Small School Committee

The aim of the PMEA Small Schools Committee is to support educators in small/rural districts across the Commonwealth by creating a platform where networking, resources, and advancement can be fostered, developed, and shared.

Committee Members

PMEA Small Schools Committee Chair
Lance Jones, West Branch Area School District

Region 1
TBA

Region 2
Dan Cartwright, Oil City Area School District
Martha Heise, Oil City Area School District

Region 3
Catherine Grove, Conemaugh Township School District
Michelle Kokus, Central Cambria School District
Mike Kokus, Cambria Heights School District
Michael Marini, Penns Valley Area School District

Region 4
Kathleen Amabile, Elk Lake School District

Region 5
Rob Arnold, Catasauqua Area School District
Matthew Wieseman, West Perry School District

Region 6
TBA

Upcoming Small/Rural School Sessions at 2026 PMEA Conference

Friday, April 23, 9:30 a.m.: “The Art of the Comeback: Reversing Burnout Among Rural Music Educators”

Friday, April 23, 3:30 p.m.: “Rurally Comprehensive” 

Resources for Small/Rural Schools

Title AuthorFormat
“The Power of Small School Music Programs”sboplus.net/the-power-of-small-school-music-programsArticle
Small Band, Big SoundChris DeVonaBook
“Teaching” (series)Dr. Tim LautzenheiserBooks
“Teaching With…” (series)Dr. Peter BoonshaftBooks
The Backwoods Bandroomwww.backwoodsbandroom.comPodcast; Website
The Open Bellwww.worldtrumpetfederation.comPodcast; Website