Monday Notes - May 11, 2026

Here is to a great week as you begin to wrap things up. Unlike many in the school, music teachers tend to crescendo to the end - hang in there summer is near!

Past editions of The New Mexico Musician dating all the way back to 1964 have been scanned and uploaded to the website!

It was a long project, but now you can wander through decades of music history, memories, photos, names, and stories. It’s a fun way to pass a little time and take a trip into the past.

Dare I say it might even be more fun than TikTok? You’ll have to browse the archives and decide for yourself.

Archives can be found under Media on the main menu and then scroll down to New Mexico Musician Archives. The direct link is here.

It's that time of year again! Make sure to share the NMMEA job board far and wide to ensure that all of our open positions are filled. Share this link with friends and contacts across the county!

Have an open position in your district or school? Jobs can be submitted directly to the job board for posting.

Check out and consider being part of this project!

Hello fellow band directors,

My name is Alfredo Cordova, and I am the band director at Tony Hillerman Middle School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I am currently completing my Master’s in Music Education, and for my final project this fall I am seeking participating ensembles to assist with my research.

My project focuses on the approach, rehearsal process, feedback, and performance outcomes involved in programming soundscape-style music within the concert cycle.

For the purposes of this project, “soundscape” refers to music that is generally more freeform in nature, with an emphasis on timbre, texture, and effect. These works often incorporate aleatoric elements and improvisational practices.

Participating directors will:

• Program, rehearse, and perform Earthshine by Jodie Blackshaw at a September or October fall concert

• Complete a brief survey before and after the concert cycle

That’s it!

As a thank-you for participating, you will receive a complimentary copy of Earthshine for your library. A recording, perusal score, and program notes for the work can be found here:

https://www.jodieblackshaw.com/catalogue/earthshine

Important Notes & Requirements

• Earthshine is listed as a Grade 2 work; however, due to the style and musical approach required, it may be best suited for a more advanced ensemble. I would recommend advanced middle school/8th grade bands or high school ensembles.

• The performance must take place during a fall concert in September or October.

• Because my project is due at the end of November, all surveys and related data must be submitted no later than November 1.

• I am seeking approximately 10 participating ensembles. I have personally purchased 10 sets of the work, so the first 10 participating directors will receive an original copy at no cost. Additional participants would need to already own or independently purchase the piece.

• I wanted to share this opportunity early to give directors enough time to review the work and determine whether it would fit into their fall programming.

If you are interested in participating, please contact me by May 31 so I can arrange delivery or shipment of the music.

Thank you, and please feel free to reach out with any questions!

Alfredo Cordova

Below are important dates to better help you prepare your calendars for the next school year. If possible, send the calendar home in May to help avoid conflicts next year.

• Choir, Guitar, & Orchestra All-State Auditions - October 15 - 24, 2026
• State Marching Contest - October 24, 2026
• Band & Jazz All-State Auditions - October 28 - November 7, 2026
• All State Music Festival & In-Service Conference - January 6-9, 2027
• Jazz All-State - January 21-23, 2027
• State Choir Contest - April 13 & 14, 2027
• State Band Contest - April 15, 16 & 17, 2027

To submit potential judges for the State Choir and Concert Band contests, click here. Judges should be from outside the local area and have no ties to New Mexico. After submissions are collected, the advisory council will rank the candidates.

Make sure to follow the link below to secure the choral learning tracks. Remember that these tracks are the exact ones that are needed for auditions.

• Learning tracks