Thursday, January 20 -
Saturday, January 22, 2011
DeVos Place and Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
in Grand Rapids, Michigan




2011 Confernece






 

Friday

 

8:30 AM - 9:15 AM

Jenison Jr. High School 8th Grade Orchestra - Performance

Carol Johnson, Jenison Jr. High School
Location: Performance Hall, DeVos Place

 

Teaching the Vocabulary of Music: Scale and Rhythmic Proficiency with a Few Minutes a Day

Presenter: David Gott, Haslett Public Schools
Presider: Robert Robuck, MSBOA
Location: Cascade, Amway Grand
Students learn the process of scales, key signatures and rhythms by using their cognitive and kinesthetic strengths as opposed to emphasizing the visual sense. Students can apply this system in both large group and individualized practice. Since it is recommended to teach these skills to groups with limited experience, this system will also allow students to develop these skills to a higher level of proficiency than even the MSBOA State Solo and Ensemble Proficiencies require!
Code: Band

 

8 Fingers, 47 Strings - Let’s Harp On It!

Presenter(s): Patricia Terry-Ross, Wayne State University Department of Music; Lydia Cleaver, Cass Technical High School
Presider: Mark Kotchenruther, MASTA
Location: Emerald A & B, Amway Grand
This session is designed to inform instrumental and choral directors about the harp, its unique qualities and how it can be used in school orchestras, bands and choirs. Even though your school may not have a harp program, per se, you may have a student who studies the instrument privately and could benefit from having performance experience in a large ensemble. Demonstrations will be done by both high school and university students.
Code: Band, Choral, Strings

 

Climate Control: Discipline Strategies for Healthy Choral Classrooms

Presenter: Dr. James Borst, East Grand Rapids High School
Presider: Katie McInnis, Big Rapids High School
Location: Haldane, Amway Grand
This session explores and describes discipline strategies that help maintain a positive atmosphere in the middle and high school choral classroom. Lecture includes informative discussion regarding positive and negative reinforcement, discipline strategies that promote healthy outcomes, teacher-student relationships, group dynamics, and choral rehearsal techniques that nurture positive attitudes. Packet includes hard copies of hands-on activities for teacher use.
Code: Choral

 

It’s A Musical World - World Music for Young Musicians

Presenter: John Jacobson, Hal Leonard Corporation
Presider: Jo-Ann Sheffer, MMEA
Location: Imperial, Amway Grand
Join composer/choreographer and music educator John Jacobson on an exciting musical journey of Folk Songs and Dance traditions from all corners of the world. You’ll learn games and dances from Brazil, Germany, Russia, Mexico, Africa and every place in between in a workshop you’ll never forget. Free packet of music for each participant.
Code: Choral, All, Elementary General Music

 

Independent or Dependent? Freeing Your Singers

Presenter: Kenneth R Westerman, Pioneer High School
Presider: Joel Moore, Three Rivers High School
Location: Pantlind, Amway Grand
Would it be nice to have students in your choirs as invested in their vocal music experiences and skills as you are? Do you feel you have to justify the singing classes you teach to your administration and community more often than you should? Extracurricular ensembles, a skill-based curriculum, and mastery learning leading to choirs whose membership is determined by achievement rather than talent or grade in school can help.
Code: Choral

 

Music Coordinators/Administrators Meeting

Presenter: Tim Schoenherr, Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
Presider: Wendee Wolf-Schlarf, Traverse City Area Public Schools
Location: Pearl, Amway Grand
This session is for all conference attendees who serve as both full and part-time music coordinators/administrators in their district. Discuss the state of your district, share strategies for program improvement, advocacy, professional development, curriculum issues, assessment, and network with those in similar positions across the state.
Code: All

 

9:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Finale Hands-on

Presenter: Mavis Kallestad, MakeMusic, Inc.
Presider: Nicholas Hardy, Fitzgerald Public Schools
Location: Grand Gallery E, DeVos Place
Many music educators today consider Finale their most useful and valuable computer application. In addition to reviewing Finale basics and demonstrating new and useful features to the program, this session will share dozens of ideas for making music lessons and rehearsals more effective and rewarding. Also learn about new features including Music Education Worksheets and how to use Finale with SmartMusic.
Code: Technology
(In-Depth Session requires additional registration)

 

Creative Composing with Your Students Using Technology

Presenter: John Kratus, Michigan State University;
Clint Randles, Coopersville Public Schools
Presider: Marj Haber, West Bloomfield Public School District
Location: Grand Gallery F, DeVos Place
Composition is a powerful teaching opportunity for students to further appreciate and understand music. This session is a hands-on composition workshop that will help you share the creativity and fun of songwriting with your students. Technology will be utilized as an aide in teaching these musical concepts.
Code: Technology
(In-Depth Session requires additional registration)

 

