First General Session

Thursday, February 9
9 a.m. Lila Cockrell Theater

• President-Elect nominations close
• Keynote address by Mike Huckabee
• Performance of the TMEA All-State Jazz ensemble with Mr. Huckabee

Former Arkansas governor and former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee will not only be the First General session keynote speaker but will also join the TMEA All-State Jazz Ensemble in a special musical performance. The host of Huckabee on the Fox News Channel, he is also the author of nine books, the most recent being A Simple Government. This is his fourth book that has been on The New York Times Best Sellers List. Huckabee campaigned for the Republican nomination for President in 2008, in which he finished second to John McCain. Throughout that campaign, Huckabee often championed the importance of music education.

Second General Session

Friday, February 10
9 a.m. Lila Cockrell Theater

• Election of TMEA President-Elect
• Keynote address by Carl St.Clair, conductor of the Pacific Symphony and the 2012 All-State Symphony
• Performance by the All-State 5A Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra and Mixed Choir

Currently celebrating his 22nd season as music director for the Pacific Symphony, Carl St.Clair has led orchestras across America and around the world. His commitment to development and performance of new works is evident in numerous  commissions and critically acclaimed recordings. St.Clair is a strong advocate of music education for all ages, and has been essential to the creation and implementation of symphony education programs, including Classical Connections, and Class Act. St.Clair is also the 2012 All-State Symphony Orchestra Conductor.