INTEREST SESSIONS
*CLASSROOM* A Modern Approach to Guitar: Reimagining the Guitar Class
Michael Cutler
This session will explore specific pedagogies and approaches for the modern guitar class that emphasize personalized instruction and learner independence. Collected through over twenty years of experience of one-to-one and classroom-based guitar instruction, this session will provide successful strategies and supports for music educators to teach class-based guitar courses with limited experience on the instrument.
Michael Cutler
This session will explore specific pedagogies and approaches for the modern guitar class that emphasize personalized instruction and learner independence. Collected through over twenty years of experience of one-to-one and classroom-based guitar instruction, this session will provide successful strategies and supports for music educators to teach class-based guitar courses with limited experience on the instrument.
*BAND* Brassword - A holophrastic Approach to Teaching Brass
Scott Watson
This Innovative approach developed by Professor Watson, uses holophrastic slogans (words or phrases that lead to action) to give young brass players access to vital techniques and concepts while playing. Through repetition, the student begins to associate specific techniques of Air, Embouchure function, and sound with these words or phrases. The result is more advanced and natural playing, allowing the student by high school to have “autotellic” (losing oneself in the music) experiences while playing.
Professor Watson will in this Session, introduce the major slogans used in the method concerning Sound production, proper embouchure, and articulation. He will also discuss and demonstrate how to teach THEM, giving insight into the pedagogy behind their selection.
Scott Watson
This Innovative approach developed by Professor Watson, uses holophrastic slogans (words or phrases that lead to action) to give young brass players access to vital techniques and concepts while playing. Through repetition, the student begins to associate specific techniques of Air, Embouchure function, and sound with these words or phrases. The result is more advanced and natural playing, allowing the student by high school to have “autotellic” (losing oneself in the music) experiences while playing.
Professor Watson will in this Session, introduce the major slogans used in the method concerning Sound production, proper embouchure, and articulation. He will also discuss and demonstrate how to teach THEM, giving insight into the pedagogy behind their selection.
*BAND* Building a Band that Rocks: Strategies for Program Growth and Retention
Lindsey Kemp & Morgan Richardson
Please join Lindsey and Morgan for an insightful session on building and nurturing a band program. Discover techniques that may work for you for creating an inclusive environment that encourages student engagement and fosters long-term commitment. Explore effective communication methods, team-building exercises/strategies, and practical approaches to inspire students' passion for music that hopefully instill a desire to remain a part of the band. Brainstorm and discuss how to cultivate a supportive musical "family" where students flourish and create lifelong connections. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your band program and empower student success!
Lindsey Kemp & Morgan Richardson
Please join Lindsey and Morgan for an insightful session on building and nurturing a band program. Discover techniques that may work for you for creating an inclusive environment that encourages student engagement and fosters long-term commitment. Explore effective communication methods, team-building exercises/strategies, and practical approaches to inspire students' passion for music that hopefully instill a desire to remain a part of the band. Brainstorm and discuss how to cultivate a supportive musical "family" where students flourish and create lifelong connections. Don't miss this opportunity to transform your band program and empower student success!
*STUDIO* Canadian Repertoire for Intermediate to Advanced pianists
David McIntyre, Derek Chiu, Dr. Jani Parsons, Sylvia Shadick-Taylor
Join composer David McIntyre, the RCM’s Derek Chiu, the University of Calgary’s Dr. Jani Parsons, and Edmonton pianist, Sylvia Shadick-Taylor for this panel discussion about Canadian repertoire for intermediate to advanced pianists. The Mount Royal University Conservatory’s Rolf Bertsch will be moderator.
David McIntyre, Derek Chiu, Dr. Jani Parsons, Sylvia Shadick-Taylor
Join composer David McIntyre, the RCM’s Derek Chiu, the University of Calgary’s Dr. Jani Parsons, and Edmonton pianist, Sylvia Shadick-Taylor for this panel discussion about Canadian repertoire for intermediate to advanced pianists. The Mount Royal University Conservatory’s Rolf Bertsch will be moderator.
