Alberta Music Educators Summit
Schedule
Co-Presented by The Alberta Band Association, Alberta Music Education Foundation, Alberta Registered Music Teachers' Association
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ADHD and the Wiggly Student | Presenter: Cheryl Emery-Karapita
ADHD and the Wiggly Student’ explores strategies to help music teachers engage with students diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD is a developmental delay in the Pre-Frontal Cortex of the brain responsible for executive function. Executive Function is defined as a set of mental skills that help you organize your thoughts and actions, make decisions, and manage emotions. These skills are essential for learning, working, and developing socially. ADHD and the Wiggly Student will address 4 (maybe more if time permits) Executive Functions relevant for music learning: Working memory (Focus), Inhibition (Emotions), Planning (Time Management) and Organization (Focus). We will also address Self-Care or how teachers can be kind to themselves while addressing the challenges ADHD presents in our studios.
ADHD and the Wiggly Student’ explores strategies to help music teachers engage with students diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD is a developmental delay in the Pre-Frontal Cortex of the brain responsible for executive function. Executive Function is defined as a set of mental skills that help you organize your thoughts and actions, make decisions, and manage emotions. These skills are essential for learning, working, and developing socially. ADHD and the Wiggly Student will address 4 (maybe more if time permits) Executive Functions relevant for music learning: Working memory (Focus), Inhibition (Emotions), Planning (Time Management) and Organization (Focus). We will also address Self-Care or how teachers can be kind to themselves while addressing the challenges ADHD presents in our studios.
A History of Wind Bands in Canada and the Canadian Music They Played | Presenter Charles E. Charles
Wind bands and wind band musicians have made an enormous contribution to the development of musical culture in Canada. From the earliest reports of performances by organized groups of wind musicians in both Halifax and Montreal in 1770 and 1771 respectively, wind bands, known also as military bands, concert bands, community bands, wind ensembles or just simply, bands, became the primary mode of large instrumental artistic expression in communities across the country until the mid twentieth century. They attracted the best musicians in the villages, towns and cities they called home and ranged in ability from ensembles barely beyond the beginner stage to internationally renowned organizations like the Anglo-Canadian Leather Company Band.
As importantly, those that performed in and led these groups also served as our first music infrastructure. They became music teachers, instrument importers, sheet music distributors and concert promoters. Some were also composers who created a small body of wind-band literature, often written for their own ensembles, that reflected the highest compositional standards of their time.
Session attendees will have the opportunity to learn more of this little known story through a presentation that will include numerous period photographs, sheet music samples of early Canadian music for band and selected sound recordings of these works. A static display will also include revised editions of historical Canadian music for band.
Wind bands and wind band musicians have made an enormous contribution to the development of musical culture in Canada. From the earliest reports of performances by organized groups of wind musicians in both Halifax and Montreal in 1770 and 1771 respectively, wind bands, known also as military bands, concert bands, community bands, wind ensembles or just simply, bands, became the primary mode of large instrumental artistic expression in communities across the country until the mid twentieth century. They attracted the best musicians in the villages, towns and cities they called home and ranged in ability from ensembles barely beyond the beginner stage to internationally renowned organizations like the Anglo-Canadian Leather Company Band.
As importantly, those that performed in and led these groups also served as our first music infrastructure. They became music teachers, instrument importers, sheet music distributors and concert promoters. Some were also composers who created a small body of wind-band literature, often written for their own ensembles, that reflected the highest compositional standards of their time.
Session attendees will have the opportunity to learn more of this little known story through a presentation that will include numerous period photographs, sheet music samples of early Canadian music for band and selected sound recordings of these works. A static display will also include revised editions of historical Canadian music for band.
Alberta Composers Reading Session | Presenters: Alberta Band Association
Featuring: Highwood High School Concert Band
Directors: Dylan Wiest & Jace Stearn
The Alberta Composer's Reading Session will feature works by accomplished composer from Alberta. The ABA believes in promoting the amazing talent we have right here in our home province. Six different compositions will be presented by new, up and coming, and established composers from Alberta. Come and hear the amazing music being made in our own backyard!
Featured Composers:
Featuring: Highwood High School Concert Band
Directors: Dylan Wiest & Jace Stearn
The Alberta Composer's Reading Session will feature works by accomplished composer from Alberta. The ABA believes in promoting the amazing talent we have right here in our home province. Six different compositions will be presented by new, up and coming, and established composers from Alberta. Come and hear the amazing music being made in our own backyard!
