Delaware Music Educators Association

05/11/2026

Congratulations to our very own DMEA member, Caitlyn Derrick from the Sanford School, on being recognized as the Delaware recipient for the “50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference”! We are incredibly proud of the difference you are making for Delaware’s Young Musicians!

38 honorees are NAfME members

05/11/2026

A win for the Arts in Delaware! Thank you for your work in this bill from conception through the vote Rep. Gorman!

Yesterday, the House voted to pass SB 260 – legislation that would establish a Delaware Certificate of Arts Excellence.

SB 260, which I am proud to champion alongside my colleague Sen. Dan Cruce, creates a way to formally recognize high school students who demonstrate sustained achievement in the arts – whether that be in music, theater, dance, media arts, or visual arts.

The arts have always been a critical part of society, yet arts education is consistently undervalued. Delaware is full of amazing talent, but it can be difficult to find strong and accessible arts programming that allows students to reach their full potential and continue forward in their craft.

The Delaware Certificate of Arts Excellence not only sends a clear message across this state that the arts are something to be honored and uplifted, but also opens the door for more pathways into apprenticeships, continued arts education and careers.

I am so excited to see this bill signed into law!

05/06/2026

To the ones who truly make your school communities come alive 🎶

05/06/2026

A huge shoutout to our very own Anna Ramon! A wonderful spotlight for all of her work here with DMEA ⭐️

✨Today’s Advocate Leader Spotlight shines on Anna Ramon, Advocacy Chair for the Delaware Music Educators Association!

A member of the Advocacy Leadership Force (ALF) for nearly two years, Anna believes that coordinated advocacy for music education is essential to sustaining the field and is deeply committed to protecting every student’s right to a well-rounded education. Through her involvement with the ALF, she has found tremendous value in collaborating with fellow advocates and learning from peers tackling similar challenges across the country.

The ALF has become a source of solidarity and information-sharing, helping Anna grow as an advocate in Delaware, where she and her colleagues have made meaningful progress. Notably, they successfully passed a resolution recognizing March as “March for the Arts,” reviving an important statewide celebration. Under Anna’s leadership, Delaware continues to make strides in music education advocacy, particularly in advancing career and technical education (CTE) opportunities in the arts.

We’re excited to see what’s ahead for Anna and her advocacy work, and we’re grateful to have her as part of the ALF!🎶

Learn more about our ALF: https://nafme.org/advocacy/state-advocacy/

05/01/2026

Check out the most recent DMEA Monthly Score Newsletter!

05/01/2026

📣Celebrating our Young Composers of Delaware!

Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Winners of our annual Young Composers Competition 🎼

First Place - Joshua Bosire from Odessa High School

Honorable Mentions - Aaron Mace from Newark Charter Senior High School and Abby Aduma from Caesar Rodney High School

04/26/2026

04/22/2026

Congratulations to the Brandywine & Appoquinimink school districts and to Wilmington Christian School on being selected as 2026 recipients of the NAMM Foundation’s “Best Communities for Music Education” Award.

⭐️Brandywine’s 8th consecutive year awarded
⭐️Appoquinimink’s 11th consecutive year awarded
⭐️Wilmington Christian School’s 3rd year awarded

“Now in its 27th year, the award recognizes schools and districts nationwide for their leadership in expanding equitable access to music education. Recipients of the 2026 BCME Awards were selected through a comprehensive application and review process that evaluates key indicators, including funding, instructional time, participation rates, facilities and community support.” - NAMM Foundation

To see a full list of district recipients - https://www.nammfoundation.org/articles/bcme-2026-districts

To see a full list of school recipients - https://www.nammfoundation.org/articles/bcme-2026-Schools

04/22/2026

During March for the Arts, after the parade, Dover High School’s Select Ensemble, under the direction of educator Brad Whitenight, performed the National Anthem on the Chamber steps of Legislative Hall. Their voices filled the halls and helped remind everyone of the talent and joy that arts education helps foster Delaware’s students.

We invite you to read the full blog at https://www.delawareartsalliance.org/2026-march-for-the-arts/
Register now https://bit.ly/ACC26rsvp to attend the May 14 Arts & Culture Caucus from 11:30AM-12:30PM in the Senate Hearing Room at Legislative Hall!

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04/18/2026

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