath, Clark Terry, Urbie Green, the Temptations, Johnny Mathis, and Jack Jones; recorded for television, radio, and commercial CDs; and performed for Broadway shows. He serves on the Conn-Selmer Performing Artist roster. A strong proponent of experiential learning, Flanigan coaches CMU student elevator pitches, helping them win awards at the CEO Elevator Pitch Competition and CMU Entrepreneurship Day. He presents on experiential learning and 21st-century music entrepreneurship for College Music Society, Colorado Creative 44

Colorado Music Educator

Industries, and Self-Employment in the Arts Conference.

Jeremy Fox

GRAMMY-nominated arranger Jeremy Fox earned a BM in Piano–Jazz Studies (Western Michigan) and MM/DMA in Jazz Composition (University of Miami Frost). For 14 years he taught full time at the School for Music Vocations. He is Director of Vocal Jazz at Mt. San Antonio College, where he launched a Jazz/Contemporary Voice program. Fox has received 11 DownBeat awards (song, arrangement, engineering, ensemble) and his groups have won Best Community College Small Vocal Jazz Ensemble four times. His works are published by Foxtrot Publishing, Anchor Music Publications, and UNC Jazz Press; charts have been recorded by Gold Company, Singcopation, and others. Commissions include Take 6, The Real Group, and New York Voices. He conducted “Bossa Nova Sinfónico” with the Costa Rican National Orchestra and twice led the Henry Mancini Institute Jazz Orchestra. His album With Love features noted vocalists; his “All My Tomorrows” earned a GRAMMY nomination.

Jim Frankel

Dr. Jim Frankel is President of MusicFirst, an Achieve Partners company, and a recognized leader in music education technology. Previously, he served as Managing Director of SoundTree and taught instrumental and general music for 15 years in New Jersey public schools. Frankel is the author of The Teacher’s Guide to Music, Media & Copyright Law and co-author of YouTube in Music Education and Making Music with GarageBand & Mixcraft. He has contributed to Critical Issues in Music Education and numerous national and international journals. A sought-after clinician and keynote speaker, he regularly presents on music technology, pedagogy, and copyright law. Frankel has served on the Board of Directors for TI:ME and is a past president of ATMI, continuing to influence the integration of technology into music classrooms worldwide.

John Friskney

John teaches Choir, Music Theory and Technical Musical Theatre at Rocky Mountain High School WINTER 2025-26

rs in Fort Collins. He is a proud alumnus of Colorado State University where he graduated summa cum laude and received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education. While attending Colorado State University, he had the unique opportunity of directing their award-winning competitive a cappella group, Mainstreet A Cappella. Upon graduating, John found his roots in the professional choral community of Northern Colorado and has managed to maintain an active performing career alongside his teaching career. He began his journey with Laudamus as a CSU Choral Scholar and is honored and excited to step into the role of Assistant Director this season!

Ryan Garrison

Dr. Ryan Garrison is Director of Vocal Music at the Denver School of the Arts, where he conducts the Treble Choir (grades 6–7) and Chorale (advanced high school). Previously, he served as a choral director at the Arizona School for the Arts and Artistic Director of the Children’s Chorus of San Antonio. Garrison has conducted honor choirs in Wyoming, Arizona, Texas, and Colorado, including the Wyoming ACDA All-State Children’s Choir. His ensembles have twice performed at CMEA (2022 and 2023), and he has presented sessions at TMEA, CMEA, WMEA, and the Arts Schools Network National Conference (2024). A 13-year member of the Grammy® Award-winning Phoenix Chorale, Garrison is credited on four albums with six nominations and two wins, including Best Choral Performance in 2016. He holds a BM from the University of Wyoming and MM and DMA degrees from Arizona State University.

Lindsay Genadek

Lindsay (she/her) is Community Education Manager for the Colorado Symphony Association and teaches violin and viola in her private studio. She previously directed orchestras in Westminster and Mapleton Public Schools and served as a String Teaching Artist with El Sistema Colorado. She is President of Colorado ASTA (CASTA) and chairs the National ASTA Private Studio Committee. She has presented for Colorado ASTA, CMEA, and National ASTA, and mentors new teachers through ASTA’s program. Passionate about adult learners, she co-founded the Bratsche Bunch, a global adult-violist community with workshops Colorado Music Educator

and virtual field trips; conducts for Denver Adult String Camp (DASC); and has published in the ASTA Journal. Honors include Mapleton Public Schools Teacher of the Year (2015) and Colorado ASTA’s Exemplary Middle School Teacher (2012). A violist, she performs with Stratus Chamber Orchestra, Symphony of the Rockies, Boulder Symphony, and Evergreen Chamber Orchestra, and has collaborated with the Flobots and Khemmis.

Rick Ghinelli

Rick Ghinelli began his career as a middle school band director in the Spring Independent School District (Houston, Texas), where his bands earned state and local honors and he was named Teacher of the Year. He later became an administrator, serving as assistant principal, principal, and ultimately Director of Performing and Visual Arts until his retirement in 2013. Under his leadership, Spring ISD’s fine arts programs gained statewide and national recognition. Following retirement, Ghinelli joined Conn Selmer, Inc. as Director of Music Administration Outreach and now serves as Regional Director for CutTime. He is a past president of the Texas Music Administrators Conference, frequently presenting at national and state conferences, including TMEA, NAfME, and the Midwest Clinic. Honors include the Distinguished Alumnus Award from the University of Houston (2014), the Texas Bandmasters Lifetime Administrator Achievement Award (2019), and the Foundation for Music Education’s Keynote Award (2022).

Renee Gilliland

Renee Gilliland is Associate Director of Orchestras and Instructor of Music Education at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she earned her DMA in Orchestral Conducting. She is also Assistant Conductor of the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra and Youth Orchestra Assistant Editor for the African Diaspora Music Project. Gilliland champions works of diverse composers, having conducted symphonies by Alice Mary Smith, Louise Farrenc, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and Emilie Mayer. She has premiered new works by Daniel Valdez, Cecilia McDowall, Clay Allen, and Enrique Ponce. Gilliland has conducted the Boulder Philharmonic, Grand Junction Symphony, Playground Ensemble, and international ensemWINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter bles in Austria, Bulgaria, and Ukraine. In 2021, she was featured in the inaugural Girls Who Conduct Symposium. She frequently presents for ASTA, TMEA, and Colorado ASTA. Gilliland finds joy in working with students, educators, and audiences of all ages, sharing music’s ability to connect and inspire.

an active member of several professional organizations, including the National Association for Music Education, Phi Beta Mu, American Educators Research Association, Technology in Music Education, and the National Society of Leadership and Success (Sigma Alpha Pi).

Martin Gilmore

Dr. Gledhill is Instructor of Horn at Colorado Mesa University and Director of Middle School Bands at Holy Family Catholic School. His dual teaching roles allow him to continually refine methods for beginning and advanced horn instruction. He performs actively as co-principal horn with the Grand Junction Symphony and as the hornist for Mesa Winds, CMU’s resident wind quintet. Each summer, Gledhill teaches at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan, where he serves as program coordinator, festival ensemble manager, and assistant principal horn of the Festival Band and Orchestra.

Martin Gilmore is an award-winning bluegrass musician, songwriter, and educator from Denver, Colorado. Known for his warm vocals and skilled guitar work, he blends traditional folk with creative original music. His albums include East-West (2017), recorded in Cairo, The Martin Gilmore Trio (2021) featuring Tim and Mollie O’Brien, and Thea is a Light Blue (2025). He has toured nationally and internationally, opening for artists such as Stephen Stills, Judy Collins, and Tim O’Brien. In 2024, he won both the Telluride Bluegrass Festival Troubadour and Rocky Mountain Folks Festival Songwriter Showcase competitions. Gilmore teaches in the Folk and Bluegrass program at the University of Northern Colorado and has led classes at Swallow Hill Music and the University of Denver. He is a featured artist with Carnegie Hall’s Musical Explorers program and serves on the board of the Southwest Regional Folk Alliance.

Stacey Gilmore

Stacey Gilmore is an accomplished music educator and teacher leader with over 21 years of teaching experience and a deep commitment to student growth and educational equity. She has taught in a variety of settings including rural and suburban Wisconsin, Cherry Creek School District, and at an international school in Cairo, Egypt. Currently at Grant Beacon Middle School in Denver Public Schools for the past 8 years, she teaches band, orchestra, and drumline. She is also the elective team lead and enrichment coordinator, co-facilitates the senior leadership team, and coordinates large-scale events and career-focused student experiences. Under her direction, music ensemble participation has grown to include nearly half of the student body. Stacey holds a Master’s degree in Music Education from Northwestern University and is pursuing a Doctorate in Leadership for Educational Equity at CU Denver. She was named Teacher of the Year by the Front Range Youth Symphony in 2024. Stacey is 46

Colorado Music Educator

Nicholas Gledhill

Christy Go

Christy Go is a PhD Candidate at the University of Colorado Boulder. Prior to her graduate studies she taught K-8 general music and modern band in Aurora, Colorado and also has experience teaching abroad in the UK and Japan. Her research interests include culturally responsive teaching and popular music pedagogy, particularly of J-pop and K-pop, experiences of Asians and Asian Americans in music education, and music education systems and curriculum in Japan and Korea.

Lawrence Golan

American conductor Lawrence Golan is acclaimed for vibrant, imaginative programming and stylistic command. He serves as Music Director of the Yakima Symphony and York Symphony, and leads the Lamont Symphony Orchestra & Opera Theatre at the University of Denver; he is Music Director Laureate of the Denver Philharmonic and Official Conductor of the Concurso Internacional de Piano Compositores de España. A former Honolulu Symphony principal second violin and longtime Portland Symphony concertmaster, he has guest conducted across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. His recordings range

WINTER 2025-26

rs from Beethoven and Tchaikovsky to new works; as author/arranger he created a reduced Nutcracker, Bach solo violin editions with performance practice, and the Lawrence Golan Violin Scale System. Honors include the 2024 St. Cecilia International Music Competition Grand Prize and multiple ASCAP awards for adventurous programming. A Chicago native, Golan holds degrees from Indiana University and the New England Conservatory.

Benjamin Golden

Benjamin Golden teaches 6–8th grade band and 7th/8th grade music appreciation at Shadow Ridge Middle School in Adams 12. He also directs after-school Orchestra and Jazz Band clubs at Shadow Ridge and assists with trumpet instruction for the Horizon High School Marching Band. Dedicated to building strong ensemble skills and a love of music, Golden creates opportunities for students to grow both inside and outside the classroom through these extended programs. His work reflects a commitment to fostering community through music and preparing students for future success in their musical endeavors..

Carlos Gonzalez

Carlos Gonzalez is a vocalist and middle school choir director dedicated to music education and the arts. He holds dual bachelor’s degrees in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Adams State University, where he built both his performance foundation and teaching philosophy. Gonzalez’s international performance experience includes studying and performing opera in Italy, refining his vocal technique and deepening his passion for classical music. His choirs consistently earn recognition at local and regional events, reflecting both his leadership and his students’ commitment. In addition to teaching, Gonzalez performs as a member of the Colorado Springs Chorale, continuing to share his artistry in professional settings. Blending international experience with classroom expertise, he fosters creativity, confidence, and community in young musicians while advocating for the transformative power of music..

Colorado Music Educator

Karen Gregg

Karen Gregg is Director of Bands at Lyons Middle Senior High School (Colorado), where over two decades she has grown the program by 400%; today nearly 50% of the school’s 380 students (grades 6–12) participate. In addition to traditional concerts, Lyons bands perform at community events—parades, pep rallies—and volunteer annually with Planet Bluegrass. Karen values Lyons’ enthusiastic, motivated students and the steadfast support of parents and community. A committed leader and mentor, she supports early-career band directors working in small and rural Colorado schools. She has presented at The Midwest Clinic, Colorado MEA, Ohio MEA, and Texas MEA, and currently serves as President of the Colorado Bandmasters Association.

John Gunther

John Gunther is a composer and multi-instrumentalist performing on saxophones, clarinet, and flute. His wide-ranging career spans jazz, classical, world, and experimental music, with performances across the U.S., South America, Africa, and Europe—including Carnegie Hall and international festivals. He has performed or recorded with artists such as Ron Miles, Christian McBride, Bobby Watson, Larry Goldings, Dewey Redman, the Woody Herman Orchestra, and the Maria Schneider Orchestra. As part of New York City’s “downtown” music scene, he produced five recordings for Creative Improvised Music Projects (CIMP) and co-founded the ensembles Spooky Actions and Convergence. Currently, he serves as Professor and Director of the Thompson Jazz Studies Program at the University of Colorado Boulder. Gunther earned his BM from Berklee College of Music, an MM from the University of Miami, and a PhD from New York University. His work reflects a commitment to creativity, collaboration, and advancing the jazz tradition.

Daniela Guzmán-Égüez

Ecuadorian soprano Daniela Guzmán-Égüez is known for her “bright and attractive” voice and “expressive clean sound,” establishing herself as a standout performer in opera and concert WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter repertoire, with a focus on Latin American and Spanish works that honor her heritage. Alongside her performance career, she leads the Department of Education and Community Engagement at Central City Opera and serves on the Voice Faculty at Regis University. At Central City Opera, she works as a bilingual teaching artist, creator, and curator of impactful programming, including the nationally recognized Chiaroscuro: Light in Darkness, a youth mental health awareness and suicide prevention program. For Daniela, outreach has become art with a purpose—merging her love of performance with social impact. An alumna of Ecuador’s Teatro Nacional Sucre Young Artist Program, she holds a Master of Music from Texas Christian University and both a Bachelor of Music and Artist Diploma from the University of Denver.

Jenny Hall

Jenny Hall has taught at Antelope Trails Elementary as the music teacher and drama director for the past nine years, bringing over 25 years of experience to her students. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, she has taught and directed in both Memphis and Colorado Springs, serving not only K–12 classrooms but also as director of the youth musical theatre program at the Memphis Jewish Community Center. Her teaching spans elementary general music, theatre, film, and stage movement, incorporating Orff, World Music Drumming, ukulele, guitar, Modern Band, drama, creative movement, and dance. At Antelope Trails, she directs grade-level productions for 1st–3rd graders, conducts choirs and handbells for 2nd– 5th grade, and produces an extracurricular musical theatre program. Jenny holds a Bachelor’s degree from Rhodes College and Master’s degrees from Roosevelt University and the University of Northern Colorado. She enjoys running, hiking, indoor cycling, yoga, and spending time with her husband and cats.

George Halley

George Halley has been teaching general music for 14 years and is an Orff Schulwerk–trained educator who integrates movement and music to engage students from kindergarten through sixth grade. His performances are student-centered, featuring music and movement created by the students themselves. A native of Limon, Colo48

Colorado Music Educator

rado, George earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Colorado and his Master of Arts from Adams State University. He is currently the music specialist at Cherokee Trail Elementary in Douglas County, where he has built a thriving choir program with over 80 members. Known for his energetic and inclusive approach, George fosters creativity, collaboration, and confidence in his students, helping them discover the joy of music and performance.

Krista Hart

Krista Hart is an author, presenter, and advocate for music education dedicated to equipping educators with practical, creative, and inspiring resources that foster meaningful student connections. Krista is the author of several books published by Alfred Music, including Choir-tivities, Shaped by Sound, Nine Noteworthy Black Composers, Music-Go-Round, and the award-winning The Mindful Music Classroom and A Music Teacher’s Gratitude Journal (SBO+ “Best Tools for Schools”). Her work focuses on supporting both musical and personal growth while making the teaching experience more effective and enjoyable.