*CHORAL* Choral Reading Session: Music for Easy - intermediate mixed voices
Kim Denis
Led by Kim Denis, this reading session will focus on choral music for mixed voices, including junior high, high school, and non-auditioned adult community choirs.
Kim Denis
Led by Kim Denis, this reading session will focus on choral music for mixed voices, including junior high, high school, and non-auditioned adult community choirs.
*ELEMENTARY* Choral Reading Session: Music for elementary and children’s choir
Kathryn Berko
Led by Kathryn Berko, this reading session will focus on choral music for elementary and children’s choirs. Music will be a mixture of Unison, 2-part, and easy 3-part music that can be integrated into your classroom or choral music teaching.
Kathryn Berko
Led by Kathryn Berko, this reading session will focus on choral music for elementary and children’s choirs. Music will be a mixture of Unison, 2-part, and easy 3-part music that can be integrated into your classroom or choral music teaching.
*GENERAL MUSIC ED* Embracing the Chaos; Strategies for Neuro-Diverse Music Educators - a collaborative session
Sarah Seymour
Are you a neuro-diverse music educator? Discover the hidden strengths within neuro-diverse educators and join in the conversation around transforming challenges into opportunities in this 75-minute session. Join Sarah Seymour a self-proclaimed Neuro-Spicey music educator and together delve into why being neuro-diverse is a gift to both students and the teaching profession. Explore strategies to enhance executive functioning, organization, and sensory issues, while gaining valuable tools for planning and teaching. This session not only empowers educators to excel but provides insights that can benefit their students as well. Participants will depart with fresh ideas, suggested apps, and resources to bolster their teaching, and the invaluable chance to connect and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals. Embrace the chaos and thrive as a neuro-diverse music educator!
Sarah Seymour
Are you a neuro-diverse music educator? Discover the hidden strengths within neuro-diverse educators and join in the conversation around transforming challenges into opportunities in this 75-minute session. Join Sarah Seymour a self-proclaimed Neuro-Spicey music educator and together delve into why being neuro-diverse is a gift to both students and the teaching profession. Explore strategies to enhance executive functioning, organization, and sensory issues, while gaining valuable tools for planning and teaching. This session not only empowers educators to excel but provides insights that can benefit their students as well. Participants will depart with fresh ideas, suggested apps, and resources to bolster their teaching, and the invaluable chance to connect and exchange ideas with like-minded individuals. Embrace the chaos and thrive as a neuro-diverse music educator!
*BAND* Failure First: A Growth Mindset and Experiential learning approach to building Success and Resilience in Beginning Band
Sarah Seymour
“Be Brave Enough to Suck at Something New!”, This session will provide a collaborative space to discuss and explore innovative approaches to supporting and encouraging young musicians in their musical journey. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and walk away with fresh ideas to implement in their classrooms. They will gain insights into fostering a growth mindset and developing resilience in beginning band students, along with practical strategies, resources, and activities.. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with new perspectives and actionable ideas to enhance their teaching and empower their students to embrace challenges and grow from failure. Practice makes Progress!
Sarah Seymour
“Be Brave Enough to Suck at Something New!”, This session will provide a collaborative space to discuss and explore innovative approaches to supporting and encouraging young musicians in their musical journey. Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations and walk away with fresh ideas to implement in their classrooms. They will gain insights into fostering a growth mindset and developing resilience in beginning band students, along with practical strategies, resources, and activities.. By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with new perspectives and actionable ideas to enhance their teaching and empower their students to embrace challenges and grow from failure. Practice makes Progress!
