Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA)

08/25/2026

Have you registered for the 2026-2027 MMEA Conferences?!

Take advantage of Early Bird Double Conference registration until October 7, 2026 (only for MMEA/NAfME Members).

Click on the link below and learn all about the Fall In-Service Conference (October) and Annual State Conference (February).

Register today!
Click here for more information:
👉 https://www.mdmea.org/mmea-conferences

08/25/2026

For today’s MMEA Board & Staff Spotlight, we feature Conference Chair, Kellie Harvey, NBCT.

Kellie Harvey, M.M.Ed., NBCT, is a music and dance educator in Wicomico County, musically inspiring PreK-2 students since 2014. A 2025 Grammy Music Educator Award Quarterfinalist, 2026 CMA Music Teacher of Excellence Semifinalist, and 2022 MMEA Outstanding Educator, she is passionate about arts integration, curriculum development, and equitable access to music education. Ms. Harvey mentors teachers, leads professional development, and creates meaningful performance and cultural experiences that foster inclusive, student-centered learning through music.

Learn more about the MMEA Board: www.mdmea.org/board-staff

08/24/2026

📣 Only a few days remaining to submit public comment on the brass-wind tariff! Learn what’s at stake and details on how to take action and make sure your message is effective: bit.ly/brass-wind-tariff-blog
🎺 A newly proposed tariff on brass-wind instruments and accessories could make it even harder for music programs and families to afford the instruments students need.
💻Submit a public comment by August 27 and reach out directly to your members of Congress to oppose the proposed tariff.

📣 Reminder: 1 week to submit public comments on the brass-wind tariff! Learn what’s at stake and details on how to take action and make sure your message is effective: bit.ly/brass-wind-tariff-blog

🎺 A newly proposed tariff on brass-wind instruments and accessories could make it even harder for music programs and families to afford the instruments students need.

💻Submit a public comment by August 27 and reach out directly to your members of Congress to oppose the proposed tariff.

NAMM League of American Orchestras

08/24/2026

For today’s MMEA Board & Staff Spotlight, we feature Community Liaison, Danni Schmitt.

Danni Schmitt teaches 4th–8th grade band, 6th grade general music, and 7th grade music technology at Roland Park Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore City. She was a Grammy Music Educator Award Semifinalist in 2024 and Quarterfinalist in 2017. A member of Phi Beta Mu and Kappa Kappa Psi, Danni has mentored many student teachers during her 25 years in BCPSS. She performs with the Chesapeake Concert Band and serves in the Maryland Defense Force.

Learn more about the MMEA Board: www.mdmea.org/board-staff

08/23/2026

Don’t miss 20% off on all MMEA Merchandise!

The Back-to-School Sale ends Tuesday, August 25.

Choose from a variety of shirts, hats, cups, bags, stickers, and more.
Designs are available for MMEA, Collegiate, All State, and Young Composers Project.

08/21/2026

We hope to see you there . . . Friday, October 16, 2026 in Frederick and Friday to Sunday, February 5 to 7, 2027 in Baltimore.

MMEA/NAfME Members - take advantage of the Early Bird Double Conference Registration Package available until October 7, 2026.

08/21/2026

For today’s MMEA Board & Staff Spotlight, we feature Collegiate Representative, Reid Harlan.

Reid is an upcoming senior studying Choral Teaching and Learning and Vocal Performance double major at UMBC. He has performed and various facets or vocal performance being Theater, Chamber choir, Gospel, Opera, and solo performance. In a very strong kinship with empowering the music education community, he is very excited for the opportunity to work with MMEA in the upcoming year as a collegiate board member and hopes to make a positive impact on the music education community.

Learn more about the MMEA Board: www.mdmea.org/board-staff

08/20/2026

MMEA Store Back to School Sale Starts Today!
August 20 - 25
20% Off everything!

Choose from a variety of shirts, hats, cups, bags, stickers, and more.
Designs are available for MMEA, Collegiate, All State, and Young Composers Project.

08/20/2026

For today’s MMEA Board & Staff Spotlight, we feature All State Chair, Amber Abbott, NBCT.

Amber Abbott, NBCT, is in her 16th year of teaching and is currently the band director at Crofton High School in Anne Arundel County, having previously taught at Laurel High School in Prince George’s County (2011-2024). She is a graduate of the University of Maryland and the University of the Arts. Amber is passionate about providing high-quality and equitable opportunities in music to all students and hopes her work on the board will help better serve students across the state.

Learn more about the MMEA Board: www.mdmea.org/board-staff

08/19/2026

We are pleased to announce the 2026-2027 All State Audition Information is NOW available!

The All State Nomination Window closes on September 23, 2026.

Click here to learn more: https://www.mdmea.org/all-state-auditions