Tony Hartman

Tony Hartman is a musician, educator, and composer based in Middle Tennessee. Recognized as a CMA Music Educator of Excellence and two-time Teacher of the Year for Murfreesboro City Schools, he teaches K–6 general music, beginning band, jazz band, and directs Steel de Boro, a 4th–6th grade steel pan program. Tony also serves as Adjunct Professor of Music Education at Middle Tennessee State University. He has presented sessions at numerous conferences, including Tennessee and Iowa Music Education, Tennessee Arts Academy, the Colorado Kodály Institute, and Sierra Nevada and Middle Tennessee Kodály associations. As a composer, Tony’s works are published by Row-Loff Productions, a premier publisher of percussion literature, and he continues to compose engaging, cross-curricular music for his students. Dedicated to inspiring creativity and curiosity, Tony integrates social studies and science concepts into music, helping learners make connections across disciplines.

WINTER 2025-26

rs Derek Hebert

Since 2013, Derek Hebert has served as Director of Bands and Performing Arts Lead at The Academy, where he has grown the music program into one of excellence and opportunity. Under his leadership, The Academy’s ensembles have consistently earned Superior and Excellent ratings at festivals, including the Colorado Bandmasters State Festival, and students have participated regularly in Colorado All-State ensembles. The program now includes multiple jazz groups, collaborations with community musicians, and expanded performance opportunities. Originally from Louisiana, Derek earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Colorado Boulder and his Master’s degree in Conducting from Colorado State University. Beyond The Academy, he is Artistic Director of Mile High Freedom Bands, a leading LGBTQ+ performing arts organization, where he has overseen remarkable growth in membership and programming. Derek is passionate about fostering inclusive, supportive environments that empower students to thrive and connect through music.

Leila Heil Leila Heil is Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Colorado Boulder. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in choral music and music education, directs the CU Boulder Vocal Jazz Ensemble, and coordinates the Summer MME program. Previously, she taught high school choir in Kansas, Arizona, and Colorado and served on the music education faculties at The Ohio State University and Colorado State University. Her publications address improvisation (Music Educators Journal), vocal jazz rehearsal strategies and trends in choral literature (Choral Journal), pre-service teacher identity (Visions in Music Education Research), and pre-service teacher preparation (Contributions to Music Education). She has presented at the Midwest Clinic; SMTE; NAfME Research and Teacher Education and National In-Service conferences; ACDA National; NEMA; RIME; and IAJE, as well as state NAfME and ACDA gatherings in Colorado, Arizona, Ohio, and Texas. Leila currently serves as President-Elect of the Colorado Music Educators Association.

Colorado Music Educator

Ian Henning

Ian Henning is a choir teacher, singer, and arranger based in Arvada, Colorado. Since 2022, he has served as Secondary Choir Teacher at Peak to Peak Charter School in Lafayette, where he inspires students through choral music and performance. Ian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance from North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. An active performer, he has been a soloist and section leader with the Colorado Chorale, Sound of the Rockies Chorus, and The Storytellers A Cappella. He is also a prolific arranger in the a cappella style, creating works for a wide range of voicings, age groups, and ability levels. Ian currently serves on the Colorado Middle School All-State Choir Board as a District Governor, where he enjoys connecting and collaborating with colleagues from across the state. He is dedicated to sharing the joy of singing and building strong musical communities..

Graham Hepburn

Graham Hepburn is the co-creator of QuaverEd.com, an accomplished pianist, longtime music educator, and dynamic clinician. Now Vice President of Content at QuaverEd, he leads the development of innovative interactive resources and curriculum alignment that serve music educators across all pedagogies. Hepburn directs a team of teachers, developers, artists, and subject experts to create engaging content designed to meet the needs of every classroom. His leadership and vision have positioned QuaverEd as a leading resource for modern music education, combining technology with creativity to enrich teaching and learning worldwide.

Julia Hilton

Julia Hilton, specializes in teaching beginning, advanced, and adult students to appreciate classical music. All lessons are individualized and paced according to each student’s individual needs and goals. She also teaches music theory, note reading, technique, and performance skills.

WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter Andrew Holcombe

Andrew Holcombe is in his fourteenth year of teaching and sixth at Euclid Middle School in Littleton Public Schools, where he teaches band, jazz band, and guitar. Under his leadership, Euclid’s Concert and Jazz Bands consistently earn Superior and Excellent ratings, and the program received the CBA Exemplary Band Award in 2022, 2023, and 2025. The Jazz Band performed at the 2023 CMEA Clinic/Conference. An active leader in the profession, Holcombe serves as Middle School Representative on the Colorado Bandmasters Association board and is also a member of CMEA, ASBDA, and Phi Beta Mu. In 2019, he was honored with PBM’s “Outstanding Young Bandmaster” award. He has served as a clinician for multiple honor bands and festivals, including the 2025 Western Slope Select Jazz Band and CU Boulder’s Middle School Summer Music Academy. Holcombe holds BME and MM degrees from the University of Northern Colorado.

Shawna Holland

Shawna Holland is an award-winning choral educator and arts advocate with over a decade of experience. She is the founder and director of the Vista Ridge Rhythm Show Choir, an ensemble celebrated for its inclusivity, artistry, and competitive success—including 1st Place Overall at the 2024 CHSAA State Championship and Runner-Up in 2025. The group has also earned multiple Grand Champion awards at Old West Choir Fest and performed at Disneyland, Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and New York City. A two-time GRAMMY Music Educator Award Quarterfinalist, Holland holds dual master’s degrees in Music Education and Educational Leadership. She was named Teacher of the Year and received the Colorado Springs Chorale Peak Performance Award in 2019. For eight years, she served on the Colorado All-State Choir Board of Directors and currently serves as Fine Arts Coordinator at Vista Ridge High School. Her teaching philosophy centers on resilience, grit, and empowering students to succeed through risk-taking and community support.

Michael Hopkins

Michael Hopkins is professor and chair of Music Education 50

Colorado Music Educator

at the University of Michigan, where he teaches string techniques, orchestra methods, and research methods. He has guest-conducted at 100+ orchestra festivals nationwide and presented 60+ conference sessions on string education and music technology. An active composer/arranger, he has 70+ published orchestral works (Alfred, Grand Mesa, Kendor, J.W. Pepper/ MyScore) and many commissions. Hopkins wrote The Art of String Teaching, with a companion YouTube channel of 100+ technique videos. His articles appear in the Journal of Research in Music Education, International Journal of Music Education, American String Teacher, Music Educators Journal, The Instrumentalist, and others. He directs the Michigan String Educators Workshop and the U-M Bass Bash Festival, serves on the Michigan ASTA board, and has served on national ASTA committees. Education: BA, Colorado State University; MA and PhD, University of Michigan.

Ke-Yuan Hsin

Taiwanese conductor Ke-Yuan Hsin is Associate Conductor of the Denver Philharmonic and Assistant Conductor of the Symphony of the Rockies and the Lamont Symphony Orchestra. He previously served as Music Director of the University of Texas at Austin University Orchestra (2019– 2024). A semifinalist in the 1st Llíria City of Music International Conducting Competition (Spain) and the 17th Khachaturian International Conducting Competition (Armenia), he conducted Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 at the Teatro dei Rinnovati (Italy) in 2022. Festival work includes study with Daniele Gatti at the Accademia Musicale Chigiana and participation in the Spokane Symphony Conducting Symposium with Johannes Schlaefli and James Lowe. In 2025 he was invited to study with Riccardo Muti for Verdi’s Simon Boccanegra at the Italian Opera Academy. Hsin holds a DMA in Orchestral Conducting from The University of Texas at Austin. Mentors include Lawrence Golan, Farkhad Khudyev, Douglas Kinney Frost, and Paul Chiang, with additional guidance from Daniele Gatti and others.

Justin Hubbard

Justin has served as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Fort Lewis College since 2020, where he teaches wind bands, saxophone, clarinet, and audio technology. A pasWINTER 2025-26

rs sionate advocate for new music, Justin collaborates on electroacoustic and multimedia works and authored a detailed dissertation guide to help performers approach works that integrate electronics. He began his teaching career in Reno, Nevada, teaching high school band, guitar, and digital music before pursuing graduate study. He earned his Master of Music in Wind Band Conducting at the University of Nevada, Reno under Reed Chamberlin, followed by a DMA in Conducting at Arizona State University with Gary W. Hill and Jason Caslor. He also holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Central Michigan University. Dedicated to expanding repertoire and accessibility, Justin combines performance, scholarship, and teaching to inspire musicians to embrace both tradition and innovation in the wind band field.

Andrés Felipe Jaime

Colombian conductor Dr. Andrés Felipe Jaime is Director of Orchestra and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Northern Colorado. Highlights of his leadership with the UNC Symphony Orchestra include collaborations on Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring with the UNC Dance Program, full opera productions with UNC Opera Theater, and a side-by-side performance with the Greeley Philharmonic. His ensembles have performed at the 2024 Colorado Music Educators Association Conference and were invited to the 2025 College Orchestra Directors Association Conference. Before UNC, Jaime served as Assistant Music Director of the Bogotá Philharmonic Orchestra, Music Director of the Conservatory Orchestra at the National University of Colombia, and Music Director of the Orquesta Sinfónica de Antioquia in Medellín. He has conducted extensively across Colombia and the U.S. and was recently named a finalist for Music Director of the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra. An advocate for Latin American symphonic music, Jaime is also a published researcher and catalog author.

Aaron Jaramillo

Aaron Jaramillo has been teaching and directing choirs for 10 years, beginning at Laguna Hills High School in California before moving to the Cherry Creek School District in Colorado, where he has taught for the past eight years. A graduate of San Diego Christian College Colorado Music Educator

with a Bachelor’s in Music and a Master’s in Education, Jaramillo has developed his vocal skills and techniques primarily through the Barbershop Harmony Society. He has sung baritone with the International Gold Medal Champion Westminster Chorus and top-five medalist ensembles including Sound of The Rockies and Masters of Harmony. In addition to barbershop, he has experience singing and teaching vocal jazz, contemporary a cappella, and musical theater. Jaramillo also serves on the All-State Jazz Choir Board, contributing to vocal excellence across Colorado. Passionate about creating community in his classroom, he is dedicated to helping students find joy in singing and creating concerts that are engaging experiences for performers and audiences alike.

Alex Javizian

Alex Javizian is in his eighth year of teaching and second year in Colorado, currently serving as a music educator in Colorado Springs. A Florida native, he earned his B.A. in Music Education from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s in Musicology from the University of Miami, where his research explored Latin American folk and popular musics. His thesis, La Otra Cara Del Punk, examined punk rock as a form of resistance during Argentina’s final dictatorship and the Falklands War. Javizian taught six years in Florida before relocating to Colorado in 2023, where he continues to blend musicology and ethnomusicology into his K–8 classrooms. In 2024, he launched Bulls Rock, an after-school elementary rock band program, integrating creativity and instrumental instruction in innovative ways. Passionate about connecting students to the broader cultural and historical contexts of music, Javizian brings fresh perspectives to music education and encourages curiosity, exploration, and creativity in every lesson.

Alyssa Johnson

Alyssa M. Johnson has been the General Music Teacher and Choir Director at Zach Elementary since the school’s opening in 2002. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Performance Degree from the University of Colorado at Denver in 1996, and a Master of Music Education Degree from Mansfield University in Mansfield, Pennsylvania in 2000. In March of 2015, Ms. Johnson reWINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter ceived Poudre School District’s Excellence in Education Award. Ms. Johnson is passionate about choral music; it is the reason she became a music teacher. She believes that every child should learn to sing in a group. Life is full of group singing opportunities, and Ms. Johnson wants her students to feel confident using their voices in any and all situations. In her free time, Ms. Johnson enjoys spending time with her two sons traveling, camping and playing card games.

Victor C. Johnson

Victor C. Johnson, a Dallas native, is School Choral Editor for Sing!, the educational publishing division of Choristers Guild. A prolific composer and arranger, he has more than 350 choral works, vocal solo books, and keyboard collections in print. From 2000–2018 he taught at the Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, directing the Academy Singers and Academy Men’s Choir and serving as Artistic Director of the Singing Girls of Texas and the Children’s Choir of Texas. Johnson is in demand nationwide as a guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician, and has led All-State and regional honor choirs across the U.S. and in Canada. Under his direction, ensembles performed at the Texas Music Educators Association convention in 2011 and 2014 and at the ACDA Southwest Division conference in 2016. His professional affil-

iations include ACDA, TMEA, NAfME, TCDA, ASCAP, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Madison Joy

Madison Joy is a master’s student in music education at the University of Colorado Boulder, where she serves as a graduate teaching assistant. Her research focuses on ethnomusicological applications to music education and culturally responsive pedagogy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and music and culture from the University of Tennessee Knoxville.

Darin Kamstra

Dr. Darin Kamstra, Professor of Music at Colorado Mesa University, serves as Director of Jazz Studies, Percussion, and Head of the Department of Music. He teaches Percussion Ensemble, 52

Colorado Music Educator

Percussion Lessons, Pedagogy, Electronic Music, and Advanced Music Technology, emphasizing versatility so students can adapt to diverse musical opportunities. Kamstra is principal timpanist of the Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra, performs drum set with the Grand Junction Rockestra and CMU Faculty Jazz Quartet, and appears nationally as a percussion and jazz clinician. He previously served as principal timpanist of the Greeley Philharmonic and has performed with professional orchestras, jazz groups, and theater companies across Colorado, Illinois, and the Pacific Northwest. His compositions, published by Tapspace, ejazzlines, and Grand Mesa Music Publishers, have been performed at regional, national, and international conventions, including the 2024 Edeta Arts Percussion Festival in Valencia, Spain, where he also appeared as a clinician. Kamstra is a Pearl/Adams regional education artist and contributor to the Percussive Arts Society Online Research Journal.

Brett M. Keating

Dr. Brett M. Keating is Director of Bands at Colorado State University Pueblo, where he leads the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and oversees the Athletic Band Program. He is also Music Director of Colorado Brass, the Lake Fork Wind Ensemble, the Great Western Rocky Mountain Brass Band, and the Colorado Brass Band. Under his direction, Colorado Brass has earned national recognition at the North American Brass Band Championships and the U.S. Masters. Keating serves on the boards of the Colorado Music Educators Association and the North American Brass Band Association. An active performer, he has appeared as soloist with orchestras, wind bands, and brass bands in the U.S. and Europe, with honors at international competitions. Keating previously taught at Western Colorado University, Carroll University, and the University of Kansas. He earned his D.M.A. and M.M. at KU, an M.M. from Hochschule Luzern-Musik, and degrees from the University of Wisconsin.

Bryan Kettlewell

Bryan Kettlewell is currently the Director of Choral Music at Thompson Valley High School (TVHS) in Loveland, CO where he leads five different ensembles and has thrice been nominated WINTER 2025-26

rs for Teacher of the Year in his school district. Bryan and his wife Dana have a six year old son named Theo and welcomed their second child Peri this last November. Bryan is the co-founder of NOCO Singers, a uniquely collaborative choir, and enjoys making music and collaborating with these fabulous musicians. In his spare time, Bryan enjoys being in the mountains as much as possible with friends and family.

Ryan Kimball

Ryan Kimball is in their first year of teaching at Wayne Carle Middle School, where they direct 6th–8th grade band, orchestra, and musical theater. They earned their Bachelor of Music in Percussion Performance from the University of Nebraska– Lincoln in 2021 and completed a Master of Music Education at the University of Colorado Boulder in 2025.

William Kohut

William M. “Bill” Kohut devoted 36 years to Colorado public education as a music educator and administrator. He retired in 2019 after a decade as Principal of Denver School of the Arts, where his leadership lifted DSA to national prominence: eight consecutive U.S. News & World Report gold medals, #2 high school in Colorado (2018–19), and ten Colorado John Irwin Awards for Educational Excellence. Previously he was Principal of Denver South High School, helping it earn AVID National Demonstration School status. Honors include Colorado Thespians Administrator of the Year (2011) and CMEA Honored Administrator (2013). Kohut has served as President of the International Arts Schools Network Board and as Education Events Manager for five years. For more than 30 years he has been Executive Director of the Colorado Music Educators Association. He continues to mentor future educators as a consultant and student-teacher supervisor at the University of Colorado Boulder.

