New Jersey Music Educators Association

02/26/2026

Please join us in celebrating Amy Burns for receiving the 2026 NJMEA Distinguished Service Award.

Amy Burns has taught for 30 years, 29 at Far Hills Country Day School. Since joining the NJMEA Board in 2013, she has led the Elementary Academy, providing outstanding professional development to teachers across New Jersey.
Her dedication has elevated elementary music education and inspired a generation of teachers.

Please join us in congratulating Amy Burns!

02/25/2026

Please join us in celebrating Maureen Butler for receiving the 2026 NJMEA Distinguished Service Award.

Maureen Butler taught for twenty-five years, including at the Lake Drive School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children, where she created a curriculum to ensure all students could participate in music.
As a longtime NJMEA Board member and Chair of the Accessible Music Education Committee, she has helped educators across New Jersey make inclusion a reality.
Maureen, your leadership has strengthened music education and ensured every student can experience high-quality, inclusive music. Please join us in congratulating Maureen Butler!

02/25/2026

02/24/2026

Please join us in congratulating Robert Van Wyk, recipient of the 2026 NJMEA Master Music Teacher Award.

This prestigious honor recognizes a career defined by excellence, dedication, and lasting impact on students and the profession. Mr. Van Wyk’s commitment to musical artistry and education has inspired generations of young musicians and elevated music education within his Rahway school community and beyond.

This award was presented during the Gala Concert this past Friday night at the NJMEA State Conference. New Jersey Music Educators Association is proud to honor his outstanding achievements and grateful for his continued leadership and passion.

Congratulations, Robert, on this well-deserved recognition!

02/21/2026

Important NJMEA All-State Update

Due to worsening weather forecasts across New Jersey, NJMEA has made the difficult decision to cancel Sunday’s All-State Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Treble Choir performance at NJPAC. While this is deeply disappointing for our students and families, the safety of everyone involved must come first.

Please note:
• The NJPAC concert is canceled and cannot be rescheduled.
• Ticket refunds can be issued by the NJPAC Box Office.
• Students will receive their commemorative All-State pin in the coming weeks.
• A recording of today’s Atlantic City concert will be shared via email.
• Ensemble photos may be ordered at www.gellmanimages.com.

Congratulations to all of our All-State musicians for this outstanding achievement. We share in the disappointment, but we are incredibly proud of these remarkable students and all they have accomplished. Thank you for your understanding and continued support of NJMEA and music education.

02/21/2026

What an incredible NJMEA 2026 Gala Concert!

Thank you, Brasilian Vibes, for an absolutely off-the-charts performance. Your energy and artistry lit up the room and perfectly captured the spirit of this week.

Atlantic City Convention Center was truly the place to be tonight. 🎶

02/20/2026

NJMEA Day 2 and the energy is absolutely electric! ⚡️
Dr. Peter Boonshaft delivered what can only be described as one of the most powerful, inspiring, and unforgettable keynotes we’ve ever experienced—reminding us why music education changes lives every single day.

Region meetings were a huge success across the board, filled with passion, collaboration, and incredible momentum.

The groove continues this afternoon with Modern Band, and tonight we celebrate together with Brasilian Vibes at 7:30 PM at our Gala Concert!

There is no doubt about it—Atlantic City is the place to be. Let’s keep the passion strong and the future growing! 🎶🔥

02/16/2026

🎶 It’s Finally Here! 🎶

The NJMEA 2026 State Conference is THIS WEEK — and we are ready to Catch the Groove, Fuel the Passion, Grow the Future!

This is an experience you do not want to miss!

✨ Elementary Academy Spotlight – Featuring Bill Henry from Mr. Henry’s Music World bringing energy, creativity, and inspiration for our youngest musicians.

🎤 Keynote Speaker – We are honored to welcome Dr. Peter Boonshaft, whose message will challenge, inspire, and energize educators at every stage of their career.

🔥 Friday Night Gala Concert – Brasilian Vibes!
Off-the-charts energy, incredible musicianship, and a celebration you’ll be talking about long after the final note.

🎼 All-State performances featuring:
• Wind Ensemble
• Symphonic Band
• Modern Band
• Treble Chorus
🎼 Hundreds of sessions
🎶 Student performances at all levels
🎧 More exhibits than ever before
🤝 Networking, collaboration, and inspiration at every turn

There is truly something for everyone — whether you teach elementary, instrumental, choral, general music, higher ed, or are just beginning your journey in music education.

We cannot wait to see our music education family this week in Atlantic City, February 19–21. It will be unforgettable!

🎵

01/30/2026

📱 NJMEA Guidebook is now LIVE!

The 2026 NJMEA State Conference Guidebook is officially up and running!

The complete conference schedule, clinician bios, and lots of additional conference information are now available in one place.

🔹 How to access it:
• Download the Guidebook app from your App Store
• Search for 2026 NJMEA Conference
• Open and you’re set!

⚠️ Important reminder:
There will be no printed conference book this year, so be sure to download the app. The Guidebook will update automatically as changes are made.

Download now and start planning your conference experience! 🎶

See you in Atlantic City on February 19-21!

01/12/2026

🔥🎼 2026 NJMEA STATE CONFERENCE IS GOING TO BE EPIC! 🎼🔥

Join us February 19–21 at the Atlantic City Convention Center for the premier event for music educators, performers, and advocates across New Jersey.

🌟 Conference Highlights:
🎤 Dr. Peter Boonshaft delivering an inspiring keynote
🎶 Friday Night Gala Concert: Brasilian Vibes — high-energy music that will have the entire hall moving
🎓 Elementary Academy with Bill Henry (Mr. Henry’s World)
🎤 Spectacular student performances
🌍 Innovative, world-class clinics you can use immediately in your classroom
No matter where you are in your career, there is truly something for EVERYONE!

🎵 Catch the Groove, Fuel the Passion, Grow the Future 🎵

👉 Register now and be part of NJMEA 2026!

11/05/2025

🎶 Registration is OPEN! 🎶

Join us for the 2026 NJMEA State Conference in Atlantic City, February 19–21, 2026!

This year’s theme — Catch the Groove, Fuel the Passion, Grow the Future — celebrates the heart and energy of music education in New Jersey.

Don’t miss three inspiring days of sessions, performances, exhibits, and collaboration with music educators from across the state.

👉 Register today and be part of the excitement!

10/20/2025

🎶 Exciting news for our Elementary Music Educators!

We’re thrilled to welcome Bill Henry — the creative force behind Mr. Henry’s Music World — as the Elementary Academy Featured Presenter at the 2026 NJMEA State Conference!

Join Bill on Thursday for two interactive workshops: one on ukulele and one on recorder! Expect hands-on learning, creativity, and classroom-ready ideas to bring back to your students.

📅 February 19–21, 2026 | 📍 Atlantic City, NJ
💻 Registration is open — don’t miss out!