Featured Composers:
- Sean Bumstead
- Matthew Falk
- Ryan Heseltine
- Anton Lindenblatt
- Brent Pierce
- .........and more
An Introduction to EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) or “Tapping” | Presenter: Ina Dykstra
EFT is a simple, evidence-informed modality, which is grounded in the integrative field of energy psychology, and blends components of cognitive behavioural therapy, exposure therapy, and gentle stimulation of acupressure points on the face and body. Often called “tapping”, studies have shown that it can reduce cortisol, calm the stress response system, and interrupt old patterns to rewire the brain.
EFT can help music educators manage stress, reduce performance anxiety, and improve focus. Teachers can use it before rehearsals/concerts and guide students through it to calm nerves before auditions or performances. It can also help students overcome frustration and negative self-talk, leading to more confidence in practicing and performing.
Ina is a certified EFT practitioner and long-time music educator (piano performance, examiner for RCM, adjudicator, composer) and will demonstrate (teach) this modality and talk about the possible benefits of using EFT when applied to music students in particular, as well as other applications of this simple but effective tool.
EFT is a simple, evidence-informed modality, which is grounded in the integrative field of energy psychology, and blends components of cognitive behavioural therapy, exposure therapy, and gentle stimulation of acupressure points on the face and body. Often called “tapping”, studies have shown that it can reduce cortisol, calm the stress response system, and interrupt old patterns to rewire the brain.
EFT can help music educators manage stress, reduce performance anxiety, and improve focus. Teachers can use it before rehearsals/concerts and guide students through it to calm nerves before auditions or performances. It can also help students overcome frustration and negative self-talk, leading to more confidence in practicing and performing.
Ina is a certified EFT practitioner and long-time music educator (piano performance, examiner for RCM, adjudicator, composer) and will demonstrate (teach) this modality and talk about the possible benefits of using EFT when applied to music students in particular, as well as other applications of this simple but effective tool.
Attracting the Right Students: Marketing, Branding, and Website Design for PrivateMusic Studios | Presenter: Sarah Molenaar
This session explores how a more intentional and structured approach to marketing, branding, and website design can support clearer communication to prospective students.
Effective marketing involves articulating the “who,” “what,” and “why” of your studio. Who are you trying to attract? What do you specialize in? And why should a student choose your studio over another? When these elements are clearly defined, it becomes much easier for the right students to recognize that fit.
Branding builds upon the elements listed above by establishing a cohesive and recognizable identity. The deliberate use of colours, font pairings, imagery, and language contribute to a consistent image across all platforms, which enhances professionalism and fosters trust and
credibility among prospective students.
This session will also give particular attention to website design and functionality, as a website often serves as a first impression for prospective students (or their parents) searching online. Considerations such as visual coherence, clear navigation, and obvious calls to action help guide prospective students toward making an inquiry.
When marketing, branding, and website design are aligned, they create a clear representation of your studio, making it easier for prospective students to understand, trust, and ultimately choose you as their teacher.
This session explores how a more intentional and structured approach to marketing, branding, and website design can support clearer communication to prospective students.
Effective marketing involves articulating the “who,” “what,” and “why” of your studio. Who are you trying to attract? What do you specialize in? And why should a student choose your studio over another? When these elements are clearly defined, it becomes much easier for the right students to recognize that fit.
Branding builds upon the elements listed above by establishing a cohesive and recognizable identity. The deliberate use of colours, font pairings, imagery, and language contribute to a consistent image across all platforms, which enhances professionalism and fosters trust and
credibility among prospective students.
This session will also give particular attention to website design and functionality, as a website often serves as a first impression for prospective students (or their parents) searching online. Considerations such as visual coherence, clear navigation, and obvious calls to action help guide prospective students toward making an inquiry.
When marketing, branding, and website design are aligned, they create a clear representation of your studio, making it easier for prospective students to understand, trust, and ultimately choose you as their teacher.
Band Olympics: Boost Skills, Build Community & Make Learning Stick! | Presenter: Meg Ferguson
Ready to ignite some friendly competition in your band room—and supercharge your musicians' skills at the same time?
In this hive-mind, group-style, practical session, you will have a chance to design your own Music / Band Olympics, a class-against class tournament featuring events like rhythm reading relays, note naming races, longest note contests, and SO. MUCH. MORE.