MB Krueger MB Krueger is Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she directs the university choirs and teaches unColorado Music Educator

dergraduate conducting. A National Merit Scholar, she earned a B.M. in music education/voice from Michigan State University (1990) and an M.M. in music education, choral conducting emphasis, from Miami University (1995). She began her career directing middle and high school choirs in Michigan and later taught at Lansing Community College. MB has music-directed more than 50 shows, including Into the Woods and La Cage aux Folles. She has served Colorado ACDA as newsletter editor and Women’s Choir R&S chair, presents at the CoACDA Summer Workshop, and is an active clinician for school and community ensembles. A professional singer, she performs with St. Martin’s Chamber Choir and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Choir and has appeared with the Santa Fe Desert Chorale and the Santa Fe Opera.

Blythe LaGasse

Dr. Blythe LaGasse is Professor and Coordinator of Music Therapy at Colorado State University, where she directs the Music Therapy Distance Learning Program. A specialist in music therapy for children on the autism spectrum for more than fifteen years, she holds degrees from the University of Kansas (Ph.D. with an emphasis in music therapy and communication neuroscience), Colorado State University (M.M.), and the University of Kansas (B.M.). LaGasse has published in Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience, Journal of Music Therapy, Music Therapy Perspectives, and Music and Medicine. She has received research and teaching awards from the American Music Therapy Association, CSU’s College of Liberal Arts, and the CSU Board of Governors. Her projects, including studies funded by the GRAMMY Foundation, explore how music can improve communication, cognition, and creativity in children with autism. LaGasse is also lead editor of the Journal of Music Therapy and has served in multiple AMTA leadership roles.

Jennifer Langlotz

Jennifer Langlotz has been a music educator for 29 years, teaching elementary general music, band, and choir. She currently serves as Music Specialist and Technology Coordinator at Trails West Elementary in Cherry Creek Schools. Langlotz earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with an instrumental emphasis from Westminster College (PA) and a Master of Music in Music Education WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter with a choral emphasis from Kent State University. She is National Board Certified in Early/Middle Child Music and is FAME-certified in First Steps in Music and Conversational Solfege. In addition to her classroom teaching, she became a Certified Refit Instructor in 2018 and a Mental Health First Aid instructor in 2022. A strong advocate for mental health and arts education, Langlotz has presented widely and continues to bring creativity and energy to her classroom. Outside of teaching, she enjoys traveling, four-wheeling, camping with her family, and spending time with her cats.

Kevin Larsen

Kevin Larsen is the Director of Bands at Creighton Middle School and the five Lakewood Articulation elementary schools in Jefferson County Public Schools. Servicing over 250 students, he directs three grade level concert bands, an extracurricular jazz ensemble and the 5th grade area beginning band. The Lakewood Elementary Articulation area prides itself on being the only area in JeffCo Public Schools where every 5th grader is required to participate in either band or orchestra. Mr. Larsen proudly serves ASBDA as Colorado State Chair and is a member of CBA, CMEA, NAƒME and has been a member of the Broomfield Symphony Orchestra since 1996 and principal trumpet since 2008.

Enrique Lasansky Dr. Enrique Lasansky is Director of Orchestras at Denver School of the Arts, where his ensembles have twice performed at the Midwest Clinic and earned top honors at the ASTA National Orchestra Festival and The American Prize. He founded and directed the Catalina Chamber Orchestra in Tucson (1991–2008) and has guest conducted ensembles including La Orquesta del Estado de México, Southern Arizona Symphony, and the Paris Sinfonietta. Lasansky studied conducting with Charles Bruck at the Pierre Monteux School and earned degrees from Swarthmore College, Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Arizona. Under his leadership, DSA orchestras have performed at CMEA and earned national recognition for excellence. He remains deeply committed to student growth and performance at the highest level. 54

Colorado Music Educator

Jennifer Last

Jennifer Last is the Performing Arts Director at Denver Christian School, where she teaches 3rd–5th grade general music and directs musicals throughout the year. She has been directing and teaching for over 21 years. A lifelong performer, Jennifer has appeared in professional musical theatre productions in the Denver area, toured with Missoula Children’s Theatre and Up with People, and performed with Princess Cruise Lines. With a passion for inspiring students of all ages, she brings her professional experience to the classroom, helping young performers build confidence and a love of music and theatre.

Lindsay Latva Lindsay Latva is the Visual Arts Content Specialist for the Colorado Department of Education Standards and Instructional Support Team, where she supports educators statewide in curriculum development and arts integration.

Annette Lauer

Annette Lauer is currently in her 26th year in Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8, where she is proud to have spent her entire teaching career educating students from military families. Mrs. Lauer is currently in her 7th year teaching choir at Carson Middle School where the program has seen huge growth during her tenure. Previously, she taught elementary music, where she began a thriving after-school choir program, inspiring her desire to pursue teaching choir. Mrs. Lauer’s choirs regularly receive superior ratings at festivals across Colorado and many of her students have been selected for Colorado Middle All State choir. Throughout her years in the district, Annette also helped create the Fountain-Fort Carson District Honor choir, helped create and administer music assessments across the district, and championed gifted identification and programming in music. Mrs. Lauer also had the honor of acting as the 2024 Ark Valley Junior High Choir Festival clinician.

WINTER 2025-26

rs Tanya LeJeune

Tanya LeJeune is a veteran music educator in Jefferson County Public Schools, where she has taught K–8 general music for 24 years. She also teaches Kodály Level I courses at the Colorado Kodály Institute at Colorado State University. A past president of ROCKE and Member at Large for OAKE, Tanya has served on the Elementary Music Curriculum Advisory Committee and as a teacher mentor in Jeffco. She has presented workshops and in-services across Colorado and at conferences for CMEA, AOSA, NWKE, ROCKE, OAKE, and others. Tanya is also co-host of the Music Teacher Coffee Talk podcast with colleague Carrie Nicholas, sharing insights and resources with music educators nationwide.

Rachel Lesser

Rachel is in her seventh year of teaching in Aurora Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education and Cultural Linguistic Diversity and a Master’s in Trauma-Informed Education. At her school, she teaches General Music, Modern Band, and Choir, with a strong focus on social-emotional learning. Dedicated to helping students find their voice, Rachel integrates inclusive practices and builds meaningful connections through music. Outside of teaching, she enjoys baking, time with her dog, and being an auntie.

Megan Lewin

Megan Lewin is Director of Bands at Westminster High School, where she conducts multiple levels of concert bands, jazz bands, and the marching band. She earned her Bachelor of Music Education, Instrumental Emphasis, from The Hartt School, graduating summa cum laude, and her Master of Music Education with a Cognate in Conducting from the University of Colorado Boulder. A passionate educator, Mrs. Lewin regularly presents at national and international conferences and mentors practicum students from the University of Colorado Boulder and Metropolitan State University Denver. She serves as a Clinician for MakeMusic and is the Colorado State Chair for Women Band Directors International, working to support women in the band field.

Colorado Music Educator

Gary Lewis

Gary Lewis is Director of Orchestras and Professor of Music at the University of Colorado Boulder and Music Director and Conductor of the West Texas Symphony Orchestra. At CU, he conducts the University Symphony Orchestra, oversees the orchestra program, and directs graduate studies in orchestral conducting at both the master’s and doctoral levels. A dedicated advocate for music education, Mr. Lewis has presented in-service workshops, conducted honor groups, and led AllState Orchestras and Bands in numerous states across the country, as well as the ASTA National Honor Orchestra and the Honor Orchestra of America. He is the founding Artistic Director of the Greater Boulder Youth Orchestras, where he continues to conduct the Symphony Orchestra. Mr. Lewis is also a Yamaha Master Educator.

Weston Lewis

Dr. Weston Lewis is Assistant Director of Bands at Louisiana State University, where he conducts the Symphonic Band, works with The Golden Band from Tigerland and Bengal Brass, teaches undergraduate conducting, and mentors doctoral students minoring in conducting. Prior to joining LSU, he served as an assistant instructor with The University of Texas Bands, assisting with ensembles and undergraduate conducting courses. Dr. Lewis holds degrees from the University of Houston (B.M.E.), Louisiana State University (M.M.), and the University of Texas at Austin (D.M.A.). His research on belonging and opportunity in music education has been featured in state and national presentations. Active as a guest conductor, clinician, and arranger, his music has been performed at major events, including a premiere at the Midwest Clinic. He is a member of CBDNA, TMEA, and LMEA, an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi, and a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Kyle H. J. Liss

Kyle H. J. Liss is a music educator, pianist, and composer/producer originally from Chicago, IL. He holds a B.A. in Piano Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts and a Master’s in Music Education from the University of Colorado Boulder. Since 2017, he has served as Director of WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter Orchestras at Frederick High School, where the program has more than doubled in size under his leadership. The auditioned Symphonic Orchestra has earned superior ratings at multiple regional and state ASTA Festivals. Mr. Liss also teaches a self-written Music Technology curriculum and is Project Manager for the student-led Symphonation Project Team at SVVSD’s Innovation Center, which is developing a Music Innovation pathway. A professional musician since age sixteen, he has composed and performed across genres and toured nationally with his band. He brings this wide-ranging experience to his student-centered teaching philosophy.

Oren Logan

Oren Logan is a K–5 Elementary Music Teacher at Olander School for Project-Based Learning in Fort Collins, CO. He earned his bachelor’s degree in music education from Colorado State University and a master’s degree in Teaching Physical Education and Physical Activity Leadership from the University of Northern Colorado. A certified Eurhythmics instructor, Oren currently serves as webmaster for the American Eurhythmics Society and as president of the Colorado Eurhythmics Society.

Kassandra Lopez

Denver-based flutist, arts administrator, and educator Kassandra Lopez holds a BM from the University of Denver and an MM in Performance from the University of Northern Colorado. She performs with Colorado orchestral and chamber ensembles and is a founding member of the Lorentz/Lopez flute-guitar duo, which released its debut album Gallery in 2024. She currently serves as piccolo/ third fwlute with the Denver Philharmonic Orchestra and has appeared as a soloist with The Denver Brass. Lopez’s performance credits also include the Denver chapter of the B.O.T.A.R. Orchestra at the Mission Ballroom with Streetlight Manifesto. An experienced arts administrator, she has worked with the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, Wild Beautiful Orchestra, The Denver Brass, and the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute. She is currently Director of the Lamont Summer Academy at the University of Denver and Program Coordinator for CU Denver’s College of Arts and Media.

Colorado Music Educator

Tami LoSasso

Tami LoSasso serves as Dance and Drama Theatre Content Specialist for the Colorado Department of Education Standards and Instructional Support team.

Sheridan Loyd Sheridan Loyd is Director of Bands at Montrose High School, where she leads two concert bands, two jazz ensembles, and the “Pride of Montrose” Marching Band. Under her direction, the MHS Advanced Jazz Ensemble performed at the 2023 CMEA State Convention and earned top honors at the Fort Lewis and Colorado West Jazz Festivals. The Montrose HS Wind Ensemble recently earned a superior rating at the 2025 CBA State Concert Band Festival, the school’s first appearance there since 2012. The Pride of Montrose Marching Band remains a consistent CBA State Finalist. Loyd holds a Master of Music in Wind Conducting from Colorado State University and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Clarinet Performance from Miami University (Ohio). She received the 2025 Outstanding Music Educator Award for Colorado from the NFHS. She serves as Colorado State Chair for the National Band Association and on the Colorado Bandmasters Association board.

Paul Malley

Paul Maley is in his fifteenth year of teaching elementary music, with the past 5 years in the Estes Park School District. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a Master of Music from Colorado State University. Mr. Maley is certified in both Orff Schulwerk and Kodály with a partial Eurhythmics. He currently serves as the General Music Chair for the Colorado Music Educators Association and is an active presenter for district professional development programs in Colorado and collegiate music education courses. To learn more about Paul’s teaching or professional performing career, visit www.paulmaley.com.

WINTER 2025-26

rs Jeremy N. Manternach Jeremy N. Manternach, Ph.D., is Associate Professor and Chair of Music Education at the University of Iowa, where he teaches undergraduate and graduate choral pedagogy, music education, and research courses. He also conducts the UI Youth Chorale, a high school outreach choir. A frequent guest conductor and clinician, Dr. Manternach’s research explores conducting gesture and singer efficiency, choral/vocal acoustics, adolescent voice development, and teacher voice use. His work has been published and presented at national and international conferences in vocology and music education. He has served on the editorial boards of the Journal of Research in Music Education, Journal of Music Teacher Education, and the International Journal of Research in Choral Singing. Dr. Manternach is an active member of NAfME, ACDA, PAVA, and the VoiceCware Network.

Karen Marston

Dr. Karen Marston is a trombonist, conductor, and educator. She is Chair of Music, Director of Wind Ensemble, and Professor of Trombone at Mt. San Antonio College (Los Angeles), and Director of the International Trombone Festival. She has appeared at festivals worldwide, with recitals at Central Washington University, Cal State Los Angeles, and Washington State University. An active chamber artist, she performs with Athena Brass Band, has appeared with the Brass Band of Battle Creek, and founded the TexiCali Trio and Empress Trombone Quartet. A committed advocate, she directs the International Women’s Trombone Choir and founded the nonprofit She Can Play Brass. Her arrangements are performed internationally, including by New York Philharmonic brass (2023) and in a large-scale setting of Amy Beach’s Gaelic Symphony. She holds performance degrees from the University of North Texas and Rice University and graduate degrees in music education from Columbia University. She is a Rath Trombones artist.

Colorado Music Educator

Abby Martinez

Abby Martinez, a teacher, performer, clinician, and director from Grand Junction, CO, is the director of choirs at Erie Middle School, where she has taught since 2010. She conducts nearly 400 students in three grade-level choirs and four extracurricular ensembles. A 2006 Boettcher Scholar, Martinez earned her Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Colorado Boulder and a TEFL certificate from ACLE Italia. Believing every child deserves the space to be their authentic self, she fosters community and positive change through music. In addition to teaching, Martinez frequently presents at conferences, serves as a clinician and adjudicator across Colorado, and is active on thew SVVSD Music Leadership Team. She is also Chair Emerita of the Colorado AllState Choir Board, having been involved since its inception in 2011. Martinez lives in Erie with her husband and two children and enjoys paddle boarding, traveling, and family time.

Breanne Mathias

Breanne Mathias has taught elementary, middle, and high school choirs for the past fifteen years. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Otterbein College (2006) and her Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University (2025). Certified in Kodály Levels I and II at Colorado State University, she has served as general music and choir director at Johnson Elementary since 2019. Her choir has performed at caroling events, Rockies baseball games, continuation ceremonies, and school concerts. She conducted the Denver Elementary Honor Choir in 2017 and co-directed a North Denver middle school community choir. For the past three summers, she has taught general music at Camp SOL in Fort Collins. Outside of teaching, she enjoys adventures with her partner, Sam, and their two dogs, and stays active through running,

Kelsie McCallum

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Kelsie McCallum is a passionate music educator, conductor, and Soldier in the Colorado Army National Guard. For over ten years, she has taught K–5 elementary music at The da Vinci Academy in Colorado Springs, WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter where her commitment to student growth and creativity is evident both in and beyond the classroom. A dedicated service member since 2009, McCallum began her Guard career as a horn player before completing Warrant Officer Candidate School. In 2022, she was appointed commander of the 101st Army Band, where she leads with distinction. Her unique dual career reflects her belief in the transformative power of both music and service, inspiring students and fellow musicians alike.