9:00 AM - 9:45 AM

Getting Started with SmartMusic

Presenter: David Hawley, MakeMusic, Inc.
Presider: Adam Wurst, Allendale Public Schools
Location: Grand Gallery D, DeVos Place
This clinic will provide an overview of SmartMusic and how its repertoire can be assigned to all your students. Topics covered include method books, band and orchestra titles, solo repertoire and technique building exercises. An introduction will be given on the most common uses of the SmartMusic Gradebook.
Code: Band, Choral, Strings, Technology

 

9:00 AM – 10:30AM

Performance Techniques for the Jazz Ensemble Saxophone Section

Presenter(s): Colin Mason, Temple College; Dr. Jack Cooper, The University of Memphis; Don Aliquo, Middle Tennessee State University; Larry Panella, The University of Southern Mississippi
Presider: John Lychner, Western Michigan University
Location: Ambassador, Amway Grand
The clinic will discuss saxophone section playing in a jazz big band. Topics covered will include appropriate performance issues of standard big band saxophone solis such as Sammy Nestico’s arrangement of “Don’t Get Around Much Anymore” and Frank Foster’s arrangement of “In A Mellow Tone”. Further discussion of phrasing, style, articulation, and section playing, and stylistic influences will be discussed. Performances of the solis and additional pieces will reinforce and demonstrate appropriate techniques.
Code: Band

 

Books and Beyond

Presenter: Kelley Brill
Presider: Stephanie Terpening, Saint Ignace Area Schools
Location: Grandview, Amway Grand
This session will give examples and show participants how to design their music lessons around children’s literature. Music lessons will focus on core musical elements but be exciting and entertaining for the student and teacher. Participants will not only walk away with immediate lesson ideas and game songs, but they will be encouraged and stimulated to go forward and find more literature which can be used in their classroom.
Code: Elementary General Music

 

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Charlotte Middle School Cadet Band I - Performance

Stacie Detgen, Charlotte Middle School
Location: Performance Hall, DeVos Place

 

9:30 AM - 11:15 AM

The Conductor as Leader & The Fully Committed Singer

Presenter: Tom CarterCarter
Presider: Steve Hinz, Chelsea High School
Location: Grand Ballroom, JW Marriott
How the conductor leads the group has a profound impact on the singers’ commitment level. If conductors want their choir to be fully expressive, it is important that they create an atmosphere of safety and support. In this session we’ll explore leadership choices which foster such an environment. We’ll also look at various games and exercises that enable singers to reach the depth and breadth of their personal artistry.
Code: Choral, All

 

9:30 AM – 11:00AM

Meet the Authors

Presider: Terese VolkTuohey, Wayne State University
Location: Ambassador, Amway Grand Foyer
Posters of current research presented. You will have time to speak with the authors of the research.
Code: All

  • Andrew Justin Allen, Central Michigan University
    The Development of the Saxophone Quartet
  • Ashley Biermann, Central Michigan University
    Teaching Students to Sing Acoustically: A multisensory Approach
  • Sarah L. Bowman, Fruitport Community Schools
    A Review of Literature that Examines Why People Do and Do Not Sing
  • Scott N. Edgar, The University of Michigan
    Principals’ Expectations of Music Teachers: A Review of Relevant Literature
  • Phillip Hash, Asst. Prof., Calvin College
    The Universal Teacher by J. E. Maddy and T. P. Giddings(1923)
  • Kelly K. Hay, Central Michigan University
    A Good Reed: A Comprehensive Study of Oboe Reeds and Reed Making
  • Bradford Howells, Vanguard Charter Academy, Wyoming, MI
    The Effect of Primary Performing Instruments on Peer Evaluation
  • Sheri E. Jaffurs, Highmeadow Common Campus- Music Department
    SIMPHonic Island and Musical Identity
  • Steven Kandow, Central Michigan University
    Quarter-Tone Pedagogy in Music Education
  • Loretta Lanning, Central Michigan University
    Instrumental Pedagogy in Russia, The United Kingdom and The United States: A Cultural Study
  • Joy Morin, Central Michigan University
    Improvisation in Music Education and Piano Pedagogy Settings: A Means for Teaching Students How to Convey Expression Through Music.
  • Charles Norris, Grand Valley State University
    Elementary Children’s Tonal Awareness as Related to Perception of Tonal Dissonance
  • Stephen A. Paparo, Michigan State University
    The Effect of Instruction on High School Choral Singers’ Ability to Self-Rate Posture, Breathing, and Phrasing Performance
  • Nicole Piunno, Central Michigan University
    Maintaining a Healthy Embouchure: How to Prevent Injuries in Brass Musicians
  • Clint Randles and Gareth Dylan Smith, Michigan State University and the University of London (England)
    Encouraging Creativity in the Music Curriculum: A Cross-cultural Perspective on the Identities of Pre-service Music Teachers in the UK and the USA.
  • Karen Salvador, Michigan State University
    Is There a ‘Musical’ Personality Type? A Study of the Relationships Among Temperaments and Participation in Band, Choir, or Orchestra for Seventh and Eighth Grade Students.
  • Andrew E. Shankles, Central Michigan University
    Video Podcasts for the Middle School Band Director: An Audio-Visual Aid for Recall of Beginning Instrumental Techniques
  • Ryan Shaw, University of Michigan
    Lesson Planning: A Review of Literature

