Workshops, Sessions, and Presentations
SAMPLE PRESENTATION TOPICS INCLUDE:
One is Too Small a Number to Achieve Something Great!
From the custodian who sets up chairs for the Open House performance, to the engineer who turns on the lights in the football stadium, to the counselor who helps to finagle a student schedule in order for him to participate, to the parent who agrees to greet participants at the venue with extra uniform pieces, to the principal who agrees to introduce the ensemble at the concert and everyone else in between, reaching out to others is the ONLY way to achieve something great. We must ALL work together as ONE TEAM and surround ourselves with those who CARE to help us achieve our goal—to guarantee success for EVERY student in the music program. This session makes a wonderful Keynote Address.
Five S.M.A.R.T. No-Fail Tips for Retaining Your Beginners!
Nothing is more important to the success of our music programs than retaining the students who are already enrolled--particularly the beginners. They must be taught as if they are preparing for a performance at Carnegie Hall. This session focuses on innovative, successful strategies for ensuring that theses most inexperienced musicians—the beginners—continue in our programs beyond that first, critical year. There are five pillars upon which to build our retention efforts and collectively, these are referred to as the S.M.A.R.T. approach to retention. This session will also provide real-world examples of activities that keep our beginners motivated to continue their music-making experiences as well as to inspire others to join in on the fun. The launch of the First Performance National Day of Celebration will also be discussed with information on how directors may participate. In live-action performances, directors, parents and administrators have told us that this celebration has not only provided the opportunity to recognize the achievements of beginning instrumental music students, it has also helped to reduce dropouts, encourage positive communication with parents and strengthen administrative support while serving as an exciting first step in their musical journey.
Building Your Music Program: A Practical Guide for Recruitment and Retention
Based on "best practices" from highly successful instrumental music educators, the Music Achievement Council has compiled several tools that cover every aspect of recruiting and retaining instrumental music students. Because it covers the fundamentals in great detail, this information is great for new teachers, young teachers or even experienced teachers. It not only provides sample forms and letters that are ready-to-use, but also shares retention ideas that can be implemented at any stage of the school year. Copies of this book are available via flash drives provided by the Music Achievement Council.
A Guide for Instrumental Music Teachers: Secrets Revealed from Teaching Legends and Leading Music Educators
The job of the music educator has always been multi-faceted but it is becoming even more complex due to the demands of today's challenging educational environment. The Music Achievement Council has responded by providing one of its most valuable resources—the Tips for Success Series FOR teachers BY teachers. This comprehensive collection of user-friendly recommendations provides practical success strategies to help educators stay on top of the many and varied elements of the successful program. This session touches on a number of specific “Tips” in a fun, upbeat presentation with complimentary flash drives containing these and many other materials being provided to all attendees at the conclusion. From beginners to the most experienced music educators, these Tips for Success are a must-have resource!
Bridging the Gap between Middle School and High School: Tips for Ensuring a Seamless Instrumental Music Education Experience
Students continue to participate in music education programs because they cannot imagine school without the meaningful engagement that music courses provide. Yet, for one reason or another, not all students continue their participation throughout their high school years. In fact, it is the transition from middle school to high school that has been identified as being the most crucial period in retaining music students. The key to successful retention is ACTION. In this session, a number of strategies will be shared that successful instrumental music educators and their constituents use to ensure a seamless transition from the first day that the student picks up the instrument through high school graduation—and beyond. Copies of this book will be provided to all attendees loaded onto flash drives.
Making an Advocate Out of Your Principal: Ten Things You Can Do Monday
This informative, inspiring presentation was developed after a district-wide survey which asked principals what they appreciated most about their music educators and what one area that teachers could improve. Learn how the principals responded along with practical, proven ideas to build and maintain the teacher/administrator relationship. Your program can be the centerpiece of your school. Take advantage of these "Ten Things You Can Do Monday" to build and maintain the teacher/administrator relationship.