Scott McGowan

Dr. Scott McGowan has been teaching the Rocky Heights Middle Bands and Orchestras since 2012 and is in his twenty sixth year of teaching. He has had the privilege of teaching award winning programs in Iowa, Texas and Colorado and has held teaching positions at every level from elementary through college working with instrumental, vocal, and general music students. His ensembles consistently receive Superior ratings at contests and festivals. As a high school director, his marching band was a state finalist each year including a state championship. His concert and jazz ensembles performed at the state concert band festival and received numerous outstanding soloist awards. Dr. McGowan’s composition and arranging credits include pieces for string orchestra, big band, jazz combo, vocal jazz, percussion ensemble and marching band. As a performer, he has appeared with many concert and jazz ensembles across the state. His education includes a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa, a Master of Music from the University of Colorado, and a Doctor of Music Education from Liberty University.

Jennifer McIntyre

Jennifer McIntyre is a former teacher and now owns Once Upon a Mind, an independent educational bookseller in Colorado. She specializes in finding books to accompany educators’ curricular needs and sharing ideas for integrating children’s books into the classroom.

Colorado Music Educator

Anne McNamara

Anne McNamara is the Associate Professor of Trumpet at Illinois State University and the Associate Director of the School of Music where she regularly performs in the I.S.U. Faculty Brass Quintet and as a freelance musician with groups such as the Sinfonia de Camera, Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and the Heartland Festival Orchestra. She also regularly performs the flugelhorn solo chair with the Athena Brass Band. In addition to performing, Dr. McNamara actively pursues the commission and performance of new works such as Stefania de Kenessey’s Wronged Notes, Roy Magnuson’s thoughts and prayers, Carson Cooman’s Sonata for Flugelhorn and Piano and the adaptation of Kevin McKee’s A Winter’s Night. In 2019 she came out with her first album A Winter’s Night which is available for purchase and streaming on all major platforms. Anne is actively involved in the International Trumpet Guild and International Womens Brass Conference, having performed and presented frequently at both conferences and having two articles published in ITG on her history of non-male trumpet professor research. Dr. McNamara is currently serving as a member of the ITG board. For more info, please visit her website: www.annemcnamaratrumpet.com.

Bryce Melaragno

Bryce Melaragno began teaching at Lakewood High School in 2015, where he teaches three orchestras, two concert bands, and the marching band. Prior to teaching at Lakewood, he taught at Creighton Middle School and the Lakewood Area Elementary Schools. Mr. Melaragno has had three ensembles selected to perform at the Colorado Music Educators Association - the 2015 Creighton MS Symphonic Band, and the 2018 & 2023 Lakewood Chamber Orchestra. The Lakewood Chamber Orchestra was selected to perform at the Music for All Orchestra America National Festival in 2025. Under Melaragno’s direction, the Lakewood Bengal Regiment has been an 8-time CBA State Finalist, and the Wind Symphony has been selected to perform at the CBA State Concert Band Festival multiple times. In 2014, Mr. Melaragno received the inaugural Outstanding Young Music Educator Award from the Colorado Music Educators Association. He has WINTER 2025-26

rs also received the Jeffco Values Award three times for Exemplary Performance, a faculty-nominated award presented by Jeffco Public Schools. Mr. Melaragno has served on the Board of the Colorado Bandmasters Association as Metro Area Representative and the CBA Marching Committee. Mr. Melaragno is the President-Elect of the Colorado Bandmasters Association. Mr. Melaragno earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Metropolitan State University of Denver and a Master of Music Education from the University of Colorado Boulder. Mr. Melaragno is a member of the CMEA, NAfME, CBA, ASTA, and Phi Beta Mu.

Isahar Mendez-Flores

Isahar Mendez-Flores is a first-generation Latinx mariachi educator and co-founder of the Colorado Youth Mariachi Program (CYMP). Her journey began as a violinist at Adams City High School and later at Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she founded Mariachi Los Correcaminos and helped establish the university’s first credited mariachi class. In 2016, she and her husband, Victor Becerra, launched a small backyard mariachi program that grew into CYMP, now a nonprofit serving more than 60 students annually. As Executive Director and Mariachi Director, she leads with a deep commitment to cultural pride, accessibility, and youth empowerment. Mendez-Flores is also an alumna of Teatro Nacional Sucre’s Young Artist Program in Ecuador and holds degrees in Music Education from MSU Denver. Balancing her career with raising her daughter, she continues to expand opportunities for young musicians, ensuring mariachi remains a powerful and inclusive expression of identity and community in Colorado.

Victor Mestas

Victor Mestas was born and raisein Caracas, Venezuela, and studied at the “J. A. Lamas” School of Music with Carmen Moleiro. He is an endorsement artist for YAMAHA keyboards in Venezuela (2001), and his professional background includes more than 100 recording productions for national and internationally renowned artists. Mestas has performed as a pianist, keyboardist, and arranger for renowned bands in Latin America and Venezuela, including Guaco and Trabuco Venezolano. He has also accompanied an array of Colorado Music Educator

world-renowned singers, including Soledad Bravo, Cheo Feliciano, and Julio Iglesias’ 2010 Tour in Uruguay and Argentina. He moved to Boulder five years ago with his wife and two daughters. Locally, he performs on the Brazilian-Latin jazz scene and teaches jazz piano and the Thompson Latin Jazz Ensemble at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Michelle Meyer

Michelle Meyer is the Director of Bands at Colby Community College, where she directs three bands (Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Pep Band). There she also teaches Aural Skills and Applied Studies. In her career spanning two decades, she has focused on the needs of rural education and high-needs schools in both the Appalachia area and Kansas. While in Virginia, Michelle served as an instructor for the Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts – a unique program for gifted and talented students from across the Commonwealth. At Colby Community College, she has provided professional development opportunities for local music teachers and reestablished the Colby Community Band that performs during the summer. In 2020, she was named the Northwest Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) Outstanding College Music Educator. Michelle received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Kansas State University. After teaching public school in Kansas, she attended Radford University, earning a Master of Arts in Music with a dual emphasis in clarinet performance and conducting. Michelle is an active member of several professional organizations for band, music education, and clarinet performance. Ms. Meyer is an active performer, conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the Plains States.

Bethany Meyer

Bethany Meyer is the head choir director and performing arts chair at Falcon High School in Peyton, CO. She enjoys “talking shop” with other choir directors, especially in the areas of program logistics and growth/retention. Published with Colla Voce Music and Hal Leonard, she has also written several commissions for choirs across the state of Colorado. She has been fortunate enough to visit with and clinic middle school and high school choirs throughout southern Colorado, including choirs from Colorado Springs, Salida, and Pueblo. WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter Martina Miranda

Martina Miranda is Associate Professor of Music Education at CU Boulder where she teaches undergraduate courses in elementary music methods and differentiated instruction, graduate courses in curriculum, creativity, listening experiences, and historical research. She holds Orff and Kodaly certifications and serves as coordinator for the Summer MME program.

Ellen Moeller

Dr. Ellen Moeller is a professional singer in the Denver Metro area and a private voice and piano teacher. She is the Education Director of the EDEN project in Colorado, an educational music outreach program to underserved communities. She also serves on the Ars Nova Singers Board of Directors.

Alfredo Junior Molina-Nogal

Alfredo Junior Molina-Nogal is in his ninth year of teaching and currently serves as Director of Bands at Janitell Junior High School in Fountain, Colorado. He also serves as Treasurer for the Pikes Peak Middle School Honor Band. Previously, he directed bands at Mann Middle School, where he also led the Visual and Performing Arts Elementary Experience, and began his career in Fowler, Colorado, teaching K–12 General Music, Band, and Choir. Molina has performed with the Arkansas Valley Community Band, Pueblo Municipal Band, Peak Big Band, Fountain Valley Community Band, and Fountain Valley Jazz Band. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Colorado State University in 2017 and is pursuing a Master of Music Education through the American Band College of Central Washington University, with expected completion in 2025. Outside the classroom, Molina enjoys time with his wife, Anecia, their son, Remus, home projects, and exploring the outdoors.

Kaia Monson

Kaia Monson is an accomplished choral educator with nine years of teaching experience. A native 60

Colorado Music Educator

of Iowa, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Luther College and a Master of Music Education with a Conducting Specialization from Colorado State University. Kaia began her career as Director of Choirs at Elizabeth High School, where she led the program for nearly five years. Since 2021, she has served as Director of Choirs and Musical Theatre at Loveland High School, where she continues to grow vibrant, student-centered programs. Passionate about community engagement, she also contributes to the newly founded Loveland Youth Choirs, supporting young singers across the Thompson School District. Monson resides in Fort Collins with her partner, Kenneth, and their dogs, Finn and Foxy. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, biking, camping, and water skiing—always finding ways to connect her love of music with the beauty of the outdoors.

Meghan Muñoz

Meghan Muñoz is Director of Bands at Lesher Middle School, where she teaches beginning, concert, and symphonic bands as well as jazz band, while also supporting the orchestra program. A fourth-generation music educator, she follows in the footsteps of her family, including her mother, who was a choir director and elementary music teacher. Muñoz holds a Bachelor of Arts in Trombone Performance (2005) and a Master of Music Education (2011) from the University of Northern Colorado, where she performed in UNC’s top ensembles and taught undergraduate music appreciation courses. Her teaching career includes positions at Fossil Ridge High School, Liberty High School, and Windsor High School. Dedicated to both students and community, Muñoz brings a wide range of experience and passion to her teaching. Outside of school, she enjoys life with her husband, Martín, and their two sons, Sebastian and Nikolai.

Heather Murphy

Heather Murphy is Director of Orchestras at Centaurus High School and Meadowlark School in Boulder Valley School District, where she has taught since 2003. A graduate of New Mexico State University (BM in Music Performance and Music Education) and the University of Colorado Boulder (MM in Music Education), Murphy also completed long-term training in all ten Suzuki Cello WINTER 2025-26

rs books at the University of Denver. She has taught cello privately and performed professionally since 1996, while also serving as clinician and judge for Suzuki camps, GBYO, Colorado ASTA CAP, and Boulder Suzuki Strings. Known for her ability to revive and strengthen orchestra programs, her ensembles consistently earn high ratings at festivals and contests. In addition to her teaching, she is an active cellist and enjoys yoga, cooking, hiking, and time with her family.

Brian C. Murray

Brian C. Murray is Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Wyoming, where he leads seven choral ensembles and oversees graduate studies in choral conducting. Under his baton, the UW Choirs frequently present major choral-orchestral masterworks, including Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem (2022), Mozart’s Requiem (2024), and Orff’s Carmina Burana (2025). In 2024, the UW Singing Statesmen performed as invited guests for WMEA and NWACDA. An active scholar and educator, Murray has presented interest sessions for state, divisional, and international conferences and published articles in ChorTeach and the Choral Journal. As a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor, he has led honor choirs and professional engagements in 15 states, as well as Canada, the Czech Republic, and South Korea. His teaching and artistry continue to reflect his commitment to building strong choral communities through performance, scholarship, and service.

Krystal Myers

Krystal Myers has taught General Music, Instrumental Music, Vocal Music, and Music Theatre at Parker Core Knowledge for the past 25 years. In her first year, she traveled class to class with a Radio Flyer Wagon and boom box, but over time she built a lasting, thriving program that now includes a dedicated performance space. With insight from diverse experiences in music education, Myers has advocated for her program’s growth, fostered strong community support, and developed a network of reliable parent volunteers. Her work has helped create a vibrant culture of performance and participation at her school, where ensembles and productions enrich the lives of students and families alike. Dedicated to the power Colorado Music Educator

of the arts to inspire young people, she has continued to expand opportunities for students to learn, perform, and grow in music for more than two decades.

Bobbie Ann Nelson

Bobbie Ann Nelson, Ph.D., LPC, NCC, is a counselor educator, clinician, and researcher with a unique background in both music and mental health. Her dissertation, Music Performance Anxiety: An Exploration Through the Lens of Attachment and Trauma, reflects her dedication to bridging neuroscience and the performing arts. With over 30 years of experience working with children and adolescents in school, clinical, and community settings, Nelson equips educators with trauma-informed strategies to foster safe, creative, and connected learning environments. She has presented nationally on trauma, resilience, and the transformative potential of music education. Nelson currently teaches graduate-level counseling courses, specializing in trauma-informed care, attachment theory, and the impact of early life experiences on regulation and learning. She remains committed to helping music educators understand the neurobiological roots of behavior and apply practical, compassionate approaches in the classroom.

Teresa Newman

Teresa Newman is Choir Director and Performing Arts Department Coordinator at Grandview High School in Aurora, Colorado. In addition to directing the school’s choral ensembles, she oversees the broader performing arts curriculum, which includes band, orchestra, theater, and music courses. While she enjoys all areas of choral music, her passion lies in a cappella, especially barbershop. A longtime member of Sweet Adelines International, Newman has competed at the international level with the Colorado Springs Chorus Velvet Hills and performs annually with her quartet, Velocity. Her work combines artistry, leadership, and mentorship, providing students with a wide range of musical experiences. Dedicated to balancing her professional and family life, she treasures time with her husband, Brad, and their children, Claire, Adalynn, and Jackson, who remain her greatest source of joy and inspiration WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter Phuong Nguyen

Phuong Nguyen teaches concert band, jazz band, and guitar at Boltz Middle School in Fort Collins, Colorado, where he also mentors Colorado State University practicum and student teachers. A CSU graduate, he earned both his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Conducting while studying with Dr. Charles Lawson, Dr. Gary Moody, Peter Sommer, and Wes Kenney. Nguyen has extensive experience as a performer, playing saxophone with the Fort Collins Wind Symphony, Twelve Cents for Marvin, Choice City Seven, the Jedi Jazz Collective, and numerous other projects. With more than 20 years of experience in Colorado’s rock, jazz, ska, and reggae scenes, he has also performed with nationally recognized bands and Vietnamese pop stars. Nguyen has been honored as a clinician at honor bands and jazz workshops across the state and continues to inspire students with his love of music, mentorship, and community engagement.

Carrie Nicholas

Tanya LeJeune and Carrie Nicholas are veteran elementary general music teachers in Jefferson County Public Schools. With over five decades of combined teaching experience, both are Kodály-certified and hold master’s degrees from the Colorado Kodály Institute at Colorado State University, where they have also taught on the summer faculty. Dedicated advocates for quality music education, they are active presenters at district, state, and national levels, sharing sessions at CMEA, AOSA, OAKE, and multiple universities. Together, they co-host the popular Music Teacher Coffee Talk podcast, where they provide practical ideas, humor, and inspiration for general music teachers across the country.

Loni E. Obluda

Loni Obluda, a Pueblo native, is in her 17th year of instrumental music instruction at Lesher Middle School in Fort Collins. A graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, she studied Suzuki violin with Ann Pineda-Fuentes and earned her degree in Music Education with honors. At Lesher, her ensembles consistently receive Superior ratings, and the Advanced Chamber Orchestra 62

Colorado Music Educator

was selected to perform at CMEA in 2014, 2017, and 2022, as well as at the Yamaha Music for All National Festival in 2020 and 2024. A past-president of Colorado ASTA, Obluda remains deeply committed to string education in Northern Colorado.

Sarah Off

Dr. Sarah Off is Associate Professor of Violin and Music Business and Director of the Center for Arts Entrepreneurship at the University of Northern Colorado. An innovative performer and educator, she has been praised for her “rapturous reception” (The Times, London) and “brilliant and seamless focus” (AZ State Press). Off has performed internationally with artists ranging from the Orion String Quartet and Pink Martini to the Wu Tang Clan and Ben Folds. She regularly appears at festivals such as Harpa International (Iceland), the Crested Butte Music Festival, and Music in the Mountains. As an educator, Off is passionate about preparing students as skilled musicians and entrepreneurs, advocating for healthy, sustainable performance practices.

Kris Olsen Kris Olson has taught music and movement for over 35 years. Before moving to Texas, Kris taught in public, private, rural, and urban elementary schools across Minnesota. Currently, Kris teaches as a private contractor in Lubbock, Texas with a focus in early childhood and family-based music and dance. She offers after school classes for elementary students that integrate bucket drumming, body percussion, and singing and she leads the children’s Border Morris team, Coyote Morris. Kris adjuncts in dance at Texas Tech University and teaches workshops and summer classes at various universities. She has her master’s degree in Orff Schulwerk from the University of St. Thomas. While living in Minneapolis, Kris studied dance at Zenon Dance Company and was a founding member of Schulfunk, an Orff based performance group that combined song, dance, and percussion. Her current musical hobbies include playing doumbek in Texas Tech’s Balkan ensemble and improving her skills on her covid instrument, the bodhrán.

