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Maine Motif
The Maine Music
Educators
Association
MMEA Conference Edition
Reflections on the COVID-19 Anniversary
SPRING 2021
Volume 5, Issue 3
C ontents Spring 2021
Volume 5, Issue 3
The official publication of the
Maine Music Educator’s Association.
From the Board Maine Music Educators
Association (MMEA)
page 3 MMEA 2020-2021 Board Directory
page 4 MMEA Calendar 200+ members including working
music educators, retired teachers,
page 5 MMEA Spotlight and collegiate students
Formally founded in 1917, MMEA
page 6 Letter from the President is the oldest recognized state
music educator association in the
Sandy Barry, MMEA President USA.
page 7 Previewing the Band Conference Sessions
Bill Buzza, MMEA Band VP Mission Statement:
To promote and advance Music
page 9 Covid Spring Education by providing a voice
and venue for advocacy and
Drew Albert, MMEA Choral VP advancement of Music Education
in Maine.
page 10 Ending off Right
Linda Vaillancourt, MMEA Orchestra VP All editorial materials should be
sent to:
page 11 PK–5 Conference Offerings
Hanna Flewelling, Editor
Dorie Tripp, MMEA General Music PK–5 VP Email: editor@mainemea.org
Submit materials
for publication
MMEA All-State Conference 2021 HERE
page 12 Conference Session Guide
page 22 Conference Presenters
All advertising information and
orders should be sent to:
Beth Labrie, Executive Director
Email: execdirector@mainemea.org
2 Maine Motif | April 2021
2020–2021 MMEA Board
Executive Committee Specialty Interest Chairs State Festival Managers
President: Sandy Barry Music Teacher Education Chair BOC All-State SSAA Chorus
President-Elect: Andrew Forster Philip Edelman Colin Graebert
Past President: Ben Potvin Tri-M Honors Society Chair Nora Krainis
Executive Director: Beth LaBrie Richard Nickerson BOC All-State SATB Chorus
Advocacy Chair Ashley Albert
Victoria Cherry BOC All-State Orchestra
Board Officers Retired Teachers Chair John Lawson
Sam Moore-Young BOC All-State Band
Secretary: Danielle Collins Collegiate Chapter Chair Kyle Smith
Treasurer: Sarah Bailey Dr. Jocelyn Armes Jazz All-State Honors Jazz
G. Music K-5 VP: Dorie Tripp USM Collegiate Representative Kyle Smith
G. Music 6-12 VP: Erin Morrison Josh Hyssong, Katie Lind, and Jazz All-State Jazz Band
Orchestra VP: Linda Vaillancourt Gabe Reed Mike Sakash
Band VP: Bill Buzza UMO Collegiate Representative Jazz All-State Combo
Choral VP: Drew Albert Jacob LaMontagne Pat Michaud
Jazz VP: Matt Waite Jazz All-State SSAA Chorus
D1 Chair: Missy Shabo Michelle Snow
D2 Chair: Sarah Dow-Shedlarski Conference Chairs Jazz All-State SATB Chorus
D3 Chair: Brandon Duras Jesse Wakeman
D4 Chair: Danielle Gorman Conference Co-Chairs
D5 Chair: Kaitlyn Young Nancy Cash-Cobb
D6 Chair: Christine Proefrock Ben Potvin State Festival Chairs
D7 Chair: Pam Kinsey Conference Registrar
Jon Simonoff BOC All-State Festival Chair
Jazz Conference Assistant Kristen Thomas
Mike Sakash All-State Auditions Chair
Brian Hutchinson
MMEA is still seeking interested Instrumental Jazz Chair
candidates to serve in the following Publication Staff Becky Mallory
Webmaster
positions. These are presidential
Adam Metzler
appointments for a two-year term.
