Perpich-Sponsored Sessions at the Virtual MMEA Convention Well Attended

February 17, 2026

The 2026 Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) Convention on February 12-14 pivoted from its usual in-person gathering at the Minneapolis Convention Center to a virtual setting. Almost half of the music educators registered for the virtual conference attended one or more of the sessions sponsored by Perpich Center.

A huge thank you to our guest presenters!

Sam Eaton is a former music educator and founder of Recklessly Alive, a suicide prevention organization. He presented “Using My Story to Prevent Suicide in the Music Classroom”, an uplifting workshop on fostering resilience and hope. Participants discovered strategies for understanding depression and suicide, and learned how to create a supportive environment that encourages open conversations about mental health. Using personal stories and actionable advice, this workshop empowered teachers to become champions of mental health, both for themselves and the wonderful young people entrusted to their care.

Erika Bierman, a teacher of both K-12 Music and English Language Learners, presented “Connect, Engage, and Empower English Language Learners in Music”. This session explored ways to connect and engage our English Language Learners in music classrooms at all ages, which leads to empowering our students to flourish in not only our classrooms, but also their other classes and beyond.

Mary Harding, Dance Education Specialist at Perpich Center, taught educators dance steps inspired by jazz of the 1920s and 30s in “Jazz Inspired Dances—Movement, Music and Fun!” Virtual attendees learned a variety of vernacular jazz movements that explored shapes, levels, pathways and timing, and connected to current popular dances. They explored music and movement that engages students in rhythm and syncopation.

Iyekiyapiwiƞ Darlene St. Clair, an Indigenous Research Professor at the University of Minnesota, and Dr. Michael Buck, Music Education Specialist at Perpich Center, presented “Examining MN American Indian Culture and History through the Arts”. The presentation shared the contributions of MN American Indian History and Culture, a requirement for teacher license renewal. They explored the history and culture of the original caretakers of this land, and provided context for music educators to learn and make informed choices about curriculum resources. St. Clair and Buck also outlined a framework for musical inquiry, using the MN Academic Standards for Music.

Across evaluations from all four sessions, virtually every participant named at least one take-away from that session. And in response to the statement, “I am leaving with ideas I can transfer into my teaching practices,” sessions earned an average rating of 4.4 out of 5. High marks!

These sessions at the MMEA Convention were hosted by our Music Education Specialist, Dr. Michael Buck. Education Specialists at Perpich Center in visual and media arts, dance, and theater host sessions at their respective state conferences, as well. We are all proud to collaborate with arts education organizations in Minnesota and applaud all the work they do to support educators and students statewide.

Dr. Michael Buck has been a music educator for more than thirty-five years. Currently, Dr. Buck serves as the Music Education Professional Development Specialist at the Perpich Center for Arts Education and Adjunct Associate Professor of Music at St. Olaf College. His K-12 teaching experience includes elementary, middle and high school positions in suburban Minneapolis and at two overseas American international schools. He holds degrees from St. Olaf College, VanderCook College and The University of Southern Mississippi.

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