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.

Unlocking Funding Opportunities for Your Music Program: Discover how to find and apply for grants that support classrooms, instruments, and performances. Learn how to approach community foundations, what data strengthens your application, and strategies to align with funder priorities. Leave with practical tools and confidence to secure funding that grows and sustains your music program. Presented by Wenger Corporation

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.

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.

The Midwest Clinic Chat Rooms provide an arena where teachers will learn from and dialogue with expert practitioners. These brief ‘chats’ allow directors a forum for collaboration in a relaxed, intimate environment. The Chat Rooms have limited seating so attendance is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Forney High School Wind Ensemble is a premier performance ensemble based in Forney, Texas, about 20 miles east of Dallas. The city of Forney is located in Kaufman County, which is currently the fastest-growing county in the nation. Students begin their instrumental studies in the 6th grade at Rhea Intermediate and Jones Intermediate Schools, and continue as 7th and 8th graders at Warren and Themer Middle Schools. Through vertical team teaching, the high school and middle school directors work together collaboratively each week to teach more than 40 classes across 5 campuses daily. Intermediate and Middle School band members perform multiple concerts each year, travel to music festivals, build their individual musicianship through the TMEA All Region audition process, and build their small ensemble and chamber music skills through a district hosted solo and ensemble contest each year.

This session will discuss the demographics in the U.S. schools regarding the high presence of Latino population, in contrast with the low presence of music by Latin American composers in the regular band concerts. Part of the problem is the lack of knowledge in band directors of the existence of these works. This session will discuss key elements of context, including the issues of not programing this type of pieces, and will introduce works for young wind bands (grades 2-4) by Latino composers.

Fairview High School, established in 1960, is located in Boulder, Colorado and has an enrollment of 1,861 students. Boulder, home to the University of Colorado, is a scholarly community of 105,000 residents dedicated to education, technology, the arts and recreation. Fairview is a comprehensive four-year public high school with a rich tradition of providing students a rigorous academic program. This is accomplished under the guidance of 120 faculty members, averaging 14 years of teaching experience with 79 masters’ and 7 doctoral degrees. Fairview’s curriculum is designed to challenge the potential of each student and includes a college preparatory curriculum, an Advanced Placement level curriculum, and an IB Diploma program. Students at Fairview are accomplished academically and also excel in sports, music and the arts.

Learn from the experiences and expertise of successful, veteran band directors who have dedicated three or more decades to music education. Panelists will share a wealth of knowledge on topics including personal growth, managing common challenges, and building program culture, as they continue to evolve into mentorship for the next generation of directors. Gain invaluable insights from those who have shaped countless young musicians and guided their journeys through the world of music.

Building a formidable Woodwind program is paramount primarily in years one and two. Basic and solid fundamentals for Clarinet and Saxophone students along with reed, mouthpiece and equipment knowledge is key. This information will support and improve motivation, efficiency, retention and ultimately musical successes. Discussing Embouchure, Hand Positions, Tonguing, Intonation, Reeds/care, Mouthpieces, Ligatures and the basic one-on-one issues that arise in the first years of performance.

Percussionists are like illusionists when it comes to rolling. When given a half note, the player must do their best to create the illusion of sustain. In reality, the player is alternating single strokes as fast as possible. This clinic will offer practical advice on playing smooth rolls for two and four mallets. Two performances of pieces with rolls will be featured and a handout of resources for pieces that include two- and four-mallet rolled passages and/or full pieces will be available.

Clinicians José Diaz and Dick Dunscomb will demonstrate strategies for “Day One” success for your beginning jazz band. This session will focus on developing a swing rhythm section from scratch, teaching jazz articulations, and utilizing great recordings that reinforce concepts. A middle school jazz band will provide an actual rehearsal lab experience for all present.

Imagine the vibrant sound of mariachi music filling your school campus. This session unlocks the secrets to building a thriving mariachi program from scratch. We'll explore everything from igniting initial excitement and securing resources to designing a captivating curriculum that incorporates instrumental instruction and vocal training. Join us and bring the joy of mariachi to your community!

Learn how to build a comprehensive environment that nurtures full musicianship without sacrificing performance goals. This session will offer creative scheduling ideas, embedded assessments, and cross-curricular integration tips that work for any ensemble, From introducing new tools, to time-saving assignments - we’ll share best practices and demonstrate software to maximize your time (and save you some headaches). Presented by MusicFirst

Day one clinics are presented by master teachers who have demonstrated a high degree of success in providing sound pedagogical methods for teaching beginning students, or in assisting more advanced students who may have developed bad habits detrimental to producing characteristic tone and/or habits detrimental to technical mastery. Day One clinics will take place in an intimate and personal space so that each attendee may enjoy a close view of demonstrated techniques.

The Midwest Clinic Chat Rooms provide an arena where teachers will learn from and dialogue with expert practitioners. These brief ‘chats’ allow directors a forum for collaboration in a relaxed, intimate environment. The Chat Rooms have limited seating so attendance is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS) Percussion Ensemble meets every other day for 90 minutes and for select weekly after-school rehearsals when needed (generally once a week in the months of January through March). The ensemble performs on average at two band concerts a year and one Showcase Concert in late March that includes collegiate and professional repertoire. All members of the ensemble perform Žtudes in all areas of percussion, including marimba, vibraphone, timpani, snare drum, and drum set. All students are expected to audition for All-District and All-State Band in all three areas (mallets, timpani, and snare drum). In addition, each member will perform eight solo convocation performances throughout their high school career. Convocation solos usually focus on multiple percussion, marimba, vibraphone, timpani, and xylophone solos. YPAS percussionists are also expected to perform at least one solo at the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) District 12 Solo and Ensemble Festival each year. Lastly, all senior percussionists perform a full recital in the spring semester.

Music is more than notes—it carries history, culture, and meaning. Conductors bring a composer’s story to life, but interpreting Chinese-influenced wind band music requires cultural and musical understanding. In this presentation, Meijun Chen and Gao Hong will examine the intersection of Chinese and Western traditions, offering insights into interpretation, phrasing, tone color, and articulation, while addressing diversity, representation, and cross-cultural collaboration in wind band music.

Day one clinics are presented by master teachers who have demonstrated a high degree of success in providing sound pedagogical methods for teaching beginning students, or in assisting more advanced students who may have developed bad habits detrimental to producing characteristic tone and/or habits detrimental to technical mastery. Day One clinics will take place in an intimate and personal space so that each attendee may enjoy a close view of demonstrated techniques.

Following a 15-minute break from “Day One,” clinicians Antonio García and Don Zentz will demonstrate strategies for “Day Two” success for your beginning jazz band. This session will focus on developing call-and-response phrasing, teaching improvisation, and utilizing great recordings that reinforce concepts. A middle school jazz band will provide an actual rehearsal lab experience for all present and will perform a tune demonstrating the results of the concepts scaffolded in the “Day One” and “Day Two” sessions.

Musicianship is vital to young students' artistic growth. This session guides the transition from “first days” to instruments through rhythm vocabulary, solfege, and sequential teaching strategies.It offers an individualized approach utilizing supplemental materials and guidance for first-time challenges. Explore multiple e-learning tools to apply comprehensive musicianship in full-ensemble settings. Presented by GIA Publications/Meredith Music

The members of the Leander Middle School Band program are diverse, well-rounded, hard-working young musicians, who care deeply about making music and making the world a better place. With only 860 students in school (and all students getting only one elective choice), our 280-student band program is truly a home away from home for our students. Leander Middle School’s diverse student population is 35% Hispanic, 7% Black, 7% Asian, 7% one or more races, and 44% white, and the band program reflects similar numbers. With over 35% of our population being economically disadvantaged, we are able to provide supplies, private lesson scholarships, and general financial assistance to any family that needs it. In the Leander Tiger Band, we have three ability-based Advanced Bands and homogeneous classes in Beginning Band. Our band students also participate in other activities, including National Junior Honor Society, Student Council, Yearbook, Athletics, Cheerleading, Dance, and various clubs on campus. Our curriculum focuses on fostering a love of music in every student, achieving musicianship at the highest possible level, and students leaving our program better human beings and more productive members of society.

Want to transform your program by building community and giving your students voice and ownership? Veteran band and orchestra teachers share best practices for elevating music performance through a program-wide culture of excellence that reflects the servant leadership legacy of Tim Lautzenheiser. The panel will discuss impactful community-building along with tips and tools to implement such strategies in rehearsals and performances as well as non-musical settings.

The Chicagoland Educators Orchestra will perform selections of new music submitted by exhibiting publishers.

As passionate educators, we believe successful band pedagogy starts with strategic planning and efficient rehearsals. Bell and Lewis will share strategies for a structured yearly approach that builds strong fundamentals, refines technique, and prepares students for success. We emphasize student accountability and engagement, and instrument-specific pedagogy. By constantly expanding our knowledge and refining our teaching, we strive to elevate both our students and our own musicianship.

