Board & Staff
Elected Officials
Jennifer Kauffman - Baltimore County
President, Maryland Music Educators Association
jmk.mmea@gmail.com
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Jennifer Kauffman is currently a K-5 General Music teacher in Baltimore County, President of MMEA, Past President of MGMTA, and the past NAfME Council for General Music Education Eastern Division Representative. In 2015, Jennifer was awarded an MMEA Award for Excellence in teaching, while teaching in Allegany County. Serving as a presenter, guest conductor, chaperone, adjudicator at local, district, state and eastern levels has helped her awareness of the potential for all students and the drive to change instructional strategies to meet each student’s needs.
Dr. Brian Schneckenburger - Baltimore County
Immediate Past President, Maryland Music Educators Association
bks.mmea@gmail.com
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Dr. Brian Schneckenburger is Supervisor of Music and Dance for Baltimore County Public Schools. He currently serves as President of the Maryland Music Educators Association and as a Steering Committee member for the Teaching with Primary Sources project for the National Association for Music Education. Brian also teaches adjunct in the music education department at Towson University. He received his Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction/Music Education from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Otis L. Eldridge Jr. - Baltimore City
Member-At-Large, Maryland Music Educators Association
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Otis Eldridge was born in Baltimore, Maryland and attended Baltimore City public schools where his musical journey began in the 6th grade at Booker T. Washington Middle School. He later attended Baltimore City College High School and eventually Morgan State University where he participated in the Wind Ensemble as well as the Marching, Concert and Jazz band. In 2009, he obtained a bachelor's degree in music then immediately pursued an MAT at the graduate level. He initially became a full-time public-school music teacher in 2011. In 2016, he began course work toward a doctorate in urban educational leadership from Morgan State University. He is currently the band director/music teacher at Hamilton Elementary/Middle School. Some of his hobbies include watching historical documentaries, creating Hip-Hop productions, cooking and watching Basketball highlights.
Carrie Barrett - Baltimore County
Recording Secretary, Maryland Music Educators Association
mmeasecretary@gmail.com
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Carrie Barrett holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Music Education Degree from Towson University. She has taught 4th and 5th grade music in Baltimore County for the past 4 years. At her school, she fills the role of both the vocal general and the instrumental teacher and has an after school ukulele program . During the summer, she enjoys working at music camps and marching band camps.
Dr. Christopher Cicconi - Towson University
President, Maryland Band Directors Association
cmc.mmea@gmail.com
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Dr. Christopher M. Cicconi is currently the Director of Bands and Orchestras and Associate Professor of Music Education at Towson University. Along with his role as music director of the Towson University Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra, he teaches courses in conducting, repertoire, instrumental methods/pedagogy, and supervises student teacher interns. He is an active clinician, guest conductor, and presenter throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region and serves as the music director of the Hunt Valley Symphony Orchestra, the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra (Concert Orchestra), and the New England Music Camp Symphony Band.
Scott C. Engel - Washington County
President-Elect, Maryland Band Directors Association
sce.mmea@gmail.com
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Scott Engel knows that the key to a well-rounded education is access to arts programs. As the band director and general music teacher at Boonsboro High School in Washington County (‘20-present), and formerly of Perry Hall High School in Baltimore County (‘06-‘20), he works to help his students grow as people and as musicians. Scott earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Music Education from Towson University, and while at TU, he was a member and drum major of the marching band. Scott continues to work with the TUMB as an arranger and a clinician for their summer marching arts drum major camp. Selected as one of the “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” in the December 2015 issue of School Band & Orchestra Magazine, Scott hopes to spend the rest of his career making a difference in the lives of his students and colleagues.
Antoinette (Toni) Daniel - Wicomico County
President, Maryland Choral Educators Association
ajd2.mmea@gmail.com
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Toni Daniel is a longtime advocate and supporting of the Performing Arts. Completing her 20th year, she is the Director of Choral Activities and Theatre Arts at Parkside High School in Salisbury, Maryland. During her tenure, Toni has served in several roles for various choral events and organizations. Some of these positions include: All-Shore Junior and Senior Chair, District V Junior Choral Festival Chair, District V Senior Choral Festival Chair and the President of the Eastern Shore Choral Association. She understands the positive impact the performing arts can have on a student’s life – a place of acceptance and belonging.
