Starting a Parent Ensemble to Transform Advocacy, Equity, and Engagement

What if the people cheering the loudest from the audience were also learning the music themselves? Discover how teaching caregivers to play or sing alongside their children can transform your music program. Whether completely new to music or returning after years away, parents step into the role of learner, experiencing firsthand what we teach in the classroom. This session explores the power of parent orchestras, bands, and choirs, not as community groups, but as classroom-connected ensembles that build advocacy, boost retention, and advance equity. Come see how turning caregivers into musicians can build stronger programs, deepen community ties, and change the face of music education advocacy. Learn how to launch your own program from day one, regardless of your ensemble type or school setting. 

Annie Ray serves as the Orchestra Director and Performing Arts Department Chair at Annandale High School in Virginia. She is an advocate for providing universal access to quality music education and is known for founding and developing creative opportunities to make music accessible to students of all demographics. She was named the 2024 Grammy Music Educator Award recipient and the 2023 FCPS Outstanding Secondary Teacher of the Year for her work on equity in education.  

Brian Coatney is Director of Orchestras at Wylie High School, in Texas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Northwestern State University and a master’s degree in orchestral conducting from James Madison University. He began his career as assistant orchestra director at Klein High School and conductor of the Houston Youth Symphony Sinfonietta Orchestra. He then served as Director of Orchestral Studies at Plano Senior High School, leading his ensembles to many awards, including a performance at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.

NAfME presents this live virtual event at no charge to all as a service to the music education profession. To register, you must enter your NAfME member information or create a nonmember account. After registering, check your email for instructions. A recording of this program will be available to all registrants for one week following the live event. Members can also view archived NAfME webinars in the NAfME Academy.

The views expressed are those of the presenter; they do not necessarily reflect the views of NAfME.