Interest Sessions

ACADEMIC PAPER PRESENTATIONS — Timothy Anderson, moderator

The Alberta Music Education Foundation sponsors an academic stream open to both academics of all levels and studio teachers, whether private or attached to an institution. Papers related to music education are selected through a refereed process and presented in a format that allows 20 minutes per paper (roughly 15 minutes for presentation and 5 minutes for discussion). Each session has room for three papers. Papers of particular merit may be considered for publication in AMEF’s The Clarion. Paper presentation is not a guarantee of publication. Publication guidelines will be made available following the conference.

STUDIO GENERAL, ELEMENTARY MUSIC, GENERAL

A CAPPELLA TECHNIQUE & ARRANGING FOR POP MUSIC — ETown Vocal Music Society

Do you sing, direct a choir, or are simply interested expanding your vocal technique? The ETVMS vocal coaches will take you through the elements of arranging, preparing, and performing pop music for three or more unaccompanied voices. This session will focus on aspects of pop vocal performance in a small ensemble, including pop vocal technique, exploring the use of microphones, loopers, and beatboxing as creative tools for arranging and performance, and adapting instrument lines for voice. Whether you are an educator, student, performer, or just a lover of vocal music, you will be sure to learn something new!

CHORAL, ELEMENTARY MUSIC

ADVOCACY NOW: HOW CAN YOU ADVOCATE FOR YOUR PROGRAM? — Jolene Wong

As music educators we understand the importance of music education, but often others making decisions on budgets and programming do not. This session will offer resources to aid in advocating for your program!

This session will contain information on how to advocate towards the primary stakeholders of music education: (a) administrators who govern activities within a school, (b) parents who make choices for their children, and (c) students who are the active participants. Advocacy is important so that those who do not currently understand the significance of music in education may come to do so. It is with great hope that this presentation will assist with starting, growing, and maintaining a strong music program in schools.

STUDIO GENERAL, BAND, GENERAL

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE: AN INTRODUCTION FOR MUSIC EDUCATORS, STEP ONE* — Gabriella Minnes Brandes

With a focus on awareness, choice and efficiency, the Alexander Technique offers performers tools to be present and available for both self-discovery and instrument-related discovery as they work on their craft and art. Applying the Alexander Technique to music making entails becoming aware of habitual patterns of response, learning to think in activity, taking into account the internal and external environments, providing the space needed to make new choices at any moment, and improving the overall level of use to become very efficient and effective in performance. Musicians constantly respond to stimuli, and often these responses are habitual and repetitive.

Alexander Technique provides musicians with tools to be authentic, and versatile as they respond in “real time”. With “hands-on” experience, that will heighten the participants’ awareness, we will explore movement, breath, support, and sound using basic principles of Alexander Technique.

*This session is a pre-cursor to the sessions focusing specifically on voice, conducting and pianists. It is highly recommended that delegates first attend this session.

CHORAL, BAND, ELEMENTARY MUSIC, STUDIO GENERAL, GENERAL

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE: A FOCUS ON VOICE, STEP TWO — Gabriella Minnes Brandes

We will continue to explore Alexander Technique principles with a particular focus on voice work. Participants will hone their observation skills as they learn to expose their habits about breath and breathing for singing. Then we will seek efficient ways to use breath and support to be able to sing and speak with a full voice. We will explore the connections between listening and singing as we connect Alexander Technique principles to intention in order to enhance communication. Come prepared to sing and speak in this hands-on workshop.

GENERAL, CHORAL, BAND, ELEMENTARY MUSIC, STUDIO GENERAL

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE: A FOCUS ON CONDUCTING, STEP TWO — Gabriella Minnes Brandes

We will continue to explore Alexander Technique principles with a particular focus on the art and skill of conducting. Participants will hone their observation skills as they learn to expose their habits about the use of their arms in conducting. Then we will apply principles of the Alexander Technique to find efficient ways to have the back support the arms as the conductors listen to and connect with the musicians they are working with. Come prepared to conduct in this hands-on workshop.

GENERAL, CHORAL, BAND, ELEMENTARY MUSIC, STUDIO GENERAL

ALEXANDER TECHNIQUE: A FOCUS ON PIANISTS, STEP TWO — Gabriella Minnes Brandes

We will continue to explore Alexander Technique principles, with a particular focus on pianists, soloists, accompanists and collaborators in making music. We will expose our habits about the use of the arms and breathing in playing the piano. Then we will seek efficient ways to use breath and support to be able to use the arms with ease to play. We will apply principles of the Alexander Technique to find efficiency at the piano, while playing, and accompanying. Piano teachers will gain some strategies to observe their students, and provide them with feedback using Alexander Technique. Come prepared to play the piano in this hands-on workshop.

