Student Experiences

FMEA now offers two experiences for high school students who are not participating in an all-state ensemble, the Student Conference Experience and the Tri-M Conference Experience. Read the comparison here .

Student Leadership Session

Wednesday, January 11, 2023, 1-4:30 pm Presenter: Anne M. Fennell, MEd In It to Win It, for Everyone!

This workshop is designed for all high school student leaders who want to learn, thrive, and become the best leader for their schools, peers, and themselves. Attendees will participate in active conversations and team and relationship building activities while also discovering their personal strengths and needs to continue to grow on their leadership journeys. Everyone will be engaged in a culture of inclusivity to see and hear all students whle revealing the unique strengths and knowledge of our combined voices and experiences.

Anne M. Fennell, MEd, is the president of the California Music Educators Association and the K-12 music program manager for San Diego Unified School District in San Diego, California. She holds the BME, the MEd in educational leadership studies, and Orff-Schulwerk certification Levels I-II-III, and has more than 90 graduate hours in music and additional education coursework. Her experiences include 32 years of teaching music composition and steel drum ensembles in grades 9-12, teaching K-8 integrated arts and music through Orff-Schulwerk, and leading both vocal and instrumental ensembles in civic and professional performances, including national music conferences and the annual NAMM Board of Directors’ meetings in 2013 and 2016. She is a published author through Pearson Education, the GRAMMY Foundation, the Percussion Marketing Council, and Disney’s Little/Baby Einsteins. She presents sessions and gives keynotes both nationally and internationally, including state MEAs, the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, the National Association for Music Education, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, China music education conferences (through the support of the International Music Products Industry (NAMM)), and the International Society for Music Education. She has received numerous state and national awards: the 2020 Technology in Music Education National Teacher of the Year, 2017 Magnet Schools of America National Teacher of the Year, top 10 GRAMMY Music Educator Finalist for 2016, and top 3 Music Educator Award from Music and Arts in 2015.

Tri-M Conference Experience

The purpose of the Florida Music Education Association Tri-M Conference Experience is to provide students with experiences that will build their leadership and advocacy skills, as well as expose them to the experiences available at the annual conference. Participating students will interact with amazing clinicians and educators, college representatives, and incredible performing groups. These students will have memorable experiences they can take back and share with their high school music programs.

Student Conference Experience

Thursday, January 12-13, 2023 Presenter: Anne M. Fennell, MEd

The purpose of the Florida Music Education Association Student Conference Experience is to expand access to the annual conference to students from throughout the state.

Participating students will interact with amazing clinicians and educators, college representatives, and incredible performing groups. These students will have memorable experiences that they can take back and share with their high school music programs. The program will take place on

Thursday and Friday of the 2023 FMEA

Professional Development Conference. Students will participate in workshops, observe rehearsals, attend College Night, and engage in networking and social activities with their peers.