On this special edition of PMEA's Take Note podcast, we talk to Brett Keith and Jason Lerew - the candidates for PMEA President-Elect.

Monica Ellis is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and one of the founding members of the GRAMMY nominated, Imani Winds. She joins us to talk about Imani Winds, chamber ensembles in general, and her scholastic musical journey.

We continue to gear up for the 2022 PMEA All-State Festival by talking with the conductors of all six All-State ensembles. Today we talk with Dr. Paula Crider, All-State Wind Ensemble Conductor and Jason Seber, All-State Orchestra Conductor. Learn about the musical programs and what student participants can expect.

NAMM President and CEO, Joe Lamond, joins us to talk about the free Believe in Music event beginning on January 20th. We discuss the great content available for anyone with a passion for music - especially music educators. We also talk about what NAMM offers for music educators and what we can expect from NAMM in the coming year. We hope you enjoy our chat with one of the most valuable and influential members of the music industry.

We're gearing up for the 2022 PMEA All-State Festival by talking with the conductors of all six All-State ensembles. We start today with Dr. Jonathan Helmick, All-State Concert Band Conductor and Dr. Amelia Garbisch, All-State Chorus Conductor. Learn about the musical programs and what student participants can expect.

Dr. William Behre is the president at Slippery Rock University. He joins us to talk about the value of music programs on a university campus and the future of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.

Stanford Thompson is the founder and executive director of Play On Philly. He joins us to talk about Play On Philly but also his thoughts on power shifting in American orchestras.

Dr. Stacy Potter is the policy and advocacy chair for the Pennsylvania Art Education Association. She joins us to talk about the role of all arts programs in schools and talks about the role of Social Emotional Learning in the arts and the entire school community.

Alfred Watkins is the retired band director from Lassiter High School in Marietta, Georgia. He joins us to talk about his impressive career and the Minority Band Directors National Association which he co-founded. He shares lots of words of wisdom and observations that are valuable for any music teacher to hear.

Laurie Schell from Elevate Arts Ed joins us to talk about things arts educators can be doing now to impact their programs including strategic planning and advocating. She also talks with us about a new project she's working on that will impact arts education and the greater arts community.