News of Note

May 2026

APPLY TO BE A MENTOR TODAY!


GMEA is connecting mentors and mentees.

APPLY HERE.

ARE YOU RETIRING THIS YEAR?

 We want to let everyone know via the Georgia Music News. 


LET US KNOW HERE.

CALLING ALL PRIVATE

LESSON TEACHERS!

We'd appreciate your help!


FILL OUT THE SURVEY.

Are you teaching

MODERN BAND?

We want to know!


Let us know by filling out the form here.

CALLING ALL MUSIC MAJORS!

ARE YOU

STUDENT TEACHING

IN 2026-2027?


We want to pair you with a professional educator to help you as you navigate applications and the first years of teaching!



SEND YOUR INFO TODAY!

Dear GMEA Colleagues and Friends,

As the end of year musical activities conclude and we look forward to a well-deserved summer break, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we have shared over the past year. It has been a truly wonderful year for the Georgia Music Educators Association. From the inspiring performances at our In-Service Conference to the technical mastery displayed at Large Group Performance Evaluations and the artistry of our All-State Ensembles, the excellence of Georgia’s music programs has never been more apparent. These events are more than just dates on a calendar; they are a testament to the resilience and passion that define our musical community.


To our teachers: thank you. This year, we have truly seen The Power of WE in action. While your individual dedication to your students is the heartbeat of our programs, it is our support for one another that makes us a community. By creating stronger connections and sharing our collective expertise, we are building a network that supports every educator in our state. This collaborative spirit ultimately empowers the vital work happening in our classrooms. Never forget that you are shaping the lives of children and young adults, fostering their creativity, and giving them a voice. We know that behind every performance is a foundation of mentorship and collaboration that elevates us all. We are profoundly grateful for the heart you pour into your students and into this shared mission every single day.


We also owe a great debt of gratitude to the GMEA staff and the leaders of our state, divisions, and districts. The success of an organization as large and active as ours relies on the tireless efforts of those working behind the scenes. To our dedicated staff and all who have served in any leadership role or as an organizer or host: thank you for your vision, your planning and attention to detail, and your unwavering commitment to advocacy. Your combined efforts ensure that our association remains a pillar of support for music educators across every corner of Georgia, allowing us to provide the best possible opportunities for our students.



As you pack up your rooms and collect the final instruments, music and equipment for the year, I wish each and every one of you a restful and rejuvenating summer. May the coming months offer you the chance to recharge your own creative spirits and spend quality time with loved ones. You have earned this season of rest, and we look forward to seeing the renewed energy you will bring back this fall. Thank you for another wonderful year of music-making.


As always, if I can help you in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out.


With deepest appreciation,


Andy Esserwein, President



APPLY TO PERFORM OR PRESENT

AT THE

2027 IN-SERVICE CONFERENCE



Applications are OPEN for the the 2027 Conference!

Be sure to apply before the deadline to be considered.


To apply: CLICK HERE.


January 28-30, 2027

Upcoming Deadlines and Events

                                                                                                        

MAY

1 Deadline - Exemplary Performance Award (See Opus>Applications & Forms)

14  ISC Performing Group Application and Session Application Deadline

16 Board of Directors Annual Meeting -- 10:00am (Courtyard Marriott-McDonough)                                

THERE ARE A FEW DISTRICT MEETINGS LEFT TO ATTEND.

You can find the District Meeting Schedule HERE.



Click HERE to see the Full 2025-2026 GMEA Calendar.

Professional Development Opportunities


Want to improve your teaching this summer?


Click on the link above for a list of Professional Development Opportunities this summer, in Georgia and beyond!


CONGRATULATIONS!


to the University of Georgia Wind Ensemble, Cobb Wind Symphony and the Lassiter High School Percussion Ensemble on your invitations to perform at the 2026 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic!


We can't wait to see you

perform in Chicago!

BARROW COUNTY SCHOOLS HONORS THREE MUSIC EDUCATORS!


All three STAR Students in the Barrow County Schools selected music educators as their corresponding STAR teacher! AMAZING!


Students and Teachers:

Seth Johnson & Mr. William Threadgill,

Apalachee High School

Keely Schmook & Mrs. Cheri Schreibman,

Barrow Arts and Sciences Academy

Josie McElhannon & Dr. Ashley Floyd,

Winder-Barrow High School


READ MORE HERE


It's that time of year!

Don't delay - Order your plaques and medals today!


Click Here for the

Plaques & Medals Form.



ARE YOU RETIRING THIS YEAR?


We want to let everyone know via the Georgia Music News.


LET US KNOW HERE.

CALLING ALL MUSIC MAJORS!


ARE YOU STUDENT TEACHING IN 2026-27?


We want to pair you with a professional educator to help you as you navigate job applications and the first years of teaching!


SEND YOUR INFO TODAY!

NOMINATE SOMEONE FOR "LEARNING FROM LEGENDS"


GMEA is interviewing experienced veteran educators to learn from their time in the classroom.



Click here to nominate a "legend".


Music Educator Spotlight

Get to know Today Milford,

Band Director at

Druid Hills Middle School. 

PLEASE REMEMBER TO SUBMIT ARTICLES FOR THE

GEORGIA MUSIC NEWS.


We want to hear from you!

FALL ISSUE DUE - SEPTEMBER 1


Click HERE.

www.gmea.org

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