9:30 AM - 10:15 AM

Re-energizing the Beginning Instrumental Classroom

Presenter: Bob Phillips, Alfred Music PublishingPhillips
Presider: Linda Trotter, MASTA
Location: Atrium, Amway Grand
I’ve tried it all! A veteran teacher’s approach to a variety of successful pedagogical approaches to starting beginning orchestra and band students.
Code: Strings

 

Just Say No! (To Performance Anxiety)

Presenter(s): Diane L. Winder, Eastern Michigan University; Daniel Foster, Eastern Michigan University
Presider: Anne Kearney-Looman, MASTA
Location: Governor’s, Amway Grand
Players of all ages and experience may be surprised by “fight or flight” responses before, during and/or after performances. Combat this natural reaction and compile an assorted grab bag of simple defense tactics tailored to you. Performances will become easier and more fun for you and your students.
Code: Band, Choral, All, Strings, Elementary General Music

 

More Bang for Your Buck: Extending Lessons and Making Connections in Elementary General Music

Presenter: Heather Nelson Shouldice, Wood Creek Elementary
Presider:
Location: Haldane, Amway Grand
Elementary music can easily become a disjunct “grab bag” of activities. This session will enable elementary music teachers to help students make connections, continuously develop skills, and acquire deep understanding by the extension and spiraling of concepts and repertoire through and across grade levels. Many national standards, including improvisation and composition, will be incorporated.
Code: Elementary General Music

 

Bring on the Beautiful Bassoon: A Teaching Approach for the Non-Bassoonist

Presenter: Rodney Ackmann, University of Missouri
Presider: Joe Ehlert, MSBOA
Location: Senator Vandenberg, Amway Grand
This clinic presents a vast amount of practical and well proven techniques in teaching the bassoon by Non-Bassoonists. Live performance, powerpoint, printed handout, a custom produced DVD on flicking technique, as well as question and answer session are all included. This clinic has been enthusiastically received at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, and State Music Educator Conferences in Texas, Florida and Missouri.
Code: Band

 

10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Pro Tools 101

Presenter: Jason Panucci, SoundTree
Presider: Nicholas Hardy, Fitzgerald Public Schools
Location: Grand Gallery D
Learn the basic of ProTools and how to use the software to record your ensembles. ProTools is the industry standard for recording software and has a wide range of applications in the classroom. Attend and learn how to utilize this powerful software to support music making for your students.
Code: Technology

 

MSBOA Emeritus Coffee

Location: Grand Gallery C

 

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Lapeer West High School Symphony Band - Performance

Daniel R. Hundt, Lapeer West High School
Location: Performance Hall, DeVos Place

 

But I Don’t Have an Oboe! : Re-scoring for Concert Band

Presenter: Michael Bough, Tecumseh High School
Presider: Garret Ernst, MSBOA
Location: Ambassador, Amway Grand
Small or large, your band needs to sound good and you need to learn to recognize how to fix scoring issues by using alternate instruments, re-voicing chords or adding parts. This clinic will take you through the steps necessary to get off the page and make your band sound better.
Code: Band

 

Scales Are NOT Just For Fish!

Presenter: Valerie M. Palmieri
Presider: Nancy Koski, MASTA
Location: Atrium, Amway Grand
Finally! For your homogeneous classroom - universal fingerings for major and minor scales - a fun presentation that can guarantee success in everybody’s classroom. It’s difficult to organize much less teach all the major and minor scales to your classes of string students. After many years of piloting this system we now have a fool proof, simple, effective universal set of fingerings for the strings class for all instruments major

and minors, 1, 2 and 3 octaves! Help build student pedagogy, facility and strengthen basics for all your students without depending on private teachers. Bring an instrument with you!
Code: Strings

 

Stretch Your Budget Dollars: Percussion Repair and Maintenance You Can Do

Presenter: John Dorsey, Eastern Michigan University
Presider: Steve Gruver, MSBOA
Location: Cascade, Amway Grand
It’s amazing what a little time spent on preventative maintenance will do to save you lots of time and money later. Most music teachers can handle simple repairs and maintenance including timpani adjustments, drumhead replacement, snare replacement, cord on mallet instruments, triangle suspension lines and even tambourine heads. Come see for yourself how easy it is!
Code: Band

 

How Do Different Approaches to Bow Hold/Bow Arm Affect Tone?

Presenter: Kristen Pellegrino, University of Michigan
Presider: Wendy Stuart, MASTA
Location: Emerald A & B, Amway Grand
How do we teach students to play with a big, lush sound? After reviewing technical, aural, and musical demands, this session will differentiate between different bow hold/bow arm ideas: flexible fingers and wrist, Paul Kantor/Dorothy Delay’s stable bow hold, and Camilla Wickes two-step process. Ideas for teaching these concepts and general ideas for addressing tone at every level will be provided. Bring your instruments and your ideas, too!
Code: Strings

 

Fiddling for Fifth Graders (and Beyond)!

