Last month, we began a conversation about the good, the hard and the honest questions that come with competition. Each month, I’m taking on one concern I hear from directors and staff - not to dismiss it, but to look at it from a place of experience and growth. March brings us to another concern I hear often: “Judging is…
March 2026 Marks the 41st Observance of Music In Our Schools Month® This Year’s MIOSM® Theme Continues as “United Through Music” HERNDON, VA (February 23, 2026)— For more than 40 years, March has been designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) as Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®). Ensuring equitable access to music education for the youngest members of our society—students—is…
One of the most common concerns I hear about competing is a simple, valid one: “Competitions create unhealthy stress.” I agree - to a point. Stress absolutely exists in competitive environments. Students feel it. Directors feel it. If we’re not careful, it can spill over into places it doesn’t belong. That said, how on earth can we teach students the…
Why compete? Why take your students on the road, put them in front of judges, clinicians and adjudicators, and give up evenings, weekends and personal time with family and friends to do it? Early in my career, I had to answer those questions for myself. Over time, I’ve learned that every music educator answers them differently. That answer can change…
In late December 2025, two Indiana choirs took part in one of Walt Disney World’s most meaningful holiday traditions: EPCOT’s Candlelight Processional. Carmel High School Choir, directed by Katie Kouns, performed on Sunday, Dec. 21, followed by Terre Haute North Vigo High School Choir, directed by Michelle Azar, on Monday, Dec. 22. Each choir performed once, but the significance of…