Upcoming Conference Applications
2026 Research Poster Proposals are due June 15, 2026. The application process is now open.
Presenter Registration
All presenters, including the Digital Research Poster presenters, and performing group directors are expected to register for the conference. AOSA does not provide financial support for presenters regarding travel, lodging, or food as it pertains to a conference presentation. All costs associated with conference attendance will be the responsibility of the presenter. Please refer to your contract for full details.
Conference Registration and Session Notes – Online and Hardcopy
Template – AOSA members members expect detailed online notes. All submitted session notes must be placed into this template. It will automatically make a copy for you to use. To edit your name/title, please double click in the “header.”
Session Notes Submission Form – Submit your session notes as a PDF via the Session Notes Form. If you intend to provide notes via a QR code or separate link, please indicate that on the Session Notes Form. If you need assistance converting your word doc to a PDF, please click here.
Copyright Permission – Any items under copyright must be cited and must have specific permission for printing and online posting. It is your responsibility to obtain any required permission. To learn more about the process of obtaining permission to arrange published and/or copyrighted music for your presentations, go to Basics of Copyright for Music Educators – NAfME
Presenter Discount Code – Presenters who submit approved notes—maximum of 4 pages—by September 1 will receive a code for the discount listed on the contract. To be eligible for the discount, notes must be received before you register. There will be no refund for presenters who register before their notes have been approved. You must use the code provided when registering.
Notes Distributed at Sessions – You are responsible for the expense of your own hard-copy handouts to distribute at your session. Your session notes should stand alone. Attendees should not have to purchase a publication in order to access the material presented in your session.
Session Materials
No one may sell items in sessions. If you would like any published materials from your session available in the Marketplace, please submit requests to Jennifer Donovan ([email protected]) by August 1. Please provide complete details.
AOSA Presenter Norms
AOSA expects all presenters to be aware of and to implement these presenter norms as fully as possible.
Code of Ethics for AOSA Conference Presenters and Performers
The following ethics apply to all sessions and conference-related activities.
1. AOSA expects presenters and performers to be supportive of diverse ways of teaching music.
2. AOSA expects presenters to be mindful of the diverse needs of participants such as using inclusive, nonjudgmental language, using a microphone, and considering reasonable accommodations for participation.
3. Presenters may promote the value of teacher education, but may not discuss or promote specific courses in sessions.
4. Lessons presented in sessions must “stand alone” without requiring purchase of any materials. No materials may be sold in conference sessions or events. Presenters and performers are expected to support all AOSA exhibitors. Notes may state, “Materials are available in the Marketplace.”
5. Commercial endorsements may only be acknowledged verbally during introduction and closing remarks and in notes if there is a confirmed AOSA sponsorship.
AOSA strongly encourages members to be positive and discreet when discussing our organization, specific courses and/or teachers, and the Orff movement. The very nature of the Orff-Schulwerk philosophy embodies a broad spectrum of expressions exploring different media to arrive at specific educational goals. Members are encouraged to recognize and remain open to various approaches, and to celebrate our differences and our similarities.
Copyright Expectations
AOSA requires presenters and performers to secure permission to perform all published works and arrangements of copyrighted music. If a custom arrangement is created or a new work or arrangement is commissioned, the participating presenter/performer must also obtain written permission from the copyright owner to arrange and then perform the music. To learn more about the process of obtaining permission to arrange published and/or copyrighted music for your presentations, go to https://nafme.org/my-classroom/copyright/.
Instruments in Session Rooms
AOSA is unable to fulfill last-minute requests. All equipment and instruments questions should be directed to the National Conference Director, Jennifer Donovan ([email protected]), and the Associate National Conference Director, Brian Burnett ([email protected]).
Each session room will include an LCD projector with HDMI cable, 1/8” jack mini-cable for sound, and one black music stand. Wireless microphones are provided for ADA compliance. Please use the headsets or provide your own.
If you did not request instruments, you may be scheduled in a room without them. Tubanos, congas, djembes, tympani, and contra-bass bars are provided by special request only. Chromatic instruments are not available. Please do not request a keyboard unless it is essential for your session. We are unable to provide for every participant.
| Basic Instrument Set | Barred Instruments | Un-pitched Percussion |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Soprano Glockenspiels | 1 Suspended cymbal/mallets | 1 Temple blocks/stand/mallets |
| 3 Alto Glockenspiels | 1 Triangle w/striker | 1 Woodblock/mallet |
| 1 Soprano Metallophone | 1 pr Finger cymbals | 1 pr. Claves |
| 1 Alto Metallophone | 1 Cowbell w/striker | 1 pr. Maracas |
| 1 Bass Metallophone | 1 Mini Afuche Cabasa | 1 tambourine |
| 2 or 4 Soprano Xylophones | 1 Guiro/scraper | 1 Sleigh bell cluster |
| 2 or 4 Alto Xylophones | 10 Nested hand drums | |
| 1 or 2 Bass Xylophones |
INSTRUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT
Microphones and projection equipment are provided in every session room. Please use the headset to comply with ADA requirements. The standard instrument set is listed on your contract. If you did not request instruments, you may be scheduled in a room without any. Room sets are not variable. Any confirmed special requests will be placed in the room before your session. Please do NOT take anything from another session room. Call the Local Instrument chairs if you have any problems. You will receive a hot pink contact card when you check in. Presenter name tags will be included with the general population in alphabetical order.
Current Performing Group Information
The Richmond Local Conference Chair for Performing Groups will be your contact person for your performance. All equipment requests should be directed to the National Conference Director, Jennifer Donovan, and the Associate National Conference Director, Brian Burnett. Refer to your contract for specific information.