Side effects to the fun Through these activities, students deepen their understanding of key concepts, practice important techniques (hello, proper breathing & embouchure!) and cheer each other on.
We intentionally leverage group dynamics to inspire engagement and collaboration. Students learn to talk ideas through, build consensus, and problem-solve together — and those who typically “tag out” are more likely to participate in structured team settings.
What to expect:
Ready to ignite some friendly competition in your band room—and supercharge your musicians' skills at the same time?
In this hive-mind, group-style, practical session, you will have a chance to design your own Music / Band Olympics, a class-against class tournament featuring events like rhythm reading relays, note naming races, longest note contests, and SO. MUCH. MORE.
Side effects to the fun Through these activities, students deepen their understanding of key concepts, practice important techniques (hello, proper breathing & embouchure!) and cheer each other on.
We intentionally leverage group dynamics to inspire engagement and collaboration. Students learn to talk ideas through, build consensus, and problem-solve together — and those who typically “tag out” are more likely to participate in structured team settings.
What to expect:
- Tried & true resources from grades 6 – 12 in not only band, but in music classes as well as courses with desks
- A competition or 2 (yes, there will be prizes!)
- Idea-sparking questions & leveraging AI to suit your classes’ needs
- You'll leave with event ideas, score keeping tips, and samples so you do not need to reinvent the wheel
Building an Efficient Music Studio: Software, Financial Awareness, and Studio Policies | Presenter: Sarah Molenaar
This session addresses the organizational aspects of running a private music studio, with the goal of improving efficiency through the use of software, financial awareness, and studio policies.
Whether you use pen and paper or an online spreadsheet to facilitate student scheduling and financial transitions, this session will explore how administrative systems can evolve from these simple solutions to the use of a more comprehensive studio management software. Implementing these more advanced solutions can reduce the administrative workload as your studio grows.
In addition, the session will address financial awareness within the context of a private music studio. Since income can vary throughout the school year, strategies for developing greater financial stability will be discussed. Examples include the consideration of tuition models that support predictable revenue and maintaining a clear understanding of ongoing business expenses such as software subscriptions, professional memberships, liability and business insurance, instrument maintenance, and more.
Essential components of studio policies will also be examined, including payment structures, tuition models, cancellations and make-up lessons, termination policies, and vacation scheduling. Particular attention will be given to common gaps in policy design that can lead to lost income or unclear expectations.
By approaching studio management as a cohesive system, educators can create a more efficient, sustainable, and professionally structured teaching practice.
This session addresses the organizational aspects of running a private music studio, with the goal of improving efficiency through the use of software, financial awareness, and studio policies.
Whether you use pen and paper or an online spreadsheet to facilitate student scheduling and financial transitions, this session will explore how administrative systems can evolve from these simple solutions to the use of a more comprehensive studio management software. Implementing these more advanced solutions can reduce the administrative workload as your studio grows.
In addition, the session will address financial awareness within the context of a private music studio. Since income can vary throughout the school year, strategies for developing greater financial stability will be discussed. Examples include the consideration of tuition models that support predictable revenue and maintaining a clear understanding of ongoing business expenses such as software subscriptions, professional memberships, liability and business insurance, instrument maintenance, and more.
Essential components of studio policies will also be examined, including payment structures, tuition models, cancellations and make-up lessons, termination policies, and vacation scheduling. Particular attention will be given to common gaps in policy design that can lead to lost income or unclear expectations.
By approaching studio management as a cohesive system, educators can create a more efficient, sustainable, and professionally structured teaching practice.
Circle Day: Building a Thinking Ensemble. What happens when students step into the circle — and step into leadership? | Presenter: Meg Ferguson
In this highly interactive workshop, participants will experience Circle Day firsthand:
a structured rehearsal model where students lead, listen, diagnose, and problem solve together. Bring your instrument and join the circle as we simulate the process in real time. Circle Day shifts responsibility from podium to players at all levels. Musicians count in, identify issues, suggest solutions, and evaluate outcomes. The result? Increased engagement, deeper listening, stronger accountability, and higher musical standards. Because bandies must actively participate for the circle to succeed, they can’t rely on visual cues from a neighbour or wait for someone else to fix the problem. They develop independence, critical thinking, and musical decision-making skills. Techniques they “know” finally become techniques they apply because their peers expect it to be so.
