Colorado Music Educators Association Conference 2027

Wednesday, January 27, 2027

String Rehearsal Lab

Rebecca MacLeod

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Thursday, January 28, 2027

What Is Wonder? Music That Sparks Curiosity

Krista Hart

9:30 AM – 10:20 AM

Colorado Hall D/E

When students are curious, they love to learn. In this choral reading session, explore repertoire and resources that naturally invite curiosity and conversation. Sing through selections that open the door to discussion, storytelling, and exploration, whether through text, style, cultural context, or musical elements. You'll discover music that sparks interest and deepens engagement, all while nurturing musicianship. A complimentary music packet will be provided.

Teaching from the Podium: Combining Artistry and Pedagogy

Rebecca MacLeod

12:45 PM – 1:35 PM

Broadmoor Hall D

Friday, January 29, 2027

The Art of 2-Part: Choral Rep for Any Age

Krista Hart

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM

Bartolin Hall E207/208/209

Wondering if 2-part music can be musically satisfying for teen singers? It can! This reading session features engaging, high-quality repertoire that works beautifully for middle school and high school choirs. Sing through selections that balance accessibility with musical depth, and explore how the right 2-part piece can support growth, confidence, and artistry at any stage. Leave with fresh ideas, renewed perspective, and music you'll feel proud to program. A complimentary music packet will be provided.

Fingerings Made Simple: Patterns Positions and Possibilities

Rebecca MacLeod

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM

Broadmoor Hall D

Choosing the right fingering can feel like solving an equation with more than one correct answer. In this interactive session, participants will develop a practical framework for helping students make effective fingering choices across violin, viola, cello, and bass. Through hands-on tutorials and six easy-to-use guidelines, participants will learn to analyze finger patterns and positions, evaluate fingering options, and select choices that promote greater technical security, musical freedom, and success for intermediate and advanced players.

What a Song Can Do: New 2-Part Choral Rep

Krista Hart

11:00 AM – 11:50 AM

Colorado Hall D/E

What can a song do? Build confidence, spark joy, and bring your singers together in powerful ways. In this sing-and-learn reading session, explore new 2-part choral repertoire designed especially for elementary (and emerging middle school) choirs. You?ll learn what makes this music effective for young voices, gather practical teaching tips, and explore creative ideas for bringing each piece to life in rehearsal and performance. Come ready to sing, reflect, and be inspired by the impact of a well-chosen song. A complimentary music packet will be provided.

The Sound Innovations Universe: Chart Your Own Course

Jason Varga

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM

Broadmoor Hall C

Explore the vast and versatile curriculum of Sound Innovations with this unique walkthrough of this expansive curriculum. Join Jason Varga as he guides you through the rich offerings of the Sound Innovations curriculum, including Ensemble Development, Sound Artistry, Sound Sight-Reading, Sound Percussion, Sound Orchestra, Sound Differentiation, and more!

Beyond the Practice Record: Building Accountability with MakeMusic

Maddy Marsan

3:00 PM – 3:50 PM

Broadmoor Hall C

Motivating music students to practice effectively is an ongoing struggle for every music educator. Today's students need structure, a little inspiration, and tools that fit into their world. We'll look at how MakeMusic can help you build accountability and spark genuine motivation, making at-home practice feel doable for every student.

Saturday, January 30, 2027

Help! I?m a Middle School Band Director Teaching Strings. What Method Book(s) Should I Use and What Literature Will Help My Students Be Successful?

Michelle Ewer

9:00 AM – 9:50 AM

Broadmoor Hall D

In this session, we will explore multiple method books from various publishers. What works for your 6th grade may not work for your advanced groups in terms of levels. We will also study literature and composers. What pitfalls do many directors fall into? Feel free to bring a score or book and ask questions. Walk away with ideas to take you into Spring Festival Season.

Building the High School Sound

Krista Hart

10:00 AM – 10:50 AM

West- Louis Stratta Room

Strong high school choirs grow from thoughtful repertoire choices. This choral reading session highlights music and resources created for emerging ensembles?freshman and sophomore groups, smaller programs, or choirs with tight rehearsal schedules. Explore literature that supports vocal development, ensemble building, and musical growth while keeping singers engaged. Sing through selections that meet students where they are and set the foundation for success. A complimentary music packet will be provided.

You Belong: Building Community in Choir

Krista Hart

12:00 PM – 12:50 PM

West-Divide Room

Middle school singers thrive when they feel seen, valued, and connected, and the right repertoire can set the tone. This choral reading session features new repertoire and resources that foster inclusion, connection, and community through music-making. Explore songs, warm-ups, and other practical tools that support cooperation, listening, and shared responsibility, without turning rehearsal into a lecture. A complimentary music packet will be provided.