FMEA Professional Learning Conference 2026

01/14/2026 - 01/17/2026

In-Person Event

Tampa Convention Center
333 S Franklin St
Tampa, FL 33602

The FMEA Professional Learning Conference is one of the largest music education professional learning events in the United States. In addition to approximately 250 clinic sessions and concerts, it is host to 23 All-State Ensembles featuring Florida's top Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Guitar, Orff, and Popular Music students conducted by world-class conductors and teachers. It is attended by more than 10,000 people, including secondary music directors, elementary music teachers, music supervisors, college students, college music teachers, school administrators, K-12 students performing in the All-State ensembles, students and professional musicians performing with invited performing ensembles, exhibitors, and parents and family members of performing students.

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Clinic Details

Thursday, January 15

1:00 pm – 1:50 pm CST

Charting the Course: From Classroom to Career!

Annamarie Bollino

Thursday, January 15

4:15 pm – 5:05 pm CST

Practice Made Possible: Tools, Techniques, and Motivation for Today’s Learner

Annamarie Bollino, Raine Hollingsworth

Today’s students need more than just a reminder to practice—they need structure, inspiration, and tools that meet them where they are. In this session, discover how MakeMusic Cloud can transform practice from a chore into a motivating and measurable part of your students’ musical journey. Learn how to use built-in features like assignments, real-time feedback, and goal-based challenges to promote consistent, effective practice habits. We’ll also explore ways to spark intrinsic motivation, encourage accountability, and make practice feel personal, purposeful, and possible for every learner.

Thursday, January 1

– CST

Assess, Elevate, Repeat: Meaningful Assessment in the Ensemble Classroom

Annamarie Bollino, Tiffany Hitz

Looking to take your ensemble assessments beyond the traditional concert rubric? This session will show you how to seamlessly integrate formative and summative assessments into your daily rehearsal routine. Learn how to individualize feedback, monitor progress, and engage students in their own growth – all without sacrificing valuable rehearsal time. Discover tools for tracking performance, customizing assignments, and using data to inform instruction in real time. Even better, learn hot to highlight these effective solutions to strengthen both instruction and student accountability in your ensemble with your administrator.

Clinician Details

Annamarie Bollino

Dr. Annamarie Bollino is a nationally respected leader and fierce advocate for arts education, with over 15 years of administrative experience as a district arts coordinator and school leader. She currently serves as the Supervisor of the Arts for Prince William County Schools (VA), she supports over 400 arts educators through instructional coaching, professional development, student events, mentorship, and curriculum development.

Raine Hollingsworth

Raine Hollingsworth is the orchestra director at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, FL. She holds Bachelor's (2011) and Master's (2015) degrees in Music Education, both Magna Cum Laude, from Florida State University. She actively contributes to Florida's music education community through publishing, presenting, and serving in professional organizations. With over ten years of experience, she is a sought-after expert. Her orchestras consistently achieve Superior ratings and engage in community arts outreach.

Aaron WItek

Dr. Aaron Witek, trumpet player, music educator, clinician, and accomplished author, is the Assistant Professor of Trumpet and is the Coordinator of Brass and Percussion at Stetson University. Before his appointment at Stetson, Witek was Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Ithaca College and the University of Louisiana Monroe, where he was also a member of the faculty ensemble-in-residence, Black Bayou Brass. As an active performer and educator, Witek has given master classes and performed throughout the United States and internationally. A distinguished figure in the marching arts, Witek currently serves as the Brass Supervisor for the Crossmen and Bugle Corps. He has also held several prominent positions with the Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps. Witek earned a Doctorate of Music in Trumpet Performance from Florida State University, where he also completed his Master of Music degree in Performance. In addition, he received his Bachelor of Music in Education degree from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. Aaron Witek is proud to be a Yamaha Artist and a Monster Oil Performing Artist. For more information about Dr. Aaron Witek and the Stetson University Trumpet Studio, please visit www.aaronwitek.com.

TIffany Hitz

Tiffany Hitz leads Middle School Bands at Robinson Secondary. With degrees from VCU and Boston University, she’s taught since 2001. A national clinician and adjudicator, she serves on the National Band Association board and is Virginia State Chair. Hitz received the 2023 Bandworld Legion of Honor and is a two-time Grammy Music Educator Award nominee. She co-authored "Women in Wind Band" and is a National Board Certified Teacher.