California Music Educators Association
Central Section
Empowering educators to inspire all students through music education
ABOUT
This page is the official headquarters of the Central Section of the California Music Educators Association (CMEA). CMEA is the state chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). Together these organizations promote music education, serve as an invaluable source for music educators statewide and nationwide, and provide for musical activities and opportunities for all children to experience as musicians.
The Central Section of CMEA serves the California counties of Kern, Kings, Tulare, Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, and Merced, including the communities of Bakersfield, Hanford, Lemoore, Tulare, Visalia, Porterville, Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, and Merced.
MEET YOUR 2021 - 2023 EXECUTIVE BOARD
President
Michael Tackett
Michael is the Director of Bands at the College of the Sequoias in Visalia.
1st Vice President
Elisha K. Wells
Elisha K. Wells is the Director of Bands, Brass, and Music Theory at Fresno City College.
2nd Vice President
Dr. Leo Sakomoto
Leo is Assistant Professor and Director of Instrumental Studies at California State University, Bakersfield, where he conducts the Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Chamber Orchestra, directs the Pep Band and teaches courses in music education and conducting.
Secretary
Dr. Tony Mowrer
Dr. Tony Mowrer is a Professor of Music Education and Co-coordinator of Music Education at California State University, Fresno.
Festival Coordinator
Rob Bentley
Rob is a graduate of Fresno State University and has been teaching music in Kings County since 1989. He is currently teaching in the Lemoore Union Elementary School District.
Past President
Steve McKeithen
Treasurer
Justin Adams
Justin is the Director of Bands at Monache High School in Porterville.
Steve is the Associate Director of Bands at California State University, Fresno, where he directs the Bulldog Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and the Bulldog Basketball Band in addition to teaching music education courses.
Communications
Eric Ramirez
Eric is currently the Director of Bands at Hanford West High School.
Legislative Action Rep
Lisa Butts
Lisa is retired from Hanford West High School. She is currently an Adjunct Professor at West Hills College. She is an active adjudicator and clinician.
Band Representative
Kristin Pallas
Kristin is currently Director of Bands at El Diamante High School in the Visalia Unified School District.
Orchestral Representative
Lisa Fritz
Jennifer is the Director of Choral activities at Hanford High School. She is very active in the Choral Community as well as being a choreographer for numerous musicals in the Central Valley. She earned her degree at Bowling Green State University.
Lisa is currently Director of Bands Sequoia Youth Symphony
General Music Representative
Dr. Emily Mason
Jazz Representative
Joe Lizama
Dr. Mason is Assistant Professor of Music Education and Co-Coordinator of Music Education at California State University, Fresno. She is also the Central Section General Music Representative for the CMEA General Music Advisory Board.
Joe is a freelance drummer/educator based out of Fresno
Kern County Representative
David Green
Tulare/Kings Counties Rep.
Doug Hunt
Doug is currently the President of TKMEA. He is a music teacher in the Tulare City School District. He is an active performer on trombone in many local jazz groups.
David is currently an Academic Coach for the Bakersfield City School District Visual and Performing Arts Department.
Festival Sight Reading Coordinator
VACANT
Rural Schools Representative
Janet Tenpas
Janet is the Music Director at Liberty High School and Ranchos Middle School in Madera Ranchos.
Higher Ed Representative
Paul Lucckesi
Paul is currently the Director of Jazz Studies at Fresno City College.
Fresno/Madera Counties Rep.
Marco Mellone
Marco is a Band Director in the Clovis Unified School District.
Merced/Mariposa Counties Rep.
Ashley Shine
Ashley is the Director of Bands at Weaver Middle School in Merced.
Ms. Shine also serves as a member of the CS Rural Schools Committee for her counties.