Unlock beginner band students’ musical potential with a Sound Before Symbol approach! This session explores integrating aural skills and improvisation into beginner instruction. Through call-and-response, rhythm, and simple improvisation, students enhance listening, creativity, and expression from day one. Discover strategies to build musicianship, connect students to jazz and contemporary music, and foster confident, engaged players—before reading sheet music!

This clinic highlights contemporary clarinet repertoire and the power of global collaboration in redefining the instrument’s role. Through performance and discussion, it will explore works by international composers who reimagine classical masterpieces and push the boundaries of solo and ensemble clarinet music.

This session will show strategies for lone or small program directors to implement a student-to-student mentoring program in order to create additional "staff." In addition to using students to assist, we will also show how using alumni, community, and director-to-director mentoring can exponentially accelerate individual and program growth for students and directors. Whether you are a solo head director or not, making the most of peer power can take the pressure off in so many ways!

The Centennial High School Wind Ensemble is the premier concert band at Centennial High School in Ellicott City, Maryland, a diverse and academically strong community in Howard County. The ensemble is part of a comprehensive, sequential band program that includes three concert bands, a jazz band, a marching band, and a steel drum band.Under the direction of David Matchim, the Wind Ensemble emphasizes technical excellence, ensemble musicianship, and artistic expression. The program is deeply supported by the school, parents, and local community, with a strong commitment to equity and access in music education. Centennial was previously honored to perform at the 2018 Midwest ClinicÑthe first Maryland high school band to do so in over four decades. Their return to The Midwest Clinic in 2025 marks a celebration of resilience, artistry, and community.

In today’s competitive educational landscape, the ability to find, attract, and retain students isn’t just important—it’s survival. Traditional strategies won’t cut it with students who live in a digitally connected world. In this session, Scott Lang will show you how to move beyond outdated tactics and build a recruitment and retention system for today’s students. This is a can't miss session for anyone looking to grow their program. Presented by Music & Arts

Join Dr. Kathleen Carter Bell (oboe) and Dr. Conor Bell (bassoon) in a clinic designed to demystify double reed fundamentals for ensemble directors. This session doesnÕt assume extensive prior double reed experience and offers resources and concrete steps for improving issues to do with response, intonation, and tone. You will leave with practical knowledge to help your students sound better in ensembles and increase their joy in playing!

Homestead Jazz Ensemble 1 is the premier jazz ensemble at Homestead High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The jazz program at Homestead expanded in 2015 with the addition of a second jazz ensemble. Jazz Ensemble 1 and 2 began performing at jazz festivals in 2018, and a third jazz ensemble was added in 2021. All jazz ensembles at Homestead are co-curricular and have corresponding combos. Homestead Jazz Ensemble 1 earns top honor band recognition at local and state jazz festivals and has advanced to the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Jazz Finals six times since the event's inception in 2016. The band advanced most recently in 2025 for their fourth consecutive appearance, where they received the Outstanding Rhythm Section Award and Outstanding Rhythm Section Soloist awards in Indiana.

This clinic will review central elements of Klezmer style, and its applicability and challenges when playing Klezmer as a concert band.

While wonderful performances routinely come from learned conductors, leaders on the podium who are also composers bring a unique perspective when realizing a score and sculpting a performance. Their intimate knowledge of the compositional process, and the choices they make when imagining and then notating sounds are insights that conductors from all walks of life will find value in hearing. With the Edina Concert Band (MN) performing excerpts from his recent works, Timothy Mahr offers a composer’s perspective.

Parents play a critical role in not only a music program’s success but also in that of the profession. Spend a few minutes with the incomparable “Dr. Tim” as he says ‘Thank You’ to all parents for their incredible dedication to their children and music education. Additionally, some special guests will stop by to share information about how to secure college scholarships in music (even non-majors!), parents’ roles in music programs, and much more. Open to any music parent attending the conference.

We often hear "I am a woodwind, how do I teach brass?" This session will provide extra tools to those who are not as familiar with brass instruments for tone production, clarity, range, and intonation, particularly during the first year of beginning band. The listener will learn to identify and apply aspects of playing all woodwind instruments that can be applied and transferred to brass playing and vice versa.

It is hard getting students to be in your program, and just as hard to keep them. Techniques for recruiting and retaining students will be shared and explored. Students are looking for a personal connection and trust when they are committing to a program. Looking at approaches to recruiting through communication, performance, clinics, and personal connections, and research from current students on why they chose to be in music and what attracted them, will be the focus of this presentation.

Playing with a good sound is vital to keeping students excited about learning a string instrument. If students like their sound and tone quality, they will want to continue playing in orchestra. In this session, we will discuss and demonstrate the fundamentals of tone production, bow usage/distribution, playing in different parts of the bow, and articulations that will allow students to perform with a beautiful tone quality from their first year in orchestra to their last.

In this session we will review five critical factors in the planning of new or remodeled secondary music spaces — Acoustics, Floor Plan, Storage, Technology and Equipment. Learn how to ensure your new facility will promote critical listening, sound isolation, efficient space layout and proper equipment recommendations for teachers, learners, performers and audiences in your spaces. Presented by Wenger

The guitar is an instrument that can help schools and communities reach students and individuals not actively involved in making music. Using various strategies, including fingerpicking, flat-picking, playing contemporary as well as classical literature will be addressed. What you need to start a guitar program and the equipment you will need will be discussed.

The Louisville Winds was founded in 2011 by Nan Moore to create an opportunity for adults who love band music to continue playing their instrument in a concert setting. Members of this true community band represent a variety of vocations including current and retired music educators, attorneys, bankers, medical professionals, and business executives. In its reasonably short history, this 60- member volunteer ensemble has worked with numerous guest soloists, guest conductors, guest clinicians, and composers. Additionally, Louisville Winds has performed three times at the Kentucky Music Educators Conference and the 2019 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. A community favorite, the ensemble has developed a large following for its annual holiday and summer parks concerts. Louisville Winds charges no admission for concerts but rather relies upon donations to cover operational expenses.

Intriguing programs of great beauty and breadth have distinguished the PRISM Quartet as one of America’s foremost chamber ensembles. PRISM seeks to place the saxophone in unexpected contexts, chart fresh musical territory, and to challenge, inspire, and move audiences. “A bold ensemble that set the standard for contemporary-classical saxophone quartets” (The New York Times), PRISM was founded by students of the renowned Donald Sinta at the University of Michigan in 1984.

Percussion equipment is a big part of any band program. However, many band directors and percussion specialists do not have enough training to help manage their inventory to ensure a complete experience. This clinic will cover all of the basics involving percussion equipment and how it improves the educational process.

Traditional mentorship models often struggle with sustainability. This session explores how state alliances like the Iowa and Idaho Alliances, along with Teach Music, are creating lasting mentorship networks. Learn how to structure, fund, and sustain mentorship programs through alliances, ensuring stronger support for arts educators. Gain practical tools and strategies to build impactful mentorship in your community.

"E Ala E: Arise and Awaken" is a significant 3-movement work for band based on Native Hawaiian chant and folk songs. The Eddie Kamae Songbook is also a Hawai'i-based commissioning project that brought together UH West O'ahu, the Hawaiian Legacy Foundation, and the Naulu Winds. This brought to life four of Kamae’s songs to help perpetuate authentic Hawaiian music for bands. We will highlight our methodology of creating indigenous music through the collaboration between commissioners and composers.

Whether teaching a high school marching band or middle school wind ensemble, proper conducting technique is a valuable component of the highly-effective band director. In this interactive and engaging clinic, Richardson and Glaser will provide tips and lead daily activities to prepare for the upcoming year on the podium. Dress comfortably, bring your batons, and prepare to improve your hands in an effort to build better bands!

"Big Band Drumming at First Sight" explains to educators the ins and outs of how to confidently lead a big band while sight-reading. Drawing from his experience recording for the Belwin Jazz catalog, Steve Fidyk shares strategies for interpreting ensemble figures, shaping dynamics, and navigating form in real time. This clinic provides essential tools to develop phrasing, articulation, and groove, helping educators and their drummers sound polished on the first read—just like the pros!

Discover how the four pillars of Culture, Content, Context, and Community can transform your band or orchestra program. This session offers practical strategies to build inclusive rehearsal spaces, teach meaningful music, connect learning to students’ lives, and strengthen community through performance. Presented by Hal Leonard

This session will provide a blueprint of practical guidelines to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles beyond the notes and rhythms, supporting music educators from the earliest stages of their career through veteran leadership. Participants will leave with actionable strategies, valuable resources, and clear pathways to grow and thrive. Draft a career blueprint that’s fulfilling, flexible, and built to last!

