Alberta Band Summit
Schedule
Co-Presented by The Alberta Band Association, Alberta Music Education Foundation, Alberta Registered Music Teacher's Association
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9:00am - 10:15am Session Block #1
The Rehearsal IS the Lesson: How to teach students to become “Undeniable”. Discussion on what makes an effective rehearsal and why the rehearsal is the most important thing we do? Practical tips and suggestions |
Presenter - Jeff Graham | Studio C
Doing More with Less: How to maximize the efficacy of your “smaller-than" band |
Presenter - Sean Bumstead. Sponsored by ABA | Studio D
If you look at scores and think to yourself “how can I play this piece - I don’t have 2 Bassoons, an English Horn, or a full Horn section,” this seminar is for you. It will explore retooling orchestrations to match your ensemble, placing any piece within the purview of your instrumentation. Attendees will be guided through some examples and given the opportunity to experiment on their own. By the end of it, you’ll have gained some skills regarding analysis and orchestration, and some insight into their application. Best of all - this is applicable to any level of ensemble playing any level of music.
The Feldenkrais Method for Musicians: An Approach to Learning Through Movement |
Presenter - Jennifer Herzog. Sponsored by AMEF & ARMTA | AC 159
In the Feldenkrais Method, your attention and subtle movements are the tools used to improve skill and awareness -and reduce strain and injury.
Feldenkrais is an approach to learning, through movement. Learning about ourselves in a way that honours the intersection of body and mind; that thinking sensing and moving, are intrinsic to our sense of self. We are working directly with improving the quality of how we do everything.
In this conference – we will discuss principles of the approach, and their application to musicians. We will do a movement lesson primarily in sitting – and finish with standing and walking. (Everyone is welcome- Any movement limitations or injuries can be accommodated).
Give Your Students the Gift of Song (literally!): Prepare to be challenged to find your own compositional voice and deepen the relationship with you students by writing pieces for them |
Presenter - Brent Pierce | AC160
Have you ever been frustrated trying to find repertoire that meets your young players where they are at in their musical journey, but still gives them reasonable challenges? Have you ever wanted to try your hand at composition? Now is your chance! Prepare to be challenged to find your own compositional voice and deepen the relationship with you students by writing pieces for them. You will learn about the challenges and rewards when writing for band and will receive practical guidelines and instructions for how to write for young bands and find out about some of the notation software that is out there to help you This session is geared more towards middle school, but everyone who is interested is welcome!
Presenter - Jeff Graham | Studio C
Doing More with Less: How to maximize the efficacy of your “smaller-than" band |
Presenter - Sean Bumstead. Sponsored by ABA | Studio D
If you look at scores and think to yourself “how can I play this piece - I don’t have 2 Bassoons, an English Horn, or a full Horn section,” this seminar is for you. It will explore retooling orchestrations to match your ensemble, placing any piece within the purview of your instrumentation. Attendees will be guided through some examples and given the opportunity to experiment on their own. By the end of it, you’ll have gained some skills regarding analysis and orchestration, and some insight into their application. Best of all - this is applicable to any level of ensemble playing any level of music.
The Feldenkrais Method for Musicians: An Approach to Learning Through Movement |
Presenter - Jennifer Herzog. Sponsored by AMEF & ARMTA | AC 159
In the Feldenkrais Method, your attention and subtle movements are the tools used to improve skill and awareness -and reduce strain and injury.
Feldenkrais is an approach to learning, through movement. Learning about ourselves in a way that honours the intersection of body and mind; that thinking sensing and moving, are intrinsic to our sense of self. We are working directly with improving the quality of how we do everything.
In this conference – we will discuss principles of the approach, and their application to musicians. We will do a movement lesson primarily in sitting – and finish with standing and walking. (Everyone is welcome- Any movement limitations or injuries can be accommodated).
Give Your Students the Gift of Song (literally!): Prepare to be challenged to find your own compositional voice and deepen the relationship with you students by writing pieces for them |
Presenter - Brent Pierce | AC160
Have you ever been frustrated trying to find repertoire that meets your young players where they are at in their musical journey, but still gives them reasonable challenges? Have you ever wanted to try your hand at composition? Now is your chance! Prepare to be challenged to find your own compositional voice and deepen the relationship with you students by writing pieces for them. You will learn about the challenges and rewards when writing for band and will receive practical guidelines and instructions for how to write for young bands and find out about some of the notation software that is out there to help you This session is geared more towards middle school, but everyone who is interested is welcome!
