VMEA - Virginia Music Educators Association

It was an AWESOME day in Richmond for the ceremonial signing for HB 478 for the new Virginia Fine Arts Diploma Seal with Governor Abigail Spanberger and Delegate Vivian Watts. We have the most amazing arts education advocates and we are so proud of the work we do! Thanks to Michelle Milligan and Nick Leonard for their leadership, and Annie Ray, Chris Moseley and Annamarie Severini Bollino for representing VMEA on this historic signing!!

We share with profound sadness and grief the passing of educator and friend Doug Martin on May 18, 2026.

Doug dedicated years of service to our community, serving VMEA - Virginia Music Educators Association as head of the Conference Logistics Committee and Treasurer, as well as VBODA - Virginia Band & Orchestra Directors' Association as the Grading Committee Chair.

We offer our deepest condolences to all who are mourning his loss this week—including his wife, children, family, students, colleagues, and the countless others who benefited from Doug's incredible influence. www.vmea.com/in-memorium

VMEA and Arts Advocates - Join NAfME in this important advocacy effort!

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies meets soon to address the FY27 budget. Make sure your elected officials hear from you and federal education funding supporting music education is strengthened! Email Congress now: https://nafmeorg.quorum.us/campaign/157362/

The U.S. House Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies meets soon to address the FY27 budget. Make sure your elected officials hear from you and federal education funding supporting music education is strengthened! Email Congress now: https://nafmeorg.quorum.us/campaign/157362/

FY 2027 Appropriations Heat Up How you can support arts education funding

Congratulations Virginia! We did it! 🎉

HB478 which requires the Board of Education to establish criteria for awarding a high school diploma seal for excellence in fine arts, was signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger (effective 7/1/2026)! 🎶 🎨 🎭 🩰

There is still a journey before we see this put into action, but it is a major step forward. The future of arts education is bright!

Thank you Delegate Vivian Watts for sponsoring this very important bill ❤️! Thank you to all of our members and partners for your advocacy and support of this bill.

We have THE BEST people at VMEA. Michelle is a consummage expert in her work and ensures that we ALL are informed by what is going on at the state and national level. Bravo...and glad others are seeing what we get to see EVERY DAY!! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cojkg1por/

✨This week’s Advocate Leader Spotlight features Michelle Milligan, VMEA - Virginia Music Educators Association Advocacy and Government Relations Co-Chair and a committed Advocacy Leadership Force (ALF) member for the past several years.

Having witnessed music’s transformative impact on students, Michelle has made it her mission to advance policies that protect and expand access to music education across Virginia.

In the Commonwealth, she has been a force of change, helping lead the charge for a Fine Arts Seal bill (HB 478), which would establish a diploma seal recognizing sustained, performance-based achievement in the arts. From securing a legislative sponsor to guiding the bill through passage in both the House and Senate, Michelle and her fellow advocates have reached a major milestone for Virginia, building meaningful advocacy partnerships along the way.

She is also laying the groundwork for a dedicated VMEA advocacy team to shape strategy and strengthen outreach, leading by example and showing just how powerful state-level advocacy can be.

Thank you, Michelle, for your dedication and hard work! 🎶

Learn more about our ALF at https://nafme.org/advocacy/state-advocacy/

🎨🎶✨ Celebrate ! ✨🎶🎭

Today, Friday, March 6, 2026, let’s light up Virginia with the power of the arts!

Arts Across Virginia Day is a statewide celebration showcasing the incredible creativity happening in every corner of the Commonwealth. From classrooms to concert halls, studios to stages, we’re highlighting the full spectrum of the arts in one unforgettable day.

📸 Here’s how you can participate:
• Post photos or videos of your artwork, performances, rehearsals, or creative process
• Share your students’ artistic achievements
• Tell a story about how the arts have impacted you
• Post the official Arts Across VA tile

Tag your posts with and help us spotlight the power of the arts in Virginia!

This bill is presented TUESDAY to the VA House of Delegates K-12 education subcommittee. NOW is the chance to speak up! Please oppose SB656.

CONGRATULATIONS to the 3 Virginia Music Educators featured in Yamaha's 40 under 40 List! Bravo to Dr. Kyle Hutchins, Al Rodriguez, and Daniel Upton! Read about them at the link below!

40 Under 40 - 2026 - Yamaha Music 2026 Yamaha “40 Under 40” — Celebrating Excellence in Music Education This marks the sixth year Yamaha has recognized 40 outstanding music educators under the age of 40 in the “40 Under 40” music education advocacy program. These outstanding teachers are making a difference by growing and ...