Remote recording is easier and more affordable than ever before; this clinic explores how to use available technology in various music education scenarios without the need for extensive training or expensive equipment.

Rockville, Maryland, is home to Thomas S. Wootton High School, one of twenty-eight high schools in the Montgomery County Public School System (MCPS). The school system is the largest in Maryland and 15th in the United States. Wootton Feeder Schools are Cabin John Middle School and Robert Frost Middle School.

Join host Randall Standridge and the Davenport High School Band for a high-energy live reading session featuring new works from Randall Standridge Music! Hear composers introduce their pieces, discover exciting new repertoire, and win incredible door prizes—including a FREE commission! Don’t miss this unique and inspiring event. Presented By Randall Standridge Music

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.

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.

The University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble 1 is the flagship ensemble of the prestigious University of North Florida Jazz Studies Program. Thanks to the visionary leadership of Rich Matteson in 1986, UNF’s JE 1 has enjoyed the reputation of being one of the finest collegiate jazz ensembles worldwide. Jazz Ensemble 1 has won numerous group and individual awards and has been invited to perform at prestigious jazz festivals in both the U.S. and in Europe. Jazz Ensemble 1 is the 2015 Downbeat award-winning undergraduate jazz ensemble. The ensemble also has been invited to perform at International Association of Jazz Educators Conferences in Atlanta, Boston, Miami and New Orleans, the prestigious Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, the Suncoast Jazz Festival in Tampa, the Savannah Jazz Festival, the Mobile Jazz Festival, The Lakeside Jazz Festival, The Orange Blossom Jazz Festival and annually at the Jacksonville Jazz Festival. A special component of the UNF Jazz Studies Program is the Great American Jazz Series, which regularly brings in stellar jazz artists as residents. This series, along with other opportunities, has enabled Jazz Ensemble 1 to perform in concert with more than 100 esteemed artists.

Sponsored by the American Bandmasters Association IDEA Committee, this panel discussion with composers will delve into their reflections and influences that led them to compose music for the wind band.

Atlantic Brass Band, one of North America’s premier brass bands, proudly serves as the Ensemble-in-Residence at Rowan University. Its members include a diverse group of educators, college students, professional musicians, and non-music professionals, all united by their passion for brass band music. Originally founded as the Wheaton Brass Band in 1984 by Yorkshire-born Herb Roselle and his wife Lucy, Atlantic Brass Band is one of the oldest brass bands of its kind in North America.

Delve into the rich world of instrumental jazz—an educational treasure for students. A well-run jazz ensemble cultivates creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. This session, led by experienced clinicians, guides band directors in programming, rehearsing, and administering jazz programs. Learn about valuable resources for ongoing professional growth as jazz educators, while also bridging the gap for those with limited experience.

All wind band directors strive for musical excellence. But when students struggle to play correct notes, rhythms, dynamics, and articulations, it’s easy to miss opportunities for higher level musicianship (expression, phrasing, and style). In this session, we present a systematic, research-based approach to help wind band directors detect errors accurately and efficiently, allowing both performers and directors to focus on high-level musicianship and experience the joy of music making.

Feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of teaching? This session will help you identify hidden and obvious stressors while equipping you with powerful short and long term strategies to create a healthier, happier lifestyle. Discover how shifting your mindset can transform your teaching, even in the most challenging conditions. Take control of your well-being and reignite your passion for teaching!

One of North Texas' steadily-growing school districts, Little Elm ISD is nestled neatly along 62 miles of shoreline on Lake Lewisville. The District encompasses 40 square miles in the southeast corner of Denton County and serves students who reside in the communities of Little Elm, Frisco, Hackberry, Lakewood Village, Oak Point, and The Colony. Little Elm ISD currently enrolls approximately 8,200 students in six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school.

This session will empower band directors with limited instrumentation through a guided approach to a structured rehearsal plan beginning with long tones, scales, unison exercises, tuning, and chorales - and ending with comparing various flexible ensemble titles to their original versions. Experiences will be shared regarding utilizing flex literature with a band with limited instrumentation. Stop worrying about having to cover parts. Instead, let’s make music!

Rockville, Maryland is home to Robert Frost Middle School, one of 40 middle schools in the Montgomery County Public School System (MCPS) and adjoins the north border of Washington, D. C.. With over 160,000 students, the school system is the largest in Maryland and 15th in the United States. Our students proceed to Thomas S. Wootton High School and various magnet programs. Just north of Washington, D.C, this school serves a vast geographical area, spanning portions of Rockville, Potomac, and Gaithersburg. Robert Frost Middle School serves 930 students in grades 6-8.

This presentation will explore the life and career of John L. Whitwell, a distinguished wind band conductor and music educator. Whitwell’s impact includes leading university band programs, commissioning new works, and contributing to key music organizations. Through an interview with Whitwell and colleagues, the presentation will highlight his influence on the wind band community and his lasting legacy in shaping future generations of music educators and conductors.

Unleash every student's potential! Join Annie Ray to see how MakeMusic helps educators empower all learners, from those in traditional classrooms to those in nontraditional settings. Discover practical strategies and real-world examples to meet students where they are, fostering independent, confident, and creative growth. Experience the Sounds of Success and learn to amplify it for every student, everywhere. Presented by MakeMusic, Inc.

This session will use excerpts of Canadian wind band music to highlight information and topics that can provide practical and immediate benefit to educators and conductors attending the Midwest Clinic, regardless of nationality.

Located in Flower Mound, Texas, Shadow Ridge Middle School serves grades 6-8 and is part of the Lewisville Independent School District, which educates over 47,000 students. Our district is known for offering exceptional academic programs alongside some of the country’s top-performing fine arts programs. Shadow Ridge is one of 15 middle schools in the district, about 30 miles northwest of Dallas. Under the direction of Mr. Ross Patterson and Ms. Adrienne Schuster, the Shadow Ridge Middle School Band includes over 200 students in grades 6-8.

Discover powerful strategies for getting the most out of this incredible rehearsal tool. Whether you’re a new user or a seasoned pro, you’ll walk away with fresh insights in this engaging and interactive session. Presented by Yamaha Corporation of America

The Midwest Clinic Chat Rooms provide an arena where teachers will learn from and dialogue with expert practitioners. These brief ‘chats’ allow directors a forum for collaboration in a relaxed, intimate environment. The Chat Rooms have limited seating so attendance is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

This session will explore selected shifting and vibrato actions by Paul Rolland for violin, viola, cello and double bass in all settings: heterogeneous or homogeneous classrooms as well as one-on-one. Bring your instrument (or don’t!) and find out how you can easily and effectively help your students to incorporate these movement skills into their playing.

The art of conducting has been a lifelong passion of music educator and conductor H. Robert Reynolds. Through his commitment to the advancement of conducting he has inspired countless students around the globe to discover their own passion for the art form. The Midwest Clinic is committed to supporting the art of conducting by presenting an in depth conducting symposium for outstanding selected participants. Midwest attendees are invited to attend the Institute as an observer.

This session is a discussion on the importance of the interpreterÕs imagination, personality and need for dedicated, continuous study of works. "Beyond the Baton" will bring increased insight and imagination to programming, interpretation, performance and leadership.

Join Dr. Nathan Mertens, Assistant Professor of Saxophone at the University of Colorado Boulder, for a session designed to simplify saxophone fundamentals. Say goodbye to complex methods! Dr. Mertens offers practical insights tailored for busy music educators, ensuring students grasp and retain key concepts. Topics include air/support, embouchure, and voicingÑhelping students achieve a characteristic tone, clear articulation, and solid intonation. Yes, all three are possible!

This session focuses on providing a long-term curriculum structure for integrating digital audio composition apps in a middle school ensemble class. Walk away with ready-made lessons to use with your performing groups for practicing important aspects in composition, remixing, arranging, and recording. Reinforce concepts with easy-to-learn web applications, discover new technologies for students with disabilities, and explore opportunities for showcasing studentsÕ music within the community.

This clinic explores strategies for managing a limited staff or functioning as the sole director of a band program. This clinic dives into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by music directors who lead a band program solo or with limited staffing. From juggling administrative tasks to maintain musical excellence, they will provide practical insights and effective techniques to streamline operations and elevate performance.

The St. Olaf Jazz 1 is the premier undergraduate large jazz ensemble at St. Olaf College. Comprised of 21 members, the award-winning band is led by Dr. Joseph L. Jefferson. The jazz program at St. Olaf features two undergraduate ensembles that perform both on and off-campus concerts each academic year. These versatile groups showcase a wide range of styles, including swing, bebop, fusion, funk, salsa, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian, and traditional jazz idioms.

Officially founded in 1959, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets were formed to add splendor to official military ceremonies. Patterned after traditional British fanfare trumpet ensembles, the group serves as the official fanfare ensemble to the President of the United States.

