After months of voting by SBO+ readers, the finalists are chosen. Voting is active now at https://sboplus.net/tca/. See the list of finalists in this issue.
New @ Midwest: Audio Technology Pre-Conference Intensive
The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference announces its latest pre-conference intensive program, Audio Technology for Music Educators.
This four-hour program introduces music production and how to set up a sound system for live performance, what quality audio is, and the value of mixing the audio for the best results. The final session is a hands-on experience led by professionals in the music industry.
This workshop is for music educators at all levels, from small classroom instruction to music production programs or touring music ensembles. The benefits of knowing what comprises quality audio, how to maximize the quality of the sound systems you use, and how to utilize music production in your music program are universal for all music educators. The hands-on opportunity provides the experience to learn about audio and how to use music/audio technology in your classrooms.
For more details and a session schedule, visit https://www.midwestclinic.org/TechnologyPreCon.
Nominate 50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference
For over 25 years SBO+ has recognized great music teachers every year. We used to announce the winners in December but the start of the school year and marching band season made that too hard. Deadline for submissions is February 6. Visit https://sboplus.net/submissions/teachers-who-make-a-difference/ to nominate a serving music educator.
Music for All Announces 2026 Hall of Fame Inductees
Music for All announces the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees, Jay Bocook, Mike Davis, Susan L. Smith, and W. Dale Warren. Music for All’s Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted Music for All, its programs, and music education in America. Members represent impeccable character, ethics, and professionalism, and are role models for music education professionals.
SBO+ Editor Joins Music Teacher Guild Board of Directors
The Music Teacher Guild uses mentorship, education, and unwavering support to ensure every music teacher has the tools to ignite their students’ potential and create lasting musical impact. They are a non-profit organization and their founding Board of Directors includes Thomas Palmatier, SBO+ Editor-in-Chief. Elisa Janson-Jones, founder, has been named Executive Director.
NBA/CBDNA Announce Performers at 2026 North Central and South Central Division Conferences
Libertyville High School Wind Ensemble (Libertyville, Illinois), Adam Gohr
O’Fallon Township High School Wind Ensemble (O’Fallon, Illinois), Melissa Gustafson-Hinds
Tara Winds (Marietta, Georgia), Andrea DeRenzis Strauss
Ocean Springs High School Wind Symphony (Ocean Springs, Mississippi), Kevin Shira
Youth Performing Arts School Wind Ensemble (Louisville, Kentucky), Kevin Callihan
Barber Middle School Honors Band (Acworth, Georgia), Robert Grogan
Bumpus Middle School Symphonic Band (Hoover, Alabama), Josh Lynch
Register Now for the SAA/ASTA Conference
The Suzuki Association of America and the American String Teachers Association will hold their annual convention in February 2026 in San Francisco. Registration is open now.
Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conference Registration is Open
JEN will hold their annual convention in New Orleans, January 7-10, 2026. Don’t miss this star-studded event.
2025–2026 Music In Our Schools Month Composition Call
NAfME encourages all music educators to UNITE and celebrate Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM) together. Share with us a 60- to 90-second original composition video that reflects what the MIOSM theme, United Through Music, means to you and your students. Be creative!
Learn more about the 2025–26 MIOSM Lesson Plan Framework and Criteria, and submit your video by January 16, 2026.
Sweetwater Named Among Global Top 100 Inspiring Workplaces for 2025