Presenter: Amy Marr, Tecumseh Middle School
Presider: John Traines, MASTA
Location: Governor’s, Amway Grand
Want to include alternative styles in your orchestras but are unsure of where to find appropriate literature? Need to learn a few new tunes to add excitement into your beginners’ repertoire lists? This session will help teachers looking to do just that. Bring an instrument to learn ten tunes that are easily accessible to middle school orchestras and how to best teach them to your students!
Code: Strings

 

Using Composition and Improvisation to Spark Creativity in Your Classroom

Presenter(s): Sheri Jaffurs, Farmington Public School District and University of Michigan-Flint; John Kratus Michigan State University; Cynthia Page-Bogen, Burns Park Elementary School, Ann Arbor Public Schools; Andrew Perkins, Fenton Area Public Schools
Presider: Betty Anne Younker, University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Location: Imperial, Amway Grand
This panel discussion will include information on why composition and improvisation should be a part of every student’s experience, not just because of national and state standards. The panel members will describe

how composition and improvisation can be easily integrated into all kinds of music classes, and they will discuss the merits of both traditional approaches and new technological approaches.
Code: All

 

Sustaining the Passion

Presenter: Charles Menghini, VanderCook College of Music
Presider: Dave Jensen, MSBOA
Location: Senator Vandenberg, Amway Grand
A set of 50+ axioms that provide teachers a perspective to help them realize the impact they are making in students’ lives. These axioms include inspiration, information and aspiration, and should serve as a one-hour “battery charge”. Suitable for all educators regardless of level or years of experience.
Code: Band, All

 

11:00 AM - 11:45 PM

Learning Music with Propellerhead’s Reason

Presenter: Barton Polot, Schoolcraft College
Presider: Marj Haber, West Bloomfield School District
Location: Grand Gallery D, Devos Place
Imagine a sound. Now, create the sound using Reason’s unsurpassed sound-molding capabilities. Now, incorporate your new sound in your creative music-making. Reason is the software that enables musicians to explore limitless timbral possibilities, to learn how sound works, and to make music in creative new ways. It’s all within Reason.
Code: Technology

 

11:30 AM – 1:00PM

MSBOA Luncheon & Winter Meeting

Location: Grand Gallery A & B, DeVos Place
Sponsored by StageRight logo

 

MSVMA Luncheon & Annual Meeting

Location: Pantlind, Amway Grand

 

MMEA Luncheon

Location: President Ford, Amway Grand

 

1:00 PM - 4:15 PM

Sibelius Hands-on

Presenter: James Frankel, SoundTree
Presider: Adam Wurst, Allendale Middle School
Location: Grand Gallery F, DeVos Place
Do you need to learn time-saving tips to write and edit music for your students? Attend and learn different note input methods, including realtime input from a keyboard, how to layout a score, add lyrics, text and graphics. Use the many plug-ins to do everything from adding rhythm tracks, color your notes and/or generate scales/modes for practice. Also, learn how to use the worksheet creator with templates for a wide range of practice sheets and activities.
Code: Technology
(In-Depth Session requires additional registration)

 

1:00 PM - 4:15 PM

Marching Band Drill Writing & Editing with Pyware

Presenter: Pat Ruddy, Harbor Springs Public Schools
Presider: Jason Byma, St. Ignace Area Schools
Location: Grand Gallery E, DeVos Place
This presentation will guide participants through a brief introduction to the Pyware application, with drill writing and drill editing. Participants will learn about writing drill for their own music program, with an equal focus on editing existing drills and packaged shows. Don’t miss this session to learn how to improve and customize your marching band’s show!
Code: Technology
(In-Depth Session requires additional registration)

 

1:00 PM - 1:45 PM

Grand Ledge High School Wind Symphony - Performance

Christopher M. Blackmer, Grand Ledge High School
Location: Performance Hall, DeVos Place

 

Finale 101

Presenter: Mavis Kallestad, MakeMusic, Inc.
Presider: Marj Haber, West Bloomfield School District
Location: Grand Gallery D, DeVos Place
This clinic is for beginners who have been considering a notation program but aren’t sure where to start. The basics of Finale will be shown and it will be explained how they enable you to create all the basic curriculum materials you need. Ample time will be given to questions and answers in an entertaining, non-technical, and friendly environment.
Code: Band, Choral, All, Strings, Elementary General Music, Technology

 

Creating Expressive Performance Through Repertoire

Presenter: Bob Phillips, Alfred Music Publishing Co.Phillips
Presider: Valerie Palmieri, MASTA
Location: Atrium, Amway Grand
Developing expressive elements at the elementary, middle school and high school level. How to use repertoire selection, technical development, rehearsal planning and techniques and assessment
Code: Strings

 

