CMEA Honor Award Nominations

• CMEA Award for Music Advocacy

• CMEA Exemplary Service to Music Education Award

• CMEA Hall of Fame

• CMEA Honored Administrator

• CMEA Outstanding Young Educator

• CMEA 25-Year Service Award

Submission forms open on Friday, August 1, 2025

Forms close on Friday, October 3, 2025

General Music Council News

Paul Maley, Chair

As we enter another year, I feel a mix of excitement and exhaustion. We, as music teachers, start the year knowing that once we start, we don’t stop until the next summer. (and most of us don’t stop then) As I roll into my 15th year of teaching, I am finding the absolute need for self-care. What I am finding, though, is that self-care is often mistaken for a “band-aid” type activity that doesn't provide lasting benefits.   

I have found that my issue isn’t related to school per se, but the things I’m doing surrounding school times. Since the start of the year, I have focused on letting go of social media, taking a walk to start my day, and drinking more water. The changes have been unbelievable. I feel better all the time, my patience is stronger than ever, and I can put forth my best self more often. I am getting feedback from people that they can see a significant change in my attitude and demeanor. I feel better and am craving to feel this way more. 

We as teachers wear so many hats, and we stomach all the emotion. We are superheroes, but that only lasts so long before life starts to chip away at us. I encourage anyone who is struggling with happiness, exhaustion, feeling overwhelmed, or any of the other things teaching does to us… take a step back. Please take a moment to see what you are spending your time doing and start to modify it. It doesn’t take much. Exercise of some kind, drink water, and limit your screen time, and it can change your life.  

It is the "oxygen on the airplane” analogy; put yours on first, so you are set to help anyone else who needs help. We can only be great teachers if we treat ourselves great. Thanks for all you do in molding new musical minds and seriously, take care of yourself!

Instrumental Music Council News

Chuck Stephen, Chair

The Instrumental Music Council has been busy putting together a great lineup of clinicians and sessions for this year’s clinic/conference that we hope will give you some fresh ideas that you can use with your own groups. We have outstanding performances lined up that we hope will inspire you and showcase what is possible with our own ensembles.

We are excited to have  Dr. Mathew Arau, Michael Hopkins, and Beth Fabrizio as our headliners this year. I would like to thank the Colorado ASTA and the Colorado Bandmasters Association for their partnership in bringing Michael and Beth to Colorado. Don’t forget, all of the great offerings on Wednesday are included in your registration for the conference -Bob Phillips and Chris Bernotas will present a session and Michael Hopkins will do an orchestra rehearsal lab. We are excited to have an evening concert by Athena Brass (the first women’s brass band in the United States).

It’s going to be a fantastic conference. Make sure you get registered https://cmeaonline.org/ 

Please let us know how we can support you.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Vocal Music Council

Bryan Kettlewell, Chair

Hello Colorado Choral Music Educators!

My name is Bryan Kettlewell and I am the new chair for the Vocal Music Council (VMC). We have been working hard to prepare for our upcoming conference and we are excited to present a diverse set of clinics for you to attend at this year’s conference. We are also in the process of gathering nominations for our upcoming elections. This year, we are looking for people from districts 2, 4, 6, and 8 to join us on the VMC. If you don’t know which district you are in, simply go to the CMEA website, www.cmeaonline.org and check out our map listed there. Serving on the council is truly a rewarding experience, and it helps you get to know more educators from across the state. You also have a direct voice in helping select the sessions and ensembles that are presented at the upcoming CMEA Conference. If elected, you will serve a two year term and get to add your unique voice to the process. I highly encourage anyone to run for elections, or encourage a colleague to run. If you are interested, please fill out the this google form to let us know who you are:

Thanks so much, and we look forward to reaching all choral educators across this great state!

College/University Music Council

Brett Keating, Chair-Elect

Greetings!

As we all settle into the rhythm of our classroom, the possibilities of the school year begin to reveal themselves to us and our students. I always enjoy how this time of year seems to capture the imagination, curiosity, and culture of our students and sets the trajectory of what we will all accomplish together. It is also an important time of year for our soon-to-be educators are immersed in their student teaching placements, I am reminded of how transformative this stage is for their professional growth. Student teaching is more than an academic requirement; it is the bridge between theory and practice, where future music educators discover the realities of classroom dynamics, refine their rehearsal techniques, and begin shaping their unique teaching identities. The mentorship, challenges, and successes they encounter now will resonate throughout their careers, equipping them with the resilience, creativity, and passion needed to inspire the next generation of musicians. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to the supervising teachers who give so generously of their time and expertise in service to both their students and the music education profession. It is a season of both learning and becoming, and its impact cannot be overstated. I wish everyone a great Fall!

Greetings from Tri-M

Michelle Ewer, Chair

Here we are in October!

Some days drag on forever, and yet somehow it is already October. As you prepare for your first concert, remember Tri-M can help. Let them create the program, hand them out at the door, or post the QR code. Let them provide refreshments after the concert. Perhaps a group can provide pre-concert entertainment. Let them help!

We are one month away from Tri-M Day registration. Have you been able to start the conversation with your chapter? I encourage you to start planning now so that students can register for their sessions early. Once you have registered the students, they can select how they want to spend their day. As you may recall, for those who never picked sessions, I did it for them.

