Monday Notes - February 9, 2026
February 3rd, 2026
Valentine’s Week is here! Between the cards, candy, and busy schedules, I hope this week brings plenty of smiles and not to much drama!
Scholarship Available
Please share with seniors who are in band.
The Bruce Kroken Memorial Scholarship is awarded annually by the Albuquerque Concert Band (ACB) to encourage band students to continue their involvement in instrumental music performance at the college level.
This $1,500 prize honors the memory of Bruce Kroken who was a long-time member and conductor of the ACB. He was also Director of Bands at Manzano HS and the Assistant Director at Desert Ridge MS. The recipient shall present a solo performance at the April concert of the Albuquerque Concert Band. The concert is on Sunday April 12, 2026 at 3pm in the Eldorado HS Performing Arts Complex. This $1,500 scholarship award is given to one student, although additional scholarships in lesser amounts are occasionally awarded.
Applicants for this scholarship must be active band members in a New Mexico High School who are graduating seniors. To be eligible, applicants must plan to continue participating in a performance ensemble in college and provide confirmation of enrollment and participation on their first semester schedule.
- Click here for more information.
Advocacy Webinar
Join the New Mexico Music Educators Association Advocacy Committee for a timely and engaging Q&A discussion with administrators and school board members, led by Virginia Ramos and Daniel Fear.
This webinar offers an inside look at how decision-makers think—and how arts educators can most effectively advocate for their programs with building leaders, central office staff, and boards. Expect practical insights, honest conversation, and strategies you can use right away.
If you care about the future of arts education (and we know you do), this conversation is for you. Bring your questions, your curiosity, and maybe a notepad.
- Date: February 11, 2026
- Time: 6:30
- Meeting: Link
Important dates!
Please check your calendars to make sure you have the following state dates:
- April 14-15, 2026 - State Choir Contest
- April 16-18, 2026 - State Concert Band Contest
- October 24, 2026 - State Marching Contest
- January 6-9, 2027 - All-State Music Festival & In-Service Conference (UNM)
- January 21-23, 2027 - Jazz All-State (NMSU)