WINTER 2025-26

rs Natasha Olson-Smith

Natasha Olson-Smith is a professional musician, educator, and entrepreneur based in Denver. She is Director of Guitar Studies and Honors Music Theory instructor at Denver School of the Arts, where she teaches grades 6–12. Before joining DSA in 2022, she owned and operated a thriving private studio of more than 50 students, many of whom have gone on to music colleges and professional careers. A versatile performer, Olson-Smith has played as a classical soloist and in collaborations with singers, flutists, string players, and other guitarists. She is also half of the guitar duo The Wabash Cannonballs and has appeared at weddings, corporate events, and high-profile venues. She studied guitar at the University of Denver, University of Miami, CU Boulder, Berklee School of Music, and Carmen de las Cuevas in Spain.

Michael Paulez

Michael Paulez is Director of Bands at Denver School of the Arts, where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Jazz Workshop Orchestra. Previously, he was founding Director of Bands at Riverdale Ridge High School and taught at Westminster and Wheat Ridge High Schools. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education with honors from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and his Master of Music Education with a cognate in conducting from the University of Colorado Boulder. A euphonium performer, Paulez has played with the Colorado Wind Ensemble, Denver Municipal Band, Pikes Peak Brass Band, Arapahoe Philharmonic, and National Repertory Orchestra, among others. He has presented and conducted at state, national, and international conferences, and was inducted into the American School Band Directors Association in 2018. Paulez also served as CMEA Technology Chair from 2016–2024. Outside the classroom, he enjoys exploring Colorado with his husband, young son, and German shepherd, Luna.

Nathan Payant

Dr. Nathan Payant is Assistant Professor of Practice at Colorado State University, where he directs the Concert Choir, teaches conducting, and leads courses in music education and music therapy. Colorado Music Educator

An active conductor and singer, he has taught at every level—middle school, high school, college, community, and professional. Payant is the Artistic Director of Fort Collins’ Laudamus Chamber Chorale, Chorus Personnel Manager and ensemble member of the Colorado Bach Ensemble, and Director of Music & Arts at First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins. A frequent clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor, he has led honor choirs across Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, and Texas. He has presented at CMEA, Colorado ACDA, and national conferences, and his scholarship has appeared in ChorTeach and Choral Journal. Payant holds degrees from the University of Colorado Boulder (DMA), Colorado State University (MM), and Northern State University (BME). He is a strong advocate for lifelong singing and choral engagement.

Enion Pelta-Tiller

Violinist, composer, and educator Enion Pelta-Tiller moves fluidly across genres, from jazz and bluegrass to Brazilian and progressive folk. She is widely recognized as a creative force in the acclaimed folk group Taarka, with whom she has released eight albums, while also collaborating with artists such as Elephant Revival, KYGO, Sean Jones, Patrick Bartley, and members of the Grateful Dead. A dynamic teacher, she directs the American Roots Cross-Genre Strings Ensemble and Jazz Ensembles at CU Boulder, teaches violin and songwriting at CU Denver, and formerly led the chamber program at Denver School of the Arts. Pelta-Tiller is an in-demand clinician, invited to teach stylistic improvisation at ASTA national conferences, Mark O’Connor’s Strings Conference, the American Fiddle Method Camp, and internationally in Spain. She studied at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Peabody Institute and earned an MM in Jazz Studies from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Brian Pertl

Brian Pertl, Dean of the Lawrence Conservatory of Music, is known for reimagining the role of music schools in higher education. A graduate of Lawrence University with degrees in trombone performance and English, he received a Thomas J. Watson Fellowship to study harmonics in Aboriginal didjeridu playing and Tibetan sacred chanting WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter across Australia and Asia. Pertl earned his M.A. in Ethnomusicology from Wesleyan University and pursued doctoral work at the University of Washington before joining Microsoft as an ethnomusicologist. There, he helped pioneer the use of world music in multimedia reference titles, managing the Media Acquisitions Group for a decade. His recent book, Radically Responsive Music Schools: Leading Change Through Culture Building, offers a visionary model for 21st-century music education. Under his leadership, the Lawrence Conservatory has become a national leader in inclusive, forward-thinking music study inspired by the Deep Listening philosophy of Pauline Oliveros.

Bob Phillips

Bob Phillips (b. 1953) is an award-winning author, composer, pedagogue, and conductor, widely recognized as an innovator in string education. He is a leading authority on large-group pedagogy and eclectic styles for strings. Over his career, he has authored more than 25 book series— including the Sound Innovations method—and published over 200 works for orchestra and band. For 27 years, Phillips built a nationally recognized program in Saline, Michigan, blending classical and eclectic styles, and founded the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic. His former students are now professional performers and music educators. Phillips has served as president of ASTA and as Director of String Publications for Alfred Music. His many honors include induction into the University of Michigan School of Music Hall of Fame (2013), ASTA’s Distinguished Service Award (2022), and the Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor (2022). He currently directs the Great Lakes Music Youth Academy and performs with three mandolin ensembles.

Xareny Polanco

Xareny Polanco (she/they) is the Orchestra, Choir, and Mariachi Director at Timberline PK-8 in Longmont, Colorado, where she inspires students through diverse programming and performance opportunities. A graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in Music Education, she maintains a private violin and viola studio and performs as a violist with the Longmont Symphony Orchestra. Polanco has taught at programs including Camp Con Brio, String Camp of the Rockies, and the Poudre School District Summer Music 64

Colorado Music Educator

Academy, and held leadership roles in student ASTA and CNAfME chapters at CSU. In 2025, she was honored with the CMEA Outstanding Young Educator Award. A first-generation Latina from Northern Colorado, Polanco is deeply committed to equity and representation in music education, empowering students from underserved communities. Beyond her professional work, she enjoys nature, food, and time with loved ones—and shares life with her cat, Poco.

Eric Posada

Dr. Eric Posada is Director of Choral Activities at Angelo State University, Vice-President of College & New Professionals for the Texas Choral Directors Association, and Founder/Artistic Director of Pasión and the San Angelo Chorus. A conductor, educator, and mentor, he is passionate about uniting people through transformative choral experiences. Posada has presented at 29 international, regional, and state conferences, and served for 18 years as a liturgical music director. His professional chorus Pasión has earned national recognition, including third place in two categories of The American Prize and selection as a performing choir for the 2021 TCDA Summer Conference. With a career spanning higher education, church music, and professional ensembles, Posada brings a vibrant and holistic approach to choral artistry. His work emphasizes connection, diversity, and the power of music to inspire profound human experiences.

Sam Post

Sam Post is a dedicated educator, performer, and woodwind specialist with more than seven years of teaching experience. A 2018 graduate of Colorado State University, they have developed a thriving private studio while performing professionally on flute and saxophone. In 2024– 2025, Post served as conductor of the San Juan Junior Orchestra, sharing their passion for music with young performers. Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2023, they continue to bring resilience, creativity, and dedication to both classroom and performance settings. Their approach to teaching emphasizes pedagogy rooted in accessibility and engagement, making instrumental music both effective and joyful. Beyond the classroom, Post is a multi-instrumentalist and aerial circus performWINTER 2025-26

rs er, blending artistry across genres and disciplines. Their unique perspective as both educator and performer shapes their mission: to inspire students and audiences alike through imaginative, inclusive, and meaningful musical experiences.

Tyler Privia

Tyler Privia is Director of Choirs at Falcon High School in Peyton, Colorado, where he directs the Concert Choir, Tenor/Bass Choir, and co-directs the Treble Choir and two show choirs. He also collaborates with the school’s theatre program, serving as vocal music director for musicals. Originally from Underwood, Iowa, Privia earned his bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Luther College in 2020. He began his teaching career in the AHSTW Community School District (Iowa), where he taught grades 6–12 vocal music and directed multiple ensembles from 2020–2023. At Falcon High School, Privia has helped cultivate a thriving choral and show choir program rooted in creativity, teamwork, and inclusivity. His work reflects a commitment to inspiring students to grow as musicians and performers while building community through music-making. Now in his sixth year of teaching, he brings both passion and expertise to every rehearsal and performance.

Meaghan Quigley

Meaghan Quigley is the Director of Vocal Music at Denver School of the Arts and a DMA student at Boston University. She holds degrees from Casper College (AFA, Vocal Performance & Music Education), Colorado Mesa University (BA, Music Education), and Adams State University (MA, Choral Conducting & Music Education). Quigley is an active member of NATS, ACDA, CMEA, and NAfME, and serves as District 1 Vocal Representative for CMEA. She has worked as an honor choir clinician, adjudicator, Tri-M sponsor, and CHSAA music board member. At DSA, she has vocal directed Chicago, It’s a Wonderful Life, The Little Mermaid, and 9 to 5. Her ensembles have earned superior ratings and performed at the 2020 and 2023 CMEA Conferences, Carnegie Hall, and Lincoln Center. Students under her direction have appeared with Barry Manilow, Kristin Chenoweth, the Colorado Symphony Ballet, Denver Women’s Chorus, Mirabai, Colorado All-State Choirs, and SWACDA & National ACDA Honor Choirs. Colorado Music Educator

Josh Race

Josh Race is in his eighth year as Director of Bands at Fountain-Fort Carson High School and his sixteenth year of teaching. At FFCHS, he leads a thriving program of five concert bands, a chamber ensemble class, two jazz bands, and the Trojan Marching Band. Before joining Fountain-Fort Carson, Race taught at Cañon City, Pueblo County, and La Junta High Schools. A native of Florence, Colorado, he earned his Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and his Master of Arts in Music Education from Adams State University. He is currently pursuing a Music Education Specialist degree in Instrumental Music at Auburn University. Race’s ensembles are recognized for their musical excellence, and his leadership reflects a deep commitment to student growth and the development of well-rounded musicians.

Peggy Rakas

After a career teaching instrumental music, Peggy Rakas now serves as an adjunct music education professor at Hofstra University and is the founder of Teaching Positivity, an organization offering positive psychology workshops for teachers. She is also a professional flutist, a clinician for MakeMusic Cloud, the founder and coordinator of the Harry Chapin Practice-a-thon, and a certified Optimize Life Coach specializing in positive psychology. Rakas holds degrees from Bowling Green State University and Queens College. Her work reflects a passion for helping teachers thrive through music and well-being practices. Learn more at TeachingPositivity.com and hcpracticeathon.com.

Alfredo Ramirez

Alfredo Ramirez holds master’s degrees in Arts Leadership/ Cultural Management and Music Performance from Colorado State University. Raised in a Mexican immigrant family, his first musical passion was Banda, which inspired his lifelong commitment to cultural advocacy. A self-taught musician until college, Ramirez’s first clarinet lesson opened doors to classical performance and shaped his vision of using music to WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter bridge traditions. In 2016, he toured with Banda La Troyana during their Latin Grammy nomination for Best Banda Album, and in 2023, he made history at the International Clarinet Association Conference by presenting on the clarinet’s role in Mexican Banda. Dedicated to expanding access to the arts, he has developed outreach programs serving underserved communities, demonstrating that musicians can thrive in both orchestras and Bandas. His work continues to honor cultural identities while inspiring the next generation of performers

David Rickels

David A. Rickels is Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Colorado Boulder. His diverse teaching background includes a range of settings from kindergarten through college, including high school concert and marching bands, elementary beginning band and general music, and college music education methods courses.

Hannah Rodriguez

Hannah Rodriguez is an award-winning vocalist, composer, multi-instrumentalist, and educator based in Northern Colorado. She is passionate about creating inclusive, artistically rich learning environments and advocates particularly for women and vocalists in the music industry. While studying at the University of Northern Colorado (BM 2021, MM 2025), Hannah earned multiple DownBeat Student Music Awards for her vocal performances and innovative arrangements. A sought-after performer, recording artist, and ensemble director specializing in jazz voice, she is equally at home in live performance and studio settings. With a background in music technology, electric bass, and sound engineering, her holistic musicianship shapes her original works and arrangements, which have been featured at festivals including Telluride Jazz, FoCoMX, and the UNC Jazz Festival. In addition to her extensive performing, Hannah is an experienced music educator, teaching voice, composition, and music technology to students of all ages through both private lessons and academic appointments.

Colorado Music Educator

Matthew Roeder

Dr. Matthew Roeder is Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies and Enrollment Management in the College of Music at the University of Colorado Boulder. For 17 years before this administrative role, he served as Associate Director of Bands and Director of the Golden Buffalo Marching Band at CU Boulder. An Associate Professor of Conducting and Music Education, he teaches graduate and undergraduate instrumental conducting courses. Dr. Roeder is also Conductor Laureate of the Colorado Wind Ensemble, where he was Conductor and Music Director for ten seasons (2004–2014). He earned his Doctor of Musical Arts in Instrumental Conducting and Literature from the University of Colorado Boulder, his Master of Music in Music Education with a conducting emphasis from the Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University, and his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

Angela Roehl

Angela Roehl’s journey into instrument repair grew out of her love for music performance. She earned her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, where her teacher, Dr. Timothy Lane, first sparked her interest in the mechanics of instruments. She went on to earn a master’s degree in flute performance from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, but her curiosity about how instruments work never faded. That curiosity led her to Minnesota State Technical College in Red Wing, MN, where she completed a degree in Band Instrument Repair. Now a valued member of Boomer Music Company, Angela specializes in both woodwind and brass instrument repair. Known for her precision and dedication, she strives to ensure that every instrument crossing her bench plays at its absolute highest standard.

Paul Romaine

Paul Romaine (drum set) felt drawn to music from childhood and began playing professionally at 14. A cornerstone of Denver’s jazz scene, he has led, recorded, and performed with top regional players and internationally acclaimed artists including Eddie Harris, Benny Golson, James Moody, Larry Coryell, Gunther Schuller, Charlie Rouse, EdWINTER 2025-26

rs die Gomez, Jack McDuff, Marlena Shaw, Rufus Reid, Clark Terry, Dave Grusin, and Robin Eubanks. During his association with the Woody Herman Orchestra, he toured North America performing concerts and clinics. Between tours he studied jazz composition at the Lamont School of Music and earned a recording engineering degree from the University of Colorado (1991). A dedicated educator, Paul serves as a mentor musician and clinician in multiple Denver-area districts. Seeing the need for serious jazz training, he founded the Colorado Conservatory for the Jazz Arts (CCJA), which brings middle- and high-school students from across the metro area together weekly to play and study with professional musicians.

Dango Rose

Dango Rose embraces music as a healing influence and spiritual path, creating and collaborating to support harmony and truth. Born with a poet’s soul and a warrior’s heart, his journey has been one of transformation. For over two decades he has toured nationally and internationally, and in 2006 he co-founded Elephant Revival, the ensemble that pioneered Transcendental Folk. Rose penned fan favorites including “When I Fall,” “The Pasture,” “Asleep with the Light On,” and “Jet Lag Blues.” When the band went on hiatus in 2018, he turned to the studio, writing with many artists, launching Artist Development Coaching, and founding the Artist Empowerment Program. Journalist Marc Tonglen calls him a cross between Leonard Cohen, Cat Stevens, and Ian Anderson— distinctive voice, penetrating lyrics, and edgy arrangements. Rose’s works “When I Fall,” “Every Stone,” and “The Pasture” have been performed with the Colorado Symphony. His music streams widely, with millions of plays.

Marc Sabatella Marc Sabatella is the founder and director of Outside Shore Music—one of the longest-running music education websites in the world. From publishing his groundbreaking Jazz Improvisation Primer in the 1990s, to his years teaching on the faculties of major music schools, to his work as one of the developers of MuseScore—the world’s most popular music notation program—Marc has devoted much of his life to helping musicians grow. Today, through the Outside Shore Music commuColorado Music Educator

nity, he continues his mission of supporting and inspiring learners everywhere.