This rehearsal clinic will provide practical information to band directors regarding: building ensemble sound, the establishment of daily fundamentals, developing a variety of articulation, appropriate use of dynamics, establishing melodic and vertical intonation and interpretative ideas.

Celebrate the relaunch of Sound Innovations Book 1 for Band and Orchestra! This updated, time-tested beginning method now features new content to meet the evolving needs of today's music educators and students. Discover the trusted pedagogy and core content you love, while exploring exciting updates that modernize the curriculum. Whether you're a long-time user or new to the method, you'll gain fresh ideas and a deeper understanding of how to build a strong musical foundation for your students. Presented by Alfred Music

The Midwest Clinic Chat Rooms provide an arena where teachers will learn from and dialogue with expert practitioners. These brief ‘chats’ allow directors a forum for collaboration in a relaxed, intimate environment. The Chat Rooms have limited seating so attendance is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Grisham Saxophone Ensemble is a part of the Grisham Band program in Austin, TX. At Grisham Middle School, band begins in sixth grade. Mr. England and Mr. Estrada teach approximately 50-60 beginning band students daily in homogeneous classes. All band students from 6th-8th grade participate in a variety of performance styles including individual Solo Recitals, Chamber Ensembles and full ensemble concerts. Both the Honors and Symphonic Bands participate yearly in the University Interscholastic League evaluation and have received sweepstakes awards consistently. The Grisham Honors band has won the National Mark of Excellence Award every year from 2008-2014, as well as from 2022-present. The Grisham Honors Band was recently invited to perform at The 79th Annual Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL.The Grisham Saxophone Ensemble has been growing over the last three years at Grisham Middle School, performing more and more each year at various venues for the Grisham community. This ensemble began due to student interest in chamber music and has expanded significantly over the years. This ensemble rehearses both during the school day and outside of the school day. For the Saxophones, chamber music beings in 6th grade, where the students learn saxophone ensemble trios and quartets early on and perform at several events during their beginner year.

Day one clinics are presented by master teachers who have demonstrated a high degree of success in providing sound pedagogical methods for teaching beginning students, or in assisting more advanced students who may have developed bad habits detrimental to producing characteristic tone and/or habits detrimental to technical mastery. Day One clinics will take place in an intimate and personal space so that each attendee may enjoy a close view of demonstrated techniques.

From Denton, TX, the Center Quintet is the premiere woodwind chamber ensemble from the University of North Texas. In the 24/25 academic year, the quintet made competition appearances across the country including the 11th Annual Coltman Chamber Music Competition, the Music Teachers National Association Chamber Competition, and the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Committed to the repertoire of our time, the quintet is pleased to be premiering Jeffrey Mumford's quintet, unfolding paths through reflected light. All members are pursuing graduate studies at UNT and hold degrees from University of Colorado at Boulder, University of Michigan, University of Northern Colorado, University of Miami, and the Eastman School of Music.

The Bentonville Wind Ensemble is the premier concert ensemble of the Bentonville High School Band Program in Bentonville, Arkansas. Comprising students from grades 9 through 12, membership is determined through a competitive audition process. The ensemble performs collegiate-level repertoire and serves as the flagship of the Bentonville Band Program. Under the direction of Tim Hendrix, Director of Bands at Bentonville High School, the Wind Ensemble has achieved significant recognition. Notably, they were invited to perform at the 79th annual Midwest Clinic, a prestigious international band and orchestra conference. Additionally, the ensemble was selected as the Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association (ASBOA) Class 7A State Honor Band in both 2022 and 2024. The Bentonville Wind Ensemble also participated in the 2019 National Concert Band Festival as a Premiere Ensemble, where they were the first high school to perform James M. Stephenson’s Symphony No. 2 “Voices.”

The Plano East Senior High School Orchestra has firmly established itself as one of the leading orchestra programs in the state of Texas. In addition to thirty consecutive University Interscholastic League “Sweepstakes Awards” for Superior Ratings in concert and sight reading competitions, the Plano East Orchestras have won top honors at nationally adjudicated festivals across the country. The Plano East Orchestra has earned the elite distinction of TMEA Honor String Orchestra six times and named as finalist in both the honor string and honor full orchestra competitions. Through the efforts of students and directors, the Plano East Orchestras have firmly established a high level of “Excellence in Music Through Expression and Dedication”.

Interviewed by Tim Lautzenheiser, “A CONVERSATION WITH…" is an annual favorite on The Midwest Clinic schedule. Each December, a revered member of our band/orchestra community sits center stage and treats the audience to a one-of-a-kind personalized sharing. This year's spotlight of acknowledgement is focused on Jerry Junkin.

Percy Grainger (1882-1961) lived the last 40 years of his life at 7 Cromwell Place in White Plains, New York. His home doubled as his studio, and over the years he renovated the house to help him study and work more effectively. He based his life as a professional pianist and composer here. Since travel to White Plains is difficult or impossible for many, this clinic will provide a tour of the house, its many artifacts, and its insights into this legendary musician.

Imagine that every student leader in your program had a servant’s heart and the tools to elicit the best from others. Student leaders are the conduit between the directors and the ensemble, and they set the standards for everyone else to meet. But often a strong student leadership team is the missing piece in becoming a program of excellence. This clinic is designed to give directors the tools and strategies needed to select and develop servant leaders across their student leadership team.

Small school bands face many challenges. Often, directors are in early in their careers. They may be looking for “greener pastures.” This clinic will give them tools that will help the program be successful. Attendees may submit questions electronically. Panelists come from across the country They have found the rewards of teaching in a small school. They have learned to “Grow Where They Are Planted.”

Using the time and materials you already have, this session will provide effective and proven strategies to immediately and drastically improve the musicianship of your percussion students in any Middle School or High School ensemble. This session is designed to help any Middle School or High School director improve their percussion sections by addressing the most common issues faced by directors whose primary instrument is something other than percussion.

Orlando offers world-class performance, clinics, and unforgettable student experiences—but planning a trip there can feel overwhelming. This insider’s guide covers timelines, budgets, performance options, travel logistics, and money-saving tips. Gain practical tools, sample schedules, and expert strategies to avoid pitfalls and create the perfect band trip for students, boosters, and staff. If you're traveling to Orlando with your group, you won't want to miss this workshop! Presented by Fine Arts Travel

With the increasing popularity of Latin jazz in school and professional ensembles, many jazz directors are incorporating Afro-Cuban and other Latin-influenced compositions into their concert programs. While this presents an exciting multicultural learning opportunity for students, many educators struggle with the correct interpretation, rhythmic feel, and rehearsal techniques required to authentically perform this style.

Day one clinics are presented by master teachers who have demonstrated a high degree of success in providing sound pedagogical methods for teaching beginning students, or in assisting more advanced students who may have developed bad habits detrimental to producing characteristic tone and/or habits detrimental to technical mastery. Day One clinics will take place in an intimate and personal space so that each attendee may enjoy a close view of demonstrated techniques.

Have you ever wondered what other directors hear and prioritize in their rehearsal process? This interactive rehearsal clinic for strings will allow audience members to participate in error detection using their mobile device in real time as a student orchestra performs select musical passages. A word cloud of the most popular performance errors chosen by the audience will be generated and the clinicians will then address these common performance issues with the student orchestra.

Brass IMPACT! is a dynamic professional brass ensemble, performing an eclectic mix of classical, jazz, rock, fusion, and contemporary original works and arrangements. The ensemble's mission is to collaborate with host organizations to present exceptional concerts that raise funds for impactful charities, including the Walk to End AlzheimerÕs, the Piedmont Wind Symphony / UNCSA Fellowship programs, and Notes of Hope, which supports music education in Western North Carolina and beyond.Comprised of some of the nationÕs finest brass musicians, the ensemble features performers who also play with prominent orchestras and wind bands such as the North Carolina Symphony, Greensboro Symphony, Winston-Salem Symphony, Salisbury Symphony, Western Piedmont Symphony, and the Piedmont Wind Symphony. In addition to their performance careers, many members are distinguished educators, serving on the faculties of leading institutions including UNC Greensboro, Winston-Salem State University, and the UNC School of the Arts.Brass IMPACT! operates under Amarka Creative, founded by Amanda and Mark Norman, blending artistry, education, and community impact to create memorable musical experiences that inspire and give back.

Discover the power of strategic partnerships that create meaningful opportunities for students and educators. Presenters representing school music education and the creative industries will guide you through key components of building successful relationships. Gain insight into the benefits and challenges of different partnership types, explore real-world impactful collaborations & leave with practical tools to assess your current partnerships and envision new possibilities for the future!

