OAKE Southern Division Mini-Conference

You're Invited to Texas!

Join us deep in the heart of Texas for an unforgettable weekend of music, learning, and celebration at the OAKE Southern Division Mini-Conference and the Kodály Educators of Texas 50th Anniversary Event, happening November 21–22, 2025 in Sugar Land, TX!

Experience inspiring professional development sessions, connect with passionate educators, and learn from  Kodály teachers across both elementary and secondary levels. Whether you're looking to grow your teaching toolkit or celebrate decades of Kodály excellence, this event will leave you Rooted in Song and Rising in Harmony.

We can't wait to welcome you to this milestone event!

Lauren Bain teaches K-5 elementary music in New Braunfels, TX. She earned a B.M. in Piano Performance and Music Education from Trinity University in San Antonio. She also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from Trinity University, and is Kodály and Orff certified. 

Lauren served on the executive board of the Kodály Educators of Texas as Vice President and President. She has presented at OAKE, AOSA, and NAfME national conferences, TMEA, as well as workshops in Texas and Oklahoma. She was named the New Braunfels ISD District Elementary Teacher of the Year in 2018, the 2019 Texas Education Agency Region 13 Elementary Teacher of the Year, and was a finalist for the HEB Excellence in Education Award in 2019.

 Maria A. Ellis is a distinguished music educator and conductor, renowned for her expertise and dedication to the advancement of music education. As the owner of Girl Conductor LLC, she provides innovative and diverse music education resources. Maria holds the prestigious roles of Artistic Director for both The Sheldon’s All-Star Chorus and the University of Missouri-St. Louis Voices of Jubilation Ensemble.

Her exceptional skills as a clinician, adjudicator, and presenter are in high demand across the United States and internationally. Maria earned her Bachelor of Music in Music Education with a focus on Voice (K-12 Certified) from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and she holds Level 3 Certification from the CME Institute for Choral Teacher Education. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Choral Conducting from Webster University.

Maria is the acclaimed host of the award-winning radio programs "Bach and Beyoncé" and "American Gospel with Maria A. Ellis" on Classic 107.3, The Voice for the Arts in St. Louis. In 2023, she achieved the remarkable milestone of making her conducting debut at Carnegie Hall and was honored with both The St. Louis Arts and Education 2023 Arts Innovator Award and the St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Association 2023 Merit Award.  In 2024, Maria was awarded the University of MO- St. Louis Women's Trailblazer Award.

Her professional affiliations are extensive, including active membership in the American Choral Directors Association, serving as Chair for the Choral Music Council within the National Association of Music Educators, and being a member of the Chorus America Board.