Amber Salaz

Amber Salaz, a Colorado native, is a dedicated music educator with more than 20 years of teaching experience. She earned her bachelor’s degree in music education from the University of Colorado School of Music and began her career in Florida, where she taught music, choir, and theatre in Lakeland for 13 years. She also served as Coordinator and Facilitator for the Polk All County Chorus, leading over 300 auditioned singers annually. Now back in Colorado, Amber teaches elementary music at Grand View Elementary in the St. Vrain Valley School District, where she also chairs the Elementary Music Teachers within the district’s Fine Arts Department. Passionate about music and leadership, she recently earned a master’s degree in Leadership Education with a Principal Endorsement. Amber lives in Frederick with her husband, their two daughters, and two beloved dogs.

Alexandra (Lexie) Sbarra

Alexandra (Lexie) Sbarra teaches K–5 general music at Vanderhoof Elementary in Arvada, Colorado. Now in her second year at Vanderhoof, she also recently began teaching front ensemble at Dakota Ridge High School. Lexie earned her bachelor’s degree in music education with an emphasis in instrumental general instruction from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Laurie Schell

Laurie Schell is the founding principal of Laurie Schell Associates | ElevateArtsEd, offering expertise in arts and cultural education strategy. With over 40 years as a senior nonprofit and education leader, she has championed arts learning through policy campaigns, research initiatives, partnerships, and coalition-building. Laurie is the author of ElevateArtsEd.org and co-published Case-Making & Systems Change in Arts and Cultural Education (2022). From 2012–2017, she served as the inaugural director of Music Makes Us in Nashville, expanding music participation to over 60% of K–12 students, adding dozens of classes, and raising WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter $5 million. Previously, as executive director of the California Alliance for Arts Education (2001–2011), she led a campaign securing $605 million in K–12 arts funding. Recognized by the NAMM Foundation, National Music Council, and others, Laurie holds degrees from Stanford and Wesleyan, with further study at the Harvard Kennedy School. She serves on boards including Think 360 Arts for Learning and ArtsEd Tennessee..

Shannon Schell

Shannon Schell is in her twelfth year as Vocal Music Director at Fox Ridge Middle School in the Cherry Creek School District, where she teaches 6th–8th grade choir as well as 6th grade musical theatre. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Colorado State University and recently completed her master’s degree in education. Before joining Fox Ridge, Shannon taught K–5 general music at Arrowhead Elementary in Cherry Creek and directed 9–12 choir at Ranum High School in Adams County District 50. She is a founding member of the Cherry Creek Honor Choir Board and has twice been honored as Fox Ridge’s Future Forward Educator of the Year (2019–2020, 2022–2023). Coming from a musical family, Shannon is married to guitarist and songwriter Adam Schell. Their son, Nicholas, earned a bachelor’s degree in percussion performance from CU Denver, and their daughter, Symphony, is a bassist and English major at Colorado State University. Outside the classroom, Shannon enjoys football, reading, singing, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Amy Schumaker Bliss

Dr. Amy Schumaker Bliss is in demand nationwide as a clinician, teacher, and euphonium soloist and has an active in-person and Zoom studio with low brass, music theory, and piano students. The 4Barsrest review of her recent album, Couleurs en Mouvements called her “a chip off the block of some mightily impressive forebearers.” Amy co-hosts New World Brasscast, a podcast about North American British brass bands and has written a children’s book, “Amy’s Brass Band,” which introduces the British brass band genre to the next generation. She conducts the Dublin Youth Brass Band in Dublin, Ohio and plays solo eupho68

Colorado Music Educator

nium in Dublin Silver Band. Amy attended Capital University Conservatory of Music in Columbus, Ohio where she double majored in euphonium performance and music education. She earned her master’s degree in euphonium performance studying at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, England where she earned Honors with Distinction in Performance studying with Steven Mead and Dr. Dave Thornton. In 2015, she graduated from Rutgers University as the school’s first doctoral euphonium student after studying with Dr. Stephen Allen and Aaron VanderWeele. Amy lives with her husband and two sons just outside of Columbus, Ohio. Amy Schumaker Bliss is a Besson artist and plays on a Besson Prestige 2051.

Richard Shaw

Richard Shaw graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder and has been a music educator for over 35 years. His bands were consistent award winners and were selected to perform at the Colorado Music Educators Conference on 6 occasions. Under his direction, the marching band at Air Academy High School was state champion 3 times, 12 time regional champions and performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Miami King Orange Parade. Mr. Shaw is a Past-President of the Colorado Music Educators Association. Richard is in the Colorado Bandmasters and CMEA Hall of Fame and received the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Bandmaster Award, Pikes Peak Music Educators Hall of Fame, Alumnus of the Year, University of Colorado College of Music. He is in constant demand locally and nationally as an adjudicator and clinician. Mr. Shaw currently serves as the Colorado Bandmasters Chairman of Marching Affairs.

Matt Shugert

Matt Shugert is the secondary music teacher at Crested Butte Community School in Crested Butte, Colorado, where he teaches jazz band, band, guitar, and mixed string ensembles. He holds a master’s degree in jazz studies from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and dual bachelor’s degrees in music education and saxophone performance from the University of Colorado. Before moving to Crested Butte, Matt taught elWINTER 2025-26

rs ementary general music and band at the Shanghai American School in China, where he was also active as a jazz performer and guest composer/ artist in residence for the Zhejiang Conservatory Saxophone Ensemble. In Colorado, he continues to perform bluegrass and old-time music with his wife, Madeline. Passionate about American roots music, Matt is developing a program at CBCS that introduces students to jazz, bluegrass, and old-time string music while exploring the legacy and global influence of these traditions.

Zachariah Smith

Zachariah Smith earned his BME in choral music education from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2021. He began his career teaching middle school choir in Douglas County before returning to Boulder to complete a dual master’s degree in choral conducting and music education. As a vocalist, he has sung professionally with Ars Nova and Central City Opera. He has also studied voice pedagogy with respected experts Ken Bozeman, Ian Howell, and Nicholas Perna..

Tara L. Sparks

Tara L. Sparks teaches K–5 general music at Tavelli Elementary School in Fort Collins, Colorado. Since 1995, she has taught middle school band and orchestra, elementary orchestra, and general music in Kentucky and Colorado. She holds a bachelor’s in music education from Morehead State University and a master’s in music education with Kodály certification from Colorado State University. Sparks has presented sessions at state and national conferences and served as Team Lead for Kids Music Adventure at Bohemian Nights (2014–2019). Her approach blends Kodály, Orff, Modern Band, and student-centered practices.

Chuck Stephen

Chuck Stephen has recently retired from teaching after 30 years in the classroom. Prior to his 10 years at Monarch HS, Mr. Stephen taught at Lakewood HS, the Pomona area elementaries, Northglenn HS, Thornton HS, and Aztec HS in Colorado Music Educator

New Mexico. Throughout his career, Mr. Stephen’s ensembles have a history of excellence and have been selected to perform at CMEA four times. Mr. Stephen received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1995 and his Master of Arts degree from the University of Colorado Denver in 2004. He was president of the Colorado Bandmasters Association 20092010 and is currently Instrumental Chair for the Colorado Music Educators Association. Mr. Stephen is active throughout Colorado and California as an adjudicator and clinician. Professional affiliations include Colorado Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, Colorado Bandmasters Association and Phi Beta Mu.

Melissa Stouffer

Melissa Stouffer is a music teacher in Michigan. She has taught infants through middle school general music, elementary and middle school choir, as well as a middle school band program that she founded while teaching on a cart. She has a BS in Psychology and BME in Music Education from Central Michigan University and is Kodály Level Three certified. She serves as the President of the Michigan Kodály Educators and on several committees for OAKE and the Michigan Music Educators Association. She is a frequent presenter and the creator and author of www. mrsstouffersmusicroom.com.

Silo Stroman

Shilo Stroman is a musical chameleon, at home in any setting with broad chops, a laid-back vibe, and a drive to stretch. He started with a toy kit, his dad’s records, an empty basement, and chopsticks. A versatile performer, he has played triangle with symphonies, bass in salsa bands, drum set in funk groups, and flower pots in chamber ensembles. He premiered James David’s Scala Enigmatica for solo vibraphone and band, and Jim Bonney’s Sticks and Stones Variations (2006). His jazz quartet, Square Peg, released Searching (2013). An educator, Stroman is special assistant professor of percussion/jazz at Colorado State University, overseeing jazz combos and teaching percussion, drumline, pedagogy, and methods. In the WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter marching arts, he is artistic director/arranger for The Battalion Drum and Bugle Corps and composes/arranges nationally. A frequent clinician and judge (PASIC 2014; UNC/Greeley), Stroman is a Yamaha Performing Artist endorsing Promark, Evans, and Sabian.camps, GBYO, Colorado ASTA CAP, and Boulder Suzuki Strings.

Mackenzie Sutphin

Mackenzie Sutphin directs instrumental and general music at Thunder Vista P-8 in Adams 12 Five Star Schools, leading ensembles for grades 6–8, elementary percussion group Thunder Struck, and the middle school musical theater program. She built the school’s music program from its opening in 2018, shaping a vibrant and inclusive culture. Sutphin earned her bachelor’s in music education from Colorado State University. An active performer, she plays trumpet with a New Orleans-style brass band, an all-female punk band, and a Fort Collins ska group. She lives in Fort Collins with her husband and two dogs.

Bridget Sweet

Dr. Bridget Sweet is Professor of Music Education and the Marilyn Pflederer Zimmerman Endowed Chair at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She is the author of Growing Musicians: Teaching Music in Middle School and Beyond (2016) and Thinking Outside the Voice Box: Adolescent Voice Change in Music Education (2019), and co-editor of Motherhood in the Music Education Academy (2025). Her research explores adolescent voice change, middle-level choral pedagogy, LGBTQ+ issues in music education, and intersections of motherhood and academia. She is also a Licensed Body Mapping Educator.

Jayme Taylor

Dr. Jayme Taylor is Assistant Professor of Music and Associate Director of Bands at Colorado State University, where he conducts the Symphonic Band and directs the CSU Marching Band, Rampage Basketball Band, and Presidential Pep Band. Previously, he taught at Carson-Newman University and the University of South Carolina. Taylor holds degrees from the University of South Carolina (DMA) and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (MM, BM). A frequent clinician, adjudica70

Colorado Music Educator

tor, and drill designer, he has worked with concert and marching ensembles nationwide and performed with drum corps including the Bluecoats, Cavaliers, and Troopers.

Kabin Thomas

Kabin Thomas is a classical music educator, storyteller and radio personality with CPR Classical, where he serves as the morning on-air host and producer for Colorado Public Radio’s statewide classical music service. A former university tuba professor, actor, and professional orchestral musician with the Detroit Symphony, Kabin has performed widely and shared his artistry both on stage and in the classroom. He is the narrator and host of the Emmy Award–winning music documentary The Sound of Dreams, and with his spouse Mary Thomas, he’s co-creator and performer of Peace, Love, and TubaStanding, a program blending music with themes of healing through compassionate listening. A U.S. Marine Corps aviation veteran (HML-776 and VMGR234) with additional service in the U.S. Navy at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, Kabin has devoted much of his career to teaching in public institutions while championing the power of music to inspire. He holds degrees in music, performance, and communications from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Hear Kabin’s radio show weekday mornings, 6-10am on CPR Classical, at KVOD 88.1 FM in Denver and online at CPR.org, where you can find all of CPR’s statewide signals.

Katrina Thomas

Katrina Thomas is a K–8 Music Educator and Musical Theater Director for Pagosa Family School and Executive Director of Expressions School of the Arts. With more than 23 years of experience, she teaches general music for grades K–4, created a 5–8 choir program, and directs the Summer Junior Musical program. She also leads the Pagosa Springs Dance Academy, a division of Expressions, offering both recreational and competitive dance. Thomas earned her BA in Music and Elementary Education from Colorado Christian University. Based in Pagosa Springs, she is proud of her four musical children (including a fulltime music teacher) and her supportive husband.

Linda Thornton WINTER 2025-26

rs Linda Thornton is professor of music education at Penn State. Her collaborative “Partners in Music” initiative earned both Penn State’s Community Engagement and Scholarship Award (2015) and the College Music Society’s Robby D. Gunstream Education in Music Award (2016). Thornton’s research focuses on pedagogy for beginning instrumentalists, improvisation, music teacher recruitment, and reflective practice, and she serves in leadership roles for several national music education organizations.

Peter Toews

Mr. Toews is Director of Bands and Orchestras at Mountain View High School. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in K-12 Music Education and a Master’s Degree in Conducting from the University of Northern Colorado. While at UNC, Mr. Toews was awarded the Departmental Scholar Award and was selected for membership in Pi Kappa Lambda (the National Music Honor Society) and served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant to Dr. Ken Singleton and Dr. Richard Mayne. He was selected as the 2002-03 Mountain View High School Teacher of the Year, the 2013-14 Thompson Education Foundation Secondary Teacher of the Year, and the 2021-22 Thompson Education Foundation Educator of the Year. In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Toews is the chairman of the Performing Arts Department at Mountain View and is the EC-12 Curriculum Representative for Secondary Music in the Thompson School District. He served as the Chair for the Instrumental Music Council for the Colorado Music Educators Association Executive Board, and served for 10 years on the executive board for All State Orchestra. He is a member of ASTA, CBA, CMEA, and Phi Beta Mu. Mr. Toews is a member of the Exquisite Brass Quintet and lives in Greeley with his wife Shanna and their twins, Alyson and Michael.

Erika VanDriel

Erika VanDriel teaches middle school music at Salida del Sol Academy, where she directs mariachi and steel band. Under her leadership, the mariachi program has performed at numerous events throughout the Greeley community. A graduate of Colorado Mesa University, Erika began her career in Columbia, South Carolina, teaching general music, elementary band, and world Colorado Music Educator

percussion. An active percussionist and drummer, she has performed with a variety of ensembles. Erika now lives in Greeley with her husband, Mark, and their four children, balancing family life with her passion for teaching and performing.

Jesse Vanlandingham

Jesse Vanlandingham is Director of Orchestras and Assistant Director of Choirs at Arvada West High School. An Arvada native, he attended Jeffco Public Schools before earning his Bachelor of Music Education and a Spanish minor from Metropolitan State University of Denver. At MSU, he studied voice as his primary instrument and violin as a secondary. Previously, he taught choir and orchestra at Oberon Middle School. A performer as both singer and violinist, Jesse appears regularly with ensembles such as Elus Vocal Ensemble, St. Martin’s Chamber Choir, and area churches. He has conducted at Carnegie Hall with a select Arvada West student ensemble and recently directed the pit orchestra for Sweeney Todd.

Javier Vinasco

Colombian clarinetist and educator Javier Vinasco is internationally recognized for his artistry and leadership in Latin American music. He has presented masterclasses at Indiana University, the San Francisco Conservatory, UNAM, and the University of Maryland, and in 2023 was invited by Colombia’s Ministry of Culture to lead the development of national clarinet education materials. Vinasco is Associate Professor and Director of Latinx Music at the University of Northern Colorado, where he also serves as Associate Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives. He has recorded over 160 works by Latin American composers, including a Latin Grammy-nominated album, and has performed widely as a soloist. Founder of the digital platform Clarinete Mestizo, he holds a Doctor of Music from UNAM, graduating with honors and receiving the Alfonso Caso Medal. Vinasco is a Yamaha and Légère Reeds artist and lives in Greeley, Colorado, with his wife, Catherine.