GENERAL, CHORAL, BAND, ELEMENTARY MUSIC, STUDIO GENERAL

BODY AWARENESS FOR BETTER CONDUCTING — Scott Edgar

Have you ever been sore from conducting following a rehearsal? Have you been accused of “over conducting?” Do you feel you have a complete repertoire of conducting gestures for all styles and dynamics? In this session we will explore body awareness and look at how we are anatomically set up to be better conductors than we currently are. Stretching, exercises, and musical implementation will all be included.

BAND, CHORAL

BRAILLE TONES AND SEMITONES: BALANCING SOCIAL AND MUSIC GOALS — Susan Farrell

This workshop will highlight a unique choir that was founded by Scott Leithead more than twenty years ago. Many of the singers and section leaders will speak about their experiences and give insight into the methods of the choir, including the use of humour, jazz music, and the creation of a safe space. Our resident Music Therapist for the Braille Tones and the Semitones, will speak about the social and musical goals unique to the group, and how to balance these successful in a choir setting.

CHORAL, GENERAL

BUILDING AND GROWING YOUR PROGRAM: A MODEL FOR SUCCESS — Kevin Wilms, moderator

This session will be an interactive panel discussion utilizing the Virtuosi Strings from Bishop Carroll High School in Calgary as the catalyst for discussion about creating an environment for success.

The panel will include Virtuosi Strings director, Christina Visy, Calgary Separate School District Fine and Performing Arts Consultant, Holly Schile, Nathan Gingrich (William Aberhart High School, Calgary) and others. The session will highlight the recent re-emergence of string programs in a number of Calgary High Schools as a model for program building.

GENERAL, STUDIO GENERAL, ELEMENTARY MUSIC, BAND, CHORAL

CHOPIN'S ÉTUDES – LECTURE RECITAL — Krzysztof Jablonski

The talent of piano virtuosos goes far beyond the predispositions they were born with, and includes an incredible amount of technical development which must take place to give them the tools to open endless possibilities for a life as concert pianists. Working purely on technical skills is not very common practice these days. Scales and arpeggios are nearly completely gone from music schools even in Eastern Europe, which was unimaginable during my school years. Why do we witness this devastating change and what can be done to improve the situation? Do we need to add scales and arpeggios to our everyday practice routines? Mr. Jablonski will use Chopin’s Études to demonstrate how technical exercises are employed to improve technique, and give a glimpse of what made the Eastern European school so strong in piano performance and helped so many famous virtuosos to develop their skills.

STUDIO PIANO, STUDIO GENERAL, PERFORMANCE

COMMISSIONING FOR WIND BAND — Jason Flammia (Music Consultant, AFA), Raymond Baril, and special guests 

Various approaches to the commissioning of new works from composers will be addressed — from the public funding aspect to be covered by AFA music consultant Jason Flammia to opportunities in the private sector principally via consortium.

COMPOSITION, GENERAL

COMPOSITION 101 FOR BAND: HOW TO START COMPOSING AND HOW TO START TEACHING COMPOSING — David Visentin

Composing is a key creative output in music, but for most, the idea of composing is terrifying. Whether it be a history of false starts/never finished pieces, a lack of “inspiration”, or the shear horror of a blank sheet of paper!

This session will seek to move us beyond those issues, and at the same time install some strategies as to how to help teach composition to our classes.

COMPOSITION, BAND

DIGITAL MARKETING IN THE ARTS WORLD — Graeme Climie

The way we communicate is shifting – in order to remain relevant and develop lasting relationships with your existing audience, you must be active where your ideal audience is expecting you to be. In this session, we will build a strong foundation of the arts marketing mix while exploring recent trends and power shifts in the digital marketing environment and explore how arts organizations can harness the modern digital market to build a stronger brand. We will also examine best practices in building strong content marketing campaigns and effective social media marketing to enhance your brand experience with a wider audience. Finally, we will look at the social analytics life cycle and understand how arts organizations can measure value in their marketing strategies and build sustainable campaigns.

GENERAL, STUDIO GENERAL, ELEMENTARY MUSIC, BAND, CHORAL

EL SISTEMA: THEN, NOW AND WHEN — David Visentin

Starting as a music education program for youth in Venezuela in 1975 by Dr. Antonio Abreu, El Sistema has become the 'poster child' for music as a catalyst for social change and has produced some of the world's most-noted classical musicians. With over 1,000,000 active musicians in Venezuela today and a worldwide network of independent programs in over 50 countries, el sistema philosophy has had undeniable impact. But criticism has doggedly followed the program in recent years, with the 2014 release of "El Sistema: Orchestrating Venezuela's Youth by author and arts education activist Geoff Baker. What have been its true successes? What have been the failures and limitations? Most importantly, where will El Sistema go in the future if the question remains, does El Sistema really work as a model for social change? Explore these questions together with Sistema Toronto's founding executive director David Visentin.

