Monday Notes - Jan 5, 2026

Welcome to 2026! I hope you had a relaxing break and a great holiday season. Our next big milestone is Albuquerque and the 2026 NMMEA All-State Music Festival and In-Service Conference. Below are a few updates to help make the start of the semester and your conference experience go smoothly. Please read carefully, as some details have changed. Looking forward to seeing you on the 14th!

Registration time is almost up. Online conference registration closes January 6. After that date, registration will be available on site at the on-site rate. Not sure if you’re already registered? Email me and I’m happy to check for you.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on the 14th!

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.

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.

As you know, parking at the conference is a big deal and can result in an expensive ticket! Please review parking details (link) to ensure that you park in the correct area! Avoid that ticket!

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!

If you haven’t secured your luncheon ticket yet, please do so soon before they sell out. This event is always a highlight — a chance to connect, celebrate, and be inspired by the exceptional educators in our profession.

• Purchase here

Today is the last day to purchase tickets!

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

A few important reminders to take care of before the conference begins. Hopefully this has already been taken care of, but it doesn't hurt to double check!

• Send Neil Swapp your PO for student participation fees, or make sure payment has been made.
• Order and receive all required music (vendor).
• Check music order to ensure all music was included (programs).
• Order choral learning tracks (link) if you haven’t already.
• Register yourself for the conference (link).
• If you need chaperone badges, be sure to include them in your registration.
• Confirm hotel reservations (conference hotel)
• Review expectations (link) with students.
• Make sure you and your percussion students have reviewed this information.