11:15am - 12:30PM Session Block #2
Profound Pianistic Performance: An engaging reading session, taken from Lists C or D in the RCM 2022 piano edition for Levels 3 through |
Presenter - Linda Kundert. Sponsored by AMEF & ARMTA | Studio C
Linda Kundert will lead an engaging reading session, taken from Lists C or D in the RCM 2022 piano edition for Levels 3 through 9. As part of her presentation, she will discuss the pedagogical ideas behind these pieces, will address the challenges they present for students, and will have helpful suggestions for their mastery.
By exploring the technical and musical demands of the repertoire, she aims to provide insights for effective teaching strategies that will help educators guide their students toward continued musical growth. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the repertoire’s role for pianistic abilities, along with creative artistic interpretation.
Jazz Improvisation - Language First: prioritizing the acquisition of jazz language over traditional music theory |
Presenter - Jerrold Dubyk. Sponsored by ABA | Studio D
This session offers a fresh approach to beginner jazz improvisation, prioritizing the acquisition of jazz language over traditional music theory. We'll bypass complex harmonic analysis and focus on developing improvisational fluency through listening, imitation, and simple, repeatable melodic phrases.
Participants will learn to:
Stick Together: Building a Drumline that Strengthens your Band and your School Spirit |
Presenters - Brian Thurgood & Blair Wilkie | AC159
Clarinet Tips & Tricks: Troubleshooting Clarinet Issues |
Presenter - Diana Bushell. Sponsored by ABA | AC160
The aim of my proposed session is to cover as many issues presented to clarinet players as possible, from the very basics when they first begin playing to more advanced issues of tuning tendencies in the various registers, alternate fingerings, the altissimo register, etc. This should be very helpful to those band directors who are not clarinet specialists, even if they have taught band for a number of years.
The topics I will cover are:
Presenter - Linda Kundert. Sponsored by AMEF & ARMTA | Studio C
Linda Kundert will lead an engaging reading session, taken from Lists C or D in the RCM 2022 piano edition for Levels 3 through 9. As part of her presentation, she will discuss the pedagogical ideas behind these pieces, will address the challenges they present for students, and will have helpful suggestions for their mastery.
By exploring the technical and musical demands of the repertoire, she aims to provide insights for effective teaching strategies that will help educators guide their students toward continued musical growth. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the repertoire’s role for pianistic abilities, along with creative artistic interpretation.
Jazz Improvisation - Language First: prioritizing the acquisition of jazz language over traditional music theory |
Presenter - Jerrold Dubyk. Sponsored by ABA | Studio D
This session offers a fresh approach to beginner jazz improvisation, prioritizing the acquisition of jazz language over traditional music theory. We'll bypass complex harmonic analysis and focus on developing improvisational fluency through listening, imitation, and simple, repeatable melodic phrases.
Participants will learn to:
- Recognize and internalize core jazz vocabulary through ear training and transcription exercises.
- Apply these phrases over basic chord progressions (start with the blues!), emphasizing rhythmic accuracy and stylistic articulation.
- Develop confidence in improvisation through structured, accessible exercises that encourage creative exploration.
Stick Together: Building a Drumline that Strengthens your Band and your School Spirit |
Presenters - Brian Thurgood & Blair Wilkie | AC159
Clarinet Tips & Tricks: Troubleshooting Clarinet Issues |
Presenter - Diana Bushell. Sponsored by ABA | AC160
The aim of my proposed session is to cover as many issues presented to clarinet players as possible, from the very basics when they first begin playing to more advanced issues of tuning tendencies in the various registers, alternate fingerings, the altissimo register, etc. This should be very helpful to those band directors who are not clarinet specialists, even if they have taught band for a number of years.
The topics I will cover are:
- In the beginning: assembly, holding position, posture and EMBOUCHURE!
- How to get beginning players not to play flat
- Reed issues - basic care and how to choose the right reed
- Tuning tendencies in the various registers and how to alleviate them
- Crossing the break!
