Miami University music faculty were invited to represent Miami at the Ohio Music Educator Association (OMEA) Professional Development Conference Feb. 1-3 at the Columbus Convention Center.

As one of the largest music conferences in the country, it collaborates with the Technology Institute for Music Education to provide experimentation with instruments and other groundbreaking products in the field. 

Area coordinator of music education, Elizabeth Reed, celebrates this opportunity.

“Since my time at Miami, I have not known more than one of us to present at OMEA,” Reed said. “The fact that we have three professors and one performing ensemble is a wonderful representation of Miami to the music educators in Ohio.”

Director of the Choraliers, Robyn Lana, will conduct her choir in a performance at the event. They will also participate in three professional development sessions with clinicians from all over the country.

Dr. Ryan Yahl will present his own session named “Surviving Your First Year of Teaching: Tips for a Successful Beginning to Your Career,” on Friday afternoon. Dr. Robin Heinsen of instrumental music education and Elizabeth Reed of instrumental music education and area coordinator will present a session together named “Leave the Ivory Tower and Get Your Hands Dirty: Active Field Experiences for Preservice Teachers," on Saturday afternoon. 

Best of all, Gary Speck, director of the wind ensemble for over 30 years, will receive OMEA’s 2024 Outstanding Music Educator Award on Thursday of the conference.

Faculty received the invitation in early August and have been preparing their best for the upcoming event. Anybody can attend the OMEA Preview Concert in Hall Auditorium on Wednesday, Jan. 31 at 7p.m.