Election Day Fine Arts Workshop 2026

Election Day Fine Arts Workshop 2026

TBA

String Orchestra Reading Session

Tuesday November 3, 2026 TBA

Interactive string orchestra reading session featuring beginning through high school repertoire, including new compositions and classic favorites. Participants will have opportunities to conduct and explore quality literature for their ensembles.

Presenters

Caitlin Mihalko

Farmington Public Schools

Caitlin Mihalko has been teaching for 16 years and is currently teaching at East Middle School in Farmington Public Schools. Ms. Mihalko’s primary instrument is the cello and she has taught private lessons for 20 years. She has taught 4th/5th grade beginning Orchestra, Middle School... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 TBA
Room

Orchestra, Middle School, High School

9:00am EST

Break

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:00am - 9:10am EST

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:00am - 9:10am EST

9:10am EST

Visual Art as Inspiration for Movement

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST

Explore one of many ways art can inspire art in this movement-based workshop. We will use photography (and other artwork) as a foundation upon which to create a dance composition.

Presenters

Dana Brewer

Oxford High School

Dana Brewer has been teaching for more than 20 years. She earned a BS in Education from Central Michigan University and a Master's in Teaching from Marygrove College. Throughout her career she has built both dance and theater programs. This is her 13th year at Oxford High School where... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST
Room

Dance, Middle School, High School | Visual Art, Middle School, High School

9:10am EST

Cultivating Community Connections

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST

Create classroom community and connections through games, movement, literature, and more.

Presenters

Charissa Duncanson

Ferndale Public Schools

Charissa Duncanson (kuh- rih-suh dung-kin-sen) has taught general music for grades ranging from K-8th in the Metro Detroit Area since 2014. As a sought out clinician for music education, Charissa has presented locally and internationally at conferences and PD workshops. Being an avid... Read More →

Deb Navin

Birmingham Public Schools

Deb Navin teaches General Music in Birmingham Public Schools in Michigan.  Deb holds a BM in Music Education from the Crane School of Music in Potsdam, NY and a MS in Elementary Education from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She is certified in Orff-Schulwerk and has trained... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST
Room

General Music, Elementary

9:10am EST

How to Teach and Play the Blues Using Temporary Rules

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST

A How to: Play and teach improvisation that works!

Presenters

G. Jonathan Thomann

Berkley Community Schools

Mr. Thomann earned his undergraduate degree in Music Education from Eastern Michigan University and obtained a master's degree in Music Education and Wind Band Conducting from The Hartt School, a performing arts conservatory for music, dance, and theatre through the University of... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST
Room

General Music, Elementary, Middle School, High School

9:10am EST

More Than Music: The Message Your Program Sends

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST

Your program tells a story - is it the right one? Explore how your messaging shapes retention, reputation, and community support.

Presenters

Carole Hoste

Berkley Schools

Carole Hoste is a music educator of over 20 years experience. Her focus is primarily band and elementary music, but her resume really holds a little bit of everything music - including choir, orchestra, directing musicals, group piano, adult music, and children's music therapy classes... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST
Room

General Music, Elementary, Middle School, High School

9:10am EST

Music for Orchestra

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST

An opportunity for teachers to play through new orchestra music. We will have time for discussion and input from colleagues on the music.

Presenters

Merlyn Beard

Waterford Schools

Merlyn Beard has taught in Waterford Schools for 32 years, sharing his passion for music with students. Mr. Beard is the Director of Orchestras at Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott High Schools and serves as the Performing Arts Coordinator for Waterford Schools. He taught at... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST
Room

Orchestra, Middle School, High School

9:10am EST

Boxes to Brilliance: Puppets, Props, and Possibilities

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST

Through simple techniques and imaginative design, cardboard becomes a low-cost, accessible material for storytelling, performance, and visual art. Participants will discover how one everyday material can inspire creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning across multiple art forms.