Charnice Frazier - Anne Arundel County
President-Elect, Maryland Choral Educators Association
cfrazier.mcea@gmail.com
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Charnice Frazier holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from James Madison University and a Master of Music Education from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music at Shenandoah University. Ms. Frazier currently serves as the Choral Director at Broadneck High School in Annapolis, MD, teaching choir and piano. She is an active guest clinician, adjudicator, and voice teacher in the state of Maryland and Virginia. Ms. Frazier is an active member of MCEA, previously serving as the Tenor-Bass Demonstration Chorus manager, All-State Chorus Audition site chair, and Assistant Senior Chorus All-State Manager. She is also a sought a cappella arranger and clinician and is a frequent adjudicator for The Varsity Vocals ICCAs and ICHSAs.
Dana Shieh - Prince George's County (Private School)
President, Maryland Orchestra Directors Association
dls.mmea@gmail.com
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An active teacher and adjudicator, Mrs. Dana Shieh has been teaching for the past 30 years. She is currently the Director of Fine Arts at Bishop McNamara High School. She was previously the orchestra director at Bishop McNamara and Thomas G. Pullen Arts Academy in Prince George’s County. Mrs. Shieh holds a bachelor’s degree in viola performance from Columbus State University, a master’s degree in music education from Florida State University, and Suzuki certification from Emory and Henry College. She has judged All-State, Solo and Ensemble, and Orchestra Festivals in the state as well as conducted Honors Orchestra events. As a performer, Mrs. Shieh has performed professionally with the National Philharmonic Orchestra and other orchestras in the DC area.
Stephanie Mayer-Sattin - Montgomery County (Private School)
President-Elect, Maryland Orchestra Directors Association
stephanie_mayer@bullis.org
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Ms. Stephanie Mayer-Sattin has been a member of the music faculty of the Bullis School in Potomac, Maryland since 2000. She earned a B.A. degree in music education from Baylor University and a M.A. degree in choral conducting from the University of Houston. She has studied with Hugh Sanders (Baylor University), Charles Hausmann (Houston Symphony Chorus), Christopher~Seaman (Naples Philharmonic and Rochester Symphony), and Michael Lankester (Hartford Symphony). Ms. Mayer-Sattin has presented at conferences for the Association for Independent Maryland Schools, the Maryland Music Educators’ Association Conference, National Association for Music Education Eastern Conference, the Performing Arts Medicine Association Conference, and has presented three times for the International Society for Music Education Conference. Ms Mayer-Sattin was recently honored with the MMEA 2021 Music Educator of the Year award. Her book chapter collaboration on musician health is published in Perspectives in Performing Arts Medicine Practice (Springer) and she is currently a doctoral student at Boston University.
Dr. Ashleigh Cicconi - Harford County
President, Maryland General Music Teachers Association
Alc.mmea@gmail.com
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Dr. Ashleigh Cicconi, LPMT, MT-BC, is a board certified music therapist and currently serves as the department chair of special education at Edgewood High School in Maryland, as well as an adjunct instructor of music education and music therapy courses at Towson University and Bard College. She provides professional development presentations across the Mid-Atlantic region and previously worked as a general music teacher and educational specialist at several private educational institutions.
Gabriel Gray - Charles County
President-Elect, Maryland General Music Teachers Association
ggray.mmea@gmail.com
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Gabriel Gray is an Elementary General Music Teacher and Choral Director at William A. Diggs Elementary School in Charles County. He holds a BA in Music Education from Marshall University, Huntington, WV. In addition to his work in the classroom, Gabriel is a member of his school’s professional learning team where he collaborates with colleagues to create and implement long-term school improvement plans for teacher practice and student learning.Within his school district, he has served as a lead teacher for All-County Elementary and Middle School choirs, a vocal music director for high school musical theatre productions, and as a vocal judge for the District XI Solo and Ensemble festivals. Gabriel also provides vocal instruction at Danin’s Showbiz Boutique in La Plata, MD. As an active member of MMEA for numerous years prior to his appointment to the board, Gabriel has further assisted with Junior All-State Choruses.
