All Things All-State! Monday Notes

It’s conference week! I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone soon and hope you all have a fantastic conference experience. As I wrap up a few loose ends on my final conference as Executive Director, I want to say a sincere thank you to the Executive Committee, site coordinators, site hosts, volunteers, and all of our attendees. Your work and support are what make this event special, and this year is shaping up to be a great one. See you in just a few days!

As you know, Kathy Espinoza and her daughter Lauren take on the enormous role of Site Coordinators. They truly make the conference happen. Unfortunately, Kathy and Lauren won’t be with us on campus this year, as Kathy’s husband is facing some serious health challenges. They’ve done all the advance work to set us up for success, but they won’t be there in person. Amy, Daniel, and I will be stepping in to cover the role during the conference.

If you know Kathy, you know how thorough and thoughtful she is. She’s left us incredibly detailed notes, tables, to-do lists, and supplies. Even so, there may be a few bumps along the way, and I ask for a little grace if that happens. And if you notice something that needs attention—chairs moved, a question answered, or a small task that needs doing—please feel free to jump in and help.

I’m heading into this week feeling calm and confident because I know we’re part of a supportive, understanding community that always shows up and helps make things happen.

Please keep Kathy and her family in your thoughts, and I’ll see you in a few days.

Not a topic you usually see in the newsletter, but important for everyone to know. The bathrooms in the back hallway across from 1128 are under renovation and will not be available. A few alternative options are listed below. Please be sure to share this information with your students as well.

• Student Union Building (if time permits)
• Downstairs (to the left as you go downstairs)
• Downstairs and down the hallway from the X Theatre, although these are not always open
• Basement of Popejoy - but only on Saturday.

Please be sure to review the following with your students so everything runs smoothly and we have a great event.

• All Students must attend all events and be punctual.
• Instrumental students must bring a folding stand.
• Remind students to bring music (even if it is memorized).
• Students will receive their concert badges in their first rehearsal - not at the registration table.
• Replacement badges will be available in room 1128 for $5.
• Choral students will have a memory test on Wednesday evening.
• String students will have chair auditions on Wednesday evening.
• Guitar, Band and Orchestra Winds and Percussion will have sectionals on Wednesday.
• Student expectations can be found here.
• Student schedules can be found here.
• Remind percussion students to bring assigned equipment. Follow this link for more information.

Below are a few helpful reminders as we get ready for the conference. Please read carefully—especially the section on parking!

• Educator schedule can be found here but plan on downloading Guidebook and accessing the conference schedule there.
• Educators badges can be picked up at the registration table located in front of the ballrooms in the SUB.
• On-Site registration is also in front of the ballrooms in the SUB. Registering on-site takes some extra time so please plan accordingly.
• Parking, yes...it is an issue and will be extra tricky this year due to construction across from Johnson Gym. Please follow this link for detailed information.
• Plan on attending the Educator Mixer on Friday evening at the Sheraton!
• Educators can pick up a complimentary ticket for Saturday's concert in front of Keller Hall. You must have your badge to secure the ticket.

Bus parking at the conference will be different this year! Due to construction, buses will not be able to drop off and pick up in the same areas they have in the past. Please read details below:

• Due to construction, buses will not be able to drop off and pick up along the south side of Johnson gym and field.

• Buses will need to enter campus via Rondondo drive and proceed south and drop off on the east side of Johnson Field.

• See map

• We know it is further to walk and not as convenient, but it is unavoidable.

• Buses will not be able to pre-stage for pick up as there isn’t space for all of the buses to park.

• Once all students are present and ready for pick up, call the bus driver and have them enter campus, stop briefly and pick students up.

Thank you to everyone who volunteered to help with the conference. Your support is what makes this event possible.

This link will take you to the volunteer list. Please take a moment to review your assigned duties. The list is alphabetized by first name. If you have any questions about your assignment, contact your section Vice President.

It is important that everyone follows through on their assignments so the conference runs smoothly.

The link below will take you to schedules for both Concert and Jazz All-State. Please note that both educator and student schedules are posted.

• Conference Schedules

Be sure to download the Guidebook app so you can access the live schedule on your phone:

• Download Guidebook (if you don't already have it)
• Search for NMMEA
• Download this years guide

You can also scan the QR code on the right and be taken directly to the guide.

Learn more about the clinics offered at the 2026 NMMEA All-State Festival and In-Service Conference at the link below. There’s a lot to choose from, so take a look early and plan your schedule.

• Clinics at a glance!

Tickets are required for all concerts during the conference.

Honor Concerts

• As in previous years, tickets for the honor concerts are free but must be downloaded through UNM Ticketing. Please plan ahead and do this early to avoid last-minute stress. Participating students will receive physical tickets and should not download a ticket but educators are required to download a ticket online.

Saturday Concerts

• Participating students and registered educators may pick up a complimentary physical ticket in front of Keller Hall before the concert. Just show your badge to receive a ticket.
• Parents must purchase tickets through UNM Ticketing. Please share this information with parents!

UNM Ticketing

Please note that NMMEA does not provide on-site medical staff. Directors are responsible for the supervision and care of their students at all times and should bring any necessary documentation, including medical release forms, in case of an emergency. If campus security is needed, they can be reached at 505-277-2241.

As you gather for the NMMEA All-State Conference, we want you to know how grateful we are for the important work you do across New Mexico. Your continued leadership in classrooms, rehearsal halls, and communities carries forward the spirit of UNM Music in powerful ways.

We would love the opportunity to reconnect with you, hear how your year has been going, and spend time together in person. Whether you are a UNM alum or simply someone who would enjoy getting more acquainted with our faculty and colleagues, you are warmly invited to join us for two informal gatherings during the conference:

Friday, January 16

Happy Hour | 5:00–6:30 PM

Flock of Moons Brewery (across from UNM)

Saturday, January 17

UNM Music Alumni & Friends Luncheon | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

Draft and Table, Student Union Building

These events are a chance to relax, reconnect, and share conversation with UNM faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. We also look forward to sharing the many exciting things happening at UNM and learning how we can continue to support you and your students.

Michael Hix, D.M.

An ENMU alumni gathering will be held on Thursday, January 15th at 6:30 p.m. at Frontier Restaurant. See you there!

A bit further down the road, but Jazz All-State is also around the corner. This year the event will be held at Eastern New Mexico University. Find important details below regarding this event:

• Schedule
• Rhythm Section Reminders

• Drummers need to bring their own cymbals and sticks. Tarpley's Music is providing full drum kits with bass drum pedals. That said, some drummers prefer to bring their own pedals.
• Guitarists and bassists need to bring quarter-inch cables, extra strings, pedals, picks, etc.
• If needed, bassists need to bring their own upright bass with quarter-inch cable jack.
• Percussionists need to bring their own hand/auxiliary percussion if called for in the parts.