To ensure delegates are able to access the Music Conference Alberta opportunities that are most relevant and valuable to them, we have organized the conference in 4 streams — band, choir, classroom, and studio. Each stream includes no fewer than four sessions.
Most sessions will be recorded and available to delegates registered in the corresponding stream 30 days after initially presented.
Most sessions will be recorded and available to delegates registered in the corresponding stream 30 days after initially presented.
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REGISTRATION FEES
1 stream — $60 2 streams — $100 All 4 streams — $150 |
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE
Music Conference Alberta sessions will take place between January and April 2021. VIEW THE FULL SCHEDULE |
CROSSOVER SESSIONS
These sessions are available to all conference delegates, regardless of the stream(s) for which they're registered.
These sessions are available to all conference delegates, regardless of the stream(s) for which they're registered.
Teaching with Technology — Panel Discussion
FRIDAY, JAN 29, 7:30 p.m.
Carmen Morin, Jan Janovsky, Andrew Mercer, Dylan Wiest
Educators have more technology available to them today than ever before—but with music teachers and conductors facing their own unique challenges pertaining to COVID-19, it can be difficult to know where to start. Join this panel session as four educators and experts from across the country share their experience, ideas, and resources for teaching music with technology. In addition to a general presentation and discussion from the four panelists, the session will also divide into two breakout rooms to allow studio & ensemble music educators to address issues specific to their discipline. With the panelists representing a combined three decades of experience in online music education, delegates are sure to benefit from this unique and timely session.
Can I Sing Yet?
WEDNESDAY, FEB 24, 10:30 a.m.
Molly Noori
A singer's account of contracting COVID-19 and dealing with the residual symptoms over 9 months later. Molly will share how the virus has impacted her physically, mentally, emotionally, and professionally. She hopes that sharing her experience will help teachers and performers understand the possible short-term and long-term effects of the virus and learn the unique symptoms that it can potentially produce.
Pandemic Pickles for Pupils & Pedagogues: Musician Mental Health
SATURDAY, MAR 13, 10:30 a.m.
Dr. Jonathan Hamill
This session will explore the impacts of pandemic living and the virtual shift on general mental health, and more specifically for musicians and music educators. Topics will include music and community, music teachers’ role in student wellbeing, challenges of virtual lessons, online safety for kids, boundary issues in online environments, self-care tips, and exciting new ways artists are connecting with audiences through technology. The session will finish off with a couple of uplifting stories of overcoming obstacles, including the presenter’s own Velvet & Velour Virtual Valentine’s online music festival, and the Canadian Physician’s Virtual Choir.
FRIDAY, JAN 29, 7:30 p.m.
Carmen Morin, Jan Janovsky, Andrew Mercer, Dylan Wiest
Educators have more technology available to them today than ever before—but with music teachers and conductors facing their own unique challenges pertaining to COVID-19, it can be difficult to know where to start. Join this panel session as four educators and experts from across the country share their experience, ideas, and resources for teaching music with technology. In addition to a general presentation and discussion from the four panelists, the session will also divide into two breakout rooms to allow studio & ensemble music educators to address issues specific to their discipline. With the panelists representing a combined three decades of experience in online music education, delegates are sure to benefit from this unique and timely session.
Can I Sing Yet?
WEDNESDAY, FEB 24, 10:30 a.m.
Molly Noori
A singer's account of contracting COVID-19 and dealing with the residual symptoms over 9 months later. Molly will share how the virus has impacted her physically, mentally, emotionally, and professionally. She hopes that sharing her experience will help teachers and performers understand the possible short-term and long-term effects of the virus and learn the unique symptoms that it can potentially produce.
Pandemic Pickles for Pupils & Pedagogues: Musician Mental Health
SATURDAY, MAR 13, 10:30 a.m.
Dr. Jonathan Hamill
This session will explore the impacts of pandemic living and the virtual shift on general mental health, and more specifically for musicians and music educators. Topics will include music and community, music teachers’ role in student wellbeing, challenges of virtual lessons, online safety for kids, boundary issues in online environments, self-care tips, and exciting new ways artists are connecting with audiences through technology. The session will finish off with a couple of uplifting stories of overcoming obstacles, including the presenter’s own Velvet & Velour Virtual Valentine’s online music festival, and the Canadian Physician’s Virtual Choir.