“Modern Classroom” with Thanks to “Modern Family!”
Do you see an evolving student body at your school? Do you see our young people moving in a new direction? Do you want to engage more students in your elective program? How can we capture the attention of today’s students? There are literally millions of students in our hallways nationwide who just love music yet they haven’t made their way into our classrooms as yet. Successful, innovative, diverse programs that have accomplished ALL of this will be featured in this powerful session that explores ways in which new students have become engaged in relevant music programs across the country. We will share amazing examples of what INNOVATIVE music educators are doing to involve MORE students by pushing the edge of THEIR “traditional” envelope.
Creating a Unified Message through the Establishment of a Districtwide Music Education Plan
Created for Districtwide Music Education Professional Development (Full or Half-Day).
The focus of this Professional Development Day is to establish an aligned vision for the district’s K-12 Music Education Department that will lead music educators to discover their role as “team members” whole job is to lead students to a life-long relationship with music-making. In a fun and upbeat series of sessions, a plan including action strategies and department goals will be developed for supporting the unified vision. As time permits, an overview of the current curriculum will be performed to ensure that it is appropriately aligned to best serve the students.
The Curriculum Alignment Project (CAP) for Secondary Music Educators: A Snapshot Look at the Successful, District-wide Program to Enhance Music Education in the Clark County School District
The Secondary Music Education Department of the Clark County School District (“CCSD” headquartered in Las Vegas, NV) implemented a standards-based Curriculum Alignment Project (“CAP”) that provides music educators with specific standards-based teaching strategies to help students develop their playing/vocal skills along an assessment driven continuum. CCSD music educators have found these “method books” to be an invaluable asset in planning the entire year in that achievement targets are provided in a sequential, easy-to-use, month-by-month format. Many of our teachers have also said that this was the missing link in their formal education.
A “CAP” document has been written for each level (EX: Middle School Beginning Band, High School Chamber Choir, etc.) and each of these user-friendly books provides teachers with a variety of methods to use to achieve specific objectives. Attendees will be provided access to complimentary, online copies of each of these books which teachers may choose to personalize for individual use.
Interviewing Skills: the Rules of the Road
(Geared toward Music Education students but open to all.)
Would you be surprised to learn that the chance of getting a job may have less to do with teacher preparation than with people skills? Teacher candidates may be the best to ever graduate from the pre-service music education program but what is the best way to get that across in the resume or interview? Discover what administrators are looking for and how to best represent yourself in writing as well as in person.
Crossing Over to the Other Side of the Podium: Lessons in Body Language
(Geared toward Music Education students but open to all.)
From giving specific direction from the podium to organizing the various aspects of the curriculum to receiving appropriate funding for the program to getting out "the music education message," music educators have the ability to develop an enormous sphere of influence from "anywhere" within the circle of their various constituencies -- students, parents, schools, districts, communities, professional organizations, etc. It is vital to "set up" your listeners to hear your message(s) and your body language will support or betray you. Specific ideas and concepts will be presented to help teachers discover how leadership and purpose have provided our most successful music educators with "silent strategies" to help them realize their end goals.
Five Tips for Taking on Leadership Roles that Inspire Others
(Designed for juniors and seniors participating in their high school music education program.)
The start of a new school year always presents another exciting opportunity to set the course for a successful year of music-making and nothing charts that course like effective leadership from directors and students alike. Empowering young people allows them to have a voice in their own education while providing real-world leadership and decision-making experiences to create ACTION. There are a number of ways in which we can empower our student leaders to make a substantive difference in our programs by challenging them to help build the culture of those programs. This session takes a look at how just one event—the year’s first concert—can provide a number of leadership opportunities while generating excitement among the ensemble.
Building the Successful Music Program: A Guide for School District Leaders
There are very few administrators who wouldn’t want to have a rich and thriving music education program but what is the best way to make this a reality? This session provides school district leaders who have a limited background in music education with a step-by-step guide detailing how to get started and/or what indicators to look for in the case of a program that is already on its way. This topic can be presented as a single, one-hour session or developed in more specificity over the course of several sessions.