Beyond product showcases, this session delivers real takeaways. We’ll share tricks of the trade and practical techniques while presenting Scott Koter’s design & program coordination book, Michael Pote’s The Craft, and the FIRE Series—a flex marching band package with music, choreography, drill, and more all included. Expect ideas to refine your design process, improve ensemble sound, and strengthen your band at any level. Presented by Fannin Musical Productions

Learn to leverage the power of large ensemble recording projects in fostering student/ensemble growth and discover how these projects can elevate the learning experience, empowering students to develop their listening skills and musicality. We will share practical insights for implementing recording projects effectively, nurturing a culture of continuous improvement within your large ensembles and connecting your artistry to your community and the processes of music production and distribution.

The Mountain View High School Jazz Ensemble is one of the premier high school jazz programs in the Pacific Northwest, consistently demonstrating excellence on regional and national stages. The jazz program consists of two ensembles, serving over 70 students who also participate in Mountain View’s renowned concert bands and orchestras. With a tradition of success, the Jazz Ensemble has been featured at prestigious events such as the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, the NAfME Northwest Conference, and the Washington Music Educators Association State Conference. The ensemble has also earned top honors at major festivals, including winning the Sweepstakes Award at the Clark College Jazz Festival in 2025, 2023, 2015, and 2012.

Formed in 2019, the Ninkasi Percussion Group has performed and toured throughout the United States. Most recently, the group has performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention and the National Conference on Percussion Pedagogy. NPG focuses on performing current percussion chamber literature as well as composing and commissioning new works for the idiom. The quartet consists of Gregory Lyons (Louisiana Tech), Gustavo Miranda (Nicholls State), Oliver Molina (Northwestern State), and Joe W. Moore III (UT-Arlington).

This session will provide you with six ways that you can make your teaching more accessible for all students, no matter how they learn best. You will learn the principles, habits of mind, and strategies of accessible music education: evidence-based ways that pedagogical practices from special education, music education, and general education can be woven together to reduce and remove barriers to student engagement, participation, and learning.

This session, based upon a 40-year case study of single ensemble and their desire to make music together after all these years. This session, through their own words, reveals the stark realities of what was most important to those students after 40 years! This session uses the metaphor of a Funhouse mirror to detail and remind ourselves as conductors of those human factors that change lives and music-making.

One thing that all our music programs have in common is that our greatest resource are the students in the room. In this session, we will explore a philosophy of recruitment that values students first, that seeks to remove any and all obstacles that may prevent students from participating in our ensembles, that outlines how to foster a classroom culture that feels welcoming and inclusive, and how to best prioritize building ensembles that better reflect our school population and community.

What do I say to the Winds? How do I take my knowledge of string pedagogy and translate it for my wind players in full orchestra? How do I feel more comfortable in front of the full orchestra? Thompson, a trumpet player for over 40 years and a string educator for over 25, will answer these questions and more! Topics will include musical terminology, repertoire selection, rehearsal techniques and more.

The Canyon Ridge Middle School Band Program strives to foster a lifelong love of music and to develop future supporters of the arts. The band program serves 317 students, with beginner enrollment typically around 140 students. Seventh and eighth grade students are enrolled in one of four performing bands; sixth grade beginning band classes meet in a homogeneous setting throughout the day in nine different classes. Amy Allison has been the Head Band Director since the school’s opening in 2004. Since that time the band program has been named the Texas Bandmasters Association Exemplary Middle School Band Program for 2021, performed as a TMEA Invited Band in 2021, received the Sudler Cup in 2017, performed at The Midwest Clinic in 2014, placed as a semi finalist in the Texas Honor Band for CCC Bands in 2022, and placed 7th in the Texas Honor Band for CC Bands in 2006. The Honor Band has been named a National Winner in the National Wind Band Honors several times and has earned consistent sweepstakes ratings at UIL over the years. The band is well represented at Solo and Ensemble Contest, TMEA All-Region Band, and TMEA All-Region Orchestra.

This session will detail how kindness and collaboration can lead to excellence. Come uncover useful ways to connect with students, new tips on how to build culture so students make the program their own, strategies to responsibly give students autonomy over their program and create buy-in, and new ways to collaborate with your department so that your entire team can be successful. You will walk away from this session reenergized with new ideas that you can put into practice immediately.

The art of conducting has been a lifelong passion of music educator and conductor H. Robert Reynolds. Through his commitment to the advancement of conducting he has inspired countless students around the globe to discover their own passion for the art form. The Midwest Clinic is committed to supporting the art of conducting by presenting an in depth conducting symposium for outstanding selected participants. Midwest attendees are invited to attend the Institute as an observer.

From beginners to all-state contenders, the right reed, mouthpiece, and ligature combo can unlock a student’s best sound—and confidence. In this fast-paced session, we’ll break down Vandoren’s most appropriate saxophone and clarinet setups for every stage and style. With live demos from Vandoren Artists Julian Bliss and Chika Inoue—and raffle prizes throughout—you’ll hear why these pairings work and leave with clear, no-fuss recommendations for students. Presented by Vandoren

This session will feature the biggest mistakes of my teaching career as I started out teaching. This clinic will present my takeaways from them and will hopefully provide guidance for young teachers and assistance so that they do not make the same mistakes I did! I will humbly share the top ten lessons I wish I had known before I started teaching and have painfully had to learn over the years.

Staying current on repertoire can be difficult. In the past several years, hundreds of works have been added to required music lists nationwide. This session will provide a curated list of recently approved works, highlight emerging composers, and equip directors and composers with tools to advocate for new additions. Join us to expand your programming, make connections, and reaffirm the purpose of our work with students.

The Lexington High School Chamber Orchestra is the most elite, audition-only, honors-level string ensemble at Lexington High School, a public school in Lexington, MA. It has consistently received gold medals at the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association Concert Festival and has performed at prestigious venues including Symphony Hall in Boston and Lincoln Center in New York City.

Only have a few minutes between bus duty and class to score study? When you study, do you ask yourself, “what am I even looking for?!” In this session, discover how to turn your finite score study time into an active, creative, music-making experience which fuels your pedagogy. Forget just reading notes and rhythms—this is about cultivating a vivid aural image of the music that enriches both performance and teaching. Make every minute count by activating your individual musicianship.

A discussion of how nurturing the balance of intellectual/ analytical, physical, and metaphysical self is an important part of jazz improvisation. Also, exploring different practice methods that will aid in a more successful approach to one’s individual practice regimen and overall experience.

Parents play a critical role in not only a music program’s success but also in that of the profession. Spend a few minutes with the incomparable “Dr. Tim” as he says ‘Thank You’ to all parents for their incredible dedication to their children and music education. Additionally, some special guests will stop by to share information about how to secure college scholarships in music (even non-majors!), parents’ roles in music programs, and much more. Open to any music parent attending the conference.

South Grand Prairie High School is located in the heart of the “Metroplex,” nestled in between Dallas and Ft. Worth, Texas. The school was established in 1969 and currently serves nearly 3,350 students. With a 92% minority enrollment rate, South Grand Prairie High School is home to a highly diverse student population. Currently, the SGP Band program has 200 members, comprising a variety of performing ensembles, including the marching band, 3 concert ensembles, jazz band, percussion ensemble, and 2 winter guards. Our concert and marching bands consistently earn first division ratings at UIL-sanctioned competitions. Furthermore, The Foundation for Music Education has recognized the Wind Ensemble multiple times as a Mark of Excellence National and Commended winner.

This presentation focuses on the importance of sequencing literature to ensure both individual and ensemble growth. This is accomplished with the use of “Companion Guides,” teacher-created resources that support student learning. The guides facilitate collaborative learning, engagement, and differentiation. They also help students support each other in mastering parts and advancing toward clear performance goals.

This session is a interactive clinic from the administrator’s perspective, designed for music educators. Discover strategies for effective scheduling, budgeting, staffing, student recruitment, and community engagement that drive school-wide success. Learn real-world examples and proven methods to strengthen your music program and create a thriving educational environment.

"Title I" is often associated with urban schools or small rural schools, but the reality is Title I schools come in all shapes and sizes and can serve very eclectic populations. This demonstration clinic will feature the Zion-Benton Township High School Symphonic Band and share tips and resources for teaching at a band program in a Title I school and developing the high school band sound.

Building confident sight readers doesn't have to take up your entire rehearsal! In this session, Mr. Crafton will show you how to easily and effectively improve your students' music-reading skills in just minutes a day. With auto-graded assignments and ensemble sight reading with Live Practice, you'll see how Sight Reading Factory fosters independence and confidence in your students. Walk away with practical, easy-to-implement strategies to make sight reading stress-free and successful! Presented by Sight Reading Factory

The US Army Strings' Clinic will showcase the musical excellence of the ensemble while highlighting the Strings' history and mission. This presentation will feature short videos, interviews with past and present members, and musical performances followed by a 10-15 minute Q&A.