Presenters

Amanda Miller

Lake Orion

My BA is in Art, my minor is education. I have a master's in Learning, Design and Technology from Cental Michigan. I've taught visual arts since 2006 - spanning young 5s -8th grade, center based buildings and post secondary special education students. In high school and college I... Read More →

Beth Simms

Lake Orion

Beth Simms holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. She has over 13 years of experience teaching general music to students in grades DK–5. Currently, she teaches choir and theater arts to middle school students at Waldon Middle... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST
Room

Theatre, Middle School, High School | Visual Art, Middle School, High School

9:10am EST

Cereal Art Workshop

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST

Presenters

Michael Albert

Michael Albert: American Pop Artist

Albert has been creating ART since his college days at New York University, where he studied business (BPA, 1984-1988). After visiting many of the great museums in NYC and viewing some of the world’s greatest masterpieces of art, he began his own artistic pursuits.

His art has evolved from doodles and Pen & Ink to serious wax oil drawings, to the cubist mosaic Cereal box collages he has become known for. In the past two decades, he has been creating large-scale “Epic” collage works on various themes including History, Literature, Religion... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 9:10am - 10:25am EST
Room

Visual Art, Elementary

10:25am EST

Break

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:25am - 10:35am EST

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:25am - 10:35am EST

10:35am EST

Well-Being in Arts Education using the PERMA Model

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST

PERMA, a well-being construct from Positive Psychology, is readily applicable to Arts Education. Arts programs benefit by prioritizing connection over content. More than ever, our students must understand that they are more than test scores and AI-conduits, and their value comes from beyond what college they aspire to get into, or what their potential income will be derived from. Humanity must...
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Presenters

Dr. Johanne Ray-Hepp and Gina Hepp

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST
Room

All Arts, Elementary, Middle School, High School

10:35am EST

Why Ballroom?

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST

We will explore the many physical, social, and emotional benefits of partner dancing and how it can be applicable both in the classroom and for performances.

Presenters

Jason Smith

Hazel Park

Jason Smith - Physical Education teacher for 11 years, including the last 8 at Hazel Park Jr. High School. Bachelors in Kinesiology from Wayne State University. Owner of In Movement Ballroom Dance Studio, Dance instructor with 8 years of ballroom experience. Competing professionally... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST
Room

All Arts, Elementary, Middle School, High School | Dance, Elementary, Middle School, High School

10:35am EST

Audiation and Score Study: A Research-Informed Approach to Score Study Skill Development

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST

This session will explore ways in which music teachers can utilize techniques and skills from Music Learning Theory in their score study and preparation for daily rehearsals.

Presenters

Kevin Scollin

Farmington Public Schools

Kevin Scollin teaches middle school band in Farmington Hills, MI, and serves as the secondary Instructional Leader for the music department. He received his master's degree in Music Education with a cognate in Wind Conducting from Eastern Michigan University, and his bachelor's in... Read More →

Louis Vajda

University of Wisconsin

Louis R. Vajda: DMA Wind Conducting (ABD), MM Wind Conducting, BM Music Education. Currently Doctoral Graduate Assistant at University of Wisconsin, former elementary music teacher in Farmington Public Schools.

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST
Room

Band, Middle School, High School | Choir, Middle School, High School | Orchestra, Middle School, High School

10:35am EST

“Self-contained? Yes, please!” Teaching Students in Self-Contained and Mainstreamed Settings

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST

Are you teaching students in a self-contained/basic music class setting? This is a unique environment for learning, creating, and music-making in a new way! Learn a tried and true framework for a smooth, self-contained music class.

Presenters

Abby Lewin-Ziegler

Walled Lake Consolidated School District

Abby Lewin-Ziegler: Teacher for 13 Years. Onsted Elementary K-5 Music (2 years). EI program, students mainstreamed with classes when appropriate with and without para support. Keith Elementary JK-5 Music (11 years). Teaches JK-5 general music. Teaches self-contained ASD and CI classes... Read More →

Catherine Pierce-Winters

Walled Lake Consolidated School District

Cathie Pierce-Winters: Travel music teacher in Walled Lake for 11 years. Taught K-5 general music. Taught self-contained cognitively impaired. Taught self-contained emotionally impaired. Teaches self-contained ASD classes. Hickory Woods K-5 Music teacher for 6 years. Teaches K-5 general... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST
Room

General Music, Elementary

10:35am EST

Individual and Authentic Assessment in Large Groups and Ensembles

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST

Participants will explore the challenges associated with assessment in large groups and ensembles. They will also discover strategies for delivering meaningful, authentic, and individualized assessments tailored for large classes or performance ensembles without wasting class time.

