PMEA

09/02/2026

🎙️ New episode of PMEA’s Take Note podcast!

What is Rock Lititz—and what career opportunities exist in the live-event industry? Join us as Rachel Hales shares an inside look at Rock Lititz, her own career path, and the wide range of roles available in production, design, technology, and entertainment.

Whether you are a student, educator, or someone exploring music-industry careers beyond the stage, this conversation is full of insight and inspiration.

Find Take Note at www.PMEA.net/takenote or in your favorite podcast app.

09/01/2026

We just released a new Take Note podcast and we're talking with Greg Bimm, Band Director Emeritus at Marion Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, IL. Greg talks about his journey in music education, the people and moments that shaped his career, and the lasting impact that music teachers can have on their students and communities. Greg shares thoughtful stories, practical perspective, and plenty of encouragement for educators at every stage of their careers.

Find Take Note at www.PMEA.net/takenote or in your favorite podcast app.

08/26/2026

PMEA President Rebecca Sensor has a back to school message for PMEA members!

08/25/2026

A proposed 25% tariff on brass-wind instruments, parts, and accessories could increase costs for students, families, school districts, retailers, and repair providers.

PMEA has submitted comments opposing the proposal—and we encourage music educators, families, and advocates to make their voices heard before the August 27 deadline.

Read PMEA’s comments: PMEA Submits Comments on Brass-Wind Instrument Tariff Proposal: https://advocacy.pmea.net/pmea-submits-comments-on-brass-wind-instrument-tariff-proposal/

Learn how to submit your own comment through NAfME: https://nafme.org/blog/proposed-tariff-on-brass-wind-instruments/

When commenting, reference Docket No. BIS–2026–0331 and XRIN 0694–XC166.

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

Join us on September 10 for Ready. Set. Go!, a Music IS Education webinar focused on helping music educators and advocates gear up for a successful new school year. Denese Odegaard, from ASTA’s Advocacy Committee and a former NAfME president, will share practical, classroom-centered strategies to support music education in your school and community. She’ll be joined by Mary Dell’Erba, assistant director at the Arts Education Partnership, who will share insights from AEP’s new report, Arts Education, Durable Skills and Workforce Success, and explore how music education builds the durable skills students need for life and work.

Register at www.musiciseducation.org

08/14/2026

🎺 A newly proposed tariff on brass-wind instruments and accessories could make it even harder for music programs and families to afford the instruments students need.

Now is the time for music educators and advocates to make our voices heard! Submit a public comment by August 27 and reach out directly to your members of Congress to oppose the proposed tariff.

Learn what’s at stake and exactly how to take action: bit.ly/brass-wind-tariff-blog

NAMM League of American Orchestras

08/11/2026

PMEA Monitoring Proposed Section 232 Tariffs on Brass Instruments: https://advocacy.pmea.net/pmea-monitoring-proposed-section-232-tariffs-on-brass-instruments/

08/06/2026

Proud to support the Musikfest Music Industry Conference earlier this week! 🎶 PMEA provided in-kind support to help bring educators, artists, and industry leaders together in Bethlehem. Our Director of Public and Government Affairs, Mark Despotakis, presented a session on careers in the music industry and showing students and educators the many pathways music can lead to.

07/31/2026

Happy Uncommon Instrument Awareness Day! Celebrate the sounds you don’t hear every day by sharing your favorite uncommon instrument in the comments. 🎶 What instrument gets your vote?