Mariachi Presentation: Broadening Your Base: From Zero to Mariachi
Schools with growing Latino demographics have found great success in engaging students, parents, and local communities by implementing standards-based, traditional mariachi programs. You too CAN go “From Zero to Mariachi” in a very short time and engage MANY MORE STUDENTS in your school’s comprehensive music program. Famed Grammy recording artist, Jose Hernandez, Director of the world-renowned Mariachi Sol de Mexico, and Marcia Neel, former supervisor of the nation’s largest mariachi education program in Las Vegas, NV, team up for this exciting, hands-on session that demonstrates how music programs can be expanded through this rich musical tradition.
Guitars would need to be provided for participants. This session requires two presenters so an additional cost would be required.
Mariachi Presentation: Building the Rhythm Section to Develop the Armonia
The rhythm section is the engine of the mariachi ensemble and should provide the foundation for the musical material. Successful rehearsal strategies that can be used to solidify this vital part of the ensemble will be demonstrated. Improvisation within the rhythm section can bring added vitality to the performance but as is the case in the jazz genre, there are guidelines which should be followed within the various mariachi styles. Famed Grammy recording artist, Jose Hernandez, Director of the world-renowned Mariachi Sol de Mexico demonstrates ways in which this can be accomplished so that participants may feel more encouraged to experiment with improvisation without distracting from the appropriate performance style.
Mariachi Presentation: Trumpet Basics for the Mariachi Style
There are specific trumpet techniques and articulations that the mariachi genre requires in order to play in the specific authentic style being performed. The control of the trumpet vibrato is explored so that musicians may apply the techniques required to perform in authentic style at any speed. The correct articulation of the mariachi staccato is also addressed. Famed Grammy recording artist, Jose Hernandez, Director of the world-renowned Mariachi Sol de Mexico, will work with participants to develop this correct performance style.
One is Too Small a Number to Achieve Something Great!
From the custodian who sets up chairs for the Open House performance, to the engineer who turns on the lights in the football stadium, to the counselor who helps to finagle a student schedule in order for him to participate, to the parent who agrees to greet participants at the venue with extra uniform pieces, to the principal who agrees to introduce the ensemble at the concert and everyone else in between, reaching out to others is the ONLY way to achieve something great. We must ALL work together as ONE TEAM and surround ourselves with those who CARE to help us achieve our goal—to guarantee success for EVERY student in the music program. This session makes a wonderful Keynote Address.
Five S.M.A.R.T. No-Fail Tips for Retaining Your Beginners!
Nothing is more important to the success of our music programs than retaining the students who are already enrolled--particularly the beginners. They must be taught as if they are preparing for a performance at Carnegie Hall. This session focuses on innovative, successful strategies for ensuring that theses most inexperienced musicians—the beginners—continue in our programs beyond that first, critical year. There are five pillars upon which to build our retention efforts and collectively, these are referred to as the S.M.A.R.T. approach to retention. This session will also provide real-world examples of activities that keep our beginners motivated to continue their music-making experiences as well as to inspire others to join in on the fun. The launch of the First Performance National Day of Celebration will also be discussed with information on how directors may participate. In live-action performances, directors, parents and administrators have told us that this celebration has not only provided the opportunity to recognize the achievements of beginning instrumental music students, it has also helped to reduce dropouts, encourage positive communication with parents and strengthen administrative support while serving as an exciting first step in their musical journey.
Building Your Music Program: A Practical Guide for Recruitment and Retention
Based on "best practices" from highly successful instrumental music educators, the Music Achievement Council has compiled several tools that cover every aspect of recruiting and retaining instrumental music students. Because it covers the fundamentals in great detail, this information is great for new teachers, young teachers or even experienced teachers. It not only provides sample forms and letters that are ready-to-use, but also shares retention ideas that can be implemented at any stage of the school year. Copies of this book are available via flash drives provided by the Music Achievement Council.
