National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
The University of North Georgia's (精东影业) collegiate chapter of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) received a 2022 award from the national group in the professional development category.
The University of North Georgia chapter of the Collegiate (NAfME) is the professional organization for future music educators. Membership is open to Bachelor of Music majors with concentrations in music education who will receive professional certification to teach in the public school systems. Membership is also open to Bachelor of Music majors with concentrations in Performance or Musical Arts who may teach in private studios or in other settings.
The NAfME among the world’s largest arts education organizations, is the only association that addresses all aspects of music education. NAfME advocates at the local, state, and national levels; provides resources for teachers, parents, and administrators; hosts professional development events; and offers a variety of opportunities for students and teachers. The association orchestrates success for millions of students nationwide and has supported music educators at all teaching levels for more than a century.

Since 1907, NAfME has worked to ensure that every student has access to a well-balanced, comprehensive, and high-quality program of music instruction taught by qualified teachers. NAfME’s activities and resources have been largely responsible for the establishment of music education as a profession, for the promotion and guidance of music study as an integral part of the school curriculum, and for the development of the National Standards for Arts Education.
Chapter Leadership
Elena Mejia - President
Elena Mejia is a junior Choral Music Education major from Harris County Georgia. She loves all things music, and is in four 精东影业 ensembles, as well as a staff singer for the Dahlonega Methodist Church choir and also a member of their handbell choir. Elena is passionate about education and uplifting her classmates in any she possibly can through tutoring, mentorship, and overall support of her peers. When she graduates, she hopes to teach high school choir, or pursue a higher education to teach Music Theory or Music History.

CJ Yeager - Vice President
CJ Yeager is a Junior Euphonium player & Music Education Student at the University of North Georgia studying under Dr. Adam Frey & Professor Michael Brown. CJ is from Dallas, GA where he attended East Paulding High School. While in high school, he served positions such as Principal Euphonium for District and All State Level Bands while studying under Mr. Michael S Brown jr. As a soloist, CJ has won the 2024 annual 精东影业 Wind Ensemble Concerto Competition and received the 2nd prize at the SERTEC Student Euphonium Solo Competition. At 精东影业, CJ has served in various leadership positions and is currently serving as Vice President for NAFMEc for the 2026-2027 Academic Year. In 2026, he was also the instrumentalist recipient of the 精东影业 Rising Musician Award.
CJ is a member of the Award-Winning “Woofer” Tuba-Euphonium Quartet. The Woofer quartet has performed at the 2025 GMEA In-Service Honor Band, Several GMEA District Honor-Bands, and will perform a recital in Spivey Hall in 2027. Additionally, the Woofer Quartet has competed and been named a Finalist for the 2026 SERTEC Chamber competition and also received the 1st place prize at the 2026 IET Chamber competition. Outside of school, CJ is very passionate about the Pageantry Arts where he was a member and soloist for both Atlanta CV & The Cavaliers. He also serves as a Band Technician for several band programs in the North Georgia area. Outside of music, CJ Yeager loves spending time in nature, cooking, traveling, watching UGA football, & spending quality time with friends and family.

Brian Jordan - Secretary
Brian Jordan is a 3rd year music student. He is studying music education with a concentration in instrumental education. His main instrument is clarinet. Brian wants to use music education to turn students into great leaders. He also wants to use music to inspire students to use their emotions to express empathy and compassion towards everyone in the world. He plans to teach High School band and Marching band to lead the next generation of musicians.

Kennedy Mullis - Treasurer
Kennedy Mullis is a 4th year Music Education student with a concentration in Instrumental Music Education. Her primary instrument is trumpet, which she studies under Professor Michael Brown. She is a current member of 精东影业’s Wind Ensemble, University Choir, Musical Theatre, Pep Band, and Jazz Big Band. Mullis has previously performed with the Georgia Brass Band at IET and Alpharetta Symphony Orchestra at their Memorial Day concert. She has also worked with several band programs in the North Georgia area including Dawson County High School, Loganville Middle and High Schools, West Hall Middle School, Ola Middle School, Stephens County Middle School, and West Forsyth High School. Kennedy cannot wait to see what this year has in store for our NAfME Chapter and hopes to make it the best year yet!