Presenters

Kasey Julian

Novi

Kasey Julian graduated from Oakland University's music program in 2021 and specialized in choral/general K-12 music. During her undergraduate studies, she received an academic award for her visual essay "After the Glow: Radium Girls" which was later published in the global academic... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST
Room

General Music, Elementary, Middle School, High School

10:35am EST

Warm-ups for Middle School Orchestra

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST

In this session I will demonstrate how to use warm-ups in middle school orchestra to develop individual and ensemble tone.

Presenters

Caitlin Mihalko

Farmington Public Schools

Caitlin Mihalko has been teaching for 16 years and is currently teaching at East Middle School in Farmington Public Schools. Ms. Mihalko’s primary instrument is the cello and she has taught private lessons for 20 years. She has taught 4th/5th grade beginning Orchestra, Middle School... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST
Room

Orchestra, Middle School

10:35am EST

Cereal Art Workshop

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST

Presenters

Michael Albert

Michael Albert: American Pop Artist

Albert has been creating ART since his college days at New York University, where he studied business (BPA, 1984-1988). After visiting many of the great museums in NYC and viewing some of the world’s greatest masterpieces of art, he began his own artistic pursuits.

His art has evolved from doodles and Pen & Ink to serious wax oil drawings, to the cubist mosaic Cereal box collages he has become known for. In the past two decades, he has been creating large-scale “Epic” collage works on various themes including History, Literature, Religion... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 10:35am - 11:50am EST
Room

Visual Art, Elementary

11:50am EST

Lunch

Tuesday November 3, 2026 11:50am - 12:40pm EST

Tuesday November 3, 2026 11:50am - 12:40pm EST
Atrium

12:40pm EST

Arab American Arts and Culture in the Classroom

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST

An overview and demos of how the Arab American National Museum shares Arab culture and art with students via crafts, dances, and partnerships with local artists.

Presenters

Diana Yassin

Arab American National Museum

Diana Yassin is an educator at the Arab American National Museum. She has a degree in Secondary English Education and was a teacher at Ypsilanti Community High School for two years where she taught 9th grade ELA, Multicultural History, and Social Justice. For the last two years, she... Read More →

Sara Alqaragholy

Arab American National Museum

Sara Alqaragholy is an educator at the Arab American National Museum. She has a degree in Urban and Regional Studies from the University of Michigan - Dearborn. For the last three years, she has run youth programs at the Arab American National Museum where she works with students... Read More →

Dave Serio

Arab American National Museum

Dave Serio is the Curator of Education at the Arab American National Museum. He holds a bachelors and masters degree in Near East Studies from Wayne State University. He has worked within the Education department for the last 15 years to lead tours, crafts, and presentation on Arabic... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Room

All Arts, Elementary, Middle School, High School

12:40pm EST

The Horton Technique with a Focus on Fortification #1

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST

Stretching the body beyond its comfort zone with a linear and rhythmic interpretation.

Presenters

Angela Pope

Southfield Public Schools

Angela Pope is a professional dancer and dance educator with more than 25 years in the field. Her background in dance range between ballet, modern, contemporary, jazz, west African, hip hop and ballroom. Angela graduated with honors. Holding a bachelor’s in dance education and dance... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Room

Dance, Middle School, High School

12:40pm EST

Elementary Music Lesson Design and Song Selection = Achievement, Engagement and Classroom Management

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST

The session will focus on lesson plan design and song selection as an approach that guides student achievement, engagement and frames your classroom management.

Presenters

Thomas Blue

Oakland Christian School

Thomas Blue retired from teaching public school choral music 6-12 after 34 years. He continues his passion teaching elementary music at Oakland Christian School. Mr. Blue has a B.S in Music Education from Roberts Wesleyan College in Rochester, New York, a M.M. in Music Education with... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Room

General Music, Elementary

12:40pm EST

Rethinking Musical Literacy Through the Science of Reading

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST

This session will examine several ways we currently teach notes and rhythms and compare these with best-practice, research-informed strategies used in reading instruction, informed by the Science of Reading.

Presenters

Kevin Scollin

Farmington Public Schools

Kevin Scollin teaches middle school band in Farmington Hills, MI, and serves as the secondary Instructional Leader for the music department. He received his master's degree in Music Education with a cognate in Wind Conducting from Eastern Michigan University, and his bachelor's in... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Room

General Music, Elementary, Middle School, High School

12:40pm EST

Shaping Sound and Skill: Building Bow Holds and Bow Arms for Beginning and Developing String Players

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST

Explore practical, adaptable strategies for developing strong bow holds, efficient bow arms, and beautiful tone production in beginning string players while supporting continued growth for developing musicians.

Presenters

Caitlin Mihalko

Farmington Public Schools

Caitlin Mihalko has been teaching for 16 years and is currently teaching at East Middle School in Farmington Public Schools. Ms. Mihalko’s primary instrument is the cello and she has taught private lessons for 20 years. She has taught 4th/5th grade beginning Orchestra, Middle School... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Room

Orchestra, Middle School, High School

12:40pm EST

Awesome Architecture

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST

Are you looking for a fantastic art lesson that every student k-12 is successful? Discover how much fun building a cardboard house is with artist Molly McNeece. No prior skills needed, only a passion for problem solving and fun.

Presenters

Molly McNeece

Southfield Public Schools

Molly McNeece has been an educator in Southfield Public Schools starting her 27th year of teaching this fall. She is a national, state and local award winning artist, children's book illustrator, and president of Skep Space and the Honeycomb Gallery. Molly holds a bachelors degree... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Room

Theatre, Elementary, Middle School, High School | Visual Art, Elementary, Middle School, High School

12:40pm EST

Stiches & Socks

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST

Learn basic hand-sewing stitches while creating a classic sock monkey! This fun, beginner-friendly workshop builds confidence, creativity, and practical skills educators can easily bring back to their classrooms.

Presenters

Kari Brown

Holly Area Schools

Kari is a visual arts teacher at Holly High School. Kari has been teaching for 38 years, graduating from MSU with a BA in English Education, a BFA in Art Education and a MA in Educational Technology.

Brenda Karinen

Holly Area Schools

Brenda is a visual arts teacher at Holly High School and has been teaching for 22 years, graduating from EMU with her BFA and MFA.

Tuesday November 3, 2026 12:40pm - 1:55pm EST
Room

Visual Art, Middle School, High School

1:45pm EST

You Belong Here: Community Building in the Music Classroom

Tuesday November 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EST

Creating a strong sense of community in the music classroom is essential for student engagement, collaboration, and success. Walk away with fresh ideas and actionable steps to cultivate a classroom culture where all students know: You belong here.

Presenters

Amber Cooper

Birmingham

Amber Cooper is a passionate music educator with 16 years of experience in Birmingham Public Schools. She is committed to building strong relationships and creating an inclusive environment where all learners are empowered to explore and grow their musical identities.

Niki Rose

Rochester

Niki Rose is an elementary music teacher at Rochester Community Schools. She is passionate about making music class a fun and inclusive space for all her students while teaching for musical understanding. When she’s not teaching or learning her favorite job of all is being a band... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EST
Room

General Music, Elementary

1:55pm EST

Break

Tuesday November 3, 2026 1:55pm - 2:10pm EST

TBA

Tuesday November 3, 2026 1:55pm - 2:10pm EST
TBA

2:05pm EST

Band Music Reading Session

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST

Explore new repertoire, expand your programming ideas, and discover music that will engage ensembles at every level in this interactive band reading session. Participants will read and discuss a diverse selection of works representing a wide variety of genres, styles, composers and musical perspectives.

Presenters

Kristin Blanchard

Huron Valley/Retired

I plan to curate a band reading session of diverse band literature, ranging from beginning band through late high school. There will be a variety of music levels, composers & genres to meet the needs of all band programs.

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST
Room

Band, Elementary, Middle School, High School

2:05pm EST

Spiral Body Techniques for Middle and High School Students

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST

Developed by choreographer Molly Shanahan, SBT is a dynamic movement philosophy that taps into the energetic/physical connectivity of all six limbs through the mobile center & ball and socket joints. This class will be predominantly movement research / exploration through given and improvised movement. Wear clothes you can move in.