Dr. Laura Hicken - Towson University
President, Maryland Society for Music Teacher Education
lkh.mmea@gmail.com
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Laura Hicken is an assistant professor of music education at Towson University. She teaches undergraduate and graduate music education courses and is the faculty sponsor for the Collegiate NAfME chapter. Hicken earned her Ph.D. in Music and Human Learning at the University of Texas at Austin, her Master of Music Education at UNC-Greensboro, and her Bachelor of Music Education at Furman University. Prior to teaching at Towson, Hicken taught band and general music in South Carolina and Florida.
Dr. Kate Evans - Towson University
President-Elect, Maryland Society for Music Teacher Education
kevans@towson.edu
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Dr. Kate Evans (she/her), Associate Professor of Music Education at Towson University, is a specialist in choral and general music education. Dr. Evans earned a Ph.D. in music education at the University of Miami and degrees in choral conducting and music education from Central Michigan University. Before moving to higher education, she taught K-12 choir and general music in Michigan. An active clinician, conductor, and researcher, Dr. Evans presents at conferences and teacher in-services internationally and across the United States. She serves on the Maryland Choral Music Educators Association Board as University/Collegiate Representative (2017-present). She served on the MMEA Executive Board as Maryland Society for Music Teacher Education (MSMTE) President-Elect (2014-2016) and President (2016- 2018). She also served on the American Choral Directors Association Executive Board for the Maryland/D.C. Chapter as Youth and Student Activities Chair (2012-2015).
Amy T. Hairston - Montgomery County
President-Elect, Maryland Music Educators Association
ahairston.mcea@gmail.com
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Amy T. Hairston, MMEA President-Elect, is in her 18th year as a choral/general music and theatre teacher in Maryland (Springbrook HS). She is a proud alumnus of Oakland Mills HS & UMD. Amy has been a music clinician and adjudicator for Calvert, Baltimore, Montgomery and Howard County, and has presented for MMEA, NJMEA and the Maryland Arts Summit. She also enjoys educational advocacy, vocal coaching for musicals and coaching Springbrook’s JV Girls Soccer team.
Appointed Chairs & Representatives
Sidney Clarke-Lequerique - Montgomery County
Advocacy Chair
clarkels@mcpsmd.org
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Sidney Clarke-Lequerique is the Choral Director at Richard Montgomery High School. She received her bachelor’s degree in music education from the Florida State University with a concentration in secondary choral music education. In addition to teaching, Sidney is an assistant music director and alto with DC’s 18th Street Singers. She is a clinician for various choral groups, color guards, and student leadership programs around the east.
Amber Abbott - Prince George's County
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Amber Abbott, NBCT, is the instrumental music teacher at Laurel High School in Laurel, MD, where she teaches band, orchestra, and IB Music. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education from the University of Maryland and the University of the Arts. Amber serves on the boards of both MODA and MBDA and is looking forward to fulfilling her new role as MMEA All State Chair.
Dr. Jorim Edgar Reid, Sr. - Morgan State University
Collegiate Chapter Representative Co-Chair
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Composer and Conductor Dr. Jorim Reid, Sr. is an Assistant Professor, Director of Bands & Instrumental Music Coordinator at Morgan State University. He previously served as Director of Bands at Fayetteville State University (2015-2021) and North Carolina Central University (2000-2014). Reid has a Bachelor’s in Music Education degree from Florida A & M University, a Master’s of Music Education degree from Florida State University, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts Degree (DMA) from Boston University.
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Rheya Ford - Salisbury University
Collegiate Representative
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Rheya Ford is currently in her third year at Salisbury University as a student. She has been heavily involved in their music program and has taken part in several vocal ensembles, including University Chorale, Opera Workshop, and Musical Theatre Workshop. They are also the Treasurer for the student-run a capella group Larum Voces. Rheya was recently awarded the Otello Meucci Memorial Music Education Scholarship by the music faculty at SU for her "exceptional promise in musicianship". During the Fall-Spring seasons, they balance college and work, and are now excited to add their new position as Collegiate Representative to that mix. She thanks her advisor and fellow board member, Dr. Louise Anderson, for the opportunity.