WINTER 2025-26

Our Conference Presenter Kirk Vogel

Kirk Vogel devoted his career to Colorado schools, with teaching posts at Palisade Jr/Sr High, Bayfield Middle/High, and—most of his career—Heath Junior/Middle School in Greeley. He taught band, orchestra, choir, and jazz band, and remains active as a composer, guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician, presenting at the Colorado Bandmasters Association, the CMEA Conference, and the Midwest Clinic. In 2020 he was inducted into the Colorado Music Educators Hall of Fame. As a composer, Vogel’s music is published by Alfred, Grand Mesa, Kjos, and Southern (Lauren Keiser), and through his own Wilderness Impressions Music. His works Kokopelli, Three Waters Mountain, Escalante, and Perseids won the CMEA Composers Competition in 1993, 1996, 1998, and 2000. Performances include state conferences, the Midwest Clinic, the National Flute Association Convention, and the ASBDA National Convention, by ensembles ranging from elementary through collegiate, community, and professional groups. He is a writer and publisher member of ASCAP. Vogel lives in Greeley with his wife, Susan; they have two grown daughters.

Sarah Volk

After graduating from Colorado Mesa University in 2017, Sarah Volk has taught music at every level but found her passion in elementary education. She especially enjoys teaching Kindergarten and 1st grade, where she incorporates mindfulness practices into her teaching and daily life. Through intentional self-care, she has strengthened her ability to co-regulate with students, resulting in deeper connections and a dramatic decrease in classroom behaviors.

Chue Yeng Vue

Mr. Chue Yeng Vue (he/him) is the Director of Orchestras at Westview Middle School in Longmont, CO, where he teaches over 150 students daily. A violist, Vue has performed with the Cheyenne, Phoenix, and Denver Philharmonics, and currently serves as Principal Viola of the Longmont Symphony. He holds music degrees from Colorado State University and Arizona State University. An 72

Colorado Music Educator

active clinician, he has conducted honor orchestras across Colorado, including in Poudre, Adams 12, and JeffCo. The son of Hmong refugees, Vue believes orchestra classrooms must provide all students—regardless of background or ability—equitable access to music. He also maintains a thriving private viola studio. Outside the classroom, he enjoys cooking, baking, traveling in his campervan, staying active, and spending time with his French Bulldogs, Bubba and Chuckie.

Luke Wachter

Luke Wachter is the Associate Director for Educational Initiatives at the Newman Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Denver. He brings extensive experience teaching music across all grade levels in public school settings..

Rachel Waddell

American conductor Rachel Waddell serves as Director of Orchestras at Colorado State University and Music Director of the Longmont Youth Symphony. Named a Quarterfinalist and Legacy Applicant for the 2025 and 2026 Grammy Music Educator Award, she is recognized for transforming vision into action and uplifting the artistry of communities. She has conducted orchestras worldwide, including the Orchestre Métropolitain, Rochester, Las Vegas, Fort Wayne, and Denver Philharmonics, Greater Bridgeport Symphony, and Southwest Michigan Symphony. Waddell co-founded Conductors for Change, Inc., a nonprofit advancing the evolving role of orchestras. She holds a DMA in Orchestra Conducting from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and has studied at the Dallas Opera’s Hart Institute, Vienna Opera Academy, and Domaine Forget, where she was selected by Yannick Nézet-Séguin to conduct the Orchestre Métropolitain. Learn more at rachelwaddellconductor.com.

Cathy Wahl

Cathy Wahl has dedicated 37 years to instrumental music, including 18 years as Director of Instrumental Music at Ken Caryl Middle School in Jefferson County. Under her leadership, the Ken Caryl Symphonic Band was chosen as a 2023 CMEA Honor Performing Group, and she received the 2023 CMEA Exemplary Service to Music EdWINTER 2025-26

rs ucation Award. Wahl’s students have consistently earned Superior Ratings at festivals across Colorado. She currently serves as National President-Elect of the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) and has also been National Treasurer, Region One Representative, and State Chair. Her other affiliations include Phi Beta Mu, CMEA, NAfME, CBA, and Rotary International. In 2020, she received the Schomp Honda Teacher of the Year Award, funding 17 new instruments, and she has been nominated for the 2026 Colorado Teacher of the Year Award. Wahl taught 19 years in Fayetteville, AR, and holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas..

Ryan Walter

Ryan Walter, a Pueblo native, earned his B.A. in Music Education (vocal and instrumental) from Colorado State University–Pueblo. Initially pursuing semi-professional performance opportunities in Chicago, fate brought him back to teaching, where he discovered a new love for the art of performing and the Cañon community at Cañon City High School. When his predecessor and longtime friend stepped down during the pandemic, Ryan stepped in without hesitation, with continued mentorship and support from Mr. Albrecht. Walter has performed leading roles in productions such as Little Shop of Horrors (Seymour), Grease (Doody), Beauty and the Beast (Lumiere), and Les Misérables (Thénardier). He has also performed as a vocalist and saxophonist with the Pueblo Symphony and with numerous Big Bands. Above all, Ryan treasures his family, friends, and students, crediting them as his greatest support and the source of his joy in teaching

Max Waters

Max is a licensed K-12 music educator and Director of Bands at Thornton Middle School. His passion is using the music of today to connect us with music of the past and teaching students to play instruments, sing, and create music using software to help them find identity and passion through art and collaboration

Colorado Music Educator

Kelly Watts

Kelly Watts has taught at Ralston Valley High School for 14 years, serving as head of the instrumental department for the past nine. She directs three levels of orchestra, marching band, and two concert bands, leading ensembles that are consistently recognized for their excellence. Kelly earned her bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and a master’s degree from Adams State University. A dedicated educator and leader, she was nominated as a Colorado Department of Education Teacher of the Year candidate for 2026.

Krissie Weimer

Dr. Kristina (Krissie) Weimer is Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Northern Colorado, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in secondary instruments (brass/ woodwinds), beginning instrumental pedagogy, and research. She holds B.S. and M.M. degrees in Music Education from West Virginia University and a Ph.D. from Penn State. She taught instrumental/ general music and special education in Maryland and West Virginia. A frequent presenter at state, national, and international conferences, her topics include sound-before-sight pedagogy, creativity and improvisation, teacher wellness, recruitment and retention, practice habits, and modeling. Her research centers on music-teacher mentoring and professional development. Her publications appear in the Journal of Research in Music Education, Music Educators Journal, Journal of Music Teacher Education, and other journals. She is active in NAfME, CMEA/IMTE, and SMTE (co-facilitator, Music Teacher Educators ASPA) and serves as CMEA research chair and on advisory boards for Teaching Music and MEJ.

WINTER 2025-26

In Memoriam guidelines As a community, CMEA publicly honors the passing of current, retired, and past educators that were members of CMEA in our quarterly Colorado Music Educators Journal. If you know of someone who has past and should be recognized you are asked to submit the following information to Margie Camp at communicationscmea@cmeaonline.org. Following are the guidelines for these notices

•

Upon the passing of current, retired, and past educators that were members of CMEA, a notice will be posted in the In Memoriam section of the CMEA Journal in the Fall, Winter, or Spring issue. These notices will include the deceased’s First and Last Name, a brief description of where they were employed, positions held on the CMEA board or state assembly, the date of passing if known. You are also asked to include a link to any publicly available information about funeral or memorial arrangements.

•

We invite anyone to share news of the passing of a current, retired, and or past educators that were members of CMEA, so that we can honor them. Please send such information to communicationscmea@cmeaonline.org.

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Richard (Dick) Allen Kusk Richard (Dick) Allen Kusk, 81, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, October 31, 2025. Richard was born in Elgin, Illinois on November 16, 1943, and was a devoted husband, father, and respected figure in the local music community, Dick dedicated over 40 years to music education, serving as a beloved band and orchestra teacher in Colorado Springs School District 11 at Holmes Middle School, Doherty High School and Coronado High School. His impact extended well beyond the classroom walls. For many years, he was deeply involved with the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association, where he inspired countless young musicians as the conductor of the Pikes Peak Winds and the Ovation Orchestra. His passion for teaching and conducting touched the lives of generations of students. He was a highly respected figure in the state’s music community and was honored with Hall of Fame selections by the following organizations: the Colorado Bandmasters Association (CBA) in 2000, the Colorado Music Educators Association (CMEA) in 2001, and Phi Beta Mu (International Bandmasters Fraternity) in 2001. Richard and his first wife, Mary Lu, were also instrumental in the Colorado Ambassadors of Music program. Together, they organized and led countless performance tours to Europe for hundreds of students, enriching their lives with European culture and the invaluable experience of performing music on an international stage. He shared 57 wonderful years of marriage with his first wife, Mary Lu Kusk (Miller), before her passing in April 2022. He found love again and was married to Louise Holtcamp in June 2024, sharing 17 cherished months together. Richard is survived by his loving wife, Louise Holtcamp; his daughter Kristi Davis (Kusk) and her partner, Josh Marlow; his son Richard Kusk and his wife Roberta Kusk (Weaver); and his sister-in-law Judy Kusk. He was the proud grandfather of two grandchildren, Kinsey Davis and Chance Davis. Donations may be made to the Colorado Springs Youth Symphony Association dedicated toward the Richard Kusk Scholarship Fund.

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Douglas Lee Dalton Douglas Lee Dalton passed away on October 20, 2025 at the age of 63 from cancer. He was born in 1962 in Denver, Colorado to Jim and Sharon Dalton. Growing up in the Lakewood area, Doug attended Green Mountain High School, where he participated in theater, choir, and band. He maintained broad popularity, which would thread into his adulthood, being voted the homecoming king his senior year. After high school, Doug attended the University of Northern Colorado, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in music education. It was in college where Doug met his future wife, Susan. Together they settled in the Denver metro area where they both began their teaching careers. Doug taught at all levels, but he found his professional home at Chatfield Senior High School (Littleton) in 1989. He spent the next 20 years leading the music program at CSHS. He loved the grace and precision of concert bands, the creativity and camaraderie of marching band, the collaboration and artistry of the pit orchestra for musical theater, and the spirit of the pep band. But among his favorite groups to teach were his jazz bands–the wit, playfulness, and expressiveness of the form mirrored his own personality. Doug’s bands achieved great success, but the most lasting impact of his work was on the students he helped develop as young people. He was a man whom parents wanted as a role model for their children; he exemplified integrity, kindness, and hard work. His students knew those were the same expectations he had for them. He created an academic and creative environment in his classroom where laughter and high achievement were not mutually exclusive. He taught some truly gifted students who went on to be professional musicians after high school, but by and large, it was Doug’s own unique presence in this world that allowed so many students to come to a deep appreciation for music and internalize the life lessons of a collective artistic effort. As Doug’s career progressed, he earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and became a leader in the music community. He was the Colorado Bandmasters Association President (2003-04), Music Coordinator for Jefferson County School District, and traveled the state providing music clinics and supporting marching bands.

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

After retiring in 2014 from teaching at his alma mater, Green Mountain High School, Doug joined his father at American International Travel & Tours. As president, he planned trips for high school music programs, taking groups across the country and on international excursions. Doug gave so much to his students over his 30-year teaching career, but those who received the most from him were his own family members. He was committed to being an honorable family man–providing humor, support, and generosity. He and Susan built a warm home and took great pride in raising children who embodied Doug’s honesty, compassion, and integrity. He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Susan; daughter Lauren; and son Steven and his wife, Catherine. Doug received love and support throughout his life from Susan’s family, the Browns. He also leaves behind his sister (Amy), father (Jim), and mother (Sharon), who all surrounded him in his final weeks. And of course, his beloved dachshunds Dexter and Murphy will miss him. Donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in memory of Doug

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

CMEA Hall of Fame 1984-1985 *Katharyn Bauder, *Warner Imig, *John C. Kendel *Hugh McMillen, *Leo Meyer, *John T. Roberts *Wayman Walker 1985-1986 *JoAnn Baird, *Laurene Edmondsen, *Gus Jackson *Curtis Johnson, *Ralph Levy, *Philomene Liesen 1986-1987 *Margaret Cassario, *Byron Gillett, *John Held *E’Rena Hockenberry, *James Miller 1987-1988 *Phyllis Armstrong, *Alex Campbell, *Dwight Dale *Eugene Hilligoss, *Lloyd Jensen, *Ed Kehn, *E.E. Mohr 1988-1989 *Earl Berglund, *John Cummins, *Mabel Henderson *Dwight Nofziger, *Randall Spicer, *Mary Villa 1989-1990 Steve Busch 1990-1991 *William F. Funke, *Ralph King 1991-1992 *Charles Byers, *Elza Daugherty, Dan Grace Robert Hurrell, Kevin McCarthy 1992-1993 *Roger Dexter Fee, Jess Gerardi, *John Kincaid *Larry Perkins, Duane Strachan, *Paul “Mickey” Zahradka 1993-1994 Harley Brown, *J. DeForest Cline, Patsy Nix *L.E. “Dick” Smith, *Byron Syring 1994-1995 *Gregory Bueche, *Fred Fink, *Norma Hess *Randolph Jones, *Margurite O’Day, *Mike Weiker 1995-1996 *Chuck Cassio, *Violette McCarthy, *Charles Meeker *William Reeves, *Rodney Townley 1996-1997 *John McGregor, *Dorothy McKeag, Glenn Shull 1997-1998 *Patricia Guadnola, Don Shupe, Willie Hill, Jr. 1998-1999 Kenneth Butcher, *Shirley Reed, *Larry Overton, Robert Zachman 1999-2000 Kenneth G. Evans, *Bette Lunn Steven McNeal, Howard M. Skinner 2000-2001 *Frank W. Baird, Roxanne Bates *Larry Wallace, *Otto Werner 2001-2002 *Frank Montera

2002-2003 Donald Kimble, Duane Zanotelli 2003-2004 *Charlotte Adams, Michael J. Kornelsen *Richard A. Kusk, James A. Lunn, *Ed Nuccio 2004-2005 Doug Downey, Craig Ketels, *Joe Ernie Montoya 2005-2006 Rebecca Anderson, Joseph Brice, James McNeal David Prichard, *Jerry Teske, *Lynn Whitten *Evelyn Whitten 2006-2007 Brian Hopwood, *Janet Montgomery, Keith Simpson 2007-2008 Elva Jean Bolin, Susan Day 2008-2009 *Barbara Grenoble, Jim Keller, Steve Meininger Ron Revier, Cherilyn Smith-Bidstrup 2009-2010 Steve Christopher, *Paul Schneider 2010-2011 Linwood Warwick 2011-2012 Ken Anderson, Margie Camp Dotty Reaves, Peggy Rosenkranz 2012-2013 *Dean Bushnell, Mike DeLuca, William Erickson 2013-2014 Michelle Ewer, Cindy McCaskill, Fred Selby, Ken Singleton 2014-2015 Andrea L. Meyers 2015-2016 Nancy Dunkin, WL Whaley 2016-2017 Ed Cannava, *Linda Hall, Richard Shaw 2017-2018 Richard Larson, Katharine Mason 2018-2019 Gary Ambrosier, Patricia Kidd 2019-2020 Gary Hall, Kirk Vogel, Jack Yonce 2020-2021 Cameron Law, Anne Paulu 2021-2022 James Austin, Tana Knopf 2022-2023 Amber Campbell, Sharon Darland, Sheri McKelfresh 2023-2024 Allen McMurray, Michael Mozingo 2024-2025 Raleigh E. (Butch) Eversole, Janice Vlachos * Deceased

Our Exhibitors Adams State University • Kara Van Gleson • kvangieson@adams. edu • Music.eadams.edu University

son AdvantEdge Tours LLC • Urte Land • urte.land@icloud.com • advantedgetours.com Tour company who provides customized travel for Music Performance Groups.a

Alfred Music • Dana Grachek • Events@alfred.com • Alfred.com

Since 1922, Alfred Music has produced educational, reference, pop, and performance materials for teachers, students, professionals, and hobbyists spanning every instrument, style, and difficulty level.

America’s Best Company (Musical Frogs) • Tammi Cohen • Denvertlc@comcast.net • www.MusicalFrogs.net We sell Hand Carved, Wooden, Musical Frogs. Pigs, Crickets and Owl Whistles that are ethically traded by the Northern Hill Tribe People of Chiangmai, Thailand.

