Events and Presenters
March 2025
Dear OAKE Members and Colleagues,
The 2026 National Conference Committee is enthusiastically preparing for the 52nd OAKE National Conference, to be held in Chicago, IL, March 5 – 8, 2026.
The 2026 National Conference theme, “Building Harmony in Community”, celebrates the diverse voices that shape our communities. We acknowledge that in order to do better in building harmony within our communities, we must come together to listen and learn from one another in building a foundation of trust so that we can move forward in creating a space of belonging. We value the students, educators, researchers, and culture bearers who pave the way for Kodály-inspired teaching in today’s American classrooms.
As Kodály believed that music is meant to develop one’s entire being (personality, intellect, and emotions), our conference strives to explore aspects of wholeness through social-emotional living and applications in accessibility and equity. Together, we strive to create a culture of belonging.
Session proposals are being called according to the following thematic categories:
- Contemporary American Kodály
Building on history, these sessions will examine current practices in today’s classrooms
- Learning from Culture Bearers
A dedicated strand for culture bearers to share their musical heritage
- A Place of Belonging
Sessions related to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and improving access in music education
- Working Together Towards Harmony
Sessions centered on building community in your classroom and within our OAKE community
- Social-Emotional Living
Strategies for health, wholeness, and self-care for teachers and students
- Building Harmony
Sessions centered on developing musicianship for learners of all ages
Please submit proposals for demonstrations, sessions, and/or papers that relate to this theme. If you have a great session that doesn’t fit into one of these categories, we welcome your contributions as well. Proposed topics include but are not limited to: musicianship, pedagogy, and literacy; choral and instrumental applications; music from many cultures; applications inclusion and accessibility; brain and cognitive development; vocology; elementary, middle school, high school, and beyond.
In crafting your proposal and session, please reflect on how your work not only adheres to, but proactively advances OAKE’s Commitment to Equity:
The members of OAKE are committed to championing diversity, welcoming all people, and advancing inclusivity and equity for all. Inspired by Zoltán Kodály’s unyielding assertion that music belongs to everyone, we affirm that music is a fundamental aspect of shared human experiences. As such, we pledge to promote active music-making merged with intentionally respectful practices as the basis of comprehensive music education.
All proposals for the 2026 OAKE National Conference must be submitted online by May 1, 2025
Thank you for all that you do to further Kodály’s philosophy and to educate and inspire children every day!
Warm regards,
Robert Lee, Emily Reep, and Carmen Brennan
OAKE Conference Chairs
All proposals for the 2026 OAKE National Conference must be submitted online by May 1, 2025
2026 CONFERENCE PROPOSALS
MAY 1 Conference Session Proposals | Click Here
NOVEMBER 1 Research Poster Session Proposals | Click Here
PRESENTER ACTION ITEMS – coming soon
JUNE 18 Presenter Agreement and Promotional Materials Form DUE – Agreement, biography, and photos. | CLICK HERE to see guidelines and submit materials
NOVEMBER 1 Commitment to Equity DUE | CLICK HERE to sign
All co-presenters provide personal info and sign agreements for themselves. Do not complete the above two forms on their behalf.
NOVEMBER 1 Equipment Request DUE | CLICK HERE to see what materials we provide and submit your request
JANUARY 15 Session Notes DUE – we request notes for each session represented at the conference. If you plan to have a QR code or link to additional materials, please submit that here to be printed rather than only projecting it at your session. This is a great help to attendees. | CLICK HERE to see guidelines and submit materials
The above two forms are submitted by the “lead” presenter. Submit once under the name of the “lead” presenter, even if there are multiple presenters for your session.
DECEMBER / JANUARY Registration DUE – ALL presenters must register for the conference unless contractually arranged with the NCBD. We recommend registering during Early Bird pricing.
Our 2026 Program Team Slideshow, presented at the 2025 OAKE General Assembly
Conference Kickoff Event
Come join us when we kickoff the 2026 OAKE National Conference!
