On behalf of KMEA, I would like to welcome you back to school. While there may be lots of newness to what you are doing, one thing remains the same: KMEA is here to support you and your students in music. Our Executive Council consists of Vice President Jamie Minneman, Director of Instrumental Studies at Barton County Community College, President-Elect Nancy Monical, Director of Bands at Manhattan High School, and Executive Director Craig Manteuffel. Please email us at executivecouncil@ksmea.org if you have any questions, comments or concerns.
The KMEA Orff Honor Ensemble will debut during the 2027 In-Service Workshop, providing another opportunity for students to participate in a state-level honor ensemble. The 12A Honor Band nomination process is also being updated. KMEA is moving from a paper nomination form to a new online form designed to collect more meaningful audition information while remaining simple and efficient for directors to complete. Laura Estes will serve as the clinician for the 2027 12A Honor Band.
The 2026 KMEA In-Service Workshop was highlighted as a tremendous success for exhibitors, setting a new record with 110 exhibitors occupying 188 booth spaces. Special thanks to Dana Hamant, KMEA Exhibits Manager, for making sure our exhibitors are taken care of.
KMEA also welcomes new leaders in several important positions, including State Mentoring Chair Mark Gard, Retirement Chair Maggie McKain and KMR Editor Steve Oare.
Affiliate Updates
The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) Festivals Committee will look different this year. KMEA and KSHSAA recognize and thank Dana Hamant for his years of outstanding service and welcome Chris Richmond as the committee’s new chair. Teachers are also reminded to complete post-festival surveys for the KSHSAA, which provide valuable feedback for future planning. The KSHSAA is additionally exploring the development of a social media code of conduct policy.
The KCOMTEPS Fall Summit has been confirmed for September 27, 2026, at the Mayberry Cultural and Fine Arts School. This event will include Tri-M, Collegiate and teachers in their first 5 years of teaching. The link to registration is HERE. Special thanks in advance to Jayme Hayes for helping host the event.
NAfME Updates
Advocacy continues to be an important part of KMEA’s work. During a recent trip to Washington, D.C., KMEA representatives had productive conversations with Senator Jerry Moran and Congressman Derek Schmidt. Congresswoman Sharice Davids’ office was the only Kansas congressional office we were unable to meet with during the visit. Congressman Ron Estes was also recognized by NAMM for his advocacy on behalf of music education and the music industry.
Through the leadership of its members, KMEA plays a key role in shaping the direction of NAfME’s future. We would like to thank Martha Gabel who is finishing her term as the NAfME Southwest Division Immediate Past President. We are also very excited to have Vice President Jamie Minneman on the ballot for NAfME Southwest Division President-Elect. These elections will take place later this year. Finally, I will be helping with the search for a new national NAfME Executive Director.
Looking Ahead to the 2027 In-Service Workshop
Planning is well underway for the 2027 KMEA In-Service Workshop, with several prominent clinicians and speakers already confirmed. Featured presenters include Keynote Speaker and Southwest Division President Dr. Chris Baumgartner, Dr. Tim, Dr. James Weaver of Music for All, Jazzmone Sutton of NAfME, and Dr. Neha Raker of the Mayo Clinic. The President’s Concert will feature the vocal jazz ensemble M-PACT. Below are the conductors for the In-Service Workshop.
- Elementary Choir – Jeffrey Murdock
- Honor Orff Ensemble – Jennifer Donovan & Freedom Brass
- Middle Level Choir – Bridget Sweet
- 1-4A – Matthew Arau
- 5-6A – Jason Fettig
- HS Mixed Choir – Julie Yu
- HS Treble Choir – Amanda Quist
- Full Orchestra – Kira Omelchenko
- String Orchestra – Karalee Hagan
- Jazz Band – Paul Harr
- 12A Honor Band – Laura Estes
Please consider presenting a clinic session at the In-Service Workshop. Visit The KMEA website and sign-up today. We will take clinic submissions until October 1.
The 2027 Instrumental Live Auditions will again be held at Salina South High School, while continuing to examine future scheduling conflicts that can affect students and music programs.
Technology and Administrative Improvements
Several technology improvements are making KMEA events more efficient for both directors and students. A new High School All-State Choir opt-out process has been developed for directors. If your choir student participates in the District Ensemble but cannot participate at the State level, directors can opt out their student up to two days after the district performance.
One of the most noticeable improvements has been the new on-site registration process, which has dramatically reduced check-in times at KMEA events. Special thanks to Troy Johnson and Michelle Postier for their attention to this matter.
Strategic Plan and Future Opportunities
KMEA’s Strategic Plan continues to focus on several key areas, including advocacy, inclusion, student opportunities, branding, and health and wellness. Student opportunities remain a particular emphasis, including the proposed development of an All-State Orff Ensemble, which will debut at the 2027 KMEA In-Service Workshop. We are also working with the Kansas State Board of Education to provide performances featuring solos and small ensembles at their monthly BOE meetings..
KMEA also unveiled its new Logo and Branding Guide, an important step in strengthening the organization’s identity and communications moving forward. We will open the KMEA Merch Store around the same time early registration begins. You will have the opportunity to purchase items and wear them when you come to Wichita for the In-Service Workshop in February of 2027.
Recognizing Leadership and Service
KMEA would like to thank Paul Bessetti for his significant contributions to Instrumental Live Auditions Band music. Julia Janda of Blue Valley High School will take over the role moving forward.
As we continue to look toward the future, these updates reflect the organization’s ongoing efforts to strengthen professional development, expand student opportunities, improve technology and communication, and advocate for music education throughout Kansas. We appreciate all members, affiliate organizations, clinicians, exhibitors, volunteers, and partners for their continued support of music education across the state.