Improve Sight Reading to Improve Performance

Presenter: William W. Gourley, Marshall Music
Presider: Andy Dunham, MSBOA
Location: Cascade, Amway Grand
To be a successful sight-reader one must have developed the basic skills of tone, intonation, rhythmic stability, note reading and technical proficiency to be able to focus on music-making. Unfortunately, too often sight-reading is not given the priority required to develop independent musicians. Ensemble directors are so focused on the upcoming performance they feel they don’t have time to devote to developing this skill in their students. Ironically, if their students were better sight-readers directors would find they would have more time to work on the fine details of finesse that distinguish a memorable performance from the one where the symbols on the page are adequately realized. This session will offer sequential strategies to improve the instrumental ensemble’s sight-reading proficiencies.
Code: Band, Orchestra, Elementary General Music

 

Clarinet 101: Simple Steps to Improve Your Clarinet Section

Presenter: Gail Lehto Zugger, Capital University
Presider: JoAnn Gross, MSBOA
Location: Emerald A & B, Amway Grand
This clinic will provide practical tips to improve your clarinet students, focusing on visual and aural cues to diagnose common problems. Basic fundamentals of technique, tone production and articulation will be discussed, giving effective strategies to teach these concepts to beginning, intermediate and advanced clarinetists. Simple exercises to develop good hand and finger position and improve transitions between registers will be highlighted and demonstrated. Effective equipment options will be included.
Code: Band

 

Get a Good Return on Your Student Investment

Presenter(s): BettyAnne Gottlieb, Michigan State University
Presider: Wendy Stuart, MASTA
Location: Haldane, Amway Grand
This session will explore strategies for fostering motivation and musicianship in young band and string students in preparation for years of successful and rich musical experiences. Discussions will center around the importance of the first years of instruction, learning environments, creativity, and differentiated instruction.
Code: Band, Strings

 

Is It Really Possible to Teach Improvisation? And Why Should We Bother?

Presenter: Maud Hickey, Northwestern UniversityHickey
Presider: Betty Anne Younker, University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance
Location: Imperial, Amway Grand
Dr. Hickey will share her beliefs that our profession’s current drive to include improvisation in school music is limited in its approach, and that teaching improvisation, in the traditional sense, is not possible. Real improvisation should stimulate creative thought--but how can we do this in our music classrooms and ensemble spaces? Hickey will present ideas for cultivating creative musical thinking through improvisation in music education.
Code: All

 

New Directions® for Strings: A Comprehensive Approach to String Music Education

Presenter(s): Dr. Joanne Erwin, Oberlin Conservatory of Music; Dr. Robert McCashin, James Madison University
Presider: David Reed, MASTA
Location: Pearl, Amway Grand
Written by a team representing each of the four stringed instruments, this exciting new method explores many “new directions” including equal integration of all the instruments, a tetrachord-based approach to support proper development of the left hand, and ensemble opportunities that occur throughout the books. Discover the innovative new approach that features an abundance of assessment opportunities, detailed attention to bow control, and incredible ensemble music written by Elliot Del Borgo and Soon Hee Newbold.
Code: Strings, Elementary General Music

 

Singing as a Rehearsal Technique in the Instrumental Music Classroom

Presenter: Lisa J. Furman, University of Michigan
Presider: Ed Falls, MSBOA
Location: Senator Vandenberg, Amway Grand
Despite research findings that suggest that vocalization is an effective instructional tool in the instrumental classroom, singing often takes a backseat to the playing of instruments. This session will present strategies for applying vocal techniques to instrumental music rehearsals aimed at middle school and high school band and orchestra instructors. Strategies include singing to: teach correct articulation, develop musicality (style, phrasing, addressing balance, blend, and intonation), and direct student listening and teach musical problem-solving.
Code: Band, Elementary General Music

 

1:30 PM - 2:45 PM

MSVMA Choral Hour

James Cumings, Northwest Kidder Middle School
Steve Lorenz, South Lyon High School
Russell Larimer, Traverse City West Senior High School
Presider: Erich Wangeman, Haslett High School
Location: Grand Ballroom, JW Marriott

 

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Lake Orion High School Symphonic Band - Performance

Michael A. Steele, Lake Orion High School
Location: Performance Hall, DeVos Place

 

Remembering Elizabeth A.H. Green, Master Teacher of Teachers

Presenter(s): John Whitwell, Larry Dittmar, Russell Reed, E. Daniel Long
Presider: Ken Moore, MSBOA
Location: Grand Gallery C, DeVos Place
Come for a revisiting of this great lady and how she inspired so many to become fine teachers. DVD copies of Miss Green’s interview with Russ Reed made not long before her death will be given to all those attending the session. This is a MUST ATTEND SESSION you will not want to miss!
Code: All

This session will be repeated at 2:00PM-2:45PM on Saturday

 

Finale: Your Questions Answered

Presenter: Mavis Kallestad, MakeMusic, Inc.
Presider: Adam Wurst, Allendale Middle School
Location: Grand Gallery D, DeVos Place
Come with your Finale questions. We start with your questions written down on Post-It notes (supplied by me) and stop only when they all are answered. We learn from hearing other’s questions answered as well as our own. If ease-of-use and quick completion of your projects are important, this is a must attend opportunity!
Code: All

 

Five Reasons Chamber Music Helps Your Students and Your Program

Presenter: Boston Brass
Presider: Paul Lichau, MSBOA
Location: Ambassador, Amway Grand
The members of Boston Brass are passionate proponents of both music education and chamber music. In this session, they hope to help you find ways to integrate chamber music into your planning and teaching. Additionally, Boston Brass will share some of their favorite anecdotes and student success stories, and will play a variety of musical offerings.
Code: All

 

Do You Have a Vision and Do You Know How to Get There?