This session includes:
• A ready-to-use introductory slideshow
• Step-by-step structured rehearsal prompts
• Ways to ensure musicians feel safe to take risks
• Assessment ideas and simple rubrics for educators
• Exit slips and reflection/journal templates for educators
Participants will leave with practical tools to implement immediately — whether working with beginners, middle school groups, high school ensembles, or community bands. This rehearsal activity is perfect to teach independence for student-led small ensembles and sectionals.
Circle Day does not remove the director’s role — it strengthens it. By teaching students how to think, not just play on autopilot. We build musicians who lead from within the ensemble, impacting their participation from Circle Day onward.
In this highly interactive workshop, participants will experience Circle Day firsthand:
a structured rehearsal model where students lead, listen, diagnose, and problem solve together. Bring your instrument and join the circle as we simulate the process in real time. Circle Day shifts responsibility from podium to players at all levels. Musicians count in, identify issues, suggest solutions, and evaluate outcomes. The result? Increased engagement, deeper listening, stronger accountability, and higher musical standards. Because bandies must actively participate for the circle to succeed, they can’t rely on visual cues from a neighbour or wait for someone else to fix the problem. They develop independence, critical thinking, and musical decision-making skills. Techniques they “know” finally become techniques they apply because their peers expect it to be so.
This session includes:
• A ready-to-use introductory slideshow
• Step-by-step structured rehearsal prompts
• Ways to ensure musicians feel safe to take risks
• Assessment ideas and simple rubrics for educators
• Exit slips and reflection/journal templates for educators
Participants will leave with practical tools to implement immediately — whether working with beginners, middle school groups, high school ensembles, or community bands. This rehearsal activity is perfect to teach independence for student-led small ensembles and sectionals.
Circle Day does not remove the director’s role — it strengthens it. By teaching students how to think, not just play on autopilot. We build musicians who lead from within the ensemble, impacting their participation from Circle Day onward.
Discovering Canadian Wind Band Repertoire with the Canadian Music Centre: Prairie Region | Presenter: Janna Sailor
Sponsored by Canadian Music Centre, Prairie Region
Like the Alberta Band Association, the Canadian Music Centre maintains a lending library; ours includes more than 20,000 scores dedicated exclusively to Canadian music and composers. This gives teachers and ensemble directors access to distinctive repertoire and programming resources not typically available through traditional publishers. This session will include a guided walkthrough of the CMC website and library search tools, with particular attention to our wind band catalogue, filtering options, and practical strategies for finding works suited to different ensemble levels, instrumentation needs, and programming goals.
Our staff bring strong knowledge of orchestral, choral, and band repertoire, grounded in years of experience supporting concerts, recitals, and ensemble programming. Two members of our team come from concert band backgrounds, giving us direct insight into the artistic and practical needs of school and community ensemble directors. We will also share our ensemble-specific catalogues, including band, choral, and orchestral resources, as well as educational materials relevant to music teachers across specialties.
This session is designed to help directors expand their programming with Canadian repertoire, discover underused works, and better understand how the CMC can support music education and performance in Alberta and beyond.
Sponsored by Canadian Music Centre, Prairie Region
Like the Alberta Band Association, the Canadian Music Centre maintains a lending library; ours includes more than 20,000 scores dedicated exclusively to Canadian music and composers. This gives teachers and ensemble directors access to distinctive repertoire and programming resources not typically available through traditional publishers. This session will include a guided walkthrough of the CMC website and library search tools, with particular attention to our wind band catalogue, filtering options, and practical strategies for finding works suited to different ensemble levels, instrumentation needs, and programming goals.
Our staff bring strong knowledge of orchestral, choral, and band repertoire, grounded in years of experience supporting concerts, recitals, and ensemble programming. Two members of our team come from concert band backgrounds, giving us direct insight into the artistic and practical needs of school and community ensemble directors. We will also share our ensemble-specific catalogues, including band, choral, and orchestral resources, as well as educational materials relevant to music teachers across specialties.
This session is designed to help directors expand their programming with Canadian repertoire, discover underused works, and better understand how the CMC can support music education and performance in Alberta and beyond.
Dorico Music Notation | Presenter: Anton Lindenblatt
Sponsored by Canadian Music Centre, Prairie Region
Introducing Dorico music notation software for music teachers working in a studio or classroom environment. Many teachers have some experience with Finale, MuseScore, Sibelius, while others do not; this session would cover all the absolute basics from scratch, with an opportunity to follow along a live tutorial on their own electronic devices (computers or tablets).
