2007 | Quick View | Clinic/Session Information

The mentoring program offers a variety of sessions geared to our newest educators and college students. With time for Q&A, this is an opportunity to hear from experienced members of the field, sharing viewpoints and concepts, gaining new perspectives for a collaborative effort to achieve positive success in our classrooms. All are welcome.

The mentoring program offers a variety of sessions geared to our newest educators and college students. With time for Q&A, this is an opportunity to hear from experienced members of the field, sharing viewpoints and concepts, gaining new perspectives for a collaborative effort to achieve positive success in our classrooms. All are welcome.

Orchestra Mentor Question and Answer: A Panel Discussion
The mentoring program offers a variety of sessions geared to our newest educators and college students. With time for Q&A, this is an opportunity to hear from experienced members of the field, sharing viewpoints and concepts, gaining new perspectives for a collaborative effort to achieve positive success in our classrooms. All are welcome.

"Breath and alignment are foundational for creating a healthy and supported sound in any ensemble. Using techniques from yoga as well as science-backed
research of functional movement, conductor-teachers can help students to develop and improve body and postural awareness for breathing, singing, and playing
their instruments. Geared towards pre-service and active teachers, the presenters will share functional movement practices that support the conductor-teacher,
enhance gesture, and support the mind-body connection."

Harnessing the power of STEAM and Arts Integration in music classrooms can be a compelling tool for inspiring and engaging students. In this workshop, attendees
will explore scaffolded lesson ideas through a creative, STEAM-centered process. This hands-on experience helps students build confident music listening, artistic
behavior skills, and deeper learning connections to science, math, and technology.

"Sustainable music program enrollment is not the responsibility of one role…it is the result of intentional collaboration between directors, counselors, and administrators. Co-presented by a music director and school administrator, this session offers a practical, inside look at how cross-role partnerships can remove barriers, expand access, and strengthen program longevity.
Grounded in real systems and shared practices, this session highlights the “give-and-take” that makes collaboration effective: counseling teams and administrators actively supporting recruitment by entering classrooms, encouraging enrollment, and advocating for students selected for honor ensembles, while directors engage in ongoing, one-on-one problem solving with scheduling leaders to resolve conflicts, and make student-centered compromises."

During the "Meet the Conductor" session, All State Jazz Conductor Bethany Robinson will share how she started her career with no jazz pedagogy experience, and eventually developed and implemented a jazz culture through dynamic rehearsal techniques to grow her high school jazz program in Noblesville, Indiana from 1 to 6 jazz ensembles. Her top band qualified for Jazz at Lincoln Center's Essentially Ellington Festival twice and was named the Indiana State Jazz Honor Band before continuing she continued her jazz education career as the Director of Jazz at Purdue University.

"Often teachers enter the field with deficiencies in pedagogical content knowledge especially in areas concerning music literacy and musical independence.
This interactive session bridges the gap between college and the classroom by offering practical, student-centered strategies for building sight-reading skills and
musical independence. Participants will engage in scaffolded activities, rehearsal-ready routines, and assessment techniques that promote musical
independence and confidence, and will leave with adaptable tools to integrate sight-reading into daily instruction and support learners at varying levels."

Two choral music educators—one based in small town Kansas and the other in the Bronx—shared a train to New York Penn Station after a graduate school audition. On the train, they learned how deeply their work as teachers was shaped by the places they called home—and how much their seemingly disparate choral programs had in common. Fifteen years later, John Irving and Alex Underwood bring nearly 40 years of combined teaching experience in public high schools and universities across the United States, and co-lead an annual music festival rooted in choral music in rural Kansas. Returning to that pivotal train ride, they reflect on the people, places, and circumstances that continue to shape their teaching. And they consider what they would say to their younger selves if they boarded that train today. Looking both backward and forward, Underwood and Irving share lessons and praxes drawn from their choral experiences by envisioning what place, community, and opportunity can mean for the next 40 years of choral music education.

Retired Coffee – Join for Friendship and Fellowship

Chris Rohrbaugh is currently in his third year as an Assistant Director for the Ozark
High School Band where his responsibilities include coordinating the Freshman Band
and the Jazz Band Program which consists of three high school jazz bands and a second
semester 8th grade jazz band. Previously he was the Director of Bands at Central High
School for 23 years and under his direction the Wind Ensemble was selected for three
MMEA appearances. He is a graduate of Andress High School in El Paso, Texas,
received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Missouri State University and
his Masters in Education from Drury University.
Mr. Rohrbaugh has been fortunate enough to study under the direction and guidance of
Dr. Belva Prather, Jerry Hoover, Randy Hamm, Ron Brahmer, Michael Casey, Dr. Grant
Peters, Bill Hartman and Juan Meraz. As a student he has had multiple performances at
the state MMEA conference and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic
as well as having performed with Eddie Daniels, Brian Bowman, Bobby Shew, Allen
Vizzutti, Dennis DiBlasio, Frank Mantooth, the John Pizzarelli Trio, and many others.
In addition to teaching and performing, Chris is also an active clinician for both Concert
and Jazz ensembles. He is a member of MOAJE, NAfME, MBA, Phi Mu Alpha and NEA.
Chris is very happily married to Kellie Freeman Rohrbaugh and they have three
wonderful children in their family- Michael, Miranda, and Mitchell. He is also the proud
Pop Pop of three amazing grandchildren- Kit, Ace, and James.

This workshop will cover techniques and concepts to take your rhythm section in creative, interactive directions. Topics will include: interpreting chord symbols, comping patterns, creating walking bass lines, and fluid comping/soloing for the drum set.

What are some common oversights with that circus in the back of the room? This clinic is aimed at the non-percussionist band director, bringing attention to the common mistakes of the developing percussionist and the section as a whole. Discussion topics include technique, pedagogy, warm-ups, hardware, procedures, set-up, maintenance, and more!

Dr. Pearl Shangkuan, conductor of the Missouri All-State Choir 2027, will spend time with MCDA leadership answering questions and responding to questions from the session attendees.

Music classrooms demand resilience; from the first cracked note to the final performance. This clinic translates current research on academic resilience and Self-Determination Theory into practical, Monday-morning strategies for the rehearsal room. Explore how the three pillars of autonomy, competence, and relatedness build student academic buoyancy, learn how music teachers are uniquely positioned to change student academic trajectories, and leave with a tiered implementation plan you can apply to your ensemble this school year.

What are some common oversights with that circus in the back of the room? This clinic is aimed at the non-percussionist band director, bringing attention to the common mistakes of the developing percussionist and the section as a whole. Discussion topics include technique, pedagogy, warm-ups, hardware, procedures, set-up, maintenance and more!

Arguably the most challenging part of being a teacher, let alone band director, is balancing your career and your family. Join Matt & Susie for a discussion on what works and what doesn’t work on having great balance in your life in one of the most challenging professions.

Conductor-educators face the responsibility of creating environments which foster artistic and personal growth. Although we cannot control everything, how we cultivate atmosphere may determine student success. Session participants will explore strategies for creating safe and productive rehearsal spaces for all types of large ensembles and music classrooms. The presenter will draw from studies of atmosphere relation and provide practical suggestions for music ensemble teachers at all levels.

As ensemble directors, it's important to cultivate nuanced listening skills in our students… and ourselves. In his (in)famous textbook "The Compleat Conductor", Gunther Schuller lists seven 'modes of listening': Harmony, Pitch/Intonation, Dynamics, Timbre, Rhythm/Articulation, Balance/Orchestration, and Line/Continuity. In an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure format, we'll explore these 'ears' and discuss the most effective instrumental rehearsal techniques that pertain to each.

Music shouldn't be for a the lucky few, but rather accessible in all schools. Navigating demographics, and cultural norms is the first step to understanding how to best serve your school. After analyzing your students and were they are at, you will dive into community grants, lesson planning, teaching literacy, and selecting repertoire that will get your students excited to make music.

MSHSAA Adjudicator Training – Instrumental Strings

MSHSAA Adjudicator Training – Vocal

Music educators across the country share a common reality: limited resources. Whether in rural communities with small enrollments or urban programs managing large class sizes and high turnover, directors are asked to build excellence amid constraints. Drawing from experience establishing successful band programs in both rural and urban Texas, Finnels will share practical strategies for growth with limited resources. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use
curriculum, rehearsal templates, leadership systems, and advocacy tools that can be implemented immediately.

In this session, participants will explore strategies for pairing beloved children’s books with rhythm, melody, and movement activities that build literacy and musical skills. Learn creative approaches for composing simple melodies, rhythms, and chants that make reading an immersive experience. These adaptable ideas will engage students, foster creativity, and seamlessly integrate music into language arts across age levels. Participants will leave with ready-to-use lesson plans that turn storytelling into a musical experience.

Improvisation starts by identifying possibilities and exploring what could be. Students love to create when given the chance but need tools and experiences to guide them along the way. Empower students to improvise freely when you learn how to scaffold your lessons and teach the important skills they’ll need to create in the moment.

The ideas presented in this workshop are intended for use as “hooks” or “change-of-pace” activities that will captivate students’ attention and engage their involvement in music class. These are not complete lessons in themselves but should be used to enhance existing lesson plans within the curriculum. Activities utilize movement with a focus on form and rhythm. The suggested grade level is mostly upper elementary, but any of the ideas may be adapted for use with other grades.

This presentation discusses the challenges children and adults with level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (formerly known as Asperger's Syndrome) face, not only in the classroom, but in life. An understanding of the perception of social and emotional interactions of people with ASD, as well as ways that teachers can help these students (formally diagnosed or not), will be addressed. Much of this presentation comes from a lived perspective, and is delivered through the professional lens of a teacher.

The demographics in U.S. schools have changed in recent years. One population with increased representation in schools today is those with Latin American backgrounds. In wind bands, the lack of Latin American composers’ pieces in regular concerts is intriguing. Part of the problem is that many band directors don't know this music exists. This session introduces pieces for young wind bands (grades 2-4) by Latin American composers. Attendees will learn to find these and other works by these and other composers.

Creating a dialogue, partnership, and open conversations between your local PK12 schools, higher education institutions, and community stakeholders.

Level up your ensemble and build a vibrant classroom culture from the first warm-up to the final bow! Bethany Main (Artistic Director, Youth Chorus of Kansas City) shares her "choir toolbox" with warm-ups, brain breaks, team-builders, and strategies that keep singers engaged. Discover how thoughtful repertoire and creative programming map the full arc of a concert cycle. Walk away with new ways to connect your singers, create meaningful music together, and rediscover the joy at the center of your podium.

Music educators are often told that technology will save time, yet new tools can create more notifications, expectations, and work. This practical session explores how AI can reduce repetitive tasks while supporting healthier boundaries around technology use. Participants will learn realistic strategies for communication, planning, organization, and administrative work, along with guidelines for deciding when technology is helpful—and when it is time to log off, recharge, and protect the energy needed for students and music-making.

TonalEnergy is more than just a tuner as it is a powerful tool for creating accessible and inclusive music learning environments. This session explores how the app’s tuner, metronome, drone, and visual feedback features support differentiated instruction, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and meaningful participation for students with diverse learning needs. Participants will leave with practical rehearsal strategies that connect pitch and rhythm instruction to IDEA, Section 504, and inclusive ensemble practices.

Grab your instrument and practice your sight reading skills.
Participants will be able to see and play new sight reading materials and get tips that will help in teaching sight reading.

Empathy can be taught from the very first day to the final performance of any ensemble experience. We will explore how empathy can be implemented in the rotational seating of each concert cycle, in the way we listen and adjust to each other’s needs during rehearsals, in meaningful engagement with the music, and in the format that we present our concerts. Warning: positive results will be remembered by your musicians, your audience, and yourself long past the concert.

In this session, music educators will drive into the incorporation of folk dances to familiar pop tunes. Additional tips on how to connect each folk dance to the
musicality of each song will be presented as well. Grab your dancing shoes, energy, and excitement as we engage in folk-pop ideas that you can integrate
in your classroom!