Under the direction of Arturo Denis since 2015, the Creekview High School Band Program in Carrollton, Texas has cultivated a culture of excellence in music education. The program emphasizes high artistic standards, academic achievement, and student leadership, offering diverse opportunities through concert band, marching band, full orchestra, jazz ensemble, mariachi and chamber music. The Creekview Saxophone Ensemble from Carrollton, TX includes Daniel Shin (soprano saxophone), Andrew Nguyen (alto saxophone), Reid Tilton (tenor saxophone), and Marcos Alvarado (baritone saxophone).

Do you have questions about students with disabilities? Q&A for Band Directors: Differences and Disabilities in the Band Room will help! Learn the responses to all the questions you submitted in the summer of 2024. The presenters plan to answer them, provide on the spot feedback, and inspiration regarding why it is so important to include everyone in our band programs. The authors will be present and we will actively engage, brainstorm, and discuss ways to make these goals realities.

This session will present tips that focus not just on the WHAT we do in rehearsal, but more importantly HOW we do it in order to achieve the greatest results. An increased focus on the subtle differences in the WAY in which we communicate and present information can often result in significant gains. The tips shared in this session will relate to topics such as conducting gestures, the language used on the podium, and rehearsal strategies.

The Lafayette Jazz Program is composed of students in the Lafayette Band who desire to expand their musical experience in a different genre. This aspect of the music program began during the tenure of director Les Anderson in the early 1970s. Dr. Chris Strange became the director of the Jazz Studies program in 2008 and since this time it has it grown into a full-year performance class featuring two auditioned ensembles. The Jazz Band provides an opportunity for the training and development of students who are beginning their study in jazz.

Featuring the 2025 Midwest Middle School Band Directors. What makes a middle school band program truly exceptional? In this inspiring and practical panel, five directors whose ensembles were selected to perform at the 2025 Midwest Clinic share the “magic” behind their success. From building strong fundamentals to creating a culture of excellence and belonging, this clinic dives deep into what’s working in today’s top programs—and how you can adapt those strategies to raise the bar in your own band hall. Come for the stories, but leave with the tools to spark transformation in your students and your school community.

How can band and orchestra directors encourage their students to take more responsibility for their learning? In this workshop, music teachers will explore the importance of students taking ownership of their learning by gaining clarity about what they should know and be able to do, engaging in peer assessment using tools and protocols, setting goals, and tracking their progress in improving their performance.

Four New York City Department of Education high school band directors will share their stories from and reasons for teaching beginner band classes as part of their band programs. Attendees will learn tips and tricks for teaching beginner band at non-traditional ages, and will also be shown the benefits of including beginning band in programs of all shapes, age levels and sizes.

Founded in 1978, The Grand Rapids Symphonic Band is a premier auditioned adult community band that fosters excellence in performance, supports instrumental music as a lifelong experience, and contributes to the enrichment of cultural life in the greater Grand Rapids area. The GRSB’s mission incorporates the following objectives: 1. To provide artistically challenging and innovative band concerts. 2. To give our audiences, sponsors, and members experiences with the highest quality wind band music from a wide range of musical styles. 3. To support instrumental music education and lifelong music learning through programs including clinics, conferences, solo competitions, and outreach concerts. 4. To serve as an exemplary model in fostering the growth and development of community bands.

We will demonstrate how to teach elementary students different musical styles without written music, using words to simplify complex rhythms. This approach helps young learners engage with music in a fun, accessible way. Our session is ideal for teachers seeking non-traditional methods to spark creativity, confidence, and auditory skills. By focusing on enjoyment first, we build a strong foundation for future technical development, music reading, and theory.

Looking for creative, high-quality, and diverse music? Don’t miss this engaging Orchestra Reading Session featuring educational works from Randall Standridge Music! Hear the Carmel High School Orchestra perform live, meet our composers, preview fun warm-ups from our brand-new book "Getting in Gear", and make sure to stay for prizes! Presented by Randall Standridge Music

Internationally acknowledged as one of the premier ensembles of its kind, the Latin GRAMMY-Nominated North Texas Wind Symphony is selected from the most outstanding musicians attending the College of Music. The Wind Symphony has been highly acclaimed for “…wonderful and artistically rendered performances which are elegant and polished,” and complimented for “…terrific ensemble skills which embody a high degree of integrity and sensitivity.”

The Airmen of Note, stationed at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., is one of six musical ensembles that form the U.S. Air Force Band. Created in 1950 to continue the tradition of Major Glenn Miller's Army Air Forces dance band, the current band consists of 18 active-duty musicians, including one vocalist. Through the years, the Airmen of Note has presented its own brand of big band and contemporary jazz forms to audiences via annual tours across the United States, deployments worldwide, and local performances throughout metropolitan Washington, D.C.

Based on the techniques Robert Sheldon has most frequently used while conducting 1,200+ ensembles in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, these tried-and-true concepts provide a quick reference guide for band directors.

Founded in August 2009 by Dr. Charles A. Maguire, The Desert Winds has grown from a humble ten-piece dectet into Las Vegas’ premier professional wind ensemble. What began as a small group of musicians dedicated to exploring wind literature has evolved into a nationally recognized ensemble known for its artistic excellence and emotionally compelling performances. Now in its 16th season, The Desert Winds continues to set new standards in wind band artistry. Comprised of elite woodwind, brass, and percussion musicians, The Desert Winds represents a diverse collective of performers, educators, and artists committed to pushing the boundaries of musical expression.

The Dodgen MS Chamber Orchestra is a select group of 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. Students audition for this elective ensemble and rehearse three mornings a week. The Dodgen MS Chamber Orchestra has performed at the G.M.E.A. In-Service Conference in 2011, 2015, 2018 and 2024. They have also performed at the A.S.T.A. National Orchestra Festival in 2017, 2020 and 2025. In 2017, the Chamber Orchestra won First Place--Middle School Division in the National Orchestra Festival. In 2025, the Chamber Orchestra won Third Place--Middle School Division in the National Orchestra Festival.Dodgen Middle School is located in Marietta, GA and is part of the Cobb County School District. Students from Dodgen MS are zoned to attend Walton High School or Pope High School.

The Elkins High School Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Christopher Dial, has garnered national recognition for their exceptional musicianship. In 2024, the ensemble earned the prestigious National Winner Distinction for the National Percussion Ensemble Mark of Excellence. In addition to this honor, the Percussionists in the Elkins Wind Ensemble also received the 2024 Mark of Excellence National Winner distinction alongside the Wind Ensemble. The Symphonic Band percussionists were commended winners in the 2024 Citation of Excellence competition.Over the past two years, the ensemble has consistently placed double-digit numbers in the region band and has had numerous students advance to the Area Band and TMEA All-State Band. The marching percussion section has also regularly earned top placements in their marching contests, further highlighting the ensemble's dedication to excellence across multiple performance settings.Comprised of 35 talented percussionists from grades 9-12, the Elkins High School Percussion Ensemble continues to inspire audiences and set the standard for high school percussion performance, showcasing the skill and commitment of both its students and director.

Music teacher mentoring plays a crucial role in the growth and development of educators. This session will empower attendees to develop a meaningful and sustainable music teacher mentoring program in their own networks. Presenters will share proven strategies, challenges, and solutions through a panel discussion with teachers in varying career stages. All are welcome, from early-career educators seeking a mentor to experienced teachers and administrators looking to support the next generation.

Traditional band programs can be challenging in rural schools due to small class sizes and limited resources. This session explores how popular music ensembles can provide engaging, flexible, and student-driven alternatives. Learn practical strategies for implementation, curriculum design, and advocacy to expand music opportunities in rural communities.

Join Peggy Rakas, music educator and certified life coach, for a life-affirming session exploring tools from positive psychology to help you stay hopeful and grateful during challenging times. Learn techniques for overcoming obstacles, harnessing the power of awe, practicing gratitude, and shifting perspectivesÑtools that will uplift both you and your students, leaving you with actionable strategies to create a brighter, more positive path forward.

A.A. Nick Kerr Middle School opened in 2000-01. Our namesake, A.A. Nick Kerr, was dedicated to the students of Burleson ISD for 34 years as a teacher, coach and principal. In August 2019, we opened the newly constructed Kerr Middle School on East Hidden Creek Parkway in Burleson. Kerr Middle School serves over 1,200 students in grades 6, 7, and 8. Our core belief is developing and maintaining strong relationships with students. The motto of Kerr Middle School is “All In, All Win” and we strive to make Kerr a place where every student can experience success. Kerr Middle School offers a variety of academic and extracurricular activities such as advanced coursework, band, color guard, choir, drama, cheerleading, dance, UIL athletics, and a plethora of elective classes. The Kerr Honors Band consists of second- and third-year players enrolled in a full band class.

