OMEA 2019

I am enjoying a few days in Cleveland, Ohio for the Ohio Music Educators Professional Development Conference. It is wonderful to reconnect with many of the great music educators I got to know in Eastern Ohio while teaching in Western Pennsylvania during the first 22 years of my career. It is equally fulfilling talking with new faces about opportunities within our graduate and undergraduate music program at Messiah College. Messiah’s Graduate Program in Conducting (band, choir and orchestra) is an excellent opportunity for in-service music educators to grow professionally as an artist and musician on the podium.

I am looking forward to my presentation this morning “Composing with my Junior High/Middle School Band during rehearsal? YES YOU CAN!” The clinic has three focal points: The creative process, Using composition as a teaching tool (strategies, ideas), and examples of how to use mid-level band repertoire to inspire creative acts in young musicians. Within the clinic I will be featuring several pieces by Scott Watson, Jay Coles, Andrew Boysen, Tim Loest, Carol Chambers, and Jack Wilds. A full copy of the hand-out for the session can be found by clicking here.