2026 PMEA Annual In-Service Conference

Percussion Unleashed: Tame It, Train It, Make It Musical

Thursday, April 23, 2026

10:30 AM-11:30 AM

Kilimanjaro 3

Steve Goss

Is your percussion section the wild card in your ensemble? This session will give you the tools to transform that "beast in the back" into a musical and disciplined asset. Learn how to train your percussionists in fundamental techniques, ensemble sensitivity, and rehearsal etiquette— all while aligning with PA state music standards. You’ll leave with ready-to-use exercises, rehearsal strategies, and organizational tips to help your percussionists play musically, stay engaged, and support your ensemble’s sound.

Charting the Course: From Classroom to Career!

Thursday, April 23, 2026

10:30 AM-11:30 AM

Kilimanjaro 8

Annamarie Bollino

Ready to make your music classroom a launchpad for future music careers? This session is all about giving your students the agency to explore and shape their own paths in the music world - without the pressure. Through engaging, hands-on simulations and activities, educators will learn how to guide students through real-world scenarios. By putting students in charge of their learning experience, this session will also help you foster creativity, independence, workforce skills, and a deeper understanding of the diverse careers in music. Let’s create a classroom environment where students don’t just learn about careers - they get to live them!

Sing, Move, Play! Music & Materials for Kids

Thursday, April 23, 2026

12:00 PM-1:00 PM

Kilimanjaro 10

Jack Zaino

Prepare to be dazzled! Discover new 2-part chorals, vibrant songbooks, accessible musicals, classroom collections, and other fantastic resources tailor-made for your energetic young singers. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your library and ignite your students' passion for music.

From Scratchy to Sublime: Strategies for Improving Tone and Intonation

Thursday, April 23, 2026

4:30 PM-5:30 PM

Kilimanjaro 3

Dr. Stephen Benham

This session will focus on strategies for helping string players perform with better tone, intonation, and articulation. Principles of tone production, timbre, and related bowing techniques will be presented. We will look at specific exercises and etudes that can help students understand the principles of tone production, such as control of bow weight, angle, speed, and placement, and improve intonation. Designed for the school orchestra director and studio teacher, native and non-native string players who are teaching orchestra for the first (or 20th) time. Participants are encouraged to bring instruments to play along. 

Method Book Mayhem: Building What You Need When Time Says No

Friday, April 24, 2026

11:00 AM-12:00 PM

Zambezi

Steve Goss

Pressed for time but frustrated with one-size-fits-all method books? This session offers practical strategies for creating purposeful, standards-aligned content for your intermediate ensembles—without reinventing the wheel. Learn how to tailor warm-ups, exercises, and repertoire to meet your students where they are, even when you're short on prep time.