Utilizing 30 years of experience from teaching high school band, Mrs. Hamilton will provide proven strategies to elevate band students of any level. Featuring demonstration videos by three leveled bands from Red Mountain HS (Mesa AZ), this clinic explores a tiered approach to rehearsal techniques with practical applications for rehearsals. A free set of her developing band warm-ups will also be provided.

This panel will explore the importance of encouraging and supporting female musicians in the world of trombone, euphonium, and tuba in the middle and high school realm. Through insightful discussion, the panel will address strategies for recruiting and promoting female low brass players. Topics will include the challenges faced by young female low brass players, a list of resources highlighting female low brass players, mentorship opportunities, and promotion materials.

Have you ever had your jazz band guitarist ask how to play a G13 chord? Or wondered how to help them achieve that sound in your jazz ensemble? This session is designed to help band directors support beginning and intermediate jazz guitarists as they navigate their first years in a jazz ensemble. We’ll break down essential topics such as practical chord voicings, comping concepts, gear recommendations, and guitar/amp setup tips. Whether you’re a non-guitarist or a director looking for new strategies to communicate more effectively with your rhythm section, this clinic will give you the tools to help your guitarists play confidently and musically.

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. Presented by Wenger Corporation

The art of conducting has been a lifelong passion of music educator and conductor H. Robert Reynolds. Through his commitment to the advancement of conducting he has inspired countless students around the globe to discover their own passion for the art form. The Midwest Clinic is committed to supporting the art of conducting by presenting an in depth conducting symposium for outstanding selected participants. Midwest attendees are invited to attend the Institute as an observer.

Music is a universal language, yet students with special needs often lack access to musical events designed for self-expression in a judgment-free, sensory-safe environment. Sensory-Friendly Concerts provide an opportunity to foster inclusivity by allowing students to take an active role in building a more equitable school community. These events encourage meaningful interactions between students of all abilities, strengthening connections across your district.

Our students thrive when they identify with the music being taught. We will look at ways to teach multiple skills, build "ears," and develop critical thinking and expression. We will also share “out of the box” teaching ideas with different genres! Come learn about improvisation and stylistic approaches that are easy to embed in day-to-day teaching, with music selections that sequence good technique. We will explore resources and fun activities through pedagogies such as Suzuki and Bornoff.

Habits of a Successful Young String Musician Book 2 bridges early skills with essential technical, musical, and reading development for advancing students. Thoughtfully designed exercises reinforce correct fingerings, bowing, dotted-eighth and 16th notes, extensions, flat keys, minor modes, playing in 6/8 time, warm-ups, scales, and arpeggios. All these exercises are supported by updated online videos and accompaniments. Presented by GIA Publications/Meredith Music

The clinic will focus on the importance of ONE PERSON and the impact it has on the decision-making of another individual. This is a legacy story that needs to be heard by everyone in the music education world. Had it not been for the band director Mr. Zimmerman, would we have a RAY CRAMER and all of the treasury of benefits Mr. Cramer has brought to the band community? Each time any director/teacher thinks he/she is NOT important, we should recount the story of Mr. Zimmerman and Mr. Cramer.

This session will cover topics that are often challenging for music educators, especially early in their careers. Subjects include: 1) Identifying mentors and resources; 2) Organization, prioritization, and delegating responsibilities; 3) Practical strategies for teaching; and 4) Building Relationships. This session will offer a broad discussion with each of these issues, discuss why they tend to be problematic, and outline some simple and practical ideas to solve the issues at hand.

How can conductors reliably select great music? How can composers maintain their artistic vision across multiple grade levels? How can a publisher help composers break into the field? How can publishers hurt that potential? How can performers of all ages benefit from the right synergy of all the above? Get ready to blow up the notion of “educational music” as we explore the musical “edge effect” – that magical intersection of possibility between composer, conductor, publisher, and performer.

An exploration of funding opportunities for the Arts. Join us for an engaging and informative workshop designed to empower teachers and administrators in their quest for funding. "Show Me The Money" will provide participants with essential insights and practical strategies for navigating the complex world of education funding, including the Title IV-A Grant.

Empower your clarinet students with the fundamentals they need to make their best sound and feel successful! All aspects of clarinet fundamentals and equipment influences clarinet tone and expressive capabilities. Join me as I dive into strategies that will help your students feel successful with clarinet fundamentals. Whether you are introducing beginners to the clarinet or refining the skills of advanced players, this session offers valuable tools to enhance musical proficiency and enjoyment.

This clinic will be focused on what band directors mean when we tell our bands to "sound like an organ". Presented by a band director/organist, this clinic will be focused on using organ-playing techniques to think differently about sound, balance, and intonation. This clinic will integrate fundamentals of organ playing as it relates to a wind band groups- specifically the directors’ small school ensemble, therefore utilizing pieces that relate directly to bands reading grade 3-5 music.

The US Airforce Airmen of Note will perform selections of new jazz music submitted by exhibiting publishers.

As you strive for greater inclusion in your classroom, the diversity of student needs naturally expands. Ideally, this is accompanied by an increase in the number of supporting adults. However, music teachers, particularly those in performance-based settings, often find themselves disappointed by the assistance provided by special education instructional assistants who lack prior experience in the art form. Discomfort in an unfamiliar setting, unfamiliarity with content-specific language, and a lack of clear expectations are a recipe for disengagement. This discussion will explore strategies for collaborating with special education staff and offer a framework for developing a plan to improve the support your students receive.

In this rehearsal lab, Mr. Fowkes will demonstrate rehearsal strategies and concepts with an emphasis on practical pedagogy that you can implement in your ensemble rehearsals as early as tomorrow. The shared strategies are as equally applicable to a group “firing on all pistons” as they are to an ensemble in a rebuilding situation, and while some ideas are “tried and true,” others may open new avenues on ways to help your students better understand their role in music making.

Day one clinics are presented by master teachers who have demonstrated a high degree of success in providing sound pedagogical methods for teaching beginning students, or in assisting more advanced students who may have developed bad habits detrimental to producing characteristic tone and/or habits detrimental to technical mastery. Day One clinics will take place in an intimate and personal space so that each attendee may enjoy a close view of demonstrated techniques.

Pearland, TX was first settled in the late 1880’s and has grown to be the 29th most populous city in Texas and was listed as one of the nation’s top 5 small cities for diversity. The Pearland Junior High West Band has over 400 students in grades 6 through 8. Students begin homogenous instrumental instruction at Sablatura Middle School and continue into four bands at Pearland Junior High West. The program boasts a rich musical history within Pearland ISD, with Pearland Junior High West commemorating 30 years of education and formerly the home site for the original Pearland High School and outstanding musical excellence of the Pearland High School Band.

Explore the vast and versatile Sound Innovations curriculum in this multi-author clinic. Beyond the core method books, a universe of supplemental resources awaits, designed to meet the diverse needs of every music educator and student. Join series authors as they guide you through the rich offerings, including Ensemble Development, Sound Artistry, Sound Sight-Reading, Sound Percussion, Sound Orchestra, Sound Differentiation, and more! Presented by Alfred Music

The University of Tennessee Percussion Ensemble (UTPE), under the direction of Andrew Bliss, is dedicated to performing, recording, and commissioning works for contemporary percussion. The ensemble's mission emphasizes collaboration with both performers and composers, fostering a dynamic and innovative musical environment. Since 2011, UTPE has built a reputation for delivering innovative performances and collaborations.

For over 100 years, VanderCook College of Music has focused exclusively on music teacher education. Our unique curriculum prepares the whole music educator, emphasizing performance as well as instructional methods. VanderCook’s degree programs offer a thorough, comprehensive course of study that prepares our students to teach band, orchestra, choir and general music through a teacher immersion model. All students play in the band and orchestra, and they all sing in the choir. Every student develops competency on all of the brass, woodwind, string and percussion instruments along with piano, guitar, and voice. Our teacher training is rooted in hands-on learning in a conservatory-like atmosphere that equips graduates to meet the challenges of today’s K-12 classrooms.

Students have music. Performance dates are in their calendar. Let's make music! But wait! A fire drill interrupts class; then out for testing; a field trip in the science department! Will we ever be ready for that performance?! We look at planning an entire rehearsal cycle with an easy-to-replicate formula, complete with disruption days! The plan also includes what music and concepts to focus on which days so you can be worry-free by the time the performance arrives.

Industry leaders from Yamaha, Sweetwater, and Music Will explore academic and professional pathways to non-performance careers in music. Aligned with the NAMM Foundation’s Careers in Music initiative, this panel highlights how educators can guide students to study music while developing essential industry skills. Panelists will share insights from manufacturing, retail/eCommerce, and nonprofit sectors, demonstrating the diverse career opportunities available in the music industry.

The music you select for your ensemble throughout the year is pivotal for your student success. Oftentimes, we only think carefully about music during assessment season. This clinic will go through proven strategies at the Middle School and High School level to program music that is not only appropriate, but also FUN.