Editor
Please direct inquiries to Hanna Flewelling
Sandy Barry at
president@mainemea.org
In Search of:
Vocal Jazz Chair
Solo and Ensemble Chair
mainemea.org 3
MMEA Calendar
Thursday Keynote:
NAfME President
Dr. Mackie Spradley
Friday Keynote:
Dr. Richard White
R.A.W. TUBA
Saturday Session:
Wynton Marsalis
Jazz at Lincoln Center
THURS. 4/22: 6:00-9:30pm MASTER SCHEDULE:
https://bit.ly/ED2021ConferenceSchedule
FRI. 4/23: 6:00-9:30pm
SAT. 4/24: 9:00am-5pm
NAfME Members: $45.00
NAfME Collegiates: $25.00
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION:
All-Eastern Honor Ensembles! REGISTER HERE
Dedicated Concert Hour!
EASTERN DIVISION WEBSITE:
Exhibitor Connections! https://bit.ly/easterndivision2021
MMEA Event Schedule
Apr. 9–10 Virtual Solo & Ensemble Festival May 20–22 MMEA BOC All-State Festival @ UMaine
Apr. 9–10 Virtual State Jazz Festival
Apr. 22–24 Virtual Eastern Division Conference
June 28 MMEA Board Meeting @6:30 via Zoom
May 10–15 MMEA Virtual Conference
May 18 MMEA Jazz Meeting, 5 pm (Zoom) Click here for a printable version
May 18 MMEA Board Meeting, 6:30 pm @ UMaine of this calendar
May 19 MMEA All-Member Meeting, 6:30 pm (Zoom)
4 Maine Motif | April 2021
New Board Members and Election Results
2021 MMEA Election Results
District 1: Missy Shabo
District 3: Brandon Duras
District 5: Under Review
District 7: Pam Kinsey
General Music 6–12: Dr. Christian Giddings
Chorus VP: Drew Albert
Orchestra VP: Linda Vaillancourt
Secretary: Cassie Cooper
mainemea.org 5
L ETTER
from the P RESIDENT
Dear Colleagues;
No matter where you live and work in this gloriously diverse state,
winter is receding.
(thanks, Dad!), and we’ve all been the fall yard work, and as the pandemic ebbs
ones offering. I know you’ve been the it leaves behind things we may not have
ones stepping forward and helping known were there. What is revealed can
because I have seen so much support vary vastly from place to place. As we
offered this year. The examples are in- take stock of what this year has done and
numerable, but here are a few: members the clean up begins, I ask you to turn
who joined the writing group during the your gaze to your neighbors in the music
H ow winter departs though, can look
very different. Southern Maine,
where I live, saw temperatures in the 60’s
summer that resulted in MMEA’s DEIA
statement, people who completely rebuilt
our audition process and learned a new
community. How are we doing? How
are we all doing? Music will return to all
schools in Maine. When and how are
on a recent Friday with the snowdrops platform for hosting auditions and fes- yet unknown for many. Be vigilant. Be as
peeking their heads up from my father’s tivals, VP’s who retooled entire festivals helpful to others as you can. Slow down
garden. The winds changed overnight and then took on the task of including and consider the circumstances of others.
with blustery freezing weather return- another complete event so that more Your support can come in any form--a
ing just in time for the weekend. I have students would have opportunities, VP’s message to a colleague, a simple strategy
friends who were sneaking in a quick trip who continue to address current process- that is working for you, a shared lesson.
up North to take advantage of possibly es and materials to bring improvements While the entire world has experienced
the last good snowmobiling conditions to our festivals, and District Chairs who the same calamity, who better than other
of the season. Despite what the calendar are already turning their attention to music teachers to understand what we
says, we know that for a while a final fall planning. A review of this edition of have endured? Your words and expe-
round of snow could come our way. I’ll the “Motif” will underscore the amazing rience may be just what someone else
bet your snow shovels are still nearby. work of our conference co-chairs. So needs to help them persevere this spring.
much professional development! Are Let’s work to ensure a season of renewal
So too, the stranglehold the pandemic these people provided time from their for us all.
has had on our lives and schools this year workday to accomplish these tasks? Do Be well,
is loosening. Just as we remain vigilant they have an abundance of free time? Are
with the weather in Maine, we must they superhuman? Of course the answer Sandy Barry
remain ready to proceed with caution. is “no”. And although they may be the MMEA President
Along with our cautious approach we first to raise their hands, it doesn’t mean president@mainemea.org
need to be willing to step forward and they don’t need help sometimes too.
offer help to our neighbors. We’ve all
needed help shoveling after a big storm The receding snow reveals the forgotten
6 Maine Motif | April 2021
Previewing the Band
Conference Sessions
Greetings fellow music educators!
