Sessions

The United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" provides musical support for the leadership of the United States, to include all branches of government, and to a wide spectrum of national and international events in order to connect the Army to the American people. Headquartered in Washington, DC, The U.S. Army Concert Band has performed in concert venues such as Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, and Hollywood Bowl. The ensemble participates in ongoing, educational outreach and often appears at national and international music events. Pershing’s Own is regularly called upon to present chamber music performances for our nation’s highest leaders, foreign dignitaries, public concerts, and educational outreach. Our 2025 Midwest Clinic chamber performance will feature a cross-section of ensembles regularly formed in support of these efforts.

Central Junior High (grades 7-9) is part of the Hurst Euless Bedford ISD, which has been recognized as the second most diverse school district in Texas, and the 18th most diverse school district in the country. Central is the most diverse Junior High in Texas with our school’s economically disadvantaged population at 61%. According to the home language surveys, there are 35 languages other than English spoken by our CJH families. I believe that the diversity of our school is what makes it so unique and a special place to learn and work. Another very unique attribute about HEBISD is that it is one of only a handful of districts that has a K-12 strings program. Students have the opportunity to take Suzuki strings at one of the 10 (out of 21) Elementary Schools, or they can join the CJH Orchestra as a beginner in 7th grade. Due to the various ability levels of the students, Central has six orchestras ranging from Beginning Strings to the varsity Chamber Orchestra. I believe that we do an excellent job of being the bridge that helps the elementary students move from the Suzuki method to a traditional orchestra setting. To help the students make the transition, we provide orchestra opportunities at the elementary level. We have three elementary orchestras, two of which students earn placement by audition. They meet once a week and participate in several concerts a year. The third group is made up of first-time orchestra students selected by their Suzuki teachers to participate. All of these groups give our Elementary Suzuki students an opportunity to learn how to be a valuable member of an orchestra, while learning skills they will use when they advance to the secondary level. Central’s Band program has received numerous accolades such as the BBB Honor Band Award in 2006, an invitation to the Midwest Clinic in 2019, the 2021 TMEA Invited Ensemble, the Sudler Silver Shield in 2022, and performing at Music for All National Festival in 2023. Last year, the CJH Orchestra was the Invited Spotlight Performance for the Texas Music Educators Association Convention and has been a Commended and National winner with the Mark of Excellence Foundation. Combining the two strong programs into a Full Orchestra was a natural progression for growth. We made the decision to fully commit to the Full Orchestra by entering them in the Texas UIL (University Scholastic League) contest. We had consistent rehearsals throughout the school year and provided recordings and rehearsal notes to the students. The group was awarded a perfect sweepstakes award, with all six judges giving us the highest score possible. More importantly, we have built a cohesive community between the two programs. The Full Orchestra students are always excited to rehearse together, and look forward to future performance opportunities.

A Band comprised of the former members of The Band of the Midwest will perform selections of new music submitted by exhibiting publishers.

Many of the challenges of teaching music have the same common denominator: classroom management. This is a common challenge among both beginning and experienced teachers, and is often cited as a common concern among supervising administrators. This session will focus on positive and proactive strategies to manage music ensemble classrooms based in psychology. Participants will leave with tools to eliminate stress and improve student and teacher success.

The Emerging Music Educators track at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic is designed to support novice music teachers as they transition into their professional roles. This specialized track offers sessions focused on practical strategies, classroom management, and pedagogy tailored to the unique challenges of early career educators. It also provides valuable insights for mentors and supervisors, equipping them to guide and support new teachers effectively. By fostering collaboration and professional growth, the track empowers educators at the start of their careers to build a strong foundation for long-term success.

Memorial High School is one of 12 high schools in Frisco ISD and serves a vibrant and diverse student body. The school’s percussion program plays a central role in the band curriculum, featuring both drumline and percussion ensembles that offer a wide range of performance and competitive opportunities. In the fall, percussion students perform with the Memorial High School Marching Band and compete in regional drumline events. In the spring, they audition for concert band placements and take part in two dedicated percussion ensemble concerts, showcasing guest artists. Through these experiences, the Memorial percussion program cultivates musical growth, technical skill, and a strong sense of community.