This session will walk the attendees through the main interface, and demonstrate how to create a worksheet for individual or classroom instruction, and save templates for future use. Attendees bringing their personal devices will be able to follow along, using either the free version (SE 6), the “light” version (Elements) or the full version (Pro), in addition to Dorico for iPad. 60 day free trials are also available.
For band teachers, this session will demonstrate how they can use Dorico’s layout options for their own arranging purposes, whether it’s transposing a horn part to alto saxophone, or needing to rewrite a work to fit their ensemble needs.
Dorico offers education discounts, similar to other software, and offers competitive pricing for teachers and students, in addition to a crossgrade pricing for former Finale refugees.
The goal of this session is to add another tool to educators’ toolkits, and provide a low-stress workshop for those interested in Dorico, but are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. I’ve previously taught a similar session through CMC Prairie, drawing on experience as a composer/engraver.
Sponsored by Canadian Music Centre, Prairie Region
Introducing Dorico music notation software for music teachers working in a studio or classroom environment. Many teachers have some experience with Finale, MuseScore, Sibelius, while others do not; this session would cover all the absolute basics from scratch, with an opportunity to follow along a live tutorial on their own electronic devices (computers or tablets).
This session will walk the attendees through the main interface, and demonstrate how to create a worksheet for individual or classroom instruction, and save templates for future use. Attendees bringing their personal devices will be able to follow along, using either the free version (SE 6), the “light” version (Elements) or the full version (Pro), in addition to Dorico for iPad. 60 day free trials are also available.
For band teachers, this session will demonstrate how they can use Dorico’s layout options for their own arranging purposes, whether it’s transposing a horn part to alto saxophone, or needing to rewrite a work to fit their ensemble needs.
Dorico offers education discounts, similar to other software, and offers competitive pricing for teachers and students, in addition to a crossgrade pricing for former Finale refugees.
The goal of this session is to add another tool to educators’ toolkits, and provide a low-stress workshop for those interested in Dorico, but are overwhelmed and don’t know where to start. I’ve previously taught a similar session through CMC Prairie, drawing on experience as a composer/engraver.
Fix the Barriers, Fix the Behaviours: Adaptive Strategies for the Modern Band Room | Presenter: Sara Batchelor
When we address access barriers first, behaviour often improves naturally.
In this session, we will examine how reading challenges, processing differences, fine motor limitations, instrument fit, and cognitive overload can present as “behaviour issues” in band classrooms. Rather than focusing on correction, this session emphasizes prevention through thoughtful design.
Practical strategies will include modified notation, adaptive instrument solutions, simplified parts, structured scaffolding, and classroom systems that reduce overwhelm. Participants will leave with concrete tools they can implement immediately, along with a reframed understanding of how access and behaviour intersect in music education.
When we address access barriers first, behaviour often improves naturally.
In this session, we will examine how reading challenges, processing differences, fine motor limitations, instrument fit, and cognitive overload can present as “behaviour issues” in band classrooms. Rather than focusing on correction, this session emphasizes prevention through thoughtful design.
Practical strategies will include modified notation, adaptive instrument solutions, simplified parts, structured scaffolding, and classroom systems that reduce overwhelm. Participants will leave with concrete tools they can implement immediately, along with a reframed understanding of how access and behaviour intersect in music education.
From Squeaks to Symphonies: Practical Strategies for Getting Students Started in Band | Presenter: Sara Batchelor
The first weeks of beginner band set the tone for everything that follows.
In this session, we will walk through recruitment, instrument testing, classroom setup, first sounds, tone development, and early skill sequencing. Emphasis will be placed on building strong fundamentals while maintaining high engagement and clear structure.
This session is designed for directors seeking practical, classroom-tested systems that support long-term program growth and student retention. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for launching a successful beginner band program with clarity and confidence.
The first weeks of beginner band set the tone for everything that follows.
In this session, we will walk through recruitment, instrument testing, classroom setup, first sounds, tone development, and early skill sequencing. Emphasis will be placed on building strong fundamentals while maintaining high engagement and clear structure.
This session is designed for directors seeking practical, classroom-tested systems that support long-term program growth and student retention. Participants will leave with actionable strategies for launching a successful beginner band program with clarity and confidence.