As I write this, it’s been exactly one year since our state was first shut
down from COVID-19.
O ver the past year, I have definite-
ly grieved the loss of aspects of
my band program. I have at times felt
And I am excited to see her Zoom session
“Teaching Your Parents How to be the
Music Educator at Home”. I’m sure this
helpless and frustrated with the chal- information will be beneficial during
lenges I’ve faced as I tried to plan a path periods of remote and typical instruction. Teaching Your Parents How to be the
forward in maintaining basic elements of Music Educator at Home
my program. However, there have also And that’s not all!!! Here are brief Beth Fabrizio
been times when I’ve celebrated success- descriptions for the great band sessions How parents can support their kiddos
es, such as new teaching strategies and we’re offering at the MMEA Conference at home and make practice effective and
lessons I’ve tried, and connections I have which will be taking place online May interesting. Websites/YouTube/ and a sea
made with students. I have also thought 10-15. of support info.
about what I’ve learned over the past year
that I can use to further refine my craft as
a teacher. Upgrading Your Clarinet Section
Beth Fabrizio
As I’ve considered sessions for the May Strengthen your clarinet section using
conference, I’ve looked for presenta- technique exercises, tone quality, tongu-
tions that acknowledge our experiences ing, reed selection and care, alternate
from the past year and look forward to fingerings and a myriad of warm up
rebuilding our programs this spring and exercises for your students.
next school year. I’ve attempted to find
high-quality offerings from colleagues in
the field that will positively impact all lev- Technology Tools to Enhance
els of Maine band programs, beginning Engagement
through high school. I am particularly Katie Lewis & Laura Bell
excited for you to have the opportunity After more than a semester of learning to
to learn from three clinicians I encoun- I also wanted to let all of you that work navigate the world of concurrent, hybrid,
tered at the Midwest clinic. Katie Lewis with high school students on All-State and/or virtual band directing, Lewis and
and Laura Bell from Frisco, Texas will be auditions know that the lyric etude is Bell will share tips and tricks on what
presenting a video session entitled “Tech- now available on the MMEA website. they’ve found that works…..and what
nology Tools to Enhance Engagement” We have again contracted with Michael doesn’t! They will dive into the technol-
that shares some of the many technolo- Shun, who arranged last year’s piece, to ogy applications that they will continue
gy tools they have used in their middle arrange Rachmaninoff’s beautiful melody using in the future, even after this year.
school band program. They will then be “Vocalise” for us this year. This will be
joining us for a follow-up Zoom session available on the MMEA website by All-
to answer your questions and share more State in May. Roundtable: Recruiting and Reimagin-
about their experiences this year. And we ing Beginning Band Students
are fortunate to have Beth Fabrizio from My best wishes for the remainder of this Caitlin Ramsey & Missy Shabo
Rochester, New York, presenting a session school year. If I can be of any help, please Participants will discuss successful
on “Upgrading your Clarinet Section” feel free to contact me. recruitment strategies and brainstorm
that is jammed-pack with information. effective approaches for starting begin-
mainemea.org 7
ners in the fall. This session is directed definitions of culminating performance concepts, supported by numerous spe-
at elementary band directors as well as experiences beyond replication, and con- cific strategies/games/processes to help
middle school band directors who may sider possible implications for curricu- students gain independence with their
find themselves teaching older beginners lum, student diversity and representation, own controlled tuning. This session will
due to the constraints of the 20-21 school and engagement in our programs. arm participants with a ‘bag of tricks’ that
year. can be used immediately.
What Do I Do With Those Drummers?!?