Composer diversity always existed in wind band music, yet many groups are under-represented in today’s programs. This clinic digs into the musical legacy of Australia’s women composers and how it can be included in today’s band programs; exploring how previously unrecognized composers are identified, and their works made accessible for today’s performance. If your interest is in women composers, Australian band music, or in reclaiming heritage music from your own community, join the discussion!

Rachel Barton Pine will discuss her Music by Black Composers project, and Jennifer Kennard will introduce MBC’s new collection for student flutists, produced with the NFA. The book contains beginner and elementary-level repertoire, and shares stories about the history of Black classical musicians. MBC books work to inspire Black students to feel a stronger connection to playing classical music, and this neglected but wonderful repertoire can expand the horizons of students of all ethnicities.

When designing and planning a new or remodeled performance space, there are numerous acoustical considerations that need to be taken into account. Learn how to avoid critical mistakes early in the construction planning process and gain an understanding of how properly designed acoustical environments are critical to a successful performance.m. Presented by Wenger Corporation

Today’s administrators must be fluent in the language of data. Dr. Linley will discuss various ways for administrators and teachers to harness the power data when seeking to tell their advocacy story. Attendees will receive approachable and applicable examples they can use when leading, either from the classroom or the administration building. Learn to tell a data story grounded in engagement, achievement, academics, and student voice.

Explore how the TonalEnergy app enhances individual and ensemble growth. Learn how to grow individual skills, refine ensemble sounds, and create custom click tracks to boost engagement and precision. This session offers simple, effective tech strategies to integrate into daily rehearsals, helping musicians take ownership of their progress. Join us for this interactive 20-minute session and see how small steps with technology lead to big results!

Our clinic presents the results of a two-year study examining the high prevalence of food insecurity (FI) in the Kansas State University marching band as compared to the University, and the effects of establishing a food pantry in the rehearsal hall. The audience will learn about FI in this population, the significant toll it takes on well-being and academic performance, how we recognized and approached the problem, and steps that can be taken to identify and alleviate FI in their performing groups.

Harlingen High School South, located in the beautiful, tropical Rio Grande Valley of Texas, is home to a thriving band program with approximately 200 students and a comprehensive music curriculum. Students have opportunities to perform in a variety of ensembles, including marching band, concert bands, jazz bands, mariachi, musical theatre, and chamber groups. The program’s three concert ensembles are consistent sweepstakes winners, with all concert bands earning straight Division I ratings at UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contests in recent years. Many students are also selected for the prestigious Texas All-State Band, supported by the program’s commitment to private instruction. Led by Director of Bands Ronnie Rios, along with associate directors Victor Garza, Melanie Kulaga, Laura Benavides, and Raul Liendo, the program benefits from strong support by parents, HCISD administrators, the school board, and campus staff. “Shaping and molding students into amazing human beings is always at the forefront of my agenda,” says Rios. The “Mighty Hawk” Marching Band has performed at the UIL State Marching Contest, regularly earning first-division and “Grand Champion” awards at competitions across Texas. The ensemble has also been a Bands of America Regional Finalist. The HHSS Wind Ensemble has been recognized as a TMEA Honor Band State Finalist. The school’s vibrant jazz program features three award-winning ensembles that perform across the community, compete at state events, and have produced Texas All-State Jazz Musicians. The jazz ensembles have also presented clinics at The Midwest Clinic and the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention. HHSS offers extensive individual and chamber performance opportunities, including clarinet choir, saxophone quartet, percussion ensembles, and a chamber music festival. Annual traditions like “Band Olympics” and the “Talent Show” during summer band camp foster camaraderie and showcase student creativity. Harlingen High School South is home to some of the most dedicated, hardworking, and passionate young musicians in South Texas—students who, through diligence and artistry, continue to achieve excellence both on and off the stage.

Drawing from 30 years of experience, this clinic highlights essential skills for non-string players to excel in the orchestra classroom. As orchestra programs expand nationwide, their roles remain vital. Too often, the focus is on adequate teaching as rather than achieving excellence. As Jacqueline Dillon Krauss once told me, why just survive in the field when you can thrive?

While music technology can be a powerful tool, it is most effective when directors use it in a variety of ways to unlock its full potential. Hear this amazing panel of music educators discuss how they can harness MakeMusic Cloud to meet the needs of their programs both in class and for students at home. Whether your beginning students are learning their first notes or your advanced ensemble is preparing to play at The Midwest Clinic, this session will cover all levels of student musicians! MakeMusic Inc.