Gamifying Music Education: Apps, Games, and Multi-Sensory Strategies for Student Engagement |
Presenter: Sarah Molenaar
Aimed towards music educators, this session will explore how to make lessons more interactive, motivating, and effective through the use of apps, games, and multi-sensory strategies. In this session, attendees will learn about different music apps that supplement theory and aural development, including tools for note reading, rhythm training, interval and chord recognition, and sight reading. In addition, a variety of game-based approaches will be explored to support learning in areas such as note and rhythm values, key signatures, scale identification, finger numbers, octave recognition, and chord inversions. These activities can be adapted for both individual lessons and group or classroom settings. This session will also cover multi-sensory strategies that support diverse learning needs. Examples include the use of rhythmic instruments such as Boomwhackers and pitched bells, colour and visual mapping to enhance pattern recognition and memory, and movement-based activities to reinforce musical concepts.
Attendees will leave with a collection of practical, adaptable strategies that can be implemented immediately. These strategies will aid educators in teaching students with short attention spans and learning needs, and they should obtain higher student engagement and retention.
Presenter: Sarah Molenaar
Aimed towards music educators, this session will explore how to make lessons more interactive, motivating, and effective through the use of apps, games, and multi-sensory strategies. In this session, attendees will learn about different music apps that supplement theory and aural development, including tools for note reading, rhythm training, interval and chord recognition, and sight reading. In addition, a variety of game-based approaches will be explored to support learning in areas such as note and rhythm values, key signatures, scale identification, finger numbers, octave recognition, and chord inversions. These activities can be adapted for both individual lessons and group or classroom settings. This session will also cover multi-sensory strategies that support diverse learning needs. Examples include the use of rhythmic instruments such as Boomwhackers and pitched bells, colour and visual mapping to enhance pattern recognition and memory, and movement-based activities to reinforce musical concepts.
Attendees will leave with a collection of practical, adaptable strategies that can be implemented immediately. These strategies will aid educators in teaching students with short attention spans and learning needs, and they should obtain higher student engagement and retention.
Icing The Cake With Your Jazz Band! | Presenter: Neil Yorke-Slader
Drawing from his 40+ years in jazz education, Neil will walk you through a process designed to take your jazz band to the next level, from part placement to diverse repertoire selection, specific and targeted rehearsal approaches, soloing and rhythm section considerations, and how to elicit emotional response from audiences through specific performance techniques. He will detail what adjudicators are looking and listening for, and how to put your ensemble in the best possible light. A comprehensive handout will be made available to all clinic attendees.
Drawing from his 40+ years in jazz education, Neil will walk you through a process designed to take your jazz band to the next level, from part placement to diverse repertoire selection, specific and targeted rehearsal approaches, soloing and rhythm section considerations, and how to elicit emotional response from audiences through specific performance techniques. He will detail what adjudicators are looking and listening for, and how to put your ensemble in the best possible light. A comprehensive handout will be made available to all clinic attendees.
I Wish I’d Known That Twenty Years Ago! | Presenter: Brent Pierce
Brent Pierce is a retired music teacher, composer and clinician with a career that spans more than forty years of teaching at the elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels. In this session, he will draw from his wealth of experience and share insights into what he has learned over the years, offering practical advice and ideas that can be incorporated immediately into your next rehearsal.
Brent Pierce is a retired music teacher, composer and clinician with a career that spans more than forty years of teaching at the elementary, secondary and post-secondary levels. In this session, he will draw from his wealth of experience and share insights into what he has learned over the years, offering practical advice and ideas that can be incorporated immediately into your next rehearsal.
Jazz Repertoire - Beginning with the Language of Melody | Presenter Jerrold Dubyk
This session offers an introduction to better jazz repertoire, its importance in building a strong jazz program at our schools and how the third trombone part becomes relevant. We'll bypass complex analysis and focus on students developing melodic fluency through listening, imitation, and simple, repeatable melodic phrases. How that translates into a stronger ensemble is the goal.
Participants will learn to:
This practical, hands-on workshop will provide educators with effective strategies for choosing good repertoire, fostering a love for the genre and building a strong foundation for future musical growth in their programs. Resources will be provided, allowing teachers to implement specific repertoire immediately in their band programs. This approach is designed to demystify the jazz ensemble and empower students to express themselves musically.
This session offers an introduction to better jazz repertoire, its importance in building a strong jazz program at our schools and how the third trombone part becomes relevant. We'll bypass complex analysis and focus on students developing melodic fluency through listening, imitation, and simple, repeatable melodic phrases. How that translates into a stronger ensemble is the goal.
