WCU’s Wells School of Music Takes Center Stage at PMEA 2026
Faculty Scholarship and Student Performances Spotlight the University’s Statewide
Impact in Music Education
West Chester University’s (WCU) Wells School of Music (WSOM) recently made a strong impression at the 2026 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Annual In-Service Conference, with faculty presentations and featured performances by two of the University’s premier ensembles during the statewide event held April 23–25 at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center.
The annual conference, themed “Scaling Heights,” brought together music educators from across Pennsylvania to share research, pedagogy, and performance practices. West Chester University’s visible presence throughout the conference reflected the Wells School of Music’s leadership in music education and performance.
Highlighting the conference were performances by two of the University’s flagship ensembles—the Criterions Jazz Ensemble and the Wind Ensemble—a distinction that underscores the strength and breadth of WCU’s music programs.
Under the direction of Jazz Studies Director Jonathan Ragonese, the Criterions Jazz Ensemble delivered a featured concert on April 23, showcasing the ensemble’s longstanding tradition of jazz excellence.
The following day, the Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Director of Bands Andrew Yozviak, took the conference stage. Comprised of musicians selected through a competitive audition process, the ensemble exemplifies the high caliber of student musicianship cultivated at WCU.
Beyond performance, Wells School of Music faculty contributed their expertise across a range of conference sessions, addressing topics including accessibility in music education, neuroscience-informed percussion pedagogy, creative practices in string education, and early-career music teacher preparation.
Faculty presentations included:
• Angela Guerriero, professor of music education and music therapy, who presented on equitable audition and performance practices for students with disabilities, alongside student researcher Miles Cressley. Their session highlighted findings from a student-led pilot study examining accessibility barriers in music auditions.
• WCU adjunct professors Marc Dicciani and Nick Costa, both recognized percussion artists, explored brain-based strategies for effective drum practice and motor skill development.
• Andrew Yozviak, who served as a panelist in a professional adjudication discussion focused on music performance assessment practices for band and orchestra.
• Sarah Gulish, assistant professor of music education, who co-presented two sessions on creativity and innovation in music education, including strategies for improvisation in string classrooms and integrating children’s literature into elementary music instruction.
• Aubree Pacifico Windish, who presented research-informed strategies to support pre-service and early-career music educators as they transition into the profession.
• Summer guest faculty member Dr. Dave Bowman presented Rock the Classroom: Building A Modern Band Program.
Wells School of Music faculty also contributed to PMEA’s broader musical programming, including Spencer Camacho’s leadership of the 2026 All-State Jazz and Contemporary A Cappella Concert, further extending WCU’s presence at the conference. Camacho, an alumnus and current WCU instructor of leadership and music, directed the third annual PMEA All-State Contemporary A Cappella Ensemble, representing top-tier singers from across the Commonwealth.
West Chester University also hosted a reception for current students, faculty, and alumni, welcoming Golden Rams both new and seasoned. About 40 WCU students, also members of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), attended the conference for professional development and networking opportunities under the guidance of Professor Kelly Gumble.
“The PMEA Conference is one of the most important professional gatherings for music educators in Pennsylvania, and West Chester University’s presence this year speaks volumes about the quality of our faculty, students, and programs,” said Chris Hanning, Dean of the Wells School of Music. “To have our ensembles perform and our faculty share their scholarship and expertise at this level reflects the strength of the Wells School of Music and our commitment to excellence in music education.”