BAND STREAM
The Creative Repertoire Initiative: Repertoire specifically composed and arranged for COVID times and beyond
THURSDAY, JAN 28, 7:30 p.m.
Peter Meechan
A look at the work of the Creative Repertoire Initiative (CRI) - a group of composers and conductors who came together to ensure there was high quality repertoire available for the start of the current academic year and beyond, as well as to hopefully help inspire other composers and arrangers to contribute to this ever growing, important, body of music. This session is suitable for instrumental music directors, composers, and arrangers alike.
Developing a Percussion Ensemble for Band Directors
THURSDAY, FEB 11, 7:30 p.m.
Presenter: Joe Porter
Joe will share many ideas on starting and running a successful percussion ensemble for a variety of age groups. The session will demonstrate different kinds of percussion ensembles, multiple budget scenarios, recommended materials and publications, and everything you need to be successful!
Creating Habits of Success in the Young Band
THURSDAY, MAR 18, 7:30 p.m.
Presenter: Scott Rush
This session addresses challenges unique to the young band. Topics include the first days of instruction, transitioning to the “small instrument,” basic solfege instruction, rhythm vocabulary, first-time challenges, keys and key signatures, teaching strategies, fundamentals time and necessary supplemental materials. Participants will also discover new ways to effectively use multiple technologies for e-learning in the full-ensemble setting to develop comprehensive musicianship in every student.
Band Reimagined: Having Certain Plans for Uncertain Times
THURSDAY, APR 22, 7:30 p.m.
Presenter: Brian Balmages
In times of uncertainty, there is growing concern about what band may look like in the coming months. How can educators come up with a game plan when the goal posts keep moving? Let’s talk about SOLUTIONS! Music is our curriculum. So let’s leave with a clear idea of how we can be successful regardless of guidelines and restrictions!
THURSDAY, JAN 28, 7:30 p.m.
Peter Meechan
A look at the work of the Creative Repertoire Initiative (CRI) - a group of composers and conductors who came together to ensure there was high quality repertoire available for the start of the current academic year and beyond, as well as to hopefully help inspire other composers and arrangers to contribute to this ever growing, important, body of music. This session is suitable for instrumental music directors, composers, and arrangers alike.
Developing a Percussion Ensemble for Band Directors
THURSDAY, FEB 11, 7:30 p.m.
Presenter: Joe Porter
Joe will share many ideas on starting and running a successful percussion ensemble for a variety of age groups. The session will demonstrate different kinds of percussion ensembles, multiple budget scenarios, recommended materials and publications, and everything you need to be successful!
Creating Habits of Success in the Young Band
THURSDAY, MAR 18, 7:30 p.m.
Presenter: Scott Rush
This session addresses challenges unique to the young band. Topics include the first days of instruction, transitioning to the “small instrument,” basic solfege instruction, rhythm vocabulary, first-time challenges, keys and key signatures, teaching strategies, fundamentals time and necessary supplemental materials. Participants will also discover new ways to effectively use multiple technologies for e-learning in the full-ensemble setting to develop comprehensive musicianship in every student.
Band Reimagined: Having Certain Plans for Uncertain Times
THURSDAY, APR 22, 7:30 p.m.
Presenter: Brian Balmages
In times of uncertainty, there is growing concern about what band may look like in the coming months. How can educators come up with a game plan when the goal posts keep moving? Let’s talk about SOLUTIONS! Music is our curriculum. So let’s leave with a clear idea of how we can be successful regardless of guidelines and restrictions!
CHOIR STREAM
The Power of Music in “Reconciliation”
SATURDAY, JAN 16, 10:30 a.m.
Leela Gilday
Singer-songwriter Leela Gilday has been honoured to work with choirs and opera programs across Canada on how to move forward in a good way when it comes to relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. In this session, participants will learn how the arts can play a powerful role in true “reconciliation”. Gilday will deconstruct the term, providing a brief history of the relationship between Indigenous people and the colonial Canadian government. She will also examine some best practices for people who wish to use their music to build bridges, and touch on her own history and journey with music, which she has used as a tool to inspire, uplift and educate people about her Dene nation, the north, and Indigenous people.
