2026 September Music Journal

NFHS Music Journal Association Report: Kansas

Kansas Music Educators Association:

We are better when we are together!

By Damian Johnson - President, Kansas Music Educators Association

Greetings from the Sunflower State!

For those of you who have never visited our beautiful state or perhaps know Kansas primarily through one of the most iconic movie musicals ever written, I am proud to share that Kansas music educators are second to none in the educational opportunities they provide for students. In many of our rural school districts, a single music educator is responsible for serving the entire district. As a result, Kansas music educators must be collaborative, creative and innovative in meeting the diverse needs of their students. Their dedication and attention to detail ensure that students across our state have meaningful opportunities to learn, perform, create and grow through music.

The mission of the Kansas Music Educators Association (KMEA) is to support music educators by fostering leadership, providing professional development and promoting the advocacy of music learning in schools and communities.

KMEA provides leadership in:

● Recruiting, retaining and mentoring of music educators.

● Encouraging the professional growth and development of music educators.

● Improving the quality of music education in Kansas.

● Responding to the changes that technology brings to music education.

● Strengthening performance ensembles.

Kansas ranks 34th in population but our Music Education Association is the eighth largest in membership in the country. Our board consists of just more than 80 individuals who represent band, choir, orchestra, elementary, secondary, collegiate students, professors and independent contractors who have one thing in common: the belief that music education impacts lives for the better.

In addition to awarding high school and collegiate scholarships, providing CODA (Creating Outstanding Development in the Musical Arts) Grants to classroom teachers, and recognizing excellence through our Honor Administrator, Teacher of the Year, and KMEA Hall of Fame awards, one of the most impactful experiences KMEA offers is its annual In-Service Workshop, held at Century II in Wichita each February.

The In-Service Workshop is the premier professional learning and performance opportunity, featuring 11 All-State ensemble performances, two honor ensemble performances, more than 40 performances by schools and community groups from across Kansas, more than 100 exhibitors and more than 100 clinic sessions led by Kansas and nationally recognized clinicians.

This event brings music educators and students together from across the state. Students can participate in their respective All-State or honor ensembles, while educators can attend clinics, collaborate with colleagues, explore new resources and gain valuable ideas to strengthen their teaching. The In-Service Workshop is not only the cornerstone of music education in Kansas but also the largest annual convention held in Wichita, making it a significant event for both music educators and the broader community.

Within KMEA, several affiliate organizations play an important role in supporting music education across Kansas. The presidents of these affiliates serve as members of the KMEA Board of Directors, helping guide the organization’s initiatives and priorities. The Kansas Choral Directors Association (KCDA) and the Kansas Bandmasters Association (KBA) are two examples of affiliates that provide additional professional development and performance opportunities for music educators and their students. These organizations also collaborate with KMEA in developing the In-Service Workshop schedule and selecting the performing groups.

KMEA’s ability to provide meaningful professional development and performance opportunities is strengthened by its partnership with the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA). This collaborative relationship is reflected in the shared leadership between the two organizations: the KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director serves on the KMEA Board of Directors, while the KMEA President serves on the KSHSAA Board of Directors.

This partnership has a direct impact on music classrooms throughout Kansas. As educators prepare students to audition for KMEA All-State ensembles and participate in regional and state music festivals administered by KSHSAA, the two organizations work together to support a comprehensive system of musical growth, achievement, and excellence for students across the state.

We invite you to explore more about KMEA at www.ksmea.org. Our annual In-Service Workshop will take place February 25-27, 2027, at Century II in Wichita.

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