*GENERAL MUSIC ED* Free Your Mind, Free Your Voice: Mindfulness for Musical Communication
Bernard Quilala
Music is an artform that combines vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to produce beauty of form, harmony and expression of emotion. Many musicians get so wrapped up in the technical aspects of their musical craft that they forget that music is a form of communication. In this session, you will learn the biological and physiological workings of human emotions, to use mindfulness to shape your vocal technique, and the psychological understanding of how to form a fast and intense connection with your audience through your performance. This session is designed for all musicians (vocal and instrumental) of every skill level and age.
Bernard Quilala
Music is an artform that combines vocal or instrumental sounds (or both) to produce beauty of form, harmony and expression of emotion. Many musicians get so wrapped up in the technical aspects of their musical craft that they forget that music is a form of communication. In this session, you will learn the biological and physiological workings of human emotions, to use mindfulness to shape your vocal technique, and the psychological understanding of how to form a fast and intense connection with your audience through your performance. This session is designed for all musicians (vocal and instrumental) of every skill level and age.
*BAND* Issues Facing Women Band Directors – A Panel Discussion
Taina Lorenz
Hosted by board members of the Alberta Chapter of Women Band Directors International, delegates will engage in a discussion on topics of concern for women band directors. Topics for discussion include professional challenges such as representation, repertoire selection, recognition and promotion, work-life balance - especially in regards to family, and social challenges such as image and fashion, chauvinism, harassment, and cultural barriers to authority. WBDI will also share opportunities for mentorship and involvement in a variety of programs designed to encourage women in the field. This session will also provide delegates and associates with a large network of support and resources for advocacy.
This session is of particular importance to women in band, new and veteran, as well as anyone who is focused on diversity, inclusion, and the removal of barriers to representative education and leadership.
Taina Lorenz
Hosted by board members of the Alberta Chapter of Women Band Directors International, delegates will engage in a discussion on topics of concern for women band directors. Topics for discussion include professional challenges such as representation, repertoire selection, recognition and promotion, work-life balance - especially in regards to family, and social challenges such as image and fashion, chauvinism, harassment, and cultural barriers to authority. WBDI will also share opportunities for mentorship and involvement in a variety of programs designed to encourage women in the field. This session will also provide delegates and associates with a large network of support and resources for advocacy.
This session is of particular importance to women in band, new and veteran, as well as anyone who is focused on diversity, inclusion, and the removal of barriers to representative education and leadership.
*STUDIO* Learning Power: Develop Intentional Music Habits in the Digital Age
Gloria Chu
Developing intentional music habits is a key element to embracing the change in the digital age. Students crave a continual sense of progress and achievement in the world of video games. Our approach to nurturing music habits must adapt to these characteristics. This session will discuss the 5 steps to take action to establish intentional music habits in the digital age. Discover how to empower social media to discover intrinsic motivation and understand the formula to seek clarity in developing intentional habits. Observe the cues to customize music habits in a competitive virtual world. Learn how to start the students’ habit of listening to their current repertoire instead of viewing the latest TikTok at every opportunity. Appreciate how video gamers crave advancement of levels as a positive learning tool to establish an attractive music habit. Take action with the 5 steps to transform practicing into an intentional habit, developing lifelong independent musicians in the digital age.
Gloria Chu
Developing intentional music habits is a key element to embracing the change in the digital age. Students crave a continual sense of progress and achievement in the world of video games. Our approach to nurturing music habits must adapt to these characteristics. This session will discuss the 5 steps to take action to establish intentional music habits in the digital age. Discover how to empower social media to discover intrinsic motivation and understand the formula to seek clarity in developing intentional habits. Observe the cues to customize music habits in a competitive virtual world. Learn how to start the students’ habit of listening to their current repertoire instead of viewing the latest TikTok at every opportunity. Appreciate how video gamers crave advancement of levels as a positive learning tool to establish an attractive music habit. Take action with the 5 steps to transform practicing into an intentional habit, developing lifelong independent musicians in the digital age.