American Intl Travel and Tours • Coral Lynne-McCarthy • americaninternational. net

ASBDA • Doug Harris • harclef@me.com

ASBDA believes that the concert band is the focus of an instrumental music curriculum which teachers teach MUSIC AS ART through band.

Ascend Performing Arts • Jordan Kuzma • jordan.kuzma@ ascendperformingarts.org

Non profit dedicated to helping high performing young adults in the performing arts.

B Corbin Clarinet Products LLC • Scott Smith • scott@ corbinclarinetproducts.com • corbinclarinetproducts.com Specialty Clarinet Pro Shop, Distributor of Royal Global Clarinets, Hand-crafted clarinet accessories. We carry Buffet, Selmer, and Royal Global brands.

Bob Rogers Travel • Hannah Wright • hwright@bobrogerstravel. com • bobrogerstravel.com

We craft incredible travel experiences that allow you to share the world with your students.

Boomer Music Company • Drew Holmes • Drew@ boomermusiccompany.com • BoomerMusicCompany.com Retail music store including sales, rentals, lessons, and repairs.

Travel Agency specializing in student travel.

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Partners in Music Education Bravo! Vail • Aileen Pagan-Rohwer • arohwer@bravovail. org • bravovail.org

Bravo! Vail provides extensive community music education, connects musicians and listeners, and celebrates the evolving world of classical music.

Bringing Music to Life • Steve Holley

• steveholleymusic@gmail. com • bringingmusictolife.org Through collecting, repairing, and distributing instruments to underserved schools, we aim to provide every Colorado child access to the life-changing experience of making music.

Canon City Music and Blossom Festival • Mike Nolan • mnolan1233@aol.com • ccblossomfestival.com Music Festival for High School and Middle School Ensembles.

Central City Opera Daniela Guzmán-Égüez • dguzman@ centralcityopera.org • centralcityopera.org/ education

Please contact us to learn more about our dynamic offerings or to book a special program for your community.

Colorado Bandmasters Association Ed Cannava • executivesecretary@ coloradobandmasters. org • www. colordobandmasters. org

The Colorado Bandmasters Association exists to promote comprehensive music education through participation and performance in band. CBA provides support and educational opportunities for students/directors.

Colorado Children’s Chorale • Cheryl Akin • Akin@childrenschorale. org • ChildrensChorale.org

The Colorado Children’s Chorale is a 501c3 organization providing educational and performance programming throughout the Denver Metro area, and beyond.

Colorado Christian University School of Music • Sarah McLean • smclean@ccu.edu • www.CCU.edu/music University

Colorado Mesa University • Darin Kamstra • dkamstra@ coloradomesa.edu University

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Our Exhibitors Colorado Music Institute • Emily Campbell • emily@ coloradomusicinstitute. com • www. coloradomusicinstitute. com

Colorado Music Institute offers private and group music lessons as well as instrument rentals for students of all ages and experience levels.

Colorado State University School of Music, Theatre, and Dance • Jennifer Clary • jennifer.clary@colostate. edu • www.music.colostate. edu University

Colorado State University Pueblo • Chad Beery • chad.beery@csupuevlo. edu • www.csupueblo.edu/ music

Colorado State University Pueblo is a public higher education institution offering innovative academic programs, research opportunities, and community engagement to empower diverse learners for success.

Colorado Symphony • Lyndsay Genadek • lgenadek@ coloradosymphony.org The Colorado Symphony is a premier orchestra delivering diverse, innovative performances that blend classical tradition with contemporary flair, enriching Colorado’s vibrant cultural scene. 82

Colorado Music Educator

Colorado Youth Bands • Dean Hirschfield • Dean@coyouthbands. org • www.coyouthbands.org

After school band in the Denver Front Range.

Colorado Youth Mariachi Program • Isahar Mendez • isaharcymp@gmail.com • www.coyouthmariacho. org

After school music program specializing in authentic mariachi education for kids and young adults in Aurora and surrounding areas.

Conn Selmer • Kirin Daniels • kdaniels@connselmer. com • www.connselmer.com

Conn Selmer is the largest U.S. instrument manufacturer and distributor, with over 150 years of innovation and unrivaled craftsmanship.

CU Denver Music & Entertainment Industry Studies Department • Laura Harvey • Laura.harvey@ucdenver. edu • www.artsandmedia. ucdenver.edu/

The Music & Entertainment Industry Studies (MEIS) department at CU Denver provides the expertise needed to transform your passion for music into a lifelong profession.

WINTER 2025-26

Partners in Music Education CutTime • Jeff Dodd • jeff@cuttime.net • gocuttime.om

CutTime helps fine arts educators solve their biggest communication, financial, and inventory headaches through one easy and powerful cloudbased platform.

DeMoulin Brothers & Company • Michael Coling • kreymond@demoulin. com • www.demoulin.com

DeMoulin Brothers & Company – celebrating our 134th year offers an extensive range of custom and ready-to-wear marching band uniforms, formal wear and color guard.

Denver Percussion • Peter Hellier • pete@denverpercussion. com • www.denverpercussion. com Supplying professional percussion instruments to music organizations across Colorado.

Eastman Music Company • Michelle Mills • mmills@eastmanstrings. com • eastmanmusiccompany. com EASTMAN proudly manufactures a full line of orchestral string and band instruments including Eastman, Wm. S. Haynes, S.E. Shires, Backun, Willson, Laskey Mouthpieces and Malletech.

Colorado Music Educator

Education Through MusicColorado • Mallory Bernstein • mallory.bernstein@ etmcolorado.org

Education Through MusicColorado partners with underresourced schools to build sustainable music programs.

Eeanduh Publishing • Zach Levenson • eeanduhpublishing@ gmail.com • www. eeanduhpublishing.com Sheet Music Publishing Company

Flesher Hinton Music Co. • Dave Simpkins • dave@flesherhinton.com • www.flesherhinton.com Full service music store, specializing in band and Orchestra. Sales, service, rentals, sheet music and accessories.

Fred J Miller • Jason Littleton • jason.littleton@fjminc. com • www.fjminc.com Marching Band Uniforms, Color Guard Uniforms, and Accessories

Front Range Unique Fundraising, LLC • Tony Gittings • tonygittings@gmail.com

Fundraising Organization Specializing in The MATTRESS FUNDRAISER and other online fundraising options!

WINTER 2025-26

Our Exhibitors Fruhauf Uniforms • Chris Green • ChrisGreen@Fruhauf. com • www.Fruhauf.com Manufacturers of Custom Innovative Marching Band Uniforms for over 115 Years! Family Owned and Made in America!

Golden Music Center • Mary Brainerd • mary@ goldenmusiccenter. com • www.goldenmusic.co

Golden Music, an instrument store in Denver, has new, used, and vintage: violin viola, cello, bass, guitar, band instruments, a Rental Program, Repair and more!

Graner Music • Charlotte Baker • cbaker@granermusic. com • www.granermusic. com Full Line Music Store with repair shop, lesson studios, and recital hall.

Group Travel Planners • Kimberly Anderson • kanderson@ grouptravelplanners. com • www. grouptravelplanners. com Student travel planners for the finest performing arts programs in the country.

Colorado Music Educator

Hawaii State Tours • David Milwood • hawaiiguy@me.com • www.AlohaHST.com

Perform in Paradise! Hawaii State Tours is locally owned and operated since 1988. Compare our Package, Prices and References... We Can’t be Beat!

Integrity Fundraising • Mike Caraver • Mike@ integrityfundraising. com • www. integrityfundraising. com Fundraising company.

J.W. Pepper • Jessica Odegard • jodegard@jwpepper. com • www.jwpepper.com

Founded in 1876, J.W. Pepper is the world’s largest sheet music retailer, delivering unparalleled customer service to musicians through its distribution centers and website.

James Divine LLC • James Divine • jamesthedivine@ gmail.com • www.jamesdivine.net

Band Teacher Mentoring and Training. Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band Podcast.

WINTER 2025-26

Partners in Music Education Luther Strings • Christopher Luther • chris@lutherstrings. com • www.lutherstrings. com

Colorado’s Violin, Viola, Cello, and Bass experts Serving programs and individuals across Colorado with flexible rental programs, sales, repairs, and high end instruments.

MakeMusic, Inc. • Dana Grachek • Events@alfred.com • www.makemusic.com/ MakeMusic, a world leader in music technology, is the creator of MakeMusic Cloud, the interactive practice application, and Sight Reading Studio.

Meeker Music • Connie Hamman • connie.hamman@ mekermusic.com • www.meekermusic. com

Retail music storeinstrument rentals, repairs and sales. Music and accessories.

Mile High Freedom Band • Brandon Lujan • brandon.lujan@mhfb. org • www.mhfb.org Nonprofit LGBTQ+ Community Band

MusicFirst • Natalia Buitrago • Marketing@musicfirst. com • www.musicfirst.com Technology Solutions for Music Education The software, curricular resources, and support you need to teach music in a connected world.

Music for You Publishing • Sylvia DunhamPolinski • sylviadunham9384@ msn.com Publisher of the Colorado History Songbook series of four collections of songs to enhance the state history curriculum.

Music & Arts • Kate Bittle • kate.bittle@musicarts. com • www.musicarts.com/ educator

Music & Arts is a musician’s one-stop shop for instruments, lessons, rentals and repairs. Contact your Educational Representative or email Schools@MusicArts. com for support today!

Music Festivals To You • Michael Embrey • M.embrey@ funmeevents.com • www. musicfestivalstoyou. com Music Festival Company

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Our Exhibitors Music In The Parks/EPN Travel Services • Rachel Micco • rachelmicco@edprog.com • www.edprog.com

Piano Marvel • David Fetkewicz • david@pianomarvel.com • www.pianomarvel.com

National Concerts • Hollie Pratt • hollie@nationalconcerts. com • www.nationalconcerts.com

Pikes Peak State College • Shazia Ali • shazia.ali@pikespeak.edu • www.pikespeak.edu

One and two day festivals, clinics and the professionals to get you there.

National Concerts offers transformative performances nationwide, including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, uniting ensembles with renowned conductors, innovative productions, and collaborations that inspire and educate.

Once Upon a Mind • Jennifer McIntyre • jen@onceuponamind.org

Once Upon a Mind matches great books with any topic you teach.

Pearl Corp • Nicholas Lemon • nicklemon@pearldrums. com • www.pearldrum.com

Pearl Corporation is a division of Pearl Musical Instruments, a world-wide leading manufacturer of drums, percussion instruments, and flutes.

Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia • Cory Bissell • pma.aaotr@gmail.com • www.sinfonia.org

The best name in piano learning software, Piano Marvel helps music lovers of all levels master the art of playing the piano.

Community College

QuaverEd • Dan Monaco • dan@quavered.com • www.QuaverEd.com/Music QuaverMusic is a PreK-8 digital General Music curriculum. Meets NCAS + State Standards. Easy to learn, ready to use, seriously fun!

Robertson and Sons Violin Shop • Allison Conerty • allison@robertsonviolins. com • www.robertsonviolins.com

Sell, rent and repair bowed string instruments.

Rocky Mountain Brassworks • Doug Harris • harclef@me.com

• The Rocky Mountain Brassworkis a Colorado-based band with the traditional Instrumentation of an authentic brass band.

National social music fraternity.

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Partners in Music Education Romeo Music • Peggy Morales • peggy@romeomusic. net • www.romeomusic.net

Music Instrument Retailer specializing in Digital Instruments, AV design, build and install for indoor/ outdoor venues and K-12 Music Technology products, both hardware and software.

Sax Alley • Mendy Sturgeon • Sales@saxalley.com • www.saxalley.com

Saxophones and accessories sales and repairs.

S’Cool Services Fundraising • Johnny Dasher • johnny@ scoolfundraising.com • www.scoolfundraising. com Fundraising - MoneyDolly online donation & store; In Hand World’s Finest & Chocolate Bars; Catalogs & Cookie Dough. Better Choices = Better Results!

Snap! Mobile • Jamie Smith • jamie.smith@ snapraise.com • www.snapraise.com

Snap! Mobile is the essential software platform for athletics and activities. Visit our website to learn more at snapraise.com.

Stanbury Uniforms • Jeff Elliott • jeff.elliott@stanbury. com • www.stanbury.com

Leading provider of quality, custom uniforms for marching band, drum corps, color guard, indoor and other performance groups since 1917.

Sweetwater • Gavin Arnold • gavin_arnold@ sweetwater.com • www.Sweetwater.com

Since 1979, Sweetwater has supported music makers around the globe. From firsttime B&O renters to rock superstars, we’re committed to helping musicians realize their dreams.

Sigma Alpha Iota • Sharon Frampton • www.saicsalumnae. wixsite.com/saics

The Colorado Springs Alumnae Chapter of SAI allows alumnae members to remain active and supportive of the ideas of SAI throughout their lifetime and to continue nurturing the love of music.

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Our Exhibitors The Drum Set Coach • Erika de Almeida • ericka@ TheDurmSteCoach.com • www.thedrumsetcoach. com We help drummers who are frustrated, stuck, and distracted to become laser focused, goal oriented, and successful drummers.

Tūturu Music • Lachlan Pierce • jazzyapplekiwi@gmail. com • www.tuturumusic.com

Published works and musical services of local composer Lachlan Pierce.

University of Colorado Boulder College of Music • Jalen Lee • jalen.lee@colorado.edu • www.colorado.edu/ music

College of Music, University of Colorado Boulder: Earn more than a music degree in the foothills of the Rockies.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs • Jon Forshee • jforshee@uccs.edu • www.vapa.uccs.edu/ academics/music

The UCCS Music Program connects long-standing musical traditions with twenty-first-century interdisciplinary practices and innovative approaches.

University of Denver Lamont School of Music • Stephen Campbell • Stephen.L.Campbell@ du.edu • www.du.edu/lamont

Institution of higher education focused on training musicians.

University of New Mexico Department of Music • Mikal Stober • Bands@unm.edu • www.music.unm.edu University

University of Northern Colorado • Mark Allwein • Mark.allwein@unco.edu • www.arts.unco.edu

The College of Performing and Visual Arts (PVA) is devoted to turning passion and aptitude into professional skills that prepare students for meaningful careers.

Voices Rock • Clara Shelton • clara@voicesorock.com • voicesrock.com Voices Rock is a community rock choir where everyone is welcome, no experience required. Seeking directors, accompanists and singers!

Von’s Violin Shop • Kevin Halbrooks • Shop@vonsviolinshop. com • www.vonsviolinshop. com Repairs, Rentals, Restoration.

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Partners in Music Education Western Awards • Jim Katschke • westernawards@ comcast.net

Sales of items the schools use to award the students.

Western Colorado University Music • Ben Justis • bjustis@western.edu • www.western.edu/ music

The Western Colorado University Music Program offers degrees in Music Education, Music Industry, and Performance in gorgeous Gunnison, Colorado.

West Music • Tereasa Evans • tevans@westmusic.com • www.westmusic..com West Music is your one-stop shop for all things elementary and general music related.

Young Voices of Colorado • Chrys Harris • Chrys@YoungVoices.org • www.youngvoices.org

Young Voices of Colorado is a children’s choir program that inspires young singers through high-quality choral education and meaningful musical experiences.

Colorado Music Educator

WINTER 2025-26

Unlocking Potential in Every Classroom D

TO B E L

O L

PRO

Together, we elevate music learning and simplify instruction.

Energize Your Classrooms with Alfred Music Alfred Music is your trusted partner in music education, with over 150,000+ titles, for choir, band, orchestra, and more!

Transform your music classrooms today with Alfred Music! alfred.com

Your Favorites All in One Place With MakeMusic Cloud, you get: Access to over 24K pieces of music 200+ hours saved on grading feedback alone Built-in Google Classroom grade passback

Try it free for 30 days! Colorado Music Educator

makemusic.com

WINTER 2025-26