Picking up the Pieces and Moving Robin Linaberry The Care and Feeding of the
Forward: Reconstituting your Second- This session offers a comprehensive Young Trumpeter
ary Music Program after COVID-19 plan including a step-by-step template Jack Burt
Philip Edelman for assigning parts, a method to develop Dr. Burt will discuss the most common
In this session, we will explore the steps students’ section responsibilities, a built- weaknesses of young trumpeters, and
that we can take to process the loss, recov- in mentoring model, and a self-directed give tips on how to promote healthy play-
er our students, and grow our programs (personalized) curriculum to help with all ing from the beginning.
after the pandemic has subsided. aspects of Percussion education.
You Want Me To Do WHAT?: Intonation and Tuning Strategies for Bill Buzza
Recasting the Concert Experience Band Directors Band VP
During COVID-19 Robin Linaberry bandvp@mainemea.org
Jocelyn Armes This session gives Band Directors a Blog: buzzamusiced.com
This session will expand traditional refresher about common intonation
8 Maine Motif | April 2021
Covid Spring
It seems like a season has never before captured the
feeling of a nation quite as much as the spring of 2021.
Spring is the season of new beginnings.
W ith singing allowed inside of our
classrooms and the massive roll
out of Covid-19 vaccines, it seems there
the most collaborative year of my entire
career. Together, we have pushed our ve-
hicles out of the snowbank and back onto
is finally light at the end of a long, dark, the road. There is still a long road ahead
cold tunnel. I am writing this article at of us, there is no denying that. There is
6:30pm. The sun shines brightly and still raking from last fall to do and we are
there is not a cloud in the sky. However, constantly bringing mud from our boots is being formed to discuss this and other
this is a deception of spring. It is 18 de- into the house. potential repertoire changes, and a subse-
grees outside. With the wind chill, it feels But we have arrived, at long last, in quent questionnaire will be put out to the
like more like four. I cannot help but feel spring. All of this is to say, there is membership sometime before the end of
this is where we are amid the Covid 19 strength in our communities. There is the school year. However, no repertoire
pandemic. We can see the sunshine, but hope. And in a way that is not a meta- changes are being proposed for next year,
we cannot yet feel its warmth. phor: I could not be more excited. when our rotation will be, “Fire, Fire My
There is no way to tell what next year Heart”, and “Per La Gloria”.
will look like. A return to “normal” is Looking Ahead
almost completely out of the question. I want to keep you all informed of some MMEA Conference Choral Offerings
What will performances look like if they of the changes you can anticipate for the I hope you will enjoy this year’s lineup
are deemed safe to resume? How has a 2021-2022 All-State choral auditions. The for the May MMEA Conference. We
year without singing affected our musi- first is a change to the website that many have presenters from our great state and
cians’ abilities? Will we be able to get our of us have used for years to prep our across the country. We have both live and
singers back who did not participate this students. You may know that our amaz- pre-recorded sessions on a wide range of
year? Will all of our students be back in ing colleague Erin Lowell created the web topics. From warm-ups to sight reading,
the building at once? Is it possible that we page maineallstatechoralauditions.com. digital tools, and building and maintain-
may only see our choirs for one semester The site housed the choral assessment ing a choral program post pandemic,
out of the year? learning tracks and sheet music, pronun- there is something here for everyone.
There are so many questions, too little ciation guides, sight reading examples, We will be hosting a very special guest
answers. and general audition information. From clinician for our conference - composer,
Allow me to be the optimist, a role with now on, all the information from that site and conductor Z. Randall Stroope! He
which I am comfortable. Imagine for will be on mainemmea.org. Our intention will be hosting two live sessions. “En-
a moment: a new golden era of music is to have a “one stop shop” for all Maine gage, Educate and Empower”, achieving
in our schools. School administrations Music Educator pertinent information. greater efficiency in a climate of limited
around the state recognize the impact Another exciting change will be: brand time, more demands and greater expecta-
and importance our programs play in the new recordings of the All-State choral tions, and a reading session of his choral
social and emotional well being of stu- assessments. Matthew Curtis and his works. You will not want to miss your
dents. Our communities who have been company choraltracks.com have been opportunity to hear from and talk with Z.
starved for live entertainment flock to our contracted to create these new tracks. Randall Stroope!
performances. Our students who have We are hoping that the new recordings I think we can all agree that one of the
taken for granted the joys of music, pour will enhance the learning and audition great joys of the MMEA Conference is
themselves completely into the process process by emphasizing the phrasing, dy- being able to see each other in person.