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Mrs. Kellie Harvey, NBCT - Wicomico County
Conference Chair
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Kellie Harvey, NBCT, has been musically inspiring students in Wicomico County since 2014. Named 2020 Fruitland Primary Teacher of the Year and 2022 MMEA Outstanding Music Educator, Kellie has developed and implemented an arts integration curriculum, mentored new and current teachers, and received numerous grant awards. Within her community, Kellie shares her music skills by performing in local ensembles and teaching private lessons. She is a graduate of Seton Hill University and University of Florida.
Dr. Melissa Goetschius - Baltimore County
Conference Exhibits Chair
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Dr. Melissa Goetschius is a Vocal Music (K-5) teacher in the Baltimore County Public School System. She has served as both an elementary instrumental music teacher and elementary vocal music teacher for BCPS for the past 21 years. Melissa’s research interests include elementary music education and Landscapes of Musical Practice. She has presented at conferences in Maryland, Massachusetts, and most recently presented a poster session at the 2023 Research in Music Education Conference (RiME).
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​Celia Croft - Carroll County
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) Initiatives Chair
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Celia is an elementary vocal/general music teacher in Carroll County. She was born and raised in Maryland, and is a second-generation music teacher. She is part of her county’s equity leadership team, and recently obtained her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction for social justice from Loyola University Maryland. She has been a guest clinician for Baltimore County Public Schools, and participated in the Anti-Racist Educators of the Arts Learning Lab through the MSDE. She is passionate about the role of education in the liberation of future generations.
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​Meghan Owens - Cecil County
Finance & Development Chair
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Meghan Owens is currently in her seventh year of teaching and holding the band director position at North East High School in Cecil County, MD. She teaches concert band, guitar, humanities, marching band, and jazz band. As a Cecil County and North East native, Meghan is excited to represent her hometown as a member of the MMEA board. She is looking forward to fulfilling the new role of Finance and Advancement Chair!
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​Ashley Grantham - Montgomery County
Membership Chair
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Ashley Grantham is an educator specializing in elementary general/choral music. She is a graduate of Sherwood High School, received a B.M. from the University of Delaware, and a Master’s in Music Education from Boston University. She currently works in Montgomery County Public Schools as a Consulting Teacher supporting fellow educators through instructional coaching. She is also the founding Artistic Director of the Sherwood Community Youth Choir and a teacher at the UMD Hatchling Community Music Program. When not teaching, she enjoys making music and dancing at home with her two young daughters.
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Judy N. Drengwitz - Montgomery County
Music Industry Representative
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Judy has worked in the music industry for more years than many of you have been born...stores in Wichita, Anaheim, Wheaton MD, Gaithersburg, MD and now Indiana. Why I do what I do is because I know the importance of arts and music as a necessary part of education. I was raised by 2 musicians...Dad had a big band and was with the Wichita Symphony, Mom was his singer. I was around music my whole life. With a group from NAMM we go on The Hill almost every year to advocate for music education...working with elected officials and their educational staff. I have work with arts supervisors, band directors, etc...and will do all that I can to help their programs. The importance of this work makes my life complete.
Chan'nel Howard - Baltimore City
Music Supervisors Representative
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Chan’nel Williams Howard was born in Baltimore City and is a proud product of the Baltimore City Public Schools. She is a proud graduate of Western High School. Chan’nel received her bachelor’s degree from Frostburg State University, her Master’s degree from University of Phoenix, and is in pursuit of her doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Walden University.
Chan’nel heralds her greatest accomplishment as being a mom. She has three beautiful children Jonathan, Benjamin, and Aubree and a host of “band children” from her over 12 years as a band director at Northeast Middle School.
Chan’nel has proudly served Baltimore City Public Schools for 22 years where the bulk of her work was as a middle school band director and as Coordinator of Fine Arts since 2017.
Cheryl Terwilliger - Montgomery County (Private School)
Private Schools Representative
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Cheryl Terwilliger has been teaching at Bullis School since 1998. She is the Director of Arts, a member of the senior administrative team, and leader of the Bullis Jazz program. She is a graduate of Princeton University and the Eastman School of Music. A trumpeter, Cheryl has been a performer and horn arranger with the Chopteeth Afrofunk Big Band since 2004, and freelances with other groups in the Washington, D.C. area.
