Monday Notes, February 2, 2026

February? How is that even possible? Here is to a great week and month. Please review the following to ensure a smooth semester.

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)

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

Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them.

Plácido Domingo

Press release from NFHS:

INDIANAPOLIS, IN (January 29, 2026) — A total of 77 individuals have been selected to receive Outstanding Performing Arts Educator Awards from the NFHS, including 35 with Outstanding Music Educator Awards, 26 with Outstanding Speech and Debate Educator Awards and 16 with Outstanding Theatre Awards.

For the first time this year, in addition to honoring educators at the high school level, a number of awards were presented to middle school performing arts educators.

The 35 music honorees include eight section recipients and 17 state recipients at the high school level, and seven section recipients and three state recipients at the middle school level. Seven individuals are receiving section awards in speech and debate and 15 will be honored with state awards, along with four section recipients at the middle school level. In theatre, there are six section and seven state recipients, along with three section recipients at the middle school level.

Since 1988 when the first Outstanding Speech/Debate/Theatre Educator Awards were presented, 273 individuals have received section awards and 443 have been honored with state awards. The Outstanding Music Educator Awards began a year later in 1989, and 236 individuals have received section awards and another 431 have been honored with state awards. The Outstanding Theatre Award was given for the first time three years ago, separating it from the Outstanding Speech/Debate Educator Award, and 28 individuals have received section awards and 24 have earned state awards.

Daniel Holmes - Section 6 - New Mexico

Daniel Holmes has elevated music education in New Mexico through innovation, leadership, and artistry. As Director of Bands at V. Sue Cleveland High School, he has doubled program enrollment and led ensembles to state championships and national recognition. Holmes integrates musical rigor with social-emotional learning and student leadership, creating a culture of excellence and inclusion. His influence extends statewide through roles with NMMEA, including Jazz Vice President and District Band Chair, where he advocates for expanded opportunities and standardized adjudication. Holmes hosts major festivals, presents at conferences, and leads cross-cultural collaborations, such as a project with the Africa School of Music. Honors including Teacher of the Year and NSDA commendations reflect his impact as an educator and leader. Holmes exemplifies the qualities of a transformative music educator—visionary, collaborative, and deeply committed to student success.

Full press release

Please remind students to order a video or audio recording of the 2026 All-State Music Festival concerts. Follow this link to access the order form.

Have a great idea or strategy that you would like to share at the 2027 conference? Submit your proposal here and be considered for the 2027 conference. Clinics fill up quickly so act now!

It’s time to elect a new Executive Committee. The elected members will shadow the current officers for the remainder of the year and officially assume their roles in January 2027. Please review the timeline below:

• January 26 - Membership verification (in order to vote you must have a current membership on this date)
• February 2 - Email ballots sent and voting begins
• February 14 - Voting closes
• February 16 - Election results announced

Thank you to the following candidates who have agreed to be on the ballot. We’re excited to have such a strong and dedicated group willing to serve.

PRESIDENT

Tyler North

Melissa Rice

VP COLLEGIATE

Melissa Ryan

Angela Winter

VP GENERAL MUSIC

Valerie Collins

Drew Wichman

VP GUITAR

Genevieve Leitner

Gwen-Marie Lerch

VP ORCHESTRA

Luis DeVargas

Kristen Pickens

VP CHOIR

Jhordan Granger

Anton Tan

VP BAND

Steve Iliff

Karen Padilla

VP JAZZ

Joshua Dumais

Aaron Lovato

General Music members, please follow this link and vote for your preference for the 2028 Conference. Voting will close on February 9th.

Aa you prepare for Music Performance Assessment, please remember that rubrics are posted on the website (link).