A Guide for Instrumental Music Teachers: Secrets Revealed from Teaching Legends and Leading Music Educators
The job of the music educator has always been multi-faceted but it is becoming even more complex due to the demands of today's challenging educational environment. The Music Achievement Council has responded by providing one of its most valuable resources—the Tips for Success Series FOR teachers BY teachers. This comprehensive collection of user-friendly recommendations provides practical success strategies to help educators stay on top of the many and varied elements of the successful program. This session touches on a number of specific “Tips” in a fun, upbeat presentation with complimentary flash drives containing these and many other materials being provided to all attendees at the conclusion. From beginners to the most experienced music educators, these Tips for Success are a must-have resource!
Bridging the Gap between Middle School and High School: Tips for Ensuring a Seamless Instrumental Music Education Experience
Students continue to participate in music education programs because they cannot imagine school without the meaningful engagement that music courses provide. Yet, for one reason or another, not all students continue their participation throughout their high school years. In fact, it is the transition from middle school to high school that has been identified as being the most crucial period in retaining music students. The key to successful retention is ACTION. In this session, a number of strategies will be shared that successful instrumental music educators and their constituents use to ensure a seamless transition from the first day that the student picks up the instrument through high school graduation—and beyond. Copies of this book will be provided to all attendees loaded onto flash drives.
Making an Advocate Out of Your Principal: Ten Things You Can Do Monday
This informative, inspiring presentation was developed after a district-wide survey which asked principals what they appreciated most about their music educators and what one area that teachers could improve. Learn how the principals responded along with practical, proven ideas to build and maintain the teacher/administrator relationship. Your program can be the centerpiece of your school. Take advantage of these "Ten Things You Can Do Monday" to build and maintain the teacher/administrator relationship.
“Modern Classroom” with Thanks to “Modern Family!”
Do you see an evolving student body at your school? Do you see our young people moving in a new direction? Do you want to engage more students in your elective program? How can we capture the attention of today’s students? There are literally millions of students in our hallways nationwide who just love music yet they haven’t made their way into our classrooms as yet. Successful, innovative, diverse programs that have accomplished ALL of this will be featured in this powerful session that explores ways in which new students have become engaged in relevant music programs across the country. We will share amazing examples of what INNOVATIVE music educators are doing to involve MORE students by pushing the edge of THEIR “traditional” envelope.
Creating a Unified Message through the Establishment of a Districtwide Music Education Plan
Created for Districtwide Music Education Professional Development (Full or Half-Day).
The focus of this Professional Development Day is to establish an aligned vision for the district’s K-12 Music Education Department that will lead music educators to discover their role as “team members” whole job is to lead students to a life-long relationship with music-making. In a fun and upbeat series of sessions, a plan including action strategies and department goals will be developed for supporting the unified vision. As time permits, an overview of the current curriculum will be performed to ensure that it is appropriately aligned to best serve the students.
The Curriculum Alignment Project (CAP) for Secondary Music Educators: A Snapshot Look at the Successful, District-wide Program to Enhance Music Education in the Clark County School District
The Secondary Music Education Department of the Clark County School District (“CCSD” headquartered in Las Vegas, NV) implemented a standards-based Curriculum Alignment Project (“CAP”) that provides music educators with specific standards-based teaching strategies to help students develop their playing/vocal skills along an assessment driven continuum. CCSD music educators have found these “method books” to be an invaluable asset in planning the entire year in that achievement targets are provided in a sequential, easy-to-use, month-by-month format. Many of our teachers have also said that this was the missing link in their formal education.
A “CAP” document has been written for each level (EX: Middle School Beginning Band, High School Chamber Choir, etc.) and each of these user-friendly books provides teachers with a variety of methods to use to achieve specific objectives. Attendees will be provided access to complimentary, online copies of each of these books which teachers may choose to personalize for individual use.