*STUDIO* Mindful Self-Compassion for Musicians: May I be at ease
Carmen Letourneau
Abstract: Contrary to the glamourous stereotype of a creative performer’s life, many musicians endure emotional and physical health challenges. Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is a powerful, science-based approach to suffering that has great potential to improve musicians' health and wellness. Positive benefits of MSC training in non-musician populations include greater feelings of well-being, more resilience to stress, and motivation for health-promoting behaviours. MSC training has been shown to reduce chronic pain, anxiety and depression, perfectionism, and fear of failure. In this presentation, we will learn about apply and apply the three principles of Mindful Self-Compassion to musicians. These include Self-Kindness--being warm and nurturing with oneself like we would to a loved one; Common Humanity--seeing our experience as part of the human condition; and Mindfulness--non-judgmental attention and awareness on present experience. In addition to debunking some of the myths about being kind to ourselves, this workshop will bring helpful insights for teachers, performers, and students.
Carmen Letourneau
Abstract: Contrary to the glamourous stereotype of a creative performer’s life, many musicians endure emotional and physical health challenges. Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) is a powerful, science-based approach to suffering that has great potential to improve musicians' health and wellness. Positive benefits of MSC training in non-musician populations include greater feelings of well-being, more resilience to stress, and motivation for health-promoting behaviours. MSC training has been shown to reduce chronic pain, anxiety and depression, perfectionism, and fear of failure. In this presentation, we will learn about apply and apply the three principles of Mindful Self-Compassion to musicians. These include Self-Kindness--being warm and nurturing with oneself like we would to a loved one; Common Humanity--seeing our experience as part of the human condition; and Mindfulness--non-judgmental attention and awareness on present experience. In addition to debunking some of the myths about being kind to ourselves, this workshop will bring helpful insights for teachers, performers, and students.
*STUDIO* Movement Strategies for Musicians
Carmen Letourneau
While playing-related injury among musicians has received increasing academic attention in recent decades, there continues to be a serious disconnect between research and practice. Teachers play an important role in setting students up with healthy habits and attitudes in their formative years. In this informative session, we will dive into some of the current research about playing-related injury prevention. I will discuss healthy practicing strategies and demonstrate warm-ups and specific exercises that I use in my studio lessons and personal practice, along with the rationale behind them. In addition to my own teaching and performing experience, I draw on academic research and my background as a yoga teacher and movement coach. This practical presentation will be of interest to studio and classroom teachers and performers. Although my instrument is piano, the strategies and principles will be helpful for other instrumentalists.
Carmen Letourneau
While playing-related injury among musicians has received increasing academic attention in recent decades, there continues to be a serious disconnect between research and practice. Teachers play an important role in setting students up with healthy habits and attitudes in their formative years. In this informative session, we will dive into some of the current research about playing-related injury prevention. I will discuss healthy practicing strategies and demonstrate warm-ups and specific exercises that I use in my studio lessons and personal practice, along with the rationale behind them. In addition to my own teaching and performing experience, I draw on academic research and my background as a yoga teacher and movement coach. This practical presentation will be of interest to studio and classroom teachers and performers. Although my instrument is piano, the strategies and principles will be helpful for other instrumentalists.
*BAND* One Giant Leap for Clarinet-kind: How to help your Beginner Clarinet Students Go Over the Break
Amanda Kinnear
Crossing the break into the upper register of the clarinet is a challenging skill for any beginner student. With nearly two decades of experience teaching clarinet and bass clarinet, Amanda Kinnear has helped thousands of students struggling with the upper register and has learned the best techniques for making this transition as easy and as squeak-free as possible.
In this session, Amanda will demonstrate finger position, breath control and the proper embouchure for crossing the break and playing in the upper register of the clarinet.
Delegates are encouraged to bring their own clarinets to practice the exercises and receive hands-on help.
Please join this session and help change the stigma of crossing the break from daunting to fun!
