It is with tremendous pride that we announce that Emily Bedeck has been selected as the 2026 PMEA All-State Accompanist!

Emily will represent Shaler Area at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Conference, taking place April 22–25, 2026 at the Kalahari Convention Center in the Pocono Mountains, PA. This prestigious honor places her among the very finest student musicians in the Commonwealth.

Emily is an extraordinary and versatile musician within our program. She serves as our keyboard and mallet player in the Marching Band front ensemble and Indoor Drumline, and she is one of the pianists in Honors Jazz Ensemble 1. Over the past several years, she has competed and performed with our jazz band both locally and across the country, consistently demonstrating professionalism and artistry well beyond her years.

In addition, Emily is our Shaler Area High School Choir student accompanist — a role that requires exceptional musicianship, sensitivity, and preparation. Her ability to collaborate with vocalists and ensembles is truly remarkable.

During our performing arts travel experiences, Emily’s excellence has been recognized on a national level. She was named Best Overall Student Accompanist in Performing Arts Consultants adjudications in Norfolk, Virginia in 2024, and again in New York City at the Big Apple Music Festival in 2025 — an incredible and rare distinction.

Beyond her impressive resume, Emily is kind, hardworking, and humble. She leads by example, supports her peers, and approaches every rehearsal and performance with quiet dedication and grace.

We are unbelievably proud of Emily and this outstanding accomplishment. Congratulations on earning a place in PMEA All-State — we are so proud to have her representing our community, music program and Shaler Area at the highest level!