Board & Staff
Elected Officials
Dr. Brian Schneckenburger - Baltimore County
President, Maryland Music Educators Association
bks.mmea@gmail.com
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.
Jennifer Kauffman - Anne Arundel County
President-Elect, Maryland Music Educators Association
jmk.mmea@gmail.com
Jennifer Kauffman is currently a K-5 General Music-4/5 Chorus teacher in Anne Arundel County, President-Elect of MMEA, Immediate Past President of MGMTA, and the 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, and as a MSDE MC3 Roster Artist has helped her awareness of the potential for all students and the drive to change instructional strategies to meet each student’s needs.
Angela Adams - Anne Arundel County
Immediate Past President, Maryland Music Educators Association
aja1.mmea@gmail.com
Angela Adams is the choral director and a piano instructor at Old Mill High School, where she has worked for four years. Previously, Angela was the Choral Director and PVA department chair at Brooklyn Park Middle School Performing and Visual Arts Magnet Program. Prior to that she spent thirteen years teaching Elementary General/Vocal at North Glen Elementary, Hilltop Elementary, and Crofton Elementary. Angela has served on the Maryland Music Educators Association Executive Board since 2010 as President-elect and President of Maryland General Music Educators Association, MMEA Membership liaison, and then as President-Elect, President, Interim President, and now as Immediate Past President.
Otis Eldridge - Baltimore City
Member-At-Large, Maryland Music Educators Association
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 my hobbies include watching historical documentaries, creating Hip-Hop productions, cooking and watching Basketball highlights.
Shefali Shah - Baltimore County
Recording Secretary, Maryland Music Educators Association
mmeasecretary@gmail.com
Shefali Shah is a 6-12 Music Technology/General Music teacher in Baltimore County Public Schools. Shefali graduated from Frostburg State University in 2019 with a B.S. in Music Education and is currently working on her MMEd at VanderCook College of Music. She is active in music education advocacy at the federal and state level. Shefali has served the MMEA board since 2018 as Collegiate Representative, Exhibits Chair, and Recording Secretary.
Dr. Christopher M. Cicconi - Towson University
President, Maryland Band Directors Association
cmc.mmea@gmail.com
Dr. Christopher M. Cicconi is currently the Director of Bands and Orchestras and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Towson University. Along with his role as music director of the Towson Symphonic Band 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 Young Victorian Theatre Company, the Chesapeake Youth Symphony Orchestra (Concert Orchestra), and the New England Music Camp Symphony Band (2nd session).
Scott Engel - Washington County
President-Elect, Maryland Band Directors Association
sce.mmea@gmail.com
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.
Dr. Edryn J. Coleman - Howard County
President, Maryland Choral Educators Association
ecoleman.mcea@gmail.com
Dr. Edryn J. Coleman is choral director at Oakland Mills High School in Howard County, Maryland where he directs choir and teaches piano. He has previously taught music at the elementary, middle, and collegiate level serving as Director of Choral Activities at two universities. To his credit, he has numerous guest conducting, judging, and professional presentation to date. A native of Montgomery, Alabama, he holds a BA in voice from Stillman College, an MME from Florida State University, and a DMA from the Shenandoah Conservatory of Music at Shenandoah University.
Antoinette (Toni) Daniel - Wicomico County
President-Elect, Maryland Choral Educators Association
adaniel.mcea@gmail.com
Toni Daniel is a longtime advocate and supporting of the Performing Arts. Completing her 18th year, she is the Director of Choral Activities 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.
AnneMarie Karnbach - St. Mary's County
President, Maryland Orchestra Directors Association
amk.mmea@gmail.com
AnneMarie Karnbach teaches orchestra, piano, and guitar at Chopticon High School, where she started the orchestra program 19 years ago. She enjoys guest conducting and adjudicating. She has a BFA in Music Performance from IUP, where she also spent four years performing with the Johnstown Symphony. AnneMarie currently lives in Hollywood, Maryland with her husband, Chris; their two kids, Christopher and Abby; three dogs, Murphy, Daisy, and Holly; and Nora the cat. She is very excited to be involved with MODA as the President-Elect!