Interviewing Skills: the Rules of the Road
(Geared toward Music Education students but open to all.)
Would you be surprised to learn that the chance of getting a job may have less to do with teacher preparation than with people skills? Teacher candidates may be the best to ever graduate from the pre-service music education program but what is the best way to get that across in the resume or interview? Discover what administrators are looking for and how to best represent yourself in writing as well as in person.
Crossing Over to the Other Side of the Podium: Lessons in Body Language
(Geared toward Music Education students but open to all.)
From giving specific direction from the podium to organizing the various aspects of the curriculum to receiving appropriate funding for the program to getting out "the music education message," music educators have the ability to develop an enormous sphere of influence from "anywhere" within the circle of their various constituencies -- students, parents, schools, districts, communities, professional organizations, etc. It is vital to "set up" your listeners to hear your message(s) and your body language will support or betray you. Specific ideas and concepts will be presented to help teachers discover how leadership and purpose have provided our most successful music educators with "silent strategies" to help them realize their end goals.
Five Tips for Taking on Leadership Roles that Inspire Others
(Designed for juniors and seniors participating in their high school music education program.)
The start of a new school year always presents another exciting opportunity to set the course for a successful year of music-making and nothing charts that course like effective leadership from directors and students alike. Empowering young people allows them to have a voice in their own education while providing real-world leadership and decision-making experiences to create ACTION. There are a number of ways in which we can empower our student leaders to make a substantive difference in our programs by challenging them to help build the culture of those programs. This session takes a look at how just one event—the year’s first concert—can provide a number of leadership opportunities while generating excitement among the ensemble.
Building the Successful Music Program: A Guide for School District Leaders
There are very few administrators who wouldn’t want to have a rich and thriving music education program but what is the best way to make this a reality? This session provides school district leaders who have a limited background in music education with a step-by-step guide detailing how to get started and/or what indicators to look for in the case of a program that is already on its way. This topic can be presented as a single, one-hour session or developed in more specificity over the course of several sessions.
Mariachi Presentation: Broadening Your Base: From Zero to Mariachi
Schools with growing Latino demographics have found great success in engaging students, parents, and local communities by implementing standards-based, traditional mariachi programs. You too CAN go “From Zero to Mariachi” in a very short time and engage MANY MORE STUDENTS in your school’s comprehensive music program. Famed Grammy recording artist, Jose Hernandez, Director of the world-renowned Mariachi Sol de Mexico, and Marcia Neel, former supervisor of the nation’s largest mariachi education program in Las Vegas, NV, team up for this exciting, hands-on session that demonstrates how music programs can be expanded through this rich musical tradition.
Guitars would need to be provided for participants. This session requires two presenters so an additional cost would be required.
Mariachi Presentation: Building the Rhythm Section to Develop the Armonia
The rhythm section is the engine of the mariachi ensemble and should provide the foundation for the musical material. Successful rehearsal strategies that can be used to solidify this vital part of the ensemble will be demonstrated. Improvisation within the rhythm section can bring added vitality to the performance but as is the case in the jazz genre, there are guidelines which should be followed within the various mariachi styles. Famed Grammy recording artist, Jose Hernandez, Director of the world-renowned Mariachi Sol de Mexico demonstrates ways in which this can be accomplished so that participants may feel more encouraged to experiment with improvisation without distracting from the appropriate performance style.
Mariachi Presentation: Trumpet Basics for the Mariachi Style
There are specific trumpet techniques and articulations that the mariachi genre requires in order to play in the specific authentic style being performed. The control of the trumpet vibrato is explored so that musicians may apply the techniques required to perform in authentic style at any speed. The correct articulation of the mariachi staccato is also addressed. Famed Grammy recording artist, Jose Hernandez, Director of the world-renowned Mariachi Sol de Mexico, will work with participants to develop this correct performance style.