STUDIO GENERAL, GENERAL

FIRST, WE SING! SONGS AND GAMES FOR KIDS (PART 1) — Susan Brumfield

Looking for new songs to add to your repertoire, and new ways to teach familiar favorites? First, We Sing! Songbooks 1, 2 & 3 are packed with children’s songs, rhymes and games from around the world, selected, transcribed and annotated by Dr. Susan Brumfield. In this session, we will explore teaching activities, singing games and new ways to incorporate a fresh batch of songs into your curriculum. First, We Sing Songbooks come with an enhanced CD featuring Inner Voices, a group of 8 – 12 year- old singers from The West Texas Children’s Chorus.

CHORAL, ELEMENTARY MUSIC

FIRST, WE SING! SONGS AND GAMES FOR KIDS (PART 2) — Susan Brumfield

FIVE GREAT IDEAS TO GET YOUR STUDENTS COMPOSING — Allan Gilliland

Join renowned composer and educator Allan Gilliland for this fun and interactive session on composition. Using a few simple exercises adaptable for all ages, Allan will show you how easy it is to get your students excited about composing.

COMPOSITION, ELEMENTARY MUSIC, STUDIO GENERAL

FORTY-TWO YEARS TEACHING CREATIVE MUSIC — Reinhard von Berg

A talk with anecdotes, sound files, scores, and possibly a performance. Emphasis on improvisation and unwritten compositions. Improvisation demo.

Some anecdotes:

How many piano students turn out to be “closet composers”
How children can compose lengthy pieces at the keyboard, even if they can neither read nor write music
How improvisation does not have to be jazz
How “studying theory” can screw up your creativity
How Marek Jablonski once confided to the Edmonton Journal that composing was something “he wouldn’t dare attempting”. (Glenn Gould was not far behind)

COMPOSITION, STUDIO GENERAL, ELEMENTARY MUSIC, BAND

FROM COMPOSER'S MIND TO CONDUCTOR'S SCORE — Peter Meechan

The band composer’s imagination is (hopefully!) a fertile place. This session will explore the journey from the concepts in the composer’s mind & how they turn it into notation, follow it all the way to the performers, via the conductor, and how this should effect (and affect) our jobs as teachers and conductors.

COMPOSITION, BAND

HOW TO HAVE A HAPPY MARRIAGE: THE JOYFUL UNION OF CHORAL SINGING AND ORFF PHILOSOPHY — Heather Nail

This session will inspire with a wide variety of kid tested, kid approved material, and give your students something to sing about! Blending the holistic, creative philosophies of Orff and quality choral singing, participants will explore imaginative music making for elementary students. This session will focus on developing confident in-tune singing, vocal and instrumental ostinati, singing in canon and partner songs within an Orff context. Material will be appropriate for K-6 elementary music specialists and elementary choir directors. Through playful exploration, participants will speak, move, play and sing, balancing musical self discovery and creativity with fun!

CHORAL, ELEMENTARY MUSIC

"I MUST HAVE MISSED THAT CLASS" OR DEALING WITH THE ADMINISTRATIVE DEMANDS OF RUNNING A BAND PROGRAM — Roberta Baril

Beginning teachers are visionaries who bring with them currency, knowledge, and passion. They have taken courses in music, pedagogy, and educational theory, but the reality of dealing with the day-to-day organization and running of a band program is sometimes neglected. This session will address issues such as advocacy and working with administrators, budgeting and fundraising, organizing parent groups, field trips, festival preparation, concert planning, inventory and record keeping, and other tips and tricks from beyond the podium. Join a conversation that will focus on thriving rather than surviving!

BAND

IMPROVISATION FOR ALL — Terell Stafford

Join luminary jazz artist, Terell Stafford, in an interactive session focussing on the aural tradition of improvisation. Often most closely associated with jazz, the art and process of improvising is foundational to music making in numerous cultures. It’s role in strengthening aural skills, enhancing creativity and developing a sense of expression and reinforcing the concept of making music with intent will be explored.

BAND

IT'S ALL IN YOUR HEAD: FROM MUSICAL LITERACY TO IMPROVISATION — Susan Brumfield

From the moment children begin to utter sounds, they create their own musical worlds through babbling, speaking and ultimately singing in their own ways. These creative instincts can and should be nurtured in a relaxed and playful way. In this session, we will explore improvisation as a skill (not a magic trick!) that can be developed over time through small, incremental steps and fun activities.

ELEMENTARY MUSIC

IMPLEMENTATION OF SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING IN MUSIC EDUCATION CLASSROOMS: ACTIVITIES FOR PERSONAL AND INTERPERSONAL GROWTH — Scott Edgar 

Building on an understanding of social emotional learning (SEL), this session will provide specific activities for implementation in K-12 music classrooms and builds on the information from the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Music Education session. The purpose of this session is to provide lesson ideas for SEL implementation for all ages and music

Interest sessions