2026 CMEA Conference Theme!

The 2026 CMEA Conference theme celebrates the enduring power of music to move hearts, connect communities, and inspire generations. "Music Speaks" reminds us that music often expresses what words cannot, and through teaching, performing, and creating, we continue a legacy of inspiration that shapes lives.

For over 85 years, families, educators, and students have come together through CMEA conferences, building a rich legacy of shared experiences, musical excellence, and lasting connections.

This theme honors not only the impact of music educators but also the families whose participation has helped sustain and grow our vibrant music education community across generations.

Present at the 2026 CMEA Conference!

The Colorado Music Educators Association is now accepting proposals for workshops, clinics, and professional development sessions for the 2026 Clinic/Conference!

CONFERENCE DATES: Wednesday, January 28; Thursday, January 29; Friday, January 30; Saturday, January 31, 2026

CONFERENCE LOCATION: Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, Colorado

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION DEADLINE: on or before May 31, 2025

NOTIFICATION of ACCEPTANCE: by July 1, 2025

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE ANNOUNCED: by September 30, 2025

CMEA is specifically interested in addressing the following topics of interest to our members at the 2026 conference:

• Recruiting and retaining students for music classes
• Pedagogy sessions for woodwinds, brass, percussion, and especially strings
• Kodály, Dalcroze and Orff methodology
• Curriculum planning
• Long-term and short-term lesson planning
• How to incorporate current educational buzzwords into lessons in music
• Working with students with IEPs and 504s
• Conducting workshops from beginner to advanced
• Design movement activities for students with mobility issues
• Use of all forms of technology in a music classroom, including sound systems, AI, and Music Play
• Using AI for creative teaching
• Working with school administrators
• Fast fixes in instrument repair
• Teaching musical theater
• Keyboard in the classroom
• How to be a successful first-third year teacher
• Handbells for elementary school
• Creative ensemble learning- how to create unique performances
• Latin music that represents our current students
• How to make music accessible for all languages
• Teaching students how to practice
• Working with Treble Choirs and voices
• Simple choreography techniques
• Streamlining meaningful assessment and feedback
• Working with boys in choir
• How to have fun while teaching
• Teaching in a small or rural setting
• Self-care for teachers
• Modern Band
• Teaching the cultural context of music
• Classroom behavior strategies
• How to prepare for retirement
• Preserving our history in choral repertoire
• Teaching an elementary school choir
• Teaching the recorder in general music class
• Using technology to manage your program

Submit Your Ensemble to Perform as an Honor Performing Group at the 2026 CMEA Conference

CMEA is now accepting applications for Honor Performing Groups at the 2026 Conference. Elementary Choirs, Elementary Ensembles, all levels of Instrumental and Vocal Performing Groups, Non-traditional Ensembles, Modern Bands, Mariachi, and Community Groups are all invited to apply to perform.

In preparation for completing this form, please have the following files ready to upload:

• a quality recording of the ensemble's performance (MP3 is preferred)
• a PDF/scanned copy of each score performed on each recording, with all and any identifying school/director information removed. (PDF/scans of scores will be held securely and used only in the evaluation/listening process. Scores submitted will be deleted upon completion of performance group selections.)
• a PDF/scan of the Principal Signature Page for K-12 Music Groups that can be downloaded from the link within the Google form.
• a high-resolution headshot of the director and any co-directors in PNG or JPEG format, ready to upload
• a 150 – 200 word bio of the director and any co-directors in PDF format

DEADLINE - May 25, 2025

Directors are reminded to review the "Eligibility to Perform for the 2026 Conference and Beyond."

CMEA Honor Award Nominations

• Submission form opens on Friday, August 1, 2025

• Forms close on Friday, October 3, 2025

Profound Perspective

Casey Cropp, CMEA President

Years ago, I realized that everything that I knew or taught in my classroom was not original. I had been utilizing tools handed down from a multitude of people – my parents, teachers I liked (and those I didn’t particularly enjoy, to say the least), friends, colleagues, mentors, pastors, authors, and many more… This conglomerate bank of thoughts, processes, and techniques were extremely valuable to me, both personally and professionally! Each time I interacted with an individual was an opportunity to add to the tools in that bank.

Each person has that same opportunity with their experiences. Learning is the result, and we gain knowledge by experimenting with the new tools shared with us. Just over a week ago, at the Colorado All-State Band weekend, I was fortunate to have another deposit into my bank, as were more than one hundred students and several teachers. Our guest clinician, former Director of Bands at the University of Colorado, Dr. Allan McMurray, was sharing a particularly poignant story that I will embellish, but the thematic material will be unaltered.

Before I share, let me take a moment to define a couple of terms…

• Perspective - a specific way of looking at, understanding, or thinking about something, often influenced by individual experiences, beliefs, and opinions.
• Profound - things that are intellectually deep, emotionally powerful, or have a significant impact.

Here it is…

One day a man was walking through an area of the town under construction. He came upon an individual that was making mud, then setting it out to dry. The worker continued forming his creations - straightening, cutting perfect angles, and making each piece exactly the same. The man asked the worker what he was doing. His reply… “I’m making bricks!!”

The man observed others doing similar work and kept walking. He came upon another worker, seemingly doing the same work, but with more enthusiasm and energy. He ventured the same question, expecting a similar response. The worker straightened up and turned to the man, saying, “I’m building a cathedral!”

I had to pause to let it sink in… Take a moment…………

I have a question or two, and then I’ll let you come to your own conclusion… Do you realize the impact you are having on your students? Do they understand the “end result” you are setting up for them? They may make the connection as the culminating events of the year transpire. They may make the connection in a year or two, or thirty… They might not ever make that connection… but it’s still an opportunity to share a profound perspective!

Enjoy the journey and finish strong!!

Casey

Tri-M News

Michelle Ewer, Chair

Greetings from Tri-M!

As I write this article on April 13^th, I am looking out my window at snow!!! Oh Colorado, how you do keep us on our toes?   I hope your year is finishing strong. Has your Tri-M Chapter made a presence this spring? I saw this paragraph from National Tri-M today and thought it was worth sharing.

Is your chapter focused on musicianship, mentoring younger musicians in your school? Or does your chapter shine through amazing community service projects? Do you prioritize providing learning opportunities for your music department, or do you emphasize community performance opportunities for your members? 

There is no right or wrong answer. Do what works for your chapter. I saw a chapter passing out cookies after a concert. It made my heart proud. Here are a few ideas for end-of-the-year projects:

1. Trash and Debre pickup on the school grounds
2. Music Stand tightening party
3. Invite your retiring staff to a tea party and perform for them. Honor their service
4. Canned Food Drive at your final concert and donate to a local food bank
5. Send a welcome letter to incoming students to the program
6. Give your admin and secretarial staff a packet of flower seeds courtesy of Tri-M.
7. Spring Carwash
8. Help clean the music room
9. Sort and file music
10. Let your director know how much you appreciate Tri-M

I know it is the end of the year, and there is not much room in the tank to continue. Let Tri-M help you get through the rest of the year. We are all in this together. Thank you for all that you do for our students. Your efforts do not go unnoticed.

Sincerely,

Michelle Ewer

Colorado Tri-M Chair

National Advisory Council