Amanda Kinnear
Crossing the break into the upper register of the clarinet is a challenging skill for any beginner student. With nearly two decades of experience teaching clarinet and bass clarinet, Amanda Kinnear has helped thousands of students struggling with the upper register and has learned the best techniques for making this transition as easy and as squeak-free as possible.
In this session, Amanda will demonstrate finger position, breath control and the proper embouchure for crossing the break and playing in the upper register of the clarinet.
Delegates are encouraged to bring their own clarinets to practice the exercises and receive hands-on help.
Please join this session and help change the stigma of crossing the break from daunting to fun!
*CLASSROOM* Planning and Maintaining your fleet of Orff instruments
Lisa Laughton
This session is designed to bring elementary music teachers together to learn about the physical equipment needs of an Orff program. Topics discussed will include makes and models of instruments, including their differences, advantages and disadvantages; planning for a fleet of instruments, and how many are needed for a complete classroom; and maintaining instruments through their life cycle. Session sponsored by St. John’s Music.
Lisa Laughton
This session is designed to bring elementary music teachers together to learn about the physical equipment needs of an Orff program. Topics discussed will include makes and models of instruments, including their differences, advantages and disadvantages; planning for a fleet of instruments, and how many are needed for a complete classroom; and maintaining instruments through their life cycle. Session sponsored by St. John’s Music.
*BAND* Practical Instrumental Conducting
Taina Lorenz
In this practical session hosted by veteran conductor-educator Dr. Taina Lorenz, delegates will incorporate baton techniques and body language to explore common conducting challenges such as starting together, fermatas, tempo changes, cueing, and expression. After a large group review and discussion of fundamental gestures and strategies to navigate these common challenges, delegates will have the opportunity to individually work with a live ensemble and practice their gestures in an organic and supportive environment.
Please bring your baton to the session.
Taina Lorenz
In this practical session hosted by veteran conductor-educator Dr. Taina Lorenz, delegates will incorporate baton techniques and body language to explore common conducting challenges such as starting together, fermatas, tempo changes, cueing, and expression. After a large group review and discussion of fundamental gestures and strategies to navigate these common challenges, delegates will have the opportunity to individually work with a live ensemble and practice their gestures in an organic and supportive environment.
Please bring your baton to the session.
*BAND* Teaching Music in the Rural Classroom
Kirk Wassmer
Teaching Band in a rural community can be incredibly rewarding, but there are also challenges and idiosyncrasies that make it different from teaching in an urban setting. A panel of rural teachers from across Alberta will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their teaching situation, and how they have adapted to ensure their students receive the same musical education and opportunities that their peers in the city receive. Time will also be provided within the session for attendees to ask questions specific to their particular teaching situations.
Kirk Wassmer
Teaching Band in a rural community can be incredibly rewarding, but there are also challenges and idiosyncrasies that make it different from teaching in an urban setting. A panel of rural teachers from across Alberta will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of their teaching situation, and how they have adapted to ensure their students receive the same musical education and opportunities that their peers in the city receive. Time will also be provided within the session for attendees to ask questions specific to their particular teaching situations.
*STUDIO* The Piano Music of David L. McIntyre
David L. McIntyre
For over five decades David L. McIntyre has been contributing to the Canadian piano repertoire. Playful and witty, passionate and tuneful, rhythmic, tender and moving - all describe the music of this Edmonton-born composer. In this session the composer will perform his own piano pieces from the earliest to the most recent. He will speak anecdotally about the motivation, the inspiration, the accessibility and performance and the commissioners of these works, happily answering questions from pianists and teachers. Complete piano scores will be available for purchase. Excerpts of the published works are available on his website (davidlmcintyre.com/roystreetmusic/piano)
David L. McIntyre
For over five decades David L. McIntyre has been contributing to the Canadian piano repertoire. Playful and witty, passionate and tuneful, rhythmic, tender and moving - all describe the music of this Edmonton-born composer. In this session the composer will perform his own piano pieces from the earliest to the most recent. He will speak anecdotally about the motivation, the inspiration, the accessibility and performance and the commissioners of these works, happily answering questions from pianists and teachers. Complete piano scores will be available for purchase. Excerpts of the published works are available on his website (davidlmcintyre.com/roystreetmusic/piano)
*STUDIO* The Twelve Chinese Zodiac Animals: Characters in Sound
Dr. Jani Parsons and Derek Chiu
This workshop explores the intermediate-advanced piano music of acclaimed Canadian composer Vincent Ho. Come explore these dynamic pedagogical works that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of China through a modern lens.
Dr. Jani Parsons and Derek Chiu
This workshop explores the intermediate-advanced piano music of acclaimed Canadian composer Vincent Ho. Come explore these dynamic pedagogical works that celebrate the rich cultural heritage of China through a modern lens.
*STUDIO* Tools for Dealing with Performance Anxiety
Dr. Terry Clark
This workshop will begin by exploring the evolutionary basis of performance anxiety as well as different types and manifestations of performance anxiety. We will then discuss variables that can trigger it in us now. Group activities will help us consider some of the root causes of performance anxiety among students and identify strategies that we can use to help support students to better prevent and/or manage performance debilitating anxiety symptoms.
This workshop will also explore the role of resilience in helping students manage and cope with the various demands and stressors inherent within musical training and performance. We will discuss some of the ways that teachers can influence students’ resilience and ultimately help them develop protective factors and a proactive mindset to adequately meet some of the challenges inherent within the profession.
Dr. Terry Clark
This workshop will begin by exploring the evolutionary basis of performance anxiety as well as different types and manifestations of performance anxiety. We will then discuss variables that can trigger it in us now. Group activities will help us consider some of the root causes of performance anxiety among students and identify strategies that we can use to help support students to better prevent and/or manage performance debilitating anxiety symptoms.
This workshop will also explore the role of resilience in helping students manage and cope with the various demands and stressors inherent within musical training and performance. We will discuss some of the ways that teachers can influence students’ resilience and ultimately help them develop protective factors and a proactive mindset to adequately meet some of the challenges inherent within the profession.
*GENERAL MUSIC ED* Ukulele 101
Christina O’Brien
If you are just getting started with ukulele in your classroom or studio, this session is for you! Learn tips, tricks and money-saving hacks to kick-start your program. Ukulele for Children author Christina O'Brien will walk you through some ways to get started and cover all of the basics such as tuning options, instrument storage ideas, classroom management, warm-up activities, free online resources, and why she NEVER starts with C, F and G chords. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion too!
Christina O’Brien
If you are just getting started with ukulele in your classroom or studio, this session is for you! Learn tips, tricks and money-saving hacks to kick-start your program. Ukulele for Children author Christina O'Brien will walk you through some ways to get started and cover all of the basics such as tuning options, instrument storage ideas, classroom management, warm-up activities, free online resources, and why she NEVER starts with C, F and G chords. There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion too!
*CLASSROOM* Ukulele. Simplified.
Christina O’Brien
No strumming required...Ukulele for Children author Christina O'Brien will present some ideas to make teaching ukulele easy and accessible for all learners and all teachers! The tried and true UFC method emphasizes music reading on the treble staff, group music making, and tons of creativity. Teachers who are new to teaching ukulele or already have lots of experience, will walk away from this hands-on session with plenty of fresh ideas to incorporate ukulele in their teaching, as well as some reproducible handouts.
Christina O’Brien
No strumming required...Ukulele for Children author Christina O'Brien will present some ideas to make teaching ukulele easy and accessible for all learners and all teachers! The tried and true UFC method emphasizes music reading on the treble staff, group music making, and tons of creativity. Teachers who are new to teaching ukulele or already have lots of experience, will walk away from this hands-on session with plenty of fresh ideas to incorporate ukulele in their teaching, as well as some reproducible handouts.
