Join us for a conversation with Rachel Hales from Rock Lititz about the live-event industry hub, her career path, and the many opportunities Rock Lititz offers for students and emerging professionals interested in production, design, technology, and entertainment careers.

Join us for a conversation with Greg Bimm on this episode of PMEA's Take Note podcast. Greg is the Band Director Emeritus at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, IL and he shares stories from his career, lessons he has learned along the way, and thoughts on what makes music education so meaningful.

This edition of Take Note was recorded live at the PMEA Leadership Summit on July 20, 2026 at The Penn Stater Conference Center. PMEA's Executive Committee: Susan Basalik, Rebecca Sensor, and Brett Keith, update what's currently happening in PMEA.

We're talking with Joe Sensor and Kristina Andrei about their participation in this summer's Phantom Regiment Alumni Corps. Learn about their participation in Phantom Regiment, why they're participating in the alumni corps, and the lessons they'll take back to their students.

Dr. Daniel Johnson, editor of the new two-volume publication Music Education in Rural America, joins us to explore the unique landscape of rural music programs. We examine both the challenges and the often-overlooked strengths of these communities, and share practical insights on how educators can leverage those strengths to build thriving, sustainable programs.

On this edition of Take Note, we talk with Marko Marcinko, the Founder and Artistic Director of the Pennsylvania Jazz Alliance. We learn about the Pennsylvania Jazz Alliance and their plans to help celebrate America 250 throughout Pennsylvania.

You may have heard about music therapy but do you really know what the field is and how to enter it? We're joined by Dr. Nicole Hahna and Madison Frank to talk about this field and the state of music therapy licensure in Pennsylvania.

Marissa Guarriello joins us to talk about the her career path, Musikfest, and the Musikfest Music Industry Conference happening this August. Learn about some great opportunities for music students, educators, and members of the music industry.

During the 2026 PMEA Conference, we talked with the 2026 PMEA Outstanding Superintendent - Krista Mathias from the Somerset Area School District. Learn about her district, her support for music education, and advice for other superintendents on how to support music education in any school.

We're joined by Ethan Hsu who is a Pennsylvania high school junior. Ethan is already composing orchestral works and we talk with him at Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh just after the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra performed one of his works.