Presenter: Pam Phillips & Bob Phillips, Alfred Music Publishing Co., Inc.
Presider: Geri Arnold, MASTA
Location: Atrium, Amway Grand
Let’s set the vision for our kids and our community! Where do you want your program to be next year, five years from now? How do we set those goals, paint the picture, lead the way and still have a life? Goal setting, time management and planning skills for those who love music but still need to take time to eat and sleep.
Code: All

 

Behind the Scenes: How to Select Quality Literature For Your Performances

Presenter: Carol J. Johnson, Jenison Junior High School
Presider: Dave Rosen, MASTA
Location: Cascade, Amway Grand
All too often, middle school directors rely on programming “kid-favorites” or “crowd-pleasers” to fill our concerts. However, this session will suggest a pedagogically based approach to selecting literature for outstanding Middle School Orchestra performances. The session will use the Jenison Junior High’s performance from earlier today as a point of reference. Strategies for teaching and progressing through many skills will be discussed, and handouts outlining many suggested pieces will be given.
Code: Strings

 

Bringing and Introducing African Drumming to Your Elementary/Middle School

Presenter: Stacey Jamison, Vandenberg Elementary School
Presider: Linda Louisell, MMEA
Location: Emerald A & B, Amway Grand
This workshop will be a demonstration by Stacey Jamison and the D.R.U.M. ensemble from Vandenberg Elementary School of how all elementary or middle school music teachers can form African Drumming Ensembles in their schools. Attendees will learn the following things from this workshop:
• Basic Drumming Techniques
• How to Introduce Drumming to Students
• How to Improvise and Compose with Students
• Suggestions for Buying Drums
• Performance Opportunities for Ensembles
Code: Elementary General Music

 

2:00 PM - 2:45 PM

Latin Without Fear: Teaching Latin Styles to Developing Jazz Ensembles

Presenter: Michael Philip Mossman, Aaron Copland School of Music
Presider: Keith Hall, Western Michigan University
Location: Governor’s, Amway Grand
Latin styles are popular with students and audiences and help attract and retain participation in your jazz ensemble. Michael Philip Mossman, Director of Jazz Studies at Queens College (NY), has prepared a very user-friendly presentation on how to get your band to perform Latin styles like the pros, using a few simple steps. Michael will also demystify terms such as clave, montuno, cascara and tumbao. Turn fear into power! Doubt into triumph! Ketchup into salsa!
Code: Band

 

Help! I’m an Instrumentalist in a General Music Classroom

Presenter(s): Corynn Nordstrom, Farmington Public Schools; Lindsey Micheel-Mays, Michigan Center Schools
Presider: Judith Thompson-Barthwell, MMEA
Location: Haldane, Amway Grand
Do you feel like a fish out of water in general music class? Jump back in the pond with simple suggestions and ideas from two instrumental teachers who will draw connections between instrumental and general music. Discover how to use your expertise as an instrumentalist when teaching general music, and gather useful tricks and tips to make your general music experience rewarding and effective. You already know more about general music than you think!
Code: Band, Choral, Strings, Elementary General Music

 

FJH New String Orchestra Reading Session, Grades 1-2

Presenter: Dr. Robert D. McCashin, The FJH Music Company
Presider: Caitlin Mihalko, MASTA
Location: Imperial, Amway Grand
Bring your instruments! Appropriate selections for beginning string students, this string orchestra reading session will highlight some of your favorite composers from the FJH string catalog, appropriate for the first year of string instruction.
Code: Band, Strings

 

What’s New? Chamber Music Rehearsal and Performance Strategies for New Music

Presenter(s): Diane L. Winder, Eastern Michigan University;
John Dorsey, Eastern Michigan University
Presider: Larry Dittmar, MASTA
Location: Pearl, Amway Grand
Chamber music rehearsal issues such as matching timbres, dynamics, and articulations give rise to special challenges when one tackles new music for non-traditional instrumental combinations. This session explores the unique rehearsal and performance strategies required in advance of performing and recording the “Concertino” by Stephen Kleiman, a new work for solo cello and Five Keyboards (xylophone, vibraphone, marimba, piano, and celeste). Excerpts and examples from the “Concertino” will be performed by faculty and students from Eastern Michigan University.
Code: Band, Strings

 

Recorder Routes? Which One is Best For You and Your Students?

