MMEA 2026 Annual State Conference
02/20/2026 - 02/22/2026
In-Person Event
Baltimore Convention Center
1 W Pratt St
Baltimore, MD 21201
Clinic Details
Friday, February 20
10:15 am – 11:15 am EST
Better Foundations: Hiding the Vegetables in Awesomesauce
Brian Balmages
rian Balmages and Fred Flowerday’s “Foundations Series” has transformed the way students approach technique and how eagerly they engage in practicing. Discover more about this ever-evolving, powerful tool that combines a wealth of warm-ups, fundamentals, and technique exercises with incredible movie soundtracks from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Beetlejuice, Wonka, The Polar Express, Elf, and so many more. Your students won’t even realize they are practicing and improving daily!
Saturday, February 21
3:45 pm – 4:45 pm EST
Music Playcations: Gamification for Everyone
Krystal Williams
Music Playcations: Gamification for Everyone is a session that uses Gamification-the process of adding games or game-like elements to a learning activity. This session will engage participants with games designed to introduce, teach and or refine foundational music skills in a fun and meaningful way. Participants will play their way through several games (with and without the use of technology) that are focused on Air Support, Articulation and Rhythmic Accuracy, to name a few.
Clinician Details
Brian Balmages
Brian Balmages is known worldwide as a composer and conductor who equally spans the worlds of orchestral, band, and chamber music. His music has been performed by groups ranging from professional symphony orchestras to elementary schools in venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and many others. As a conductor, he has performed in nearly all 50 states and internationally. He is Director of MakeMusic Publications and Digital Education for Alfred Music and MakeMusic.
Krystal Williams
Krystal Williams is the Band Director at Suitland High School's Creative, Visual, and Performing Arts Program for Prince George's County Public Schools, following 15 years with Baltimore City Schools. She is an Adjunct Professor/Lecturer for Music Education at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Ms. Williams holds a B.A. in Music and an M.A. in Teaching. She has held leadership roles in MMEA Maryland and the Association of Black Women Band Directors. Her passion lies in Arts Education Advocacy and developing educators through 21st-century methods.