COLUMBUS – The Ohio Music Educators Association
(OMEA) hosts a statewide professional development conference every year for music teachers. The weekend of Feb. 16 – 18 a number of Xavier students along with professors attended the conference with the goal of increasing their range of music and educational knowledge.
For three days, OMEA presents many seminar sessions led by some of the most renowned music educators across the state of Ohio and the nation. Teachers are able to attend sessions in nearly every aspect of the music education field including band, choir, general music, jazz, orchestra and
music therapy. “Hearing well-prepared ensembles perform, learning from teachers in the field who are masters in their subject, meeting with students from other institutions to compare experiences, learning new repertoire, learning new technologies and networking to find employment upon graduation,” Music Department Chair and Associate professor Dr. Tom Merrill said when asked about the
benefits of college students attending the conference
The conference also is the host to various performances by
groups of a wide range of levels. Performances were included from groups such as the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the Bowling Green University Trombone Choir, Miami University Symphony Orchestra and various high school groups. An example of one type of
session was titled “So you’re not a flutist? Improving the flute section from the podium.” The presenter was a professor of flute at The Ohio State University, Katherine
Borst Jones. During the hour’s time, Professor Jones presented techniques to an auditorium full of band directors on how improve the techniques of flute players, as well as their tone quality and overall sound production. She also provided the audience with various warm–up techniques and procedures for getting new flute players off to a quality start. “The workshops that are there are very relatable to course material. What I personally gained from it was being able to get to know my cooperating teachers better and hear their take on the seminars we attended,” Senior Rich Notter said. The conference also presents an exhibit hall where vendors of various music products such as instruments, sheet music and uniforms are able to show and sell their goods. This gives educators the ability to test, sample and
buy products they need for their school music programs.