Participants will learn to:
- Begin to recognize core jazz repertoire through listening and melody.
- Understand the role everyone plays in the ensemble, and give everyone a chance for democratic expression
- Develop confidence in swing style through structured, accessible melodies that encourage creative exploration.
This practical, hands-on workshop will provide educators with effective strategies for choosing good repertoire, fostering a love for the genre and building a strong foundation for future musical growth in their programs. Resources will be provided, allowing teachers to implement specific repertoire immediately in their band programs. This approach is designed to demystify the jazz ensemble and empower students to express themselves musically.
MusicFest Canada: Planning Your Trip to Nationals | Presenter: Neil Yorke-Slader
This session will walk you through a brief history of MusicFest Canada, its values and philosophies, and outline how MusicFest and its network of 65 regional affiliate festivals across the country work together with MusicFest Canada to provide Canadian students with measurable goals of musical performance and excellence. The session will explain the pathways to earning invitations to MusicFest Nationals, what happens at MusicFest Nationals (both in terms of process and in terms of clinics, concerts, etc.) and the various elements that go into planning for your band to attend.
The Nationals will be held in Calgary from May 10-14, 2027. Neil will be available to answer any questions about this wonderful opportunity!
This session will walk you through a brief history of MusicFest Canada, its values and philosophies, and outline how MusicFest and its network of 65 regional affiliate festivals across the country work together with MusicFest Canada to provide Canadian students with measurable goals of musical performance and excellence. The session will explain the pathways to earning invitations to MusicFest Nationals, what happens at MusicFest Nationals (both in terms of process and in terms of clinics, concerts, etc.) and the various elements that go into planning for your band to attend.
The Nationals will be held in Calgary from May 10-14, 2027. Neil will be available to answer any questions about this wonderful opportunity!
Pedagogical Guitar Orchestras in Alberta, PART II |
Presenters R. J. Perez,1,2, V. Benvenuti2,3, S. Remniakova1,2, G. Tardiff1,3, D. Brown1
1. Alberta String Association, 2. Edmonton Classical Guitar Society, 3. University of Alberta, Department of Music.
Sponsored by the Alberta String Association
We have previously introduced the approach followed by El Sistema in Venezuela for the creation and sustainment of Pedagogical Guitar Orchestras in Edmonton Alberta, this was PART I. Seven years later, we expound on the success, experiences, collaborations, and dissemination of this artistic enterprise.
Pedagogical guitar orchestras are non-auditioned musical groups, geared towards classical guitar players of any level, from advanced to beginners. They are constituted by amateurs, music students, and professional guitarists who, due to the nature of the instrument, lack orchestral experience. The number of players range from 20 to 30 guitarists. It has been observed that the creation of these musical groups provides an extraordinary setting for the encounter of musicians with common expectations and goals, creating a sense of partnership and community never seen or experimented before.
The cornerstone of the pedagogical guitar orchestra success lies in the arrangement of the repertoire, which consists on short orchestral works. These are divided into several guitar sections, and re-arranged in an instructional fashion through a multi-level approach. The strategy allows complete beginners and high-level professionals to play together and enjoy the music simultaneously. Vivaldi’s sonatas and concertos constitute great examples, because they are divided into 3 contrasting movements and last ~12 minutes. In these works, the advanced guitars carry the fast-running melodies, intermediate guitarist develop the basic harmony with arpeggios and limited chords, and total beginners play a reduction of the basso continuo, generally one or two downbeat notes per measure, preferably in open strings. The multi-level approach also allows for easy collaboration with more advance groups, i.e., Calgary Guitar Orchestra, formed by highly skilled professional guitarists.
It all seems that bringing together advanced and novice players in orchestral settings, is totally possible through a multi-level re-arranged repertoire, and a strong community-oriented approach.
Presenters R. J. Perez,1,2, V. Benvenuti2,3, S. Remniakova1,2, G. Tardiff1,3, D. Brown1
1. Alberta String Association, 2. Edmonton Classical Guitar Society, 3. University of Alberta, Department of Music.
Sponsored by the Alberta String Association
We have previously introduced the approach followed by El Sistema in Venezuela for the creation and sustainment of Pedagogical Guitar Orchestras in Edmonton Alberta, this was PART I. Seven years later, we expound on the success, experiences, collaborations, and dissemination of this artistic enterprise.