Presenter: Louise Patrick, Eastern Michigan University
Presider: Jo-Ann Sheffer, MMEA
Location: Senator Vandenberg, Amway Grand
Do you include recorder in your elementary music classes but long for a break from Hot Cross Buns? This session will ‘blow through’ many of the currently available books/methods with suggestions for breathing new life into your recorder units! Bring your recorder!
Code: Elementary General Music

 

3:00 PM – 4:45PM

Movement and The Singer

Presenter: Tom CarterCarter
Presider: Steve Hinz, Chelsea High School,
Location: Grand Ballroom, JW Marriott
Because the body and the mind are intricately linked, it behooves us to help singers find the connection between the two. When they do, they not only experience meaning and music more fully, they sing better as well. Most importantly, when the singers move the audience is moved. This session will focus on different exercises which help singers discover connections between body, mind, heart, soul, and voice.
Code: Choral, All

 

3:00 PM - 3:45 PM

Traverse City Central High School Orchestra & Choir - Performance

Ellen Boyer, Traverse City Central High School
Location: Performance Hall, DeVos Place

Developing Course Modules for Online Music Teaching
Presenter: Kenneth Smith, Western Michigan University
Presider: Adam Wurst, Allendale Middle School
Location: Grand Gallery D, DeVos Place
This presentation will discuss strategies and techniques for creating online instruction modules for music teaching using inexpensive software. PowerPoint will be the primary software used for creating instructional materials such as slides for videos and interactive notation assignments. Once materials are created, strategies need to be employed to encourage student participation. The presentation will look at a current online course in music theory fundamentals and discuss strategies that have been successful.
Code: Technology

 

Bach, Brahms, or Broadway? How to Choose Quality Music Your Students Will Like!

Presenter: Julie Hagen, Michigan State University/College of Music
Presider: Carolyn Gross, Grosse Point Brownell Middle School
Location: Atrium, Amway Grand
One of the most important and challenging aspects for every music educator is choosing repertoire. Geared toward choral teachers, this session will help to more clearly understand student preferences for performance literature. This presentation, based on recent research, will better inform the choices we make in selecting music for our students.
Code: Choral

 

Outperforming Performance Anxiety

Presenter: Sara Jones, Michigan State University College of Music
Presider: Roy Johnson, MSBOA
Location: Cascade, Amway Grand
While we all get nervous at times, performance anxiety can debilitate some musicians, rendering public performance a seemingly overwhelming task. This presentation will examine performance anxiety and discuss possible solutions to the following questions: What is performance anxiety? How does it manifest itself in our students and ourselves as teachers and hinder performance? What are some strategies for coping with this issue?
Code: Band, Choral, All, Strings, Elementary General Music

 

Arranging Techniques for Band Directors

Presenter: Chad West, University of Michigan
Presider: Jeananne Nichols, Olivet College
Location: Haldane, Amway Grand
This session uncovers basic techniques for arranging a melody for your band. Voicings, harmonic treatment, reharmonization, and approach techniques will be addressed through a demonstration of arranging a melody for band using music notation software. Attendees will receive an arranging reference packet including helpful tips, resources, and time savers.
Code: Band

 

FJH New String Orchestra Reading Session, Grades 3-5

Presenter: Dr. Robert D. McCashin
Presider: Caitlin Mihalko, MASTA
Location: Imperial, Amway Grand
Bring your instruments! Appropriate selections for more advanced string students, this string orchestra reading session will highlight some of your favorite composers from the FJH string catalog, ideal for accomplished middle school, high school, and college level groups.
Code:

 

Plant a Seed: Growing Improvisation Skills in Elementary General Music

Presenter: Christina Hornbach, Hope College
Presider: Jo-Ann Sheffer, MMEA
Location: Senator Vandenberg, Amway Grand
Plant a seed and help students grow into independent musicians. The National Standards require children to “improvise melodies, variations, and accompaniments.” This session will begin with a brief introduction to the process of improvisation: exploration, creation, and improvisation. Participants will engage in hands-on activities that highlight the process as well as provide immediate activities to take home and try out in the classroom.
Code: Elementary General Music

 

4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

Clarkston High School Symphonic Wind Ensemble - Performance

Michael Lewis, Clarkston High School
Location: Performance Hall, DeVos Place

 

Music Literacy in the Choral Classroom

Presenter: Kristin Zaryski, MSU Community School Of Music
Presider: Sara Emerson, St. Joseph High School
Location: Ambassador, Amway Grand
In this interactive session, participants will learn how to use hand-sign solfeggio as the foundation for teaching solid singing FUNdamentals of music reading and beautiful tone. Your singers will learn by reading solfege from YOUR hand signs “in the air” (while you gain FOCUS in the room and they release tension), by reading solfege “on the board” (while YOU invite mistakes and beautiful tone!), and by reading music “from the page” where they put it all together. Students’ minds, bodies,and spirits are simultaneously engaged. The responsibility for learning is on the SINGER as they develop a sincere desire to learn and are committed throughout each rehearsal. You’ll be free of tension, your accompanist will have less notes to “plunk,” and your singers will discover the joy that is beautiful singing and musical independence.
Code: Choral

 