SATURDAY, JAN 16, 10:30 a.m.
Leela Gilday
Singer-songwriter Leela Gilday has been honoured to work with choirs and opera programs across Canada on how to move forward in a good way when it comes to relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. In this session, participants will learn how the arts can play a powerful role in true “reconciliation”. Gilday will deconstruct the term, providing a brief history of the relationship between Indigenous people and the colonial Canadian government. She will also examine some best practices for people who wish to use their music to build bridges, and touch on her own history and journey with music, which she has used as a tool to inspire, uplift and educate people about her Dene nation, the north, and Indigenous people.
The Music of Ola Gjeilo
MONDAY, FEB 8, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Ola Gjeilo
Hear from one of the most popular choral composers in the world today—from the comfort of your living room! In this hour-long session, the America-based Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo will provide insight to the inner workings of his music, talking directly to delegates about his choral works, his approach to composition, his inspirations, and more. The session will also include a live Q+A, where delegates can ask Ola about his music directly. Facilitated by Dr. Brendan Lord, this session will provide valuable insight into the work of one of today's most prolific and popular choral composers.
MONDAY, FEB 8, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Ola Gjeilo
Hear from one of the most popular choral composers in the world today—from the comfort of your living room! In this hour-long session, the America-based Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo will provide insight to the inner workings of his music, talking directly to delegates about his choral works, his approach to composition, his inspirations, and more. The session will also include a live Q+A, where delegates can ask Ola about his music directly. Facilitated by Dr. Brendan Lord, this session will provide valuable insight into the work of one of today's most prolific and popular choral composers.
From Spirituals to Gospel Music - Enjoying the Journey!
SATURDAY, MAR 6, 10:30 a.m.
Karen Burke
Your singers will sing spirituals and gospel music more authentically when they understand where this music comes from. Discover the key elements of authentic gospel music performance practice from Karen Burke, the Artistic Director of the Juno award-winning Toronto Mass Choir and the creator of the first Gospel music courses at a post-secondary institution in Canada. This workshop is helpful for those who are looking for a ‘way in’ to this exciting genre. Conductors will also find the demonstrated methods helpful in the interpretation of spirituals and any genre based on a strong rhythmic foundation.
SATURDAY, MAR 6, 10:30 a.m.
Karen Burke
Your singers will sing spirituals and gospel music more authentically when they understand where this music comes from. Discover the key elements of authentic gospel music performance practice from Karen Burke, the Artistic Director of the Juno award-winning Toronto Mass Choir and the creator of the first Gospel music courses at a post-secondary institution in Canada. This workshop is helpful for those who are looking for a ‘way in’ to this exciting genre. Conductors will also find the demonstrated methods helpful in the interpretation of spirituals and any genre based on a strong rhythmic foundation.
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Choral Reading Session: The Digital Marketplace of MusicSpoke
SATURDAY, APR 17, 10:30 a.m. Adam Robertson You don't need to go to the publishers to find great music! This choral reading session highlights the catalogue of MusicSpoke, an online marketplace for choral composers. Edmonton's own Adam Robertson will guide delegates through a wide range of music for children's choir, treble choir, and mixed choir with audio & score samples, including music by Canadian composers like Katerina Gimon, Nicholas Kelly, Kathleen Allan, Peter Willsher, and Marie-Claire Saindon. Participants will also be provided with a free packet of PDF perusal scores to take away from this session. |
Session sponsored by
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CLASSROOM STREAM
Decolonizing the Music Room Part 1 — Applying Decolonizing and Antiracist Approaches
Syreeta Neal and Brandi Waller-Pace
SATURDAY, JAN 23, 10:30 a.m. (livestream only – a recording will not be available)
Teachers bring to their classrooms their own lived experiences that guide and inform instructional choices. Direct conversations about race, cultural dominance, and marginalization of BBIA (Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Asian) people are uncommon in music education training. Attendees will learn vocabulary foundational to decolonizing and antiracist approaches as well as explore identity and positionality as it relates to their practice.
Kinetic Kaleidoscope: The Ever-Changing Music of 2020-2021
Aimee Curtis Pfitzner
SATURDAY, FEB 27, 10:30 a.m.