- Alternate fingerings and knowing when to use them
- My clarinet isn’t working: common simple repairs
- The final frontier: the altissimo register!
2:00pm - 3:15pm Session Block #3
Belonging, Access, Equity: Where Do I Start as an Educator? |
Presenter - Mandart Chan | Studio B
Educators engaging in work surrounding Belonging, Access, and Equity, needs to be critical in addressing societal oppression and fostering a more just, safe, and affirming environment. This important work involves a multifaceted approach, encompassing intricate details, recognizing power dynamics, embracing discomfort, and challenging established systems. Understanding terms like Intersectionality, Equity Deserving/Equity Seeking, and Dominant Culture are integral to this journey. Confronting biases and prejudices is crucial, necessitating a focus on personal, interpersonal, institutional, and structural/cultural realms of oppression. The learning journey of an educator is ongoing, marked by a commitment to learning, action, and self-reflection. Valuable resources and actionable steps, such as fostering self-reflection, initiating equity scans, establishing diversity clubs, and advocating for inclusive hiring practices, can empower educators in advancing non-musical goals within classrooms, schools, school district, and the greater community. Essential texts and online platforms further aid in understanding and implementing Belonging, Access, & Equity practices for a more equitable classroom.
Participants will learn that in order to have true safe spaces for all students & staff in their classrooms/schools, that they need to allow for themselves & everyone to affirm their identity through understanding, empathy, and celebration of everyone's lens, and that reciprocity & equity is needed in education.
Dynamic Piano Masterclass: This masterclass will focus on several students performing music from Lists C or D in the RCM 2022 piano edition for Levels 3 through 9 |
Presenter - Linda Kundert. Sponsored by AMEF & ARMTA | Studio C
This masterclass will focus on several students performing music from Lists C or D in the RCM 2022 piano edition for Levels 3 through 9. Linda looks forward to sharing her insights on musical style and presenting the students and audience with suggestions for continued success. Prepare to leave feeling encouraged and equipped with practical strategies to help your students excel.
WBDI Reading Session: Do you have any women in your band? Do you have women in your audience? Does your repertoire reflect and represent them? |
Presenters - Sarah Drew & Kathie Van Lare. Featuring the Foothills Music Society Concert Band. Sponsored by ABA, WBDI, & Music Direct | Studio D
Creating Independent Learners in Your Band Program: A new way of teaching rhythm |
Presenter- Ryan Heseltine | AC159
Join Ryan Heseltine as he takes you through some hard-earned lessons that can make teaching music (not just band) easier. Lessons learned during the pandemic, where individual student ability came under a microscope, it became evident that students needed skills and methods to figure out rhythms on their own. In the absence of a concert band (and a band teacher), many students were lost when faced with self-directed learning. The method Ryan developed came out of those challenges, a system where students CAN break down and learn rhythms on their own.
Ryan will also go through some other exercises that create more independent, individual learning in other avenues of music. From a better way to learn scales, to more ideas to get your students to practice, and little tricks to give all of our students the tools to learn and make music for their entire lives.
Shreducation 101: How to Teach Guitar Without Losing Your Mind (or your fingers) |
Presenter - Michael Gouge | AC160
The guitar classroom can be a vibrant and rewarding environment where students discover both their love for music and the joy of playing guitar. However, many music educators may feel underprepared to teach an instrument that is both challenging and, at times, frustrating for beginners. This session will equip educators with practical strategies, essential techniques, and proven approaches to set their guitar students up for success. Participants will explore key areas of beginning guitar instruction, including:
Presenter - Mandart Chan | Studio B
Educators engaging in work surrounding Belonging, Access, and Equity, needs to be critical in addressing societal oppression and fostering a more just, safe, and affirming environment. This important work involves a multifaceted approach, encompassing intricate details, recognizing power dynamics, embracing discomfort, and challenging established systems. Understanding terms like Intersectionality, Equity Deserving/Equity Seeking, and Dominant Culture are integral to this journey. Confronting biases and prejudices is crucial, necessitating a focus on personal, interpersonal, institutional, and structural/cultural realms of oppression. The learning journey of an educator is ongoing, marked by a commitment to learning, action, and self-reflection. Valuable resources and actionable steps, such as fostering self-reflection, initiating equity scans, establishing diversity clubs, and advocating for inclusive hiring practices, can empower educators in advancing non-musical goals within classrooms, schools, school district, and the greater community. Essential texts and online platforms further aid in understanding and implementing Belonging, Access, & Equity practices for a more equitable classroom.
