President’s Message – Lynn Gracey
Dear OMEA members,
Welcome to the Ontario Music Educators’ Association. I am honoured and excited to be the president of OMEA for the next two years and I look forward to all that we will create together as we continue to grow and support one another. In my experience, there is something for everyone in our OMEA community. Whether you are an experienced music teacher, or you are in your first teaching role, whether you are a student just entering the field or a retired teacher wanting to give back, the OMEA is YOUR community.
Since its inception in 1919 as the Music Section in the Ontario Education Association and reorganized in 1949 as the OMEA, the Ontario Music Educators’ Association has advocated for every learner in Ontario to be able to access reflective and responsive quality music education.
Over the last several years, the OMEA has revised our bylaws and procedures to be more equitable, diverse and inclusive. This initiative continues. Our organization participates in and organizes professional development for our members that is forward thinking and challenges colonial and privileged practices.
Our collaboration with like-minded organizations and corporations continues to grow stronger. We continue to collaborate with Ontario’s arts associations CODE and OAEA, through workshops and resources. We have a strong relationship with the Canadian Music Industry Education Committee and continued, collaborative communication with our affiliates. I encourage you to explore our website to learn more about them.
We continue to offer one of the largest music education conferences in Canada where music educators can come to learn and rejuvenate, and where they can build networks of colleagues and lifelong friendships.
Our values centre around Advocacy, Professional Support and Community and as an organization, we are committed to the goals of the OMEA Equity Action Plan:
- Center equity, diversity, and inclusion in facets of decision making, planning, and policies of the organization. The OMEA’s current focus is on – but not limited to – anti-racism, decolonization, and accessibility.
- Build trusting relationships as the foundation of our work.
- Create space to listen and learn from each other (our members/non-members), and amplify marginalized voices.
- Center transparency, sustainability and accountability at the forefront of our work.
This term, 2024-2026, we are excited to welcome several new directors to the board as we take on new projects and advocate for a quality music education for every student in Ontario.
Please reach out by way of email to president@omea.on.ca if you have suggestions, ideas or questions.
Lynn Gracey BMus. BEd., OCT.
President (2024-2026)
Ontario Music Educators’ Association