like never before. namics, and articulations of each piece. For me, I look forward to seeing all of
The pandemic may have been the long Finally, it is time to review the audition my colleagues just as much as all of the
winter, but in our music community at process and repertoire for the Maine great presentations. With that being said,
least, it has been a Maine winter. The All-State choral auditions. One of the I hope that you will be able to join us for
kind of winter where neighbors help comments I hear most often about the as many of the live sessions as you can.
neighbors. auditions is that perhaps our friend Phyl- Hopefully this will be the last MMEA
Last year I wrote about the support I have lis and her delightful lilies have over- Conference that takes place in our living
felt from my colleagues. This has been stayed their welcome. A small committee rooms.
mainemea.org 9Ending Off Right:
The 2021 MMEA Conference
Welcome to April!
We are rapidly approaching the end of one of the most unusual
school years in our careers.
at any point. The live sessions will also Making Musical Connections: String
be available for viewing for three months Orchestra for Special Learners
following the conference’s conclusion. Brian J. Wagner-Yeung
(Astoria, NY)
I am excited about the tentative line-up
for string clinics, and hope to give you a Tech Tools: Sight Reading & Accurate
quick preview of what to expect: Performance Assessment
Jim Frankel
I had the opportunity last month to (New York, NY)
attend the ASTA National Conference.
This was a virtual conference, attended Method Book Magic
over four days from the comfort of my Sarah Ball
home office. While there were certainly (Gwinnet County, GA)
elements I missed with the virtual aspect
(being in proximity and able to have live Music Theory, History, and Creativity
conversations with string teachers from for the Successful String Orchestra
all over the country at the top of list), Christopher Selby
there were definite advantages, primarily (Charleston, SC)
convenience and cost. No flight required.
No needing to spend (and pay for) four
nights in a Louisville hotel. Best of all, the There are also many, many fascinating
sessions were able to viewed for a month sessions being offered under the Band,
after the end of the conference, allowing Chorus, Jazz, and General Music umbrel-
me to go back and “attend” the sessions I las. While this is definitely appealing to
was not able to grab the first time around. Level Up Your Orchestra: Gamification those of us whose job descriptions have
in the Orchestra Classroom us crossing specialties, many of these will
The MMEA Conference will also be Jessica Rose Stephens also present topics of great interest to us
virtual this year. We will miss the chance (Oklahoma City, OK) in our role as string teachers.
to visit in-person with our colleagues
from all over the state. I am also excited, Understanding and Overcoming I strongly encourage you all to attend the
though, about the chance to attend the Rhythmic Timing and Feel Issues May conference. Registration is open,
conference at our convenience, from our Curtis Madigan and can be found at https://mainemmea.
own computers, not needing to find a way (Denver, CO) org/mmea-conference/.
to get class coverage in order to spend
a few days in Orono. Unlike previous Demystifying the Sight-Reading
years, the conference will be held the Process Linda Vaillancourt
week before the virtual All-State Festival, Timothy Kaiser MMEA Orchestra VP
will be held in the evenings, and will be (Tucson, AZ) orchestravp@mainemea.org
ongoing over six days. These dates are
Monday, May 10-Saturday, May 15. Live Composition in Ensemble Classrooms:
sessions will run from 6-8 pm (9 am-noon A Bridge to the National Standards
on Saturday), with on-demand pre-re- John Ginocchio
corded sessions available for you to watch (Marshall, MN)
10 Maine Motif | April 2021PK-5 General Music
Conference Offerings
It’s hard to believe that we’ve surpassed the anniversary of
the pandemic’s touchdown in Maine, and that we’re
planning our second virtual MMEA conference.
