Perpich-Sponsored Clinicians at 2025 MMEA Convention Well-Received

February 18, 2025

Music educators from across Minnesota gathered at the Minneapolis Convention Center February 13-15 for Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) Midwinter Convention 2025. This annual conference serves many purposes including opportunities for music educators to hear inspiring performances, to learn about new strategies and resources to bring back to their classrooms, and to recharge their own “batteries.”

Perpich Center sponsored two of the clinic headliners this year. Dr. Matthew Arau, Associate Professor of Music at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, presented three sessions around the themes of mindfulness, classroom practices, and leadership. Ms. Gillian Desmarais, a music educator in the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale school district, presented three sessions on games and activities for digital learning, music production, and composition.

Desmarais, after the convention, shared her reflections online. “I have to say that I couldn’t be more excited to be an educator now. With the rapid growth of new technologies for the classroom and the unique talents students aren’t afraid to share with us, it’s probably the first time in history that educators can properly prepare students for the present and future industry,” she wrote. “Special thanks to Perpich Center for Arts Education for sponsoring my three sessions and to Michael Buck for coordinating the clinics and revising my materials. I couldn’t be more grateful for your support and mentorship at such a pivotal time in the history of education!”

Gillian Desmarais, a music educator in the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale school district, at the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) Midwinter Convention 2025

A combined total of more than 500 music educators attended their sessions, and when asked if they were leaving the sessions with ideas they could transfer into their teaching practices, teachers responded collectively with a 4.5 out of 5. Some of the added comments included:

• “I want to create more opportunities for exploration in technology and composition. The list of tech options is helpful. I didn’t realize there was that much out there!”
• “I loved all the links to how to change my mind set to help myself and my students succeed.”
• “I really appreciate this session (timely for me) at MMEA 2025.”
• “I very much liked all of the Perpich-sponsored sessions. Thank you!”

These sessions were hosted by Dr. Michael Buck, Music Education Specialist at Perpich Center. He reflected on the vibrant gathering of music educators. “The 2025 MMEA Convention brought together a fantastic group of music educators, bustling with energy and excited about connecting with music friends,” said Buck. “Perpich Center for Arts Education was thrilled to sponsor Matthew Arau and Gillian Desmarais for the event and the sessions were well-attended. We look forward to providing additional professional development opportunities through online and in-person summer workshops. Watch for programming announcements through the monthly Take Note newsletter.”

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