We have a great day planned for all Band, Orchestra, and Choir students. There is something for everyone. You will also have a chance to play for several sessions, as well as our Grand Finale, where we all come together in song. Choral reading sessions, Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Fiddling, entrepreneurship, Ukuleles, Hip Hop, and how to practice with stronger results. These are just a few of the many choices you will have. Watch for  registration around November 1^st at www.cmeaonline.org

Please reach out with any questions.

Technology News

Sean Henning, Chair

I hope your school year is off to a fabulous start and that you’ve found “the groove” for your classrooms this year. I’m incredibly excited to share some of the Technology offerings we’ll have at this year’s conference, including: live sound (Audio Gear 101; Live Audio Recording Tips and Tricks; Audio Solutions for Marching Band; and Mic and Mixing Tips for Modern Band) and, obviously, sessions on A.I (Using Generative AI in the Music Classroom; AI Isn’t Coming for Your Job) just to name a few. It is going to be an incredible conference with tremendous offerings from all of the councils!

While January will be here before you know it, here is a short list of apps that band directors shared they were using at the 2025 All State Honor Band roundtable discussion on technology. There are some old favorites and some new tools to check out as you consider trying new things in your classroom:

• Drum School - the perfect learning tool to teach drummers different grooves/patterns
• Tonal Energy Tuner and Metronome
• iRealPro - Backing tracks for Solo practice
• ForeScore - PDF reader for iPads (for putting your scores on)
• Guitar Tuna - Basic and Advanced Guitar Chord shapes
• Remind - Communication tool
• Band app - Communication tool
• Sight Reading Factory - Exercises for your Student
• MuseScore - 
• Beam, offered by Ultimate Drill Book - the future of Pep Band Music…select a song from your digital library and the sheet music automatically appears on your students' phones.  
• Rhythmrandomizer.com - a free website that lets you custom-build rhythms for your students

Wishing you all the best this semester

Call for Nominations!

Have you or a music educator that you know been wondering how to get more involved in CMEA? Perhaps even in CMEA leadership? Here is the perfect opportunity!

We are seeking candidates for the January 2026 CMEA election ballot. Serving as an elected representative from your CMEA District is a great way to get involved and share ideas/suggestions about current and future CMEA initiatives and activities.

The following State Assembly council offices are up for election this year:

• General Music Representatives: District 2, District 4, District 6, District 8
• Vocal Music Representatives: District 2, District 4, District 6, District 8
• Instrumental Music Representatives: District 2, District 4, District 6, District 8

To be eligible to run for office, a candidate must be a current active or retired member of CMEA. Candidates who are active members must be engaged in music teaching or other music-related educational work. Candidates for office must be registered for and in attendance at the 2026 conference. Elections will take place via electronic ballot in the first two weeks of January 2026, and results will be announced during the opening session at the CMEA conference. The term for each office is two years, beginning on February 1 following the election. For more information about the structure of these leadership positions and the election process, please see the CMEA Bylaws at https://cmeaonline.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/CMEA-By-laws-Adopted-1-24-2024.pdf

If you know someone who would be interested in serving as a representative, or you would like to nominate yourself, please send names and contact information to the current Chair-Elects (listed below) before October 15th.  

CHAIR-ELECT – GENERAL MUSIC COUNCIL – Julie Kuhlman

Julie.kuhlman@yahoo.com

CHAIR-ELECT – INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC COUNCIL – Keith Acuncius

keithacuncius@asd20.0rg

CHAIR-ELECT – VOCAL MUSIC COUNCIL – Bryan Daryl Gingrich

daryl.ginrich@gmail.com

Thank you, and have a wonderful fall!

New 2026 Conference Opportunities!

Sizzling Social-Dance, Dine & Ignite Your Passion

Out-of-State College/University Reception at the 2026 Conference

Are you from an out-of-state College/University and you do not have a reception to attend on Friday evening? Well, now you do, CMEA will be hosting a reception for all non-Colorado College graduates on Friday evening.

CMEA Conference Registration is OPEN!

Registration for the CMEA 2026 Conference is now open. Look for the quick link to register on the new CMEA Website main page. Or click the button below.

CMEA Hotel Registration at The Broadmoor Hotel is now open. 

Complete your registration by going to the quick link to register on the new CMEA Website main page or by clicking HERE.

CHSAA is Seeking 2026

Spring Music Festival Hosts

The Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSAA) is currently looking for schools to host Vocal, Band, and Orchestra festivals for the 2026 spring season. Hosting a festival is a fantastic way to highlight your school’s music program and bring a vibrant community event to your campus.

Why host?

●     Receive a site host stipend

●     All additional expenses are covered by CHSAA

●     Your school’s music groups can participate at a reduced cost

●     Save on travel expenses for your ensembles

●     Welcome some of Colorado’s top adjudicators to work directly with your students

●     Build a memorable experience for your school and community

Additional Information

●     Review the 2026 Music Calendar for currently scheduled dates.

●     The window of availability to host a music festival is from mid-March through the end of April.

If you’re interested in learning more or to schedule a date to host, please reach out to Marisa Tenorio (mtenorio@chsaa.org) at the CHSAA office.