FMEA Conference

and the FMEA Student Leadership Workshop

OPPORTUNITY: In 2010, Florida Music Education Association Student Leadership Chairperson Kevin Ford reached out to inquire about starting a Student Leadership Workshop that would be held at their annual All-State Convention in January 2011.

RESULTS: Having worked with many music-related organizations over the years, Fran created an interactive pre-conference FMEA Student Leadership Workshop with experiential elements designed for band, choir, and orchestra students. In addition, Fran presented to the all-state ensembles during the conference which was co-sponsored in part by Music for All. Marketing support was provided via flyers, magazine ads, and postcard mailings to Florida music teachers, as well as articles for the FMEA Florida Music Director publication from 2011-2015.

UPDATE: Fran KICKed IT IN once again with FMEA returning in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2024 presenting to educators, future educators, and high school students at the FMEA Student Leadership Workshop, the FMEA Student Conference Experience, and the Tri-M Conference Experience.

“Thank you for always coming to FMEA. You and Dr. Tim are cornerstones to our band program culture! You KILLED it today and have given our kids so much! Our students had a great experience at your workshop, and it has continued to enrich our program moving forward!”

Gerard Madrinan, Band Director

Seminole High School, Florida

“It was a pleasure as always to work with such a professional as yourself. I learn so much each time I hear your presentations. I look forward to working with you more next year and in the years to come. You are an amazing person. I am blessed to have met you. Thanks for all you do for children and adults.”

Val Anderson, Director of Operations

Florida Music Education Association

“You were terrific and I really appreciate all that you did to help get this leadership initiative off the ground and running in our state. Everyone I ever spoke with was very complimentary and appreciative of your work. I personally enjoyed getting to know you and I hope in the future we can work together again. I know your sessions were a huge benefit to my students and they looked forward to it each year.”

Kevin Ford, Band Director

Tarpon Springs High School, Florida

“Thank you so much for your enthusiasm. You have done so much to help not just my students, but music students and directors across the State of Florida. My students are still talking about all that you shed light on. We really enjoyed having you at FMEA. You made a great impact on everyone in attendance!”

Morgan Burburan, Choir Director

Weeki Wachee High School, Florida

ARTICLE: “Making a Bigger Impact With Music in Your Community” (February/March 2015)

ARTICLE: “Are You Developing Leadership or Just Picking Leaders?” (October 2010)

The FMEA Professional Development Conference is one of the largest music education professional development events in the United States. Hosting 23 All-State Ensembles featuring Florida’s top Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Guitar, Orff, and Popular Music students conducted by world-class conductors and teachers. More than 10,000 music educators, music supervisors, musicians, college students, school administrators, students, and their parents attend.

“This leadership workshop was a very fun and beneficial experience for all the Tri-M officers!”

Jill Jones, Tri-M Advisor, Lakeland Christian School

FMEA Conference

and the FMEA Student Leadership Workshop

CONNECT WITH FRAN KICK