Rhythmic Mechanic: Diagnose, Repair & Prevent Rhythm Problems

Presenter(s): Kevin Tutt, Grand Valley State University; Marc Townley, Byron Center High School
Presider: Dave Klein, Byron Center West Middle School & MSBOA
Location: Atrium, Amway Grand
Have you ever encountered a rhythm problem you could not fix or kept coming back, time after time? If so, this session is for YOU! During this session, the clinician will take real life rhythm problems submitted by public school music teachers and members of the audience, and provide techniques to diagnose the root of the problem, as well as immediate solutions to the problems and additional techniques to provide regular maintenance so the problems stay away!
Code: All

 

Demystifying Intonation Issues for String Players

Presenter: Kristen Pellegrino, University of Michigan
Presider: Kelly DeRose, MASTA
Location: Emerald A & B, Amway Grand
Intonation is often a concern for string players at all levels. After reviewing issues that prevent students from playing in tune, this interactive session will offer opportunities for participants to practice diagnosing the root cause of the intonation issues. Then, proactive suggestions for working with beginning, intermediate, and advanced students will be provided and opportunities for participant suggestions will be given.
Code: Strings

 

Fostering a Musical Say: Student Voice in the Music Classroom

Presenter: Dr. Deborah Blair, Oakland University
Presider: Jeananne Nichols, Olivet College
Location: Haldane, Amway Grand
Student-centered teaching requires teachers to engage students in ways that allow student voices to be heard and valued. To fully enable student musicianship and ownership in the classroom, strategies will be discussed and demonstrated that may be used to foster a “musical say” in a variety of music classroom settings.
Code: All

 

4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

Non-Verbal Communication Techniques

Presenter(s): Anna Carney, Southwestern University;
Colin Mason, Temple College; Timothy Nolt, St. Mary’s Seminary;
Yu-Lien The, Western Michigan University
Presider: John Lychner, Western Michigan University
Location: Imperial, Amway Grand

Techniques of non-verbal communication will be presented in many facets of music, be it small group, large group, classical, jazz, solo, or chamber music.
Code: Band, Choral, Strings

 

“Foundations for Strings”--String Class Method

Presenter: Elliot Del Borgo
Presider: Janis Shier Peterson, MASTA
Location: Kendall, Amway Grand
Drawing from a lifetime of experience, Elliot Del Borgo composed the first string method that accommodates all teaching styles. It is full of a great deal of playable music. Foundations for Strings focuses on a sequential approach to playing real pieces. It provides a successful playing experience for young string players.
Code: Strings

 

Copyright: What Can I Do and What Can I Not Do?

Presenter: Pam Phillips & Bob Phillips, Alfred Music Publishing Co., Inc
Presider: Linda Trotter, MASTA
Location: Pearl, Amway Grand
A basic introduction to print copyright for educators. Not intended as legal advice!
Code: All, Strings

 

Meeting State Standards for Music Education

Presenter: Joel Shaner, Jackson High School
Presider: Dennis Duso, MSBOA
Location: President Ford, Amway Grand
How to meet the State Standards for Music Education in a Performance Ensemble at the High School. This is accomplished by Music Mastery and Skill Development and a weekly lecture series at Jackson High School.
Code: All

 

Lions and Tigers and Programs, OH MY!

Presenter: Cynthia Taggart, Michigan State University
Presider: Kristin Kreiss, Silver Springs Elementary School
Location: Senator Vandenberg, Amway Grand
Many elementary general music teachers dread giving programs, believing that they interfere with meeting curricular goals and student learning. In this hands-on workshop, participants will explore the philosophical foundations of performances and how they can be a natural outgrowth of curriculum. Strategies will be demonstrated that can invest students in their learning and inform the educational community of the value of music. In addition, participants will experience curricularly-based activities that move easily into performance settings.
Code: Elementary General Music

 

5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

University Receptions

• Western Michigan University
Location: Cascade, Amway Grand
• Michigan State University
Location: Governor’s, Amway Grand
• Grand Valley State University
Location: Grandview, Amway Grand
• Wayne State University
Location: Heritage Hill, Amway Grand
• Eastern Michigan University
Location: Ottowa, Amway Grand
• Central Michigan University
Location: Pantlind, Amway Grand
• University of Michigan
Location: Thornapple, Amway Grand

 

8:00PM

Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra and Youth Chorus – Performance

Grand Rapids Symphony
David Lockington, Conductor
Presider: Steve Hinz, Chelsea Public Schools
Location: Performance Hall, DeVos Place
Enjoy an evening with David Lockington and the Grammy-nominated Grand Rapids Symphony. You’ll experience audience favorites from Mozart and Mendelssohn, the Grand Rapids Symphony Youth Chorus, plus a newly commissioned work featuring members of the Symphony’s brass section.
(This is a Special Ticketed Event; there is an additional fee for all attendees)

 

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Michigan Music Conference
7044 S. 13th Street, Oak Creek, WI 53154 - 1429
Phone: (414) 908-4958, Fax: (414) 768-8001, E-mail: l.schabowski@michiganmusicconference.org