This clinic examines the pedagogy applied to woodwind teaching in the middle and high school band. Participants will hear from four woodwind teachers with unique backgrounds to provide a well-rounded approach from setup and first tones, to advancing players with intermediate techniques, and continuing individual study through high school.

This clinic is a detailed, under the hood look at what it takes to not only be a great lead trumpet player, but a great player on every part in the section. How do teachers develop their young players (at any level) to eventually access the upper register of the horn efficiently and build the kind of consistency and endurance that will make them a reliable leader of their ensembles. Bijon Watson will share the wealth of his expertise and experience to help us understand that process.

Optimize your classroom! Motivation to learn grows through autonomy, relatedness, and competence. Skills develop with mindful repetition and a clear "why." To refine skills, our brain must be in the right state, or bad habits form. Explore the neuroscience of skill acquisition and why musicians must prepare their brains for practice and performance. Discover how breath work gets your brain excited to learn!

It is often said that “real musicianship is instinctive” and “interpretation cannot be taught,” but this heretic says…nonsense! The fundamentals of interpretation and musical expression absolutely can be learned, and it should be happening in every rehearsal and music classroom every single day! Presented in an interactive audience demo with a live ensemble, this session offers audible, musical proof against such heresy!

Our committee works to ensure that the ICA’s DEIA mission allows members to feel welcome in our community. In this session, we will address complex and sensitive topics that are present in today’s music programs. Members will introduce themselves and focus on individual issues that can aid in creating a positive community within your ensemble. Topics addressed will help instructors grow support within their own program. The last portion of the session will be dedicated to answering questions.

In this session, the award-winning Desert Winds perform selections from the RWS Music Company's 2025 Band collection. Win giveaways, meet the composers, and be among the first to hear the RWS Music 2025 catalog. Pieces from all genres and grade levels will be showcased. Join as we bring the music to life through storytelling and musical excellence! Presented by RWS Music Company

Classroom culture is a defining factor in student engagement, trust, and excellence. This session explores how educators can cultivate a classroom environment where students feel valued, connected, and empowered to contribute. By emphasizing communication, collaboration, and shared leadership, educators can foster a space where students not only learn but also take ownership of their community.

The art of conducting has been a lifelong passion of music educator and conductor H. Robert Reynolds. Through his commitment to the advancement of conducting he has inspired countless students around the globe to discover their own passion for the art form. The Midwest Clinic is committed to supporting the art of conducting by presenting an in depth conducting symposium for outstanding selected participants. Midwest attendees are invited to attend the Open Rehearsal as an observer.

The Moanin’ Frogs are a musical experience unlike any other. Performing “as if controlled by one central brain” (Dave Koz), the six singing saxophonists comprising this amphibious musical group draw on their multifaceted careers to bring peak virtuosity to deft arrangements of classical, ragtime, jazz, pop, and more. First prize winners of the 2018 M-Prize Chamber Arts Competition, their distinct blend of art and entertainment endears them to professional and lay audiences alike. Individually, they are prodigious performers whose resumes include the Cleveland Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Toronto and Montreal Symphony Orchestras, and U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” among others.

In the field of educational psychology, rehearsal is a “cognitive process in which information is repeated over and over as a possible way of learning and remembering it” (Ormrod), a literal “re-hearing.” This session considers how to deliver information that engages our students and creates a motivating environment for growth through sequence, feedback, curiosity, and reflection - understanding the why behind curricular and musical decision-making that prompts curiosity from your ensemble.

Great music-making goes beyond notes and rhythms—it thrives on energy, emotion, and connection. This session explores how the conductor’s baton, the performers’ breath, and the power of singing unite to create expressive, powerful performances. Learn how to inspire dynamic shaping, deep musical communication, and passion in both band and choir.

Loved ones, colleagues, and students feel overwhelmed, underappreciated, or overextended at home and in the workplace, causing burnout to be challenging to manage in both environments. The boundaries between work and home can be blurred, causing an overlap of stress that creates a cycle hard to break. The impact on health may lead to decreased productivity, lower morale, and strained relationships. Discover 5 key changes to beat burnout, by addressing it, recovering from it, and preventing it.

The Midwest Clinic Chat Rooms provide an arena where teachers will learn from and dialogue with expert practitioners. These brief ‘chats’ allow directors a forum for collaboration in a relaxed, intimate environment. The Chat Rooms have limited seating so attendance is granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

The World Jazz Studies program at Las Vegas Academy of the Arts is committed to inspiring creative minds in the field of America’s true art form, Jazz. Students undergo a rigorous and competitive audition process to be admitted into Las Vegas Academy and to be placed into the appropriate band and combo. The Jazz program has four big bands and offers elective classes in Advanced Instrumental Studies.

What would it look like if students made all the decisions behind a performing ensemble? Learn how to use the latest technology and touring techniques to create an authentically student-led pop music group at your school. This session specifics like live sound reinforcement, how DJ sets work, equipment and lighting and big-picture issues like group philosophy, recruiting and finding an audience.

Reagan High School is situated in the north central area of San Antonio, and celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. The community has a wide range of socio-economic backgrounds, ranging from CEOs and doctors to daily wage workers. The demographics of our school reflect the diversity of our program: 35% white, 48% Hispanic, 8% Asian, with a variety of subpopulations filling out the remainder. Our Fine Arts programs enjoy an incredible amount of community support, with nearly 70% of the students in our programs studying privately, and 90%+ owning their own instruments.

Join the authors and editors of the book “The Hill We Climb”, the follow up to "The Horizon Leans Forward…" in a discussion of LGBTQ+ issues, belonging, and how they intersect with the band world. By fostering conversations around inclusion, visibility, and allyship, we can take meaningful steps toward ensuring that our musical spaces reflect the diversity and richness of the individuals who inhabit them.

You are the guide who shapes tomorrow’s musicians. TonalEnergy builds on the trusted Tuner & Metronome to give you tools that clarify intonation, refine rhythm, and track growth across rehearsals and practice. With shared insights and interactive feedback, you empower students to own their progress while unifying the ensemble’s sound. Your leadership, supported by modern tools, makes the difference every day. Presented by TonalEnergy/ETA

Day one clinics are presented by master teachers who have demonstrated a high degree of success in providing sound pedagogical methods for teaching beginning students, or in assisting more advanced students who may have developed bad habits detrimental to producing characteristic tone and/or habits detrimental to technical mastery. Day One clinics will take place in an intimate and personal space so that each attendee may enjoy a close view of demonstrated techniques.

Trinity High School, located in Euless, Texas, is a public high school serving grades 10–12 as part of the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District (HEB ISD). Recognized as the most diverse public high school in Texas and the fifth most diverse in the nation, Trinity embraces a rich and vibrant cultural community. The Trinity Percussion Ensemble is a nationally acclaimed program known for its excellence in percussion performance. A two-time winner of the Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition (2006, 2022), the ensemble was also named the 2024 National Winner in the Mark of Excellence National Percussion Ensemble Honors Competition.

Want to boost your band’s enrollment? Learn how to create eye-catching recruitment videos using technology you already have! This session will show you how to plan, film, and edit videos that excite students and parents. Discover storytelling tricks, easy editing tools, and how to use YouTube to reach the widest audience possible. Walk away with inspiration, real-world examples, and the tools to make your program stand out. Don’t miss this game-changing session!

The Vista Ridge Wind Ensemble is the premier concert ensemble within the Vista Ridge High School Band program. Students are selected through a rigorous audition process held each spring and fall. The ensemble currently consists of students in grades 9 through 12. A strong focus on recruitment, retention, and high-quality teaching at all levels of our program has allowed each of our four performing ensembles to thrive and make rapid progress over the years. Feeder schools within our vertical team include Henry and Stiles Middle Schools, both of which have achieved significant success. Henry has performed at the Midwest Clinic in 2010, 2012, 2016, and 2022, while Stiles performed at the clinic in 2015 and 2021. Additionally, the Henry Honors Band was named the TMEA Class 3C Honor Band in 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2024, performing at the TMEA Convention.

Playing music online has always been limited by latency, making real-time collaboration nearly impossible. Why is it so difficult to play in sync over the internet? And more importantly, what’s changed to finally make it possible? We’ll break down the science behind real-time online collaboration, explore the challenges that have held musicians back, and showcase the new technologies that are removing those barriers. Presented by Lutefish/Wenger

Cinco Ranch High School is the fourth public high school to open in the Katy Independent School District with a total enrollment of 3,715 students. The high school is the first High School to open in the master planned community known as Cinco Ranch. Located on the western suburbs of Houston Texas, Cinco Ranch is closest to Katy, Texas which has a total population of 340,000 people. The student population is diverse as it reflects the state of Texas and this part of Fort Bend County.