Pedagogical guitar orchestras are non-auditioned musical groups, geared towards classical guitar players of any level, from advanced to beginners. They are constituted by amateurs, music students, and professional guitarists who, due to the nature of the instrument, lack orchestral experience. The number of players range from 20 to 30 guitarists. It has been observed that the creation of these musical groups provides an extraordinary setting for the encounter of musicians with common expectations and goals, creating a sense of partnership and community never seen or experimented before.
The cornerstone of the pedagogical guitar orchestra success lies in the arrangement of the repertoire, which consists on short orchestral works. These are divided into several guitar sections, and re-arranged in an instructional fashion through a multi-level approach. The strategy allows complete beginners and high-level professionals to play together and enjoy the music simultaneously. Vivaldi’s sonatas and concertos constitute great examples, because they are divided into 3 contrasting movements and last ~12 minutes. In these works, the advanced guitars carry the fast-running melodies, intermediate guitarist develop the basic harmony with arpeggios and limited chords, and total beginners play a reduction of the basso continuo, generally one or two downbeat notes per measure, preferably in open strings. The multi-level approach also allows for easy collaboration with more advance groups, i.e., Calgary Guitar Orchestra, formed by highly skilled professional guitarists.
It all seems that bringing together advanced and novice players in orchestral settings, is totally possible through a multi-level re-arranged repertoire, and a strong community-oriented approach.
Performance Presence: Supporting Musicians Through Performance Anxiety |
Presenters: Leah Callao and Max Wood from Core Psychology
Performance anxiety is one of the most common and limiting challenges musicians face, affecting students across all levels and settings. This session introduces a practical, evidence-informed approach to understanding and supporting performance anxiety through the lens of “performance presence” - the ability to remain grounded, focused, and connected while performing.
Participants will explore how anxiety impacts the nervous system, attention, and motor performance, and how advice (e.g., “just relax” or “practice more”) is often insufficient. The session will provide accessible strategies drawn from cognitive, somatic, and mindfulness-based approaches to help musicians regulate physiological arousal, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and build resilience in high-pressure situations.
Designed for studio teachers, classroom educators, and ensemble directors, this session emphasizes practical tools that can be integrated into lessons and rehearsals. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of performance anxiety, as well as concrete techniques to support students in developing confidence, consistency, and a more sustainable relationship with performance.
Discussion will invite participants to reflect on their own experiences and teaching contexts, forming a collaborative and applied learning environment, with the option to engage in practical demonstrations of regulation techniques.
Presenters: Leah Callao and Max Wood from Core Psychology
Performance anxiety is one of the most common and limiting challenges musicians face, affecting students across all levels and settings. This session introduces a practical, evidence-informed approach to understanding and supporting performance anxiety through the lens of “performance presence” - the ability to remain grounded, focused, and connected while performing.
Participants will explore how anxiety impacts the nervous system, attention, and motor performance, and how advice (e.g., “just relax” or “practice more”) is often insufficient. The session will provide accessible strategies drawn from cognitive, somatic, and mindfulness-based approaches to help musicians regulate physiological arousal, shift unhelpful thought patterns, and build resilience in high-pressure situations.
Designed for studio teachers, classroom educators, and ensemble directors, this session emphasizes practical tools that can be integrated into lessons and rehearsals. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of performance anxiety, as well as concrete techniques to support students in developing confidence, consistency, and a more sustainable relationship with performance.
Discussion will invite participants to reflect on their own experiences and teaching contexts, forming a collaborative and applied learning environment, with the option to engage in practical demonstrations of regulation techniques.
Sight-reading 101| Presenters: Dylan Wiest & Jace Stearn
Featuring: Highwood High School Concert Band
Sight reading is often one of the most anxiety-inducing portions of the ABA Festival of Bands, along with MusicFest. This session aims to provide strategies for teachers to build confident sight readers, as well as how to prepare for a sight reading clinic in the days leading up to festival!
**First hand advice from the ABA Provincial Festival of Bands Sight Reading Adjudicator**
Featuring: Highwood High School Concert Band
Sight reading is often one of the most anxiety-inducing portions of the ABA Festival of Bands, along with MusicFest. This session aims to provide strategies for teachers to build confident sight readers, as well as how to prepare for a sight reading clinic in the days leading up to festival!
**First hand advice from the ABA Provincial Festival of Bands Sight Reading Adjudicator**