In the ever-changing, ever-shifting landscape of Pandemic Teaching, classroom music education has become more difficult than ever before—but with new challenges come new resources and opportunities! Join Aimee Curtis Pfitzner as she leads a hands-on music teacher workshop showing new ways to explore the elements of music with young students, including rhythm, harmony, melody, form, and expressive qualities. Delegates will learn strategies for virtual and face-to-face teaching to enhance and supplement lessons using children's literature, games, and activities that engage students in active music making. With over two decades of experience as a teacher of Orff-Schulwerk, and numerous publications, Pfitzner brings a wealth of expertise from which delegates are sure to benefit.
Dalcroze Eurhythmics in the General Music Classroom
Marla Butke
SATURDAY, MAR 27, 10:30 a.m.
Meaningful movement enables students to have joyful musical experiences that unite the body, mind, and soul! Presented by Dr. Marla Butke, a Master Teaching Artist with the American Eurhythmics Society, this session will give participants the opportunity to experience eurhythmics activities appropriate for the general music classroom. Teaching rhythmic integrity and expressivity will be the focus of the session as delegates explore the main tenets of the Dalcroze philosophy. This session will also address blending this approach with other music education methodologies, creating a culture of movement, space considerations, and piano improvisation.
Decolonizing the Music Room Part 2 — Applying Decolonizing and Antiracist Approaches
Brandi Waller-Pace and Lorelei Batislaong
SATURDAY, APR 10, 10:30 a.m. (livestream only – a recording will not be available)
In the second session of this two-part series, attendees will review foundational vocabulary and concepts and discuss common detours that may impede application. Guiding questions will be used to encourage deeper thinking around commonly accepted practices and guide attendees toward actionable steps in their own teaching.
Syreeta Neal and Brandi Waller-Pace
SATURDAY, JAN 23, 10:30 a.m. (livestream only – a recording will not be available)
Teachers bring to their classrooms their own lived experiences that guide and inform instructional choices. Direct conversations about race, cultural dominance, and marginalization of BBIA (Black, Brown, Indigenous, and Asian) people are uncommon in music education training. Attendees will learn vocabulary foundational to decolonizing and antiracist approaches as well as explore identity and positionality as it relates to their practice.
Kinetic Kaleidoscope: The Ever-Changing Music of 2020-2021
Aimee Curtis Pfitzner
SATURDAY, FEB 27, 10:30 a.m.
In the ever-changing, ever-shifting landscape of Pandemic Teaching, classroom music education has become more difficult than ever before—but with new challenges come new resources and opportunities! Join Aimee Curtis Pfitzner as she leads a hands-on music teacher workshop showing new ways to explore the elements of music with young students, including rhythm, harmony, melody, form, and expressive qualities. Delegates will learn strategies for virtual and face-to-face teaching to enhance and supplement lessons using children's literature, games, and activities that engage students in active music making. With over two decades of experience as a teacher of Orff-Schulwerk, and numerous publications, Pfitzner brings a wealth of expertise from which delegates are sure to benefit.
Dalcroze Eurhythmics in the General Music Classroom
Marla Butke
SATURDAY, MAR 27, 10:30 a.m.
Meaningful movement enables students to have joyful musical experiences that unite the body, mind, and soul! Presented by Dr. Marla Butke, a Master Teaching Artist with the American Eurhythmics Society, this session will give participants the opportunity to experience eurhythmics activities appropriate for the general music classroom. Teaching rhythmic integrity and expressivity will be the focus of the session as delegates explore the main tenets of the Dalcroze philosophy. This session will also address blending this approach with other music education methodologies, creating a culture of movement, space considerations, and piano improvisation.
Decolonizing the Music Room Part 2 — Applying Decolonizing and Antiracist Approaches
Brandi Waller-Pace and Lorelei Batislaong
SATURDAY, APR 10, 10:30 a.m. (livestream only – a recording will not be available)
In the second session of this two-part series, attendees will review foundational vocabulary and concepts and discuss common detours that may impede application. Guiding questions will be used to encourage deeper thinking around commonly accepted practices and guide attendees toward actionable steps in their own teaching.
