NFHS 2023 Performing Arts Conference Attendance Skyrockets in the Mile High City
*Links to Conference Presentations and Photos Below*
The 2023 NFHS Performing Arts Conference (PAC) took place from September 18-20, 2023 in beautiful Denver, Colorado. The conference broke the triple digit mark with 110 attendees over the course of three rich days of professional development. The 24th PAC was the largest conference on record. Year after year we have witnessed this growth as the NFHS continues its development in the performing arts.
“It has been exciting to watch the PAC double in size,” said Dr. James Weaver, NFHS Director of Performing Arts and Sports. “This shows that this conference holds value in the eyes of our member state associations. Our hope is that attendees were able to collaborate, connect, and learn from each other.”
The conference included attendees representing 36 states, 15 national organizations, and several prominent researchers and consultants in the performing arts community. Speakers featured state association and district leaders and committee members along with Matthew Murrell (University of Texas School of Law), Joshua Rashon Streeter (Emerson College), Dr. Benny Bolden (R. Frank Nims Middle School), Dana Taylor (Tech Theatre for Teachers), Dr. Neha Raukar (Mayo Clinic), Dr. Bryan Powell (APME), Mary Luehrsen (NAMM), Dr. Amy Bovin (Music Educator and Researcher), and Dr. Rob Deemer (Fredonia SUNY).
"The diverse perspectives shared by these presenters have broadened our horizons in the realm of speech, debate, theatre and music education,” reflected NFHS Music Committee Chairperson, Amy Perras. “Their insights and ideas have not only deepened our understanding of the subjects but also fueled our passion for bettering ourselves as administrators.”
Sessions over the three days are sorted by activity to accommodate the schedules of those attending. Speech, debate and theatre workshops took place on Day 1, highlighting state association resources, increasing interest in debate, and rural competitors while thought provoking presentations on Artificial Intelligence and Professional Learning Communities got attendees talking.
“The conference is an invaluable think tank. The unique opportunity it provides in drawing energy and ideas from other state association colleagues and fine arts administrators across the nation builds strong links of network support,” said Jana Riggins, the esteemed NFHS Speech, Debate, and Theatre Committee Chairperson and Texas UIL State Director of Speech & Debate. “I anticipate meaningful discussions to continue throughout the year via the monthly state administrator zoom gatherings that the NFHS hosts.”
Speech, debate, theatre, and music leaders came together on Day 2 for an inspiring keynote speech followed by professional development on: building your brand through social media engagement, guidance on performing arts facilities, legislative impacts and advice on how to follow a legendary administrator. Music-specific workshops dominated Day 3 with a wide range of topics: heat illness prevention, music teacher satisfaction, popular music, female band directors, composer diversity, and the creative industry.
"Attending my first Performing Arts Conference was a transformative experience," remarked NFHS Director of Sports and Middle Schools Julie Cochran. "It was a vibrant gathering where passion, knowledge, and connections converged, igniting a powerful energy for learning and growth for all."
The 22 presentations helped guide and equip attendees with new information, ideas, and content to take back to their members and states.
“To witness the evolution and growth of the NFHS Performing Arts Conference since 2015 when I joined the Kansas State High School Association, has been nothing less than remarkable,” said outgoing NFHS Music Committee Chairperson Craig Manteuffel. “From a meeting with 35-45 attendees to 110 in 2023 is incredible. In my opinion, the NFHS PAC is the best professional development a state performing arts administrator can receive. The three days of diverse sessions are relevant and timely. The PAC allows music, debate, speech and theater leaders from across the country to engage and plan the progress of performing arts in our schools for the future.”
Photos:
Links to Conference Presentations:
Artificial Intelligence – Friend or Foe of Academic Competition?
Matthew Murrell, University of Texas School of Law
Providing and Promoting State Association Resources
Angelique Ronald, California High School Speech Association
Adam Jacobi, Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech & Dramatic Arts Association
Leveraging Professional Learning Communities for Action and Accountability
Joshua Rashon Streeter, Emerson College
How to Increase Interest in Debate - Issues and Answers
Craig Manteuffel, Kansas State High School Activities Association & KMEA
Mike Harris, Ad Astra Debate Foundation & Wichita Southeast High School
Speech and Debate Roundtable Discussion
Re-Engaging Rural Competitors
Brian Bubach, North Dakota High School Activities Association
Keynote Speech - The Assignment
Dr. Benny Bolden, R. Frank Nims Middle School
Building Your Brand and Your Community: Social Media Engagement
John Millea, Minnesota State High School League
Providing Resources for States to Flourish
Dr. James Weaver, NFHS
Administrative Guidance for Performing Arts Facilities
Dana Taylor, Tech Theatre for Teachers
Performing Arts Roundtable Discussion
Legislative Impacts
Anne Fennell, San Diego Unified School District
Kathy Sanz, Florida Music Educators Association
Building Relationships While Surveying the Landscape
Alex Claussen, Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association
Stacy Hansen, Iowa High School Speech Association
Music Teacher Satisfaction
Dr. James Weaver, NFHS
Marching to the Beat of Safety: Preventing and Managing Heat-Related Issues
Dr. Neha Raukar, Mayo Clinic
Best Practices in Working With Your MEAs
Dr. John Taylor, Kansas Music Educators Association & Friends University (Retired)
Craig Manteuffel, Kansas State High School Activities Association & KMEA
Opportunities by Adding Popular Music to Current State Offerings
Dr. Bryan Powell, Association for Popular Music Education
Creative Industry and Education
Mary Luehrsen, National Association of Music Merchants
The Experiences of Female Band Directors
Dr. Amy Bovin, Music Educator & Researcher - amy.bovin@gmail.com
Composer Diversity
Dr. Rob Deemer, Fredonia State University of New York
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