New Jersey Music Educators Association

03/02/2026

Happy Music In Our Schools Month! What activities and events are you hosting at your school this month? We'd love to hear about them!

How can I get involved in Music In Our Schools Month®(MIOSM®)? Music teachers celebrate MIOSM in many ways by offering special performances, lessons, sing-alongs and activities to bring their music programs to the attention of administrators, parents, colleagues, and communities to display the pos...

03/01/2026

Congratulations to Elisabeth Sato on this well-deserved award of the 2026 NFHS Middle School Music Award

Elisabeth exemplifies leadership and dedication, teaching middle school honors orchestra, mentoring students in the high school Tri-M Honors Society, and inspiring a love of music throughout Piscataway Schools. We proudly celebrate the meaningful impact she has on our students and community.

02/28/2026

Congratulations to Malcolm Couden on this well-deserved award of the 2026 NFHS High School Music Award.
Malcolm Couden’s passion, musicianship, and leadership inspire his students, colleagues, and every ensemble he directs. Since beginning his teaching career in 2005, he has served as Director of Choral Studies at Saddle Brook Middle/High School, making him an invaluable asset to his school and the choral community. He is truly deserving of this recognition.

02/27/2026

Please join us in celebrating Jazzmone Sutton for receiving the 2026 NJMEA Distinguished Service Award.
Jazzmone Sutton is the Senior Manager for State Advocacy and Equity at NAfME and a former elementary music teacher in North Carolina. She served as Immediate Past President of NCMEA and now draws on her classroom experience to help state affiliates and members make music education more inclusive and accessible for all students. Congratulations Jazzmone!

02/26/2026

Please join us in celebrating Amy Burns for receiving the 2026 NJMEA Distinguished Service Award.

Amy Burns has taught for 30 years, 29 at Far Hills Country Day School. Since joining the NJMEA Board in 2013, she has led the Elementary Academy, providing outstanding professional development to teachers across New Jersey.
Her dedication has elevated elementary music education and inspired a generation of teachers.

Please join us in congratulating Amy Burns!

02/25/2026

Please join us in celebrating Maureen Butler for receiving the 2026 NJMEA Distinguished Service Award.

Maureen Butler taught for twenty-five years, including at the Lake Drive School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children, where she created a curriculum to ensure all students could participate in music.
As a longtime NJMEA Board member and Chair of the Accessible Music Education Committee, she has helped educators across New Jersey make inclusion a reality.
Maureen, your leadership has strengthened music education and ensured every student can experience high-quality, inclusive music. Please join us in congratulating Maureen Butler!

02/25/2026

02/24/2026

Please join us in congratulating Robert Van Wyk, recipient of the 2026 NJMEA Master Music Teacher Award.

This prestigious honor recognizes a career defined by excellence, dedication, and lasting impact on students and the profession. Mr. Van Wyk’s commitment to musical artistry and education has inspired generations of young musicians and elevated music education within his Rahway school community and beyond.

This award was presented during the Gala Concert this past Friday night at the NJMEA State Conference. New Jersey Music Educators Association is proud to honor his outstanding achievements and grateful for his continued leadership and passion.

Congratulations, Robert, on this well-deserved recognition!

02/21/2026

Important NJMEA All-State Update

Due to worsening weather forecasts across New Jersey, NJMEA has made the difficult decision to cancel Sunday’s All-State Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Treble Choir performance at NJPAC. While this is deeply disappointing for our students and families, the safety of everyone involved must come first.

Please note:
• The NJPAC concert is canceled and cannot be rescheduled.
• Ticket refunds can be issued by the NJPAC Box Office.
• Students will receive their commemorative All-State pin in the coming weeks.
• A recording of today’s Atlantic City concert will be shared via email.
• Ensemble photos may be ordered at www.gellmanimages.com.

Congratulations to all of our All-State musicians for this outstanding achievement. We share in the disappointment, but we are incredibly proud of these remarkable students and all they have accomplished. Thank you for your understanding and continued support of NJMEA and music education.

02/21/2026

What an incredible NJMEA 2026 Gala Concert!

Thank you, Brasilian Vibes, for an absolutely off-the-charts performance. Your energy and artistry lit up the room and perfectly captured the spirit of this week.

Atlantic City Convention Center was truly the place to be tonight. 🎶

02/20/2026

NJMEA Day 2 and the energy is absolutely electric! ⚡️
Dr. Peter Boonshaft delivered what can only be described as one of the most powerful, inspiring, and unforgettable keynotes we’ve ever experienced—reminding us why music education changes lives every single day.

Region meetings were a huge success across the board, filled with passion, collaboration, and incredible momentum.

The groove continues this afternoon with Modern Band, and tonight we celebrate together with Brasilian Vibes at 7:30 PM at our Gala Concert!

There is no doubt about it—Atlantic City is the place to be. Let’s keep the passion strong and the future growing! 🎶🔥

02/16/2026

🎶 It’s Finally Here! 🎶

The NJMEA 2026 State Conference is THIS WEEK — and we are ready to Catch the Groove, Fuel the Passion, Grow the Future!

This is an experience you do not want to miss!

✨ Elementary Academy Spotlight – Featuring Bill Henry from Mr. Henry’s Music World bringing energy, creativity, and inspiration for our youngest musicians.

🎤 Keynote Speaker – We are honored to welcome Dr. Peter Boonshaft, whose message will challenge, inspire, and energize educators at every stage of their career.

🔥 Friday Night Gala Concert – Brasilian Vibes!
Off-the-charts energy, incredible musicianship, and a celebration you’ll be talking about long after the final note.

🎼 All-State performances featuring:
• Wind Ensemble
• Symphonic Band
• Modern Band
• Treble Chorus
🎼 Hundreds of sessions
🎶 Student performances at all levels
🎧 More exhibits than ever before
🤝 Networking, collaboration, and inspiration at every turn

There is truly something for everyone — whether you teach elementary, instrumental, choral, general music, higher ed, or are just beginning your journey in music education.

We cannot wait to see our music education family this week in Atlantic City, February 19–21. It will be unforgettable!

🎵