It’s hard to believe that we’ve surpassed the
anniversary of the pandemic’s touchdown
in Maine, and that we’re planning our sec-
ond virtual MMEA conference. We were
not prepared for what we were about to
experience a year ago. While it’s been some
of the most difficult times in our lives, my
colleagues and our students have shown PK-5 Conference Session Preview
incredible resilience, patience, and flexibil- Some of the session topics include..
ity. Our membership continues to inspire
me to keep pushing forward every day. Methodology & Pedagogy
World Music Pedagogy in Elementary School
In planning for our conference, I wanted to (Presented by Karen Howard, Author of “First Steps in Global Music”)
provide a variety of sessions that touched Engaging All Learners
upon the many topics and opportuni- Teaching Music on a Cart
ties for growth that were presented to us Supporting English Language Learners
this year. Lucky for me, we had a record
number of submissions, from experienced Cultural Responsiveness
clinicians and colleagues, to choose from! Celebrating the Music and Culture of Your School
You will notice that there are more offer- Culturally Responsive Music Teaching
ings than ever before. The sessions include
trending topics present in the 2020-2021 Trauma Informed Practices
school year, including social justice, social Trauma-Informed Music Education
emotional learning, and remote teach-
ing and learning. Some sessions are Pk-5 Black Lives Matter & Decolonizing the Music Classroom
specific, while others extend to all areas of Minstrelsy, Blackface, and Problematic Origins
music education. We will provide a variety Black Lives Matter: Operationalized in the Maine Music Classroom
of live and pre-recorded presentations, all (Two Parts)
of which will be accessible for a time after
conference week, for your convenience. I ** To see the full list of sessions and their clinicians, please head to mainemea.org and
hope that you will be able to join me for register for this fabulous conference! **
a truly incredible week of professional
development!
Best,
Dorie Tripp, NBCT
Pk-5 General Music VP
Maine Music Educators Association
mainemea.org 112021 MMEA Conference Session Guide
Please join us for this exciting and informative conference Band Sessions
which will include 65+ synchronous and asynchronous offer-
ings applicable to all areas of music education. Both the Zoom
in-person and pre-recorded sessions will be archived and avail- You Want Me To Do WHAT?:
Recasting the Concert Experience
able for online viewing for three months at the conclusion of
During COVID-19
the conference.
Jocelyn Armes
May 10-15 Live performances often signal the
6-8PM weekdays and 9-noon on Saturday. conclusion of curricular cycles in music
classrooms. Of the many educational
NAfME Member - $50 endeavors COVID-19 drastically impacted
in the last year, live performances have
Non-member - $100 been amongst the most challenging for
Conference Registration & NAfME Membership - $180 music educators to modify. Some have
Maine NAfME Membership - $135 found the absence of a performance
NAfME Collegiate Member - $0 calendar freeing, while others have
NAfME Retired Member - $0 creatively adapted to the “new normal”.
In this session, we will expand traditional
definitions of culminating performance
experiences (ex., the spring concert)
For questions regarding registration, please email Jon Simonoff beyond replication, and consider possi-
at conferenceregistrar@mainemea.org. ble implications for curriculum, student
diversity and representation, and engage-
ment in our programs.
Click here to Register What Do I Do With Those
Drummers?!?
Robin Linaberry
This is a discussion, demonstration and
“giveaway” of specific strategies helping
Band Directors learn to integrate, moti-
vate, organize and educate all Percussion-
ists. This session offers a comprehensive
plan including a step-by-step template
for assigning parts, a method to develop
students’ section responsibilities, a built-
in mentoring model, and a self-directed
(personalized) curriculum to help with all
aspects of Percussion education. Espe-
cially good for non-percussionist teach-
ers, this session includes techniques for
training behaviors as well as performance
skills.
12 Maine Motif | April 2021Picking up the pieces and moving The Care and Feeding of the Technology Tools to Enhance
forward: Reconstituting your second- Young Trumpeter Engagement (2 Sessions)
ary music program after COVID-19
Jack Burt Katie Lewis & Laura Bell
Philip Edelman Dr. Burt will discuss the most common After more than a semester of learning to
In this session, we will explore the steps weaknesses of young trumpeters, and navigate the world of concurrent, hybrid,
that we can take to process the loss, recov- give tips on how to promote healthy play- and/or virtual band directing, Lewis and
er our students, and grow our programs ing from the beginning. In his 30 years Bell will share tips and tricks on what
after the pandemic has subsided. Edelman of college teaching, Dr. Burt has seen they’ve found that works…..and what
will discuss recruitment and retention almost every problem a young trumpeter doesn’t! Learn about various technology
strategies, the research behind them, and can have - some of which he experienced applications that you AND your students
practical steps that we can take as music himself. will love that keep them engaged no mat-
educators moving forward. Specific areas Regardless of musical ability, there are ter what! They will dive into the technol-
of inquiry will include: learning loss, re- certain physical issues that can prevent a ogy applications that they will continue
cruitment/retention, and practical physical young trumpeter from succeeding. Stop- using in the future, even after this year.