Presenters

Amy Guilmette

Oak Park

Amy J. Guilmette received her MFA in Choreography from the University of Michigan. She holds a BS in Dance Education K-12 and a BS in English Secondary Education from Wayne State University. Guilmette is building a district-wide Dance Program for Oak Park Schools in Oak Park, MI... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST
Room

Dance, Middle School, High School | Theatre, Middle School, High School

2:05pm EST

Growing Independent Musicians: Student Motivation in the Elementary Music Classroom

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST

We all aim to help our learners become great musicians. In this session focused on student motivation we’ll outline skills and lessons that allow students to create and consume music in a fulfilling way after they leave our classrooms.

Presenters

Amber Cooper

Birmingham

Amber Cooper is a passionate music educator with 16 years of experience in Birmingham Public Schools. She is committed to building strong relationships and creating an inclusive environment where all learners are empowered to explore and grow their musical identities.

Niki Rose

Rochester

Niki Rose is an elementary music teacher at Rochester Community Schools. She is passionate about making music class a fun and inclusive space for all her students while teaching for musical understanding. When she’s not teaching or learning her favorite job of all is being a band... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST
Room

General Music, Elementary

2:05pm EST

From Idea to Script: A Student Screenwriting Workshop

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST

We will be discussing the process of putting together a screenplay as a class, how to utilize student impute and how to put on a show written and produced by you!

Presenters

Connor Bentley

Pontiac School District

Connor Bentley: Band Choir & Theater Director for Pontiac High School. B.A.

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST
Room

General Music, Middle School, High School | Theatre, Middle School, High School

2:05pm EST

Orchestra Class Successes: The Bornoff Approach in Our Orchestras.

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST

We will be looking at how the principles of the Bornoff Approach has become the foundation of skill development of our orchestra students. Using the approach has guided the scaffolding of skills to develop the ensemble sounds and technical skills. Come and learn about the approach. Bring your instrument and participate in the demonstrations.

Presenters

Merlyn Beard

Waterford Schools

Merlyn Beard has taught in Waterford Schools for 32 years, sharing his passion for music with students. Mr. Beard is the Director of Orchestras at Waterford Kettering and Waterford Mott High Schools and serves as the Performing Arts Coordinator for Waterford Schools. He taught at... Read More →

Jami Kleinert

Rochester Schools

Jami Kleinert teaches the Rochester High School and Hart Middle School orchestra program and is in her 15th year teaching. She holds a bachelor degree of music education from Slippery Rock University (2011) and a masters degree of music education from Kent State University. She is... Read More →

Allison Rhoades

Oakland Christian Schools

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST
Room

Orchestra, Middle School, High School

2:05pm EST

Agamographs

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST

Unleash optical magic! In this kinetic workshop, students engineer dual-image agamographs, using precision folding and color theory to create mind-bending art that shifts and transforms as you walk past.

Presenters

Brooke Leiberman

Novi

Brooke is an art teacher in Novi. BFA, MAC University of Michigan

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST
Room

Visual Art, Middle School

2:05pm EST

How to Survive the Secondary Multiple Level/Class Chaos

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST

Practical strategies for managing secondary multi-level classrooms, including differentiation, routines, and efficient planning. Learn to reduce chaos, support diverse learners, and create a structured, productive learning environment.

Presenters

Cecilia Gollan

Huron Valley Schools

Cecilia Gollan is a veteran visual arts educator and MAEIA contributor focused on instruction, assessment, and professional learning in the arts. With over 30 years in the classroom and in curriculum leadership roles, she works with educators to strengthen creativity, improve assessment... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST
Room

Visual Art, High School

2:05pm EST

Incorporating AI into Art Education

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST

Explore practical ways to integrate AI into art education through ethics, contemporary artists, career connections, and hands-on AI art creation while examining the artist's role in the creative process.

Presenters

Amisha Ingram

Clarenceville

Amisha Ingram is an award-winning art educator, artist, and graphic designer with over 16 years of K–12 teaching experience. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts Education from Eastern Michigan University with a K–12 endorsement and is currently pursuing graduate studies... Read More →

Tuesday November 3, 2026 2:05pm - 3:30pm EST
Room

Visual Art, Elementary, Middle School, High School