This was a very important year for Music Education students from Stetson.  They were able to be part of something unique and exciting–the opportunity for everyone to attend and experience the FMEA State Conference together as a group.  

48 Music Education students received support from the School of Music to attend the FMEA annual conference in Tampa.  For many of these students, this was their first time attending FMEA or any conference.  It was undoubtedly the largest turnout of current Stetson Music Education students at FMEA, and the experience was truly impactful.  Students came away energized and excited about Music Education.

We are grateful to the School of Music for its support which sparked further support from Neil and Dolly Huhta and Chuck and Liz Kleinschmidt who provided School of Music polo shirts for all Stetson attendees.  The “sea of green” caught the attention of and received positive reactions from alumni, colleagues from other schools, and conference organizers.  Stetson was definitely seen at FMEA this year.

Stetson students attended numerous sessions and concerts.  Among the most impactful were the state NAfME Collegiate meeting where they interacted with university students from across the state, the Florida Music Supervisors session where they were able to meet and talk with the supervisors in small groups as well as one-on-one, and the All-State ensemble rehearsals where they observed wonderful rehearsal techniques.  In addition, they met Stetson alumni at the Stetson Alumni Reception on Friday evening and posed for a commemorative picture on the steps in the Tampa Convention Center.

Student comments during and after FMEA indicated that they enjoyed and were inspired by the variety of things they experienced. Everyone noted their sincere appreciation to all who had made this opportunity possible.

We hope to continue and increase Stetson student engagement at FMEA in the future.  

Our sincere THANKS again to the School of Music, the Huhtas, and the Kleinschmidts for their support of Music Education at Stetson!