and educational steps we should take to ping these problems at the beginning can The clinicians will also share suggestions
recover. We will also explore understand- help you grow are strong, health trumpet on how to utilize your staff most effec-
ing the path forward from administrative, studio in your school, and give students tively for the benefit of your students, as
student, and colleague perspectives. This who wish to continue in music a much well as ideas to promote program growth,
session will be interactive, with attendees greater chance of success in the future. retention, and overall student morale!
contributing to the discourse.
Upgrading Your Clarinet Section Roundtable: Recruiting and Intonation and Tuning Strategies
Reimagining Beginning for Band Directors
Beth Fabrizio Band Students Robin Linaberry
Strengthen your clarinet section using Caitlin Ramsey & Missy Shabo We all want our groups to be better in
technique exercises, tone quality , tongu- tune, of course; but how do we teach
ing, reed selection and care, alternate fin- In this share session, participants will better tuning? This session gives Band
gerings and a myriad of warmup exercises discuss successful recruitment strategies Directors a refresher about common In-
for your students. and brainstorm effective approaches for tonation concepts, supported by numer-
starting beginners in the fall. This session ous specific strategies/games/processes
is directed at elementary band directors to help students gain independence with
as well as middle school band directors their own controlled tuning. This ses-
Teaching Your Parents How to be the
who may find themselves teaching older sion will arm participants with a ‘bag of
Music Educator at Home
beginners due to the constraints of the tricks’ that can be used immediately, and
Beth Fabrizio 20-21 school year. Participants will have without further training. Let’s go beyond
the opportunity to collaborate with total reliance on electronic tuners.
How parents can support their kiddos colleagues from across the state and will
at home and make practice effective and come away with practical and concrete
interesting. Websites/YouTube/ and a sea solutions to help keep their programs
of support info. moving forward.
mainemea.org 13Getting to the point. Making your Tips for Planning, Preparing, and
patterns focused and clear. Completing the Virtual Ensemble Choral
Experience
Christopher G. White
You won’t want to miss these two
Matthew Buono
A hands on session where we will focus sessions with our big name clinician,
on getting back to basics: making the ictus In light of recent events, music educators Z. Randall Stroope, a pre-eminent
with the baton clear and the definition of have had to rethink how their ensem- American composer and conductor.
our patterns consistent and clear. Partici- bles could perform for audiences with
pants will need a music stand and a baton the cancelation and discouragement
for the live, follow along exercises. of in-person performances. Because of
this, many quickly tuned into the idea of
Virtual Ensembles. In this session, partic-
ipants will be provided tips, tricks, tools,
and resources necessary for the easy cre-
Jazz ation and planning of virtual ensembles.
A brief understanding of notation, audio
editing, and video editing software is
Four Letter Word: Adding Jazz to helpful, but not required. Time will also
Your Choral Curriculum be allotted for participants to share their
own experiences with creating virtual “Engage, Educate and Empower”
Jack Bertrand ensembles. Achieving greater efficiency in a
Interested in incorporating vocal jazz in climate of limited time,
your classroom but don’t know where more demands and
to start? This session will cover “why”, A Music Composition Project for greater expectations
“what”, and “how” giving you the foun- Your Middle Schoolers - and You
dation to teach your students vocal jazz Z. Randall Stroope
in your traditional choir classes or start Steve Damon
Rehearsal challenges in time and de-
a vocal jazz ensemble. Participants will
We will communicate with a famous mands affords an opportunity for a fresh
receive digital handouts with resources
jazz composer (Ellen Rowe); