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MMEJ Vol. 74, No. 4 Summer 2026
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Dear MMEA Members and Friends,
On behalf of our Massachusetts Music Educators Journal Editorial Board, I am pleased to share that Volume 74, No. 4 of the MMEJ is LIVE!
Our summer issue cover features artwork by Rebecca Plotnick, a Grade 10 Art student, whose striking ink and colored pencil rendering of a drum kit captures the pulse and energy at the heart of music-making. This summer issue carries forward the spirit of our conference theme, "United in Harmony," reminding us that the work we do together in our classrooms, our districts, and our professional community continues long after the conference ends. From advocacy and cultural responsiveness to research and reflective practice, this issue celebrates the full range of voices that make Massachusetts music education strong.
A Year in Review by Jared Cassedy (President's Message)
United in Harmony, Continued by Christy Whittlesey (Letter from the Editor)
The Power Music Educators Have to Advocate for Their Programs by Allison Lacasse (Advocacy)
Stop, Collaborate, and Listen: Moments to Ponder from Fellow Middle School Choral Teachers by Matthew Buono and Sara Santos (Choral)
In the Magical World of Hans Christian Andersen: A Music Teacher's Reflections by Michael Korn (General Music)
The More Things Change: Confronting the Legacy of the Jazz Panic by Brian Gellerstein, Ph.D. (Jazz/Contemporary)
The Next Level: Establishing an Honors Option in Your Ensemble Program by Rebecca Damiani & Julia Hanna (Innovations)
Reclaiming the Power of the "Champions" Marching Band by Timothy Leonelli (Instrumental)
From the Bandroom to the Booth: A Conversation with Ian Maguire on Modern Music Education by Meaghan O'Connor-Vince & Ian Maguire (Technology)
Whom Should I Speak To? The Experience of Collegiate Music Faculty Accessing Resources to Teach Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) by Matias Moar (Higher Education)
Music for Every Body: Culturally Responsive Music Centers by Maria Doreste Velázquez (Large Municipalities)
Critical Historical Consciousness as a Tool for Preparing Pre-Service Teachers to Flourish in Schools by Dr. Garo Saraydarian (Research & Music Teacher Education)
Holding Space for Cultural Responsiveness in the All-State Conference Experience: An Interview with Koriana Lewis Bradford by Genithia Lilia Hogges (Cultural Responsiveness)
Music Program Leaders Reflection by Heather Cote (Music Program Leaders)
Your Voice Belongs Here: Four Perspectives on Writing for the MMEJ by Christy Whittlesey, Genithia Lilia Hogges, Jesse Rigsby, and Steve Damon (MMEJ Feature)
Fit for Teaching by Steve Damon (Viewpoint)
Spotlight on the MMEA Strategic Plan
MMEA Awards Spotlight
District Updates
…And Much More!
Special thanks to the MMEJ Editorial Board Members and authors who contributed to this issue.
Don't forget:
Authors are eligible for 30 PDPs from DESE for publishing an article in the MMEJ!
You can earn up to 10 Professional Development Points (PDPs) each year by reading and reflecting on MMEJ articles! Each successful reflection on an article is worth one PD hour. You can start reading and reflecting today to receive your PDPs at: https://www.massmea.org/journal.
The MMEJ Editorial Board is composed of MMEA members who each represent various content areas within music education:
Rhoda Bernard, Higher Ed
Heather Cote, Music Program Leaders
Brian Gellerstein, Jazz/Contemporary
Jamie Gunther, Research and Music Teacher Education
Genithia Lilia Hogges, Cultural Responsiveness
Catherine Iatesta, Embracing the New Music Educator
Allison Lacasse, Advocacy
Sarah Leahy, General Music
Koriana Lewis Bradford, Choral
Seelan Manickam, IN-ovations
Meaghan O'Connor-Vince, Technology
Allyson Rottman, Large Municipalities
Michael Smith, Instrumental
Please reach out to editor@massmea.org with ideas for articles, comments, or to share student artwork to be featured on our cover. YOU are the MMEA, and the MMEJ Editorial Board wants your voice to be heard!
Respectfully,
Christy Whittlesey, MMEJ Managing Editor
