Welcome Back, GMEA!

Dear GMEA Members and Friends,

The school year is upon us, and GMEA is geared up and ready to go. Be sure to see the calendar for both the state and your district; you can find those in the newsletter and in Opus.

Also, please go ahead and add the various deadlines that apply to you to your own calendars.

Never hesitate to reach out should you need assistance from GMEA; the officers, chairs, and staff are available to help as needed.

Andy Esserwein, our hardworking president, will be sending out a Back to School email in the next week or so. Be sure to read that closely.

Speaking of reading things closely, be sure to read the handbook and review carefully sections that pertain to you and your students. You will notice changes from last year's handbook are typed in RED. (Thank you, Laura!)

Finally, plan now to attend your district's Fall Planning Meeting. Those start August 10th, and you can find the complete schedule below.

Best wishes on the year!

Fall 2026 District Meeting Schedule

Upcoming Deadlines and Events

AUGUST

1 Standing Committee Meetings

11 All-State Program Ads and All-State College Fair Exhibit Booth Registration Opens

SEPTEMBER

1 Deadline: Georgia Music News Fall Issue Column

1-October 13 Statewide Elementary Chorus Registration Open

1-October 13 6th Grade Statewide Honor Chorus Registration Open

15 All-State Jazz Ensemble Registration and Payment Postmark Deadline

15 All-State Orchestra Registration and Payment Postmark Deadline

15 All-State Reading Chorus Registration and Payment Postmark Deadline

15 All-State Chorus Registration and Payment Postmark Deadline

22 Fall Solo and Ensemble Performance Evaluation Registration and Payment Postmark Deadline

Click HERE to see the Full 2026-2027 GMEA Calendar.

THE DISTRICT MEETING SCHEDULE

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Plan now to attend your District's Fall Planning Meeting! It is a great way to stay informed, meet colleagues, and volunteer for roles that are needed in your district.

The chart above is accurate as of 7/31/26. Click on it and the live version will open, which will include any updates.

Make your plans now ...

Band & Orchestra LGPE Sightreading pieces will be made available this fall. Expect that information to be available later in August. When we sold a set of band sightreading last December, the available pieces sold out in 20 minutes.

Nominate a music educator!

The George N. Parks Award honors an exemplary music educator who embodies the characteristics and leadership the late Mr. Parks showed his students every day. Developed by the NAfME and Music for All, the award is named for the late George Parks, Director of the University of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band.

Nominations are due August 13, 2026.

George N. Parks Award Nomination

Did you know,

Dr. Matt Koperniak, former GMEA President and Fine Arts Coordinator for Fulton County Public Schools, was elected as the NAfME Southern Division President!

CONGRATULATIONS,

DR. KOPERNIAK!