Saturday's adventure in judging: Middle Level State Honors auditions at Eau Claire South Middle School. Many percussionists, 3 horns, a euphonium and a tuba, all in grades 6-8. Great kids who were fun to work with.
#musiceducationmatters

Spent Friday afternoon and evening at DC Everest Middle School judging Middle Level State Honors auditions.
All percussion today, and everything they played was music I had written. Lots of terrific students!
#musiceducationmatters

No photo to show for it, but today was the second of four consecutive days of music judging. Spent the late afternoon and evening at Abbotsford High Shool judging some very fine bands from Abby, Stratford & Spencer.
Two rounds of middle level honors auditions to go this week.
#musiceducationmatters

Spent my Wednesday at Marshfield Columbus HS judging solos and ensembles. Heard some exceptional performances.
This was their third try at S&E after having been snowed out twice this year.
#musiceducationmatters

Spent my Friday judging solos and ensembles at Phillips HS. Lots of percussion, some jazz and various miscellaneous ensembles.
Heard some really fine performances from Phillips, Chequamegon, Rib Lake and Prentice.
#musiceducationmatters

Lazy Cat Guitars logo with wood background

Lazy Cat Guitars logo with white background

Up until now I've been hand drawing my logo on each headstock. Finally made a digital version (with two different backgrounds). Look for it on the MEPAA #kidzrockfestival posters this May #sponsorship #musiceducationforkids #musiceducationmatters

I failed to take my usual photo, but I spent Friday a.m. in Thorp as band clinician for their Middle School & High School Bands. Lots of great kids who worked hard for me, & some fine teaching happening there.
I got to be an expert by driving just over 12 miles to get there...
#musiceducationmatters

Had the pleasure of judging bands from Stanley-Boyd and Loyal today at Stanley-Boyd High School.
#musiceducationmatters

Got to spend Tuesday afternoon and evening judging bands at Prairie Farm High School.
#musiceducationmatters

Today - Solo & Ensemble judging in the band room at Marshfield HS. Lots of percussion, "miscellaneous" brass, woodwind, string & percussion combinations in ensembles, a little jazz, plus large jazz ensemble & a polka band in the auditorium.
Lots of great students, as usual!
#musiceducationmatters

#bobbybroom #bobbybroomguitar #bobbybroomjazz #profbroom #jazzmusic #jazzlife #jazzbirthday #jazzlovers #chicagojazz #jazzbirthdays #happybirthday #jazzlegend #musiclegend #botd #hbd #nathandavis #dedicationtoeducation #jazzeducator #musiceducationmatters #jazzsaxophone #pittjazzseminar

Judged solos & ensembles today at Black River Falls Middle School.
Lots of great kids, including two really good class C kids who will go down as some of my "most memorable characters".
#MusicEducationMatters

First day of solo & ensemble judging for this year was today at Whitehall High School.
Great kids and some excellent performances!
Yes, I got to judge in an auditorium.
#MusicEducationMatters

Yesterday was my 2nd day of evaluating High School State Honors auditions, this time at UW-Stevens Point. I got to listen to some percussionists, lots of saxes & clarinets, & (for the 1st time) a string bass player.
Lots of great kids that any teacher would love to work with.
#musiceducationmatters

And my 2026 music judging schedule begins.
Spent the day at UW-Eau Claire evaluating high school state honors auditions. I got to hear some wonderful percussion and brass students!
#MusicEducationMatters

As part of the Wisconsin Music Educators Association (WMEA) Capitol Conversations, I met with my state senator & assembly person the past 2 days to discuss issues of importance to music educators. Thanks to Senator James and Representative Hurd for taking time to meet with us.
#MusicEducationMatters

🎶🌟 Congrats to 7th grader Daniel, who performed this past weekend in the Palm Beach All-County Honor Band Orchestra Concert at Boynton Beach Community High School! So proud of his talent and dedication! 💛🎺

#UnitySchoolFL #UnityPride #PalmBeachAllCountyHonorBand #MusicEducationMatters

🎶🌟 Congrats to middle schooler Brooks, who performed this past weekend in Tampa with the Florida All-State Middle School Honors Band at the FMEA Annual Conference! Such a huge accomplishment and we’re so proud! 💛✨

#UnitySchoolFL #UnityPride #AllStateBand #MusicEducationMatters #GrowingThroughMusic

🎶🌟 Congrats to 5th grader Jane, performing in Tampa with the FMEA All-State Elementary Chorus! Chosen from thousands of auditions, she’s sharing the stage with Florida’s top young musicians. So proud! 💛🐎

#UnitySchoolFL #UnityPride #AllStateChorus #MusicEducationMatters #GrowingThroughMusic

We've been thrilled to see so many articles celebrating the power of singing recently! 🎶#MusicEducation #Edusky #FestiveSeason #MusicEducationMatters

🎶 So, what IS quality music education?
We’ve been asking teachers, students, and the community—and the answers are powerful. 💬
We’re sharing their words, and insights. Explore what quality music education really looks like.

#QualityMusicEd #WhatIsQuality #MusicEducationMatters #MusicForAll

🎶 Unity students shined in Gainesville this weekend at the Regional Honor Choir, Orff Ensemble, Modern Band & Rising Stars performances! 🌟👏 We’re so proud of their talent, teamwork & passion for music! 💛🎵 #UnitySchoolFL #MusicEducationMatters #UnityPride

We’re live at the Wisconsin State Music Association Conference, supporting music education and the people who make it possible!

Stop by, say hello, and discover how the Conn-Selmer team is helping music thrive in every classroom.

#ConnSelmer #WSMA #MusicEducationMatters

A single question in 2000 changed everything: "Could piano competitions really be the best way to inspire young musicians?"

Help us continue our work! secure.givelively.org/donate/festi...

#creativepiano #pianocommunity #musiceducationmatters #piano #artseducation #nonprofit #montpelier

Here’s a snippet from our in-person festival this year. We want to continue sharing this kind of inspiration, encouragement, and creative tools with pianists of all ages and skill levels.

Will you join us?
secure.givelively.org/donate/festi...

#CreativePiano #MusicEducationMatters #VermontArts

A picture of me w/my natural horn w/bright pink painted bell…matching my pink shirt with flamingo print.

When you’re a grumpy music director because no one commented that your shirt matches your bell…#naturalhorn #brass #band #musiceducationmatters

Happy Autumn! 🍂

Here’s to a fall filled with music in our schools.

#mhof #MusicEducationMatters #autumn #MusicInOurSchools

The clarinet makes La'Remy feel heard.

What does music let you say?

#MusicEducationMatters

Our summer newsletter is out now! Head to mhopus.org/newsletter to catch up on everything we did this school year.

#opusnotes #mhof #summernewsletter #musiceducationmatters

Watching young performers take the stage at @carnegiehall is always amazing

#dwphotony #carnegiehall #weillrecitalhall #studentconcert #musicphotographer #nycphotographer #allegromusicanddanceacademy #bayridgeschoolofmusic #livemusicphotography #nycmusiceducation #musiceducationmatters