Participants will learn that in order to have true safe spaces for all students & staff in their classrooms/schools, that they need to allow for themselves & everyone to affirm their identity through understanding, empathy, and celebration of everyone's lens, and that reciprocity & equity is needed in education.
Dynamic Piano Masterclass: This masterclass will focus on several students performing music from Lists C or D in the RCM 2022 piano edition for Levels 3 through 9 |
Presenter - Linda Kundert. Sponsored by AMEF & ARMTA | Studio C
This masterclass will focus on several students performing music from Lists C or D in the RCM 2022 piano edition for Levels 3 through 9. Linda looks forward to sharing her insights on musical style and presenting the students and audience with suggestions for continued success. Prepare to leave feeling encouraged and equipped with practical strategies to help your students excel.
WBDI Reading Session: Do you have any women in your band? Do you have women in your audience? Does your repertoire reflect and represent them? |
Presenters - Sarah Drew & Kathie Van Lare. Featuring the Foothills Music Society Concert Band. Sponsored by ABA, WBDI, & Music Direct | Studio D
Creating Independent Learners in Your Band Program: A new way of teaching rhythm |
Presenter- Ryan Heseltine | AC159
Join Ryan Heseltine as he takes you through some hard-earned lessons that can make teaching music (not just band) easier. Lessons learned during the pandemic, where individual student ability came under a microscope, it became evident that students needed skills and methods to figure out rhythms on their own. In the absence of a concert band (and a band teacher), many students were lost when faced with self-directed learning. The method Ryan developed came out of those challenges, a system where students CAN break down and learn rhythms on their own.
Ryan will also go through some other exercises that create more independent, individual learning in other avenues of music. From a better way to learn scales, to more ideas to get your students to practice, and little tricks to give all of our students the tools to learn and make music for their entire lives.
Shreducation 101: How to Teach Guitar Without Losing Your Mind (or your fingers) |
Presenter - Michael Gouge | AC160
The guitar classroom can be a vibrant and rewarding environment where students discover both their love for music and the joy of playing guitar. However, many music educators may feel underprepared to teach an instrument that is both challenging and, at times, frustrating for beginners. This session will equip educators with practical strategies, essential techniques, and proven approaches to set their guitar students up for success. Participants will explore key areas of beginning guitar instruction, including:
- Foundational left- and right-hand techniques
- Chords, strumming techniques, and technical exercises
- Scales and tuning essentials
- Fingerstyle and Classical approaches
- Popular and jazz styles
- Classroom-ready equipment and resources
3:45pm - 5:00pm Session Block #4
Administrator Support and the Success of Your Band Program: Do you struggle with helping your administrative team understand what is needed for your program? |
Presenter - Kristin Stearn. Sponsored by ABA | Studio B
Do you sometimes feel under supported by how your school administration views your work as a music educator? Do you struggle with helping your administrative team understand what is needed for your program? This presentation will be geared towards music educators looking for tips to strengthen the music educator – school administrator relationship.
Rolls and Responsibilities of the Jazz Band Rhythm Section: A close look at the historical development each of the rhythm section instrument and how to reinforce those roles in the classroom |
Presenter - Jeff Graham | Studio C
I Don’t Know - Just Go Hit Stuff - Percussion Techniques, Tips and Tricks for the Non-Percussionist Band Director |
Presenters - Jonathan Thornton & Chelsea Pederson | Studio D
The percussion section is often a mystical land full of mystery and intrigue to those with little percussion experience, and many band directors feel out of their depth when trying to teach techniques and help their percussion students to grow and develop.
Jonathan and Chelsea will provide a crash course in basic technique for all instruments, as well as tips and tricks for maintaining your percussion section and guiding your students to success. This is geared towards Band Directors with little experience in the percussion section.