♫ Opening Remarks from OAKE Leadership
♫ OAKE Chapter Banner Parade
♫ Opening Concert
♫ Followed by Community Dance
Affinity Events
D.I.V.E. In! (Diversity, Inclusion, Voice, Equity)
These events will be a space to find connections, support, and inspiration from one another, and to share your voice to peers who serve on the OAKE Equity Committee. Grab a snack from the reception and come join us to DIVE in!
BBIA Affinity Event: D.I.V.E. In! (Diversity, Inclusion, Voice, Equity)
This gathering is for conference attendees who identify as Black, Brown, Indigenous, Asian or multi-racial BBIA.
LGBTQIA+ Affinity Event: D.I.V.E. In! (Diversity, Inclusion, Voice, Equity)
This gathering is for conference attendees who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Unable to make it? Please join this mailing list to get updates on virtual events throughout the year.
Retired But Not Retiring
The best is yet to come from our friends who are out of the classroom but not out of touch! Let’s get together to share ideas and pool our many talents to support and encourage OAKE for its next 50 years!
Social Events
Community Dance
Experience the enchantment as teachers, choir students, and their families unite for a Thursday night filled with the charm of traditional folk dances.
Grand Opening Reception
Grab a snack and say hello to all your friends at the Grand Opening Reception! After a morning of travel, let’s re-fuel and get reacquainted. Our exhibitors will be officially open and ready to show what they’ve brought especially for our Kodály educators.
Morning Sing: Friday and Saturday Mornings
Get each morning of the conference started right with beautiful singing with your colleagues.
Newcomer Event
Is this your first conference? Come learn about OAKE and get the inside scoop on the conference by attending the Newcomer Event!
Friday and Saturday Night Social Events
Bring your dancing shoes and get ready to snack, socialize, and dance with your colleagues.
Special Sessions and Offerings
Administrators and Choir Family Event
The clinician will give an overview of the Kodály philosophy and approach for choir parents/families and administrators. The presentation will give the audience a chance to experience some music making together. Attendees will gain insight into the teaching that students/singers receive in their local music classrooms.
Choir Rehearsals Are Open to Observation
A bonus opportunity for more professional learning!
Choral Reading Session
Find fresh repertoire for your classroom, community, and performing treble groups! Join us in singing through literature appropriate for your beginners through advanced Elementary and Middle-level ensembles.
Educating the Teachers of Teachers Track (ETT)
The ETT (Educating Teachers of Teachers) Track is a time for program instructors to learn from each other and hear new developments from the Teacher Education Committee.
Instrumental Track (IT)
Designed for instrumental educators of all levels, this track explores the application of the Kodály-approach and philosophy to band and string instruments, in the hopes of fostering greater literacy and learning.
Participant Choir
This is a great opportunity to deepen your conference experience. The first rehearsal traditionally occurs on Thursday evening of the Conference and the rehearsal schedule will not conflict with sessions.
Research Poster Session
Come speak with OAKE members as they share current research projects related to aspects of Kodaly-inspired pedagogy.
Secondary Choral Track (SCT)
These sessions are designed for Middle and/or High School choral educators to explore a Kodály-inspired, skills based, approach to music literacy, rehearsal techniques and repertoire.
Secondary Choral Reading Session
Find fresh repertoire for your classroom, community, and performing treble groups! Join us in singing through literature appropriate for your beginners through advanced Middle and/or High School ensembles.
OAKE Business
Advisory Council
Advisory Council Luncheon for Chapter and Division Leaders, or their proxies.
Division Membership Meetings
Meet up with your OAKE Division leadership at the Division Membership meetings.
General Assembly Meeting for OAKE Membership
During our general assembly, we meet as a membership to learn about OAKE’s latest developments, celebrate scholarships and awards, and unveil the next OAKE conference!
Important Contacts and FAQ
For concerns and inquiries, please contact the OAKE National Office.
Equipment inquiries should be addressed to the Equipment Coordinator, Nick Mercier.
Materials inquiries (pictures, biographies, agreements, handouts) should be addressed to the Administrative Coordinator, Colleen Graves.