University of Maryland Nafme Chapter #225

Don’t forget to submit your PD hours! So proud of all our music ed terps for their hard work this semester, have a terprific (🐢🐢🐢) summer and see you in the fall!❤️💛

2 more PD events to go for this semester! Hang in there!!🐢

This Thursday, April 30th, at 7pm in the MERC, we will be hosting Patricia De Orio on Teaching Students with Disabilities: Accommodating and Modifying Instruction in the Strings Classroom!

This presentation will provide information, resources, and materials for string teachers to use when accommodating and modifying instruction for students with disabilities in the strings classroom. This session will also include some applications for band and general music classrooms! Mrs. De Orio completed her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Converse College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and her Masters degree in Music Education from UMD 🐢. She is currently a teacher in HCPSS and a student at Boston University in the Doctoral of Musical Arts program, and has presented her research at multiple MMEA and ASTA conferences.

Hope to see lots of faces in the MERC this Thursday!☺️

Tomorrow, April 16th, in the MERC at 7pm… 🐢🎵🐢🎵🐢

Katie Meloro presents Changing Keys: Adapting to Various Roles in Music Education! We only have a few more weeks of PD events, so be sure to show up and see some real great presentations!

Katie Meloro is a Pre-K-5 vocal and general music teacher at Jeffers Hill Elementary School in Howard County, Maryland, where she also serves as a Teacher Development Liaison. She has taught choir, piano, guitar, and music theory at the middle and high school levels across multiple Maryland districts. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Delaware and has completed graduate studies at Westminster Choir college. She is currently completing her Masters degree in Innovative Teaching and Learning, focusing on Educational Leadership, at McDaniel College. Upon completion of her Administrative Internship this semester, she will earn her license for Administrators and Supervisors. Ms. Meloro is a past president of the Maryland Choral Educators Association, and a frequent adjudicator for choral assessments. She also teaches in the early childhood Hatchling program at the University of Maryland’s Terrapin Community Music School.

UMD Music Education Masters student, Nick Franck, will be giving a PD event on Creative Activities in Performing Ensembles TODAY at 7PM in the MERC! If you plan on coming, try your best to bring your instrument with you for some musical fun😄😄

Nick Franck is a Music Education Masters student at UMD, and has a GA position with MSOM.

See you all there 🐢🎵🐢🎵

The 2026 NAfME merch sale starts TODAY!! Follow the link in our bio OR scan the QR code to visit our website and buy some super awesome merch, we’ve added new items, colors, and designs since last year so you don’t wanna miss it 🐢🙌 Sale ends Tuesday, April 14th at 3PM.

Next up, we are looking forward to having Erika Safford present Inclusive Music: Strategies for Students with Diverse Support Needs TOMORROW IN THE MERC🎶🎶🎶

In her 13 year career, Erika Safford has taught high and middle school choir, as well as k-5 general music. She currently teaches at a separate day school in Carroll County, serving students aged 3-21 with diverse, but significant support needs. As someone who’s physically disabled and autistic, Erika is passionate about helping all students find success, joy, and community through music. She is the Accessibility and Accommodations Chair for MMEA and is an MMEA Outstanding Music Educator (2025).