Norfolk Educators and Students Reach New Heights at 2025 Virginia Music Educators Conference

The annual Virginia Music Educators Association Conference (VMEA) was held in downtown Norfolk from November 19-22, 2025. There were 2,000 music educators from around the Commonwealth of Virginia who attended this year’s conference. Disney’s Imagination Campus was the 2025 presenting sponsor this year.

Educators and students from Norfolk Public Schools received special honors at the VMEA Conference.

Maury High School’s Band Director, Phillip Lane was recognized as VMEA’s District 2 Outstanding Beginning Teacher Award. There were only 10 people who received the award at this conference.

“I was ecstatic,” said Lane. “It truly means the world to be recognized for this award. It is an honor to be able represent Maury High School, Norfolk Public Schools, and the District at the State Level!”

Phillip Lane and Zachary Rooksby

This honor highlights educators who have been teaching between one to five years and who serve as full-time classroom teachers and are active VMEA members. Zachary Rooksby, Norfolk Public Schools Senior Coordinator for Music & Theatre said, “Phil’s dedication, musicianship, and commitment to his students have made a remarkable impact in just a few short years, and this nomination reflects his excellence and passion for music education.”

Stellar seniors, Melanie Parrish and Peyton Donahue, from Norview High School sang in the VMEA Senior Honor Choir on Saturday, November 22, during the conference. They were among 75 students who harmonized together for this specially selected all-senior chorus.

“This was one of the best choir experiences of my life,” said Peyton, a senior at Norview. “I really enjoyed the opportunity to work with the best singers in the state of Virginia and attend professional choral performances from groups such as Voctave."

Parrish, a senior from Norview who also sang in the choir, enjoyed everything about the experience. “I found the event to be inspiring and truly an honor to be able to sing alongside other choral students from across Virginia,” said Parrish. “This experience has enriched my understanding of music from different cultures, and I am confident this experience will follow me into my future career in music education. It was exciting to work with a collegiate level conductor!"
 

Peyton Donahue and Melanie Parrish

Melanie and Peyton’s chorus teacher, Sarah Tilghman, ensured that they were both ready for the conference choir. “More than 500 students auditioned from across Virginia

for a seat in the prestigious Senior Honors Choir,” said Tilghman. “Students had to prepare a piece and sight read a piece in under 30 seconds and Donahue received a 20/20 perfect score and Parrish received 19/20.”

“We are incredibly proud of your hard work, dedication, and musical artistry,” said Rooksby. “Being selected for this elite ensemble is a remarkable achievement, and you both shined brightly on the state stage.”

Students spent three days working with Kristina Mac Mullen, director of choral music at Baylor University.