We Can Do This: How to Be a Mentor, Facilitator, and Collaborator in Today’s Evolving Music Studio Environment |
Presenter - Merlin Thompson. Sponsored by AMEF & ARMTA | AC159
In today’s dynamic teaching environment, music teachers are being called to do more than deliver musical skills and knowledge. We are mentors, facilitators, and collaborators in a continuously evolving teaching/learning process. How can we adapt to meet the needs of music students in 2025 while navigating a century of shifting pedagogical paradigms? How do we respond to the shift from master/apprentice and teacher-directed approaches to student-centered models, and from traditional methods to contemporary conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Geared toward both studio and classroom music teachers, this session provides a fresh, up-to-date perspective for 2025. It offers actionable strategies and tools to help music teachers confidently step into their expanded roles and inspire meaningful learning. Whether you’re seeking new ways to connect with students or aiming to refine your teaching approach, this session will support your journey. We can do this!
Harmonizing Evaluation: Creative Approaches to Music Assessment |
Presenter - Jolene Wong | AC160
Assessment is a necessary yet challenging task for many instrumental music educators. Limited instructional time, lack of assessment training, subjectivity, difficulty in recording results, and parent/student apathy towards assessments in music class—along with large class sizes—are just a few of the common obstacles instrumental music teachers face. In this session, we will examine various assessment methods, from traditional tests and performances to more innovative approaches like self-assessment and peer reviews. We will explore how to design assessments that not only measure technical proficiency but also encourage creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Participants will also delve into strategies for providing constructive feedback that nurtures artistic growth while maintaining academic rigor.
Presenter - Kristin Stearn. Sponsored by ABA | Studio B
Do you sometimes feel under supported by how your school administration views your work as a music educator? Do you struggle with helping your administrative team understand what is needed for your program? This presentation will be geared towards music educators looking for tips to strengthen the music educator – school administrator relationship.
Rolls and Responsibilities of the Jazz Band Rhythm Section: A close look at the historical development each of the rhythm section instrument and how to reinforce those roles in the classroom |
Presenter - Jeff Graham | Studio C
I Don’t Know - Just Go Hit Stuff - Percussion Techniques, Tips and Tricks for the Non-Percussionist Band Director |
Presenters - Jonathan Thornton & Chelsea Pederson | Studio D
The percussion section is often a mystical land full of mystery and intrigue to those with little percussion experience, and many band directors feel out of their depth when trying to teach techniques and help their percussion students to grow and develop.
Jonathan and Chelsea will provide a crash course in basic technique for all instruments, as well as tips and tricks for maintaining your percussion section and guiding your students to success. This is geared towards Band Directors with little experience in the percussion section.
We Can Do This: How to Be a Mentor, Facilitator, and Collaborator in Today’s Evolving Music Studio Environment |
Presenter - Merlin Thompson. Sponsored by AMEF & ARMTA | AC159
In today’s dynamic teaching environment, music teachers are being called to do more than deliver musical skills and knowledge. We are mentors, facilitators, and collaborators in a continuously evolving teaching/learning process. How can we adapt to meet the needs of music students in 2025 while navigating a century of shifting pedagogical paradigms? How do we respond to the shift from master/apprentice and teacher-directed approaches to student-centered models, and from traditional methods to contemporary conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion?
Geared toward both studio and classroom music teachers, this session provides a fresh, up-to-date perspective for 2025. It offers actionable strategies and tools to help music teachers confidently step into their expanded roles and inspire meaningful learning. Whether you’re seeking new ways to connect with students or aiming to refine your teaching approach, this session will support your journey. We can do this!
Harmonizing Evaluation: Creative Approaches to Music Assessment |
Presenter - Jolene Wong | AC160
Assessment is a necessary yet challenging task for many instrumental music educators. Limited instructional time, lack of assessment training, subjectivity, difficulty in recording results, and parent/student apathy towards assessments in music class—along with large class sizes—are just a few of the common obstacles instrumental music teachers face. In this session, we will examine various assessment methods, from traditional tests and performances to more innovative approaches like self-assessment and peer reviews. We will explore how to design assessments that not only measure technical proficiency but also encourage creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Participants will also delve into strategies for providing constructive feedback that nurtures artistic growth while maintaining academic rigor.