Welcome to The TRIAD Tonic,
The TRIAD Tonic is your weekly digital companion to the premier voice of music education in Ohio. As a curated extension of TRIAD—the official quarterly publication of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA)—this newsletter delivers the most insightful, timely, and practical articles directly to your inbox.
Whether you are looking for innovative classroom strategies, updates on state advocacy, or professional inspiration, The TRIAD Tonic distills the high-quality scholarship of our quarterly journal into a weekly dose of excellence for OMEA members.
What to Expect:
- Weekly Highlights: Featured articles from the latest TRIAD issues.
- Expert Insights: Research and pedagogy from Ohio’s leading music educators.
- OMEA Updates: Stay connected with the heart of our state’s music community.
Note: Both TRIAD and The TRIAD Tonic are proud publications of the Ohio Music Education Association, dedicated to supporting and advancing music education across the state..
Stephanie Bonitz, Editor of the TRIAD
Stephanie Bonitz is the Director of Bands at Streetsboro City Schools. Currently in her eighteenth year of teaching, Mrs. Bonitz conducts the High School Band Program, Jazz Band, Beginning Band, and co-teaches Middle School Bands. Previously, she served as the Director of Bands/Choirs and Fine Arts Department Chair at Mogadore Local Schools.
Prior to her appointment as Editor of TRIAD, Stephanie served OMEA as the Board of Trustees State Secretary from 2023-2025, large group site host, music selection committee member, adjudicator, and District 6 President.
Editorial Board Members:
Mrs. Hilary Patriok is the immediate past Editor of the TRIAD. She is currently the Director of Instrumental Music at Westlake High School in Westlake, Ohio. She is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace University Conservatory of Music and earned her MME from VanderCook College of Music in Chicago.
In 2019 Ms. Patriok was awarded the Westlake Council of PTA Outstanding District Educator and was also named Exemplary Educator of the year for Westlake High School. Ms. Patriok is a member of Phi Beta Mu and ASBDA and also serves as an adjudicator for OMEA. She has served as host for the District IV large group event and President of District IV.
Michelle Leasor is currently a middle school general music teacher in Pickerington. She has earned bachelors and masters degrees from Ohio University and University of Phoenix, as well as a Doctor of Education from National University. Michelle serves as a teacher participant in the NAfME Connected Arts Network and as a K-12 representative on the NAfME Council for Innovations, and she is a Soundtrap for Education Teacher Ambassador.