STUDIO STREAM
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Liability in the Time of COVID-19
WEDNESDAY, JAN 20, 10:30 a.m. Presenter: Sarah Patrick What happens if a student who comes to your home for a music lesson later tests positive for COVID-19? Can you be held legally responsible? How do you protect yourself? This is an unprecedented time, and now more than ever, you have a duty to take steps to keep your students and yourself safe when running lessons out of your home. But what does that duty translate to? What potential legal consequences could unfold? This presentation will give you information about the potential liability that you face teaching lessons out of your home during the pandemic, and practical information about how to mitigate those risks. by keeping informed and taking steps to protect yourself, you can continue to teach out of your home studio while mitigating and minimizing the potential legal risks you face during this unprecedented time. |
Session sponsored by
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Baroque Dance Rhythms - a Kinaesthetic Perspective
Presenter: Philippa Waite
How many times have you taught a Bach Minuet? Or a Gigue? A Sarabande? Have you ever wondered about what these dances look like or, even better, how they might feel? How does the movement of the dances affect tempo, inflection, even rubato? Join Philippa Waite for a fascinating look at these dance forms, so essential to Baroque music in particular. See how the dance and the music are vitally interconnected through this kinaesthetic perspective to the Baroque dances. Participants will be taught some dance sequences, giving them a new perspective and understanding of this core repertoire. Come to these workshops prepared to move and to dance! No prior dancing experience is expected or required.
Presenter: Philippa Waite
How many times have you taught a Bach Minuet? Or a Gigue? A Sarabande? Have you ever wondered about what these dances look like or, even better, how they might feel? How does the movement of the dances affect tempo, inflection, even rubato? Join Philippa Waite for a fascinating look at these dance forms, so essential to Baroque music in particular. See how the dance and the music are vitally interconnected through this kinaesthetic perspective to the Baroque dances. Participants will be taught some dance sequences, giving them a new perspective and understanding of this core repertoire. Come to these workshops prepared to move and to dance! No prior dancing experience is expected or required.
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Session 1: Bourrée and Menuet
WEDNESDAY, FEB 10, 10:30 a.m. The workshop will focus on some basic steps (pas de bourrée, pas coupé, pas balancé etc.) typically found in most dance rhythms, and apply them in a short bourrée dance sequence. Continuing from these steps, we'll look at how they are adapted for use in a menuet. As well, we will learn a basic step usually found in menuets and its faster version the passepied. |
Session sponsored by
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Session 2: Sarabande and Gigue*
WEDNESDAY, MAR 3, 10:30 a.m.
A continuation of the first session on Bourrée and Menuet, this workshop will look at how the pas de bourrée and other basic steps are adapted for use in the sarabande (accenting the second beat) and other triple time dances. Finally we will focus on some of the sprung steps, found in most dance rhythms but more frequently used in faster types such as the gigue.
*In order to optimize their experience, participants are strongly urged to attend Session 1: Bourrée and Menuet prior to Session 2.
WEDNESDAY, MAR 3, 10:30 a.m.
A continuation of the first session on Bourrée and Menuet, this workshop will look at how the pas de bourrée and other basic steps are adapted for use in the sarabande (accenting the second beat) and other triple time dances. Finally we will focus on some of the sprung steps, found in most dance rhythms but more frequently used in faster types such as the gigue.
*In order to optimize their experience, participants are strongly urged to attend Session 1: Bourrée and Menuet prior to Session 2.
Playing for singers? Have no fear!
WEDNESDAY, APR 14, 10:30 a.m.
Presenter: Michael McMahon
Many pianists are intimidated by the thought of playing with singers. What does it mean to follow or support a singer? What are your responsibilities as a partner? What should you say and what should you not say? An internationally renowned professor at McGill University’s Faculty of Music, Michael McMahon will share some of the tricks of the trade that he has collected over a half century as a pedagogue and collaborative pianist, including work with many of the world’s best singers.
WEDNESDAY, APR 14, 10:30 a.m.
Presenter: Michael McMahon
Many pianists are intimidated by the thought of playing with singers. What does it mean to follow or support a singer? What are your responsibilities as a partner? What should you say and what should you not say? An internationally renowned professor at McGill University’s Faculty of Music, Michael McMahon will share some of the tricks of the trade that he has collected over a half century as a pedagogue and collaborative pianist, including work with many of the world’s best singers.