Dr. Louise L. Anderson - Salisbury University
Research Chair
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Dr. Anderson, an Assistant Professor and the Coordinator for Music Education at Salisbury University, MD, has 30 years of experience teaching music in PK-12 schools. Her focus areas are secondary general music, choral music education, curriculum writing, ukulele instruction, and music technology. Her commitment to service was rewarded with the Service Award for the Fulton School of the Humanities. She also performs a variety of instruments and sings with Diana Wagner, also an SU professor.
Laura Allison - Baltimore County
Special Learners Committee Chair
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Laura Allison has been teaching music in Baltimore County Public Schools for 16 years. She has worked at a separate public day school for students with exceptionalities, ages 3-21, and an elementary school with a large regional special education program. Laura has her BME in Music Education from WV Wesleyan College and a MS in Special Education from Johns Hopkins University. Last year, she was a recipient of an MMEA Outstanding Educator Award.
Phil Barnes - Montgomery County
State Large Ensemble Festivals Chair
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Phil Barnes has served as the Coordinator of Instrumental Music & Theatre for Montgomery County Public Schools since 2020. In this role, he supports over 200 teachers across the nation's 15th largest school district. In 2023, MCPS was named one of America’s Best Communities for Music Education by the NAMM Foundation. Before moving into administration, Phil spent 17 years teaching instrumental music, choral music, piano, guitar, music theory, music history, music technology, and music for special learners at the middle and high school levels. He is a proud product of the Maryland music education system, having attended Wicomico County Public Schools and the University of Maryland.
State Solo and Ensemble Festival Chair - Vacant
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Walter A. Harley - Prince George's County
Tri-M Chair
Walter A. Harley is in his 27th year as Chairman, Director of Bands and Orchestra at Oxon Hill High School. Oxon Hill bands/orchestra have received Superior and Excellent ratings at local, state, and national music festivals. Walter awards are Band Director of the Year 2008, LOVE Award 2009, 2012; Prince Georges’ County Teacher of the Year 2000, PGCPS Outstanding Educator of the Year 2010, 2011, 2012; The Washington Post Agnes Myer Outstanding Educator of the Year 2012, and NBA Citation of Excellence 2011, 2012 and 2016.
Richard McCready - Howard County
Young Composers Project Chair
Richard A McCready teaches Music Technology, Piano, and Guitar, at River Hill High School in Clarksville, Maryland, and is also the Resource Teacher for Music Technology for Howard County, MD. He was awarded the 2013 TI:ME Mike Kovins Teacher of the Year Award, the 2013 Howard County Music Educator of the Year Award, and also the 2014 Maryland Outstanding Music Educator Award. He was also recognized by School Band and Orchestra as one of their “50 Directors Who Make A Difference” in 2017, and was a Grammy Music Educator Award semi-finalist in 2015.
Staff
Anthony J. Conto
Executive Director
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Anthony has been Executive Director for MMEA since July 1, 2022. Prior to his appointment, he came to MMEA with over a decade of service to the Board, as well as over two decades of experience as a music educator and arts administrator. His primary background is in instrumental music, as well as experience in choral music. He was the Director of Fine Arts and Director of Bands & Orchestra at Bishop McNamara H.S. in Forestville, Maryland. He earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Music in Music Education and Conducting, from the University of Maryland, as well as a graduate certificate in Executive Leadership in Arts and Culture Strategy from the University of Pennsylvania and National Arts Strategies. He is currently also the Artistic Director and Conductor for the D.C.’s Different Drummer’s Symphonic Band, in Washington D.C. He has an extensive background with non-profit organizations and a wealth of experience working with teams, event coordination, fundraising, and budget management. Anthony was born, raised and currently lives in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
Kayde Deardorff
Communications Manager
Kayde is a nature lover and lifelong musician, and has been both a Teaching Artist and on the admin team at a number of Virginia nonprofits. She has been working in admin and communications/marketing for 14 years, and really enjoys working remotely with MMEA.
Andie Sante
Operations Manager
Andie is a life-long resident of Maryland and has spent the past 27 years working in administrative positions for non-profits in the arts and humanities. She is an Maryland All State Senior Chorus alumni and loves working for MMEA to promote music education in Maryland.