Dana Shieh - Prince George's County
President-Elect, Maryland Orchestra Directors Association
dls.mmea@gmail.com
An active teacher and adjudicator, Mrs. Dana Shieh has been teaching for the past 28 years. She is currently the string orchestra director at Bishop McNamara High School. She was previously the string orchestra director at 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. Mrs. Shieh has previously served as a director for the Summer Instrumental Music Experience at University of Maryland and has judged All-State, Solo and Ensemble, and Orchestra Festivals around the state. As a performer, Mrs. Shieh has performed professionally with the National Philharmonic Orchestra and other orchestras in the DC area.
Ashleigh Cicconi - Harford County
President, Maryland General Music Teachers Association
Alc.mmea@gmail.com
Ashleigh Cicconi, M.Ed., MT-BC, holds a Bachelor’s degree in music therapy, Master’s degree in education, and is currently completing her Doctorate degree in educational leadership. She has served as a board certified music therapist and internship supervisor, as well as developed and implemented original educational music programs throughout multiple private educational institutions. A past early childhood music educator, Ashleigh currently works as an Adjunct Professor at Towson University and Longy School of Music, where she teaches and has developed several music education and music specialty courses. Ms. Cicconi further serves as a special educator in Harford County.
Gabriel Gray - Charles County
President-Elect, Maryland General Music Teachers Association
mgmtapresident@gmail.com
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 Univeristy
President, Maryland Society for Music Teacher Education
lkh.mmea@gmail.com
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
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. Dr. Evans enjoys collaborating with others through her work in various professional organizations. 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).
Appointed Chairs & Representatives
Amy T. Hairston - Montgomery County
Advocacy Chair
ahairston.mcea@gmail.com
Amy T. Hairston is in her 16th year as a choral/general music and theatre teacher in MD (Springbrook HS). She is a proud alumnus of Oakland Mills HS & UMD. This summer, she joined the MCEA board as Professional Development Liaison. She has been a music clinician and adjudicator for Howard, Montgomery, Baltimore and Calvert County, and enjoys presenting at MMEA in-services.
Karl Stewart - Carroll County
Music Supervisors Representative
k_stewa@carrollk12.org
Karl Stewart is the Assistant Supervisor of Fine Arts for Carroll County Public Schools in Maryland. Additionally, he is also the Assistant Band Director and Adjunct Faculty member at Morgan State University. He is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Maryland Music Educators Association, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. Mr. Stewart remains active as a guest conductor, adjudicator and clinician.
Krystal Williams - Baltimore City
State Large Ensemble Festivals Chair
Krystal Williams is a Music Adjunct lecturer for Woodwind Method for the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She is currently the Music Theory Teacher at Northwestern High School's Visual and Performing Arts Program for Prince George's County Public Schools. In 2012-2008, She served as the Band Director at Western High School for 8 years and 14 years with Baltimore City Schools. Mrs.Williams attended Morgan State University as a Music Major 1999-2005, & as the Graduate Assistant from 2006-2009. She holds a B.A. in Music, and a M.A. in Teaching from the College of Notre Dame Maryland. She is currently serving as the Music Technology Chair for MMEA Maryland, the Professional Development Chair for The Association of Black Women Band Directors, a member the Women Band Directors International Association and a member of the Baltimore Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity for Women.
Stephanie Mayer-Sattin - Private School
Private School Representative
stms.mmea@gmail.com
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. Louise Anderson - Wicomico County
Research Chair
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.
Dr. Jeffrey Baer - Wicomico County
State Solo and Ensemble Festival Chair
Dr. Jeffrey Baer is the Supervisor of Fine Arts for Wicomico County Public Schools. During his 31-year career, Jeff has taught choral music and musical theatre in Wicomico and Somerset Counties. He is a church organist/choir director in Salisbury, an active accompanist, and musical director and actor for the Community Players of Salisbury. He holds music education and educational leadership degrees from Mansfield (PA), Florida State, and Walden Universities.
Richard McCready - Howard County
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.
Walter Harley - Prince George's County
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.
Staff
Anthony J. Conto
Executive Director
Anthony has 21 years 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 is currently the Artistic Director and Conductor for the D.C.’s Different Drummer’s Symphonic Band, in Washington D.C. He earned both his Bachelor of Science and Master of Music in Music Education and Conducting, from the University of Maryland and he is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in Executive Leadership in Arts and Culture Strategy with the University of Pennsylvania and National Arts Strategies. 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
mmeamarylandinfo@gmail.com
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 customer service for 13 years, and really enjoys working remotely with MMEA.
Andie Sante
Operations Manager
mmeamarylandinfo@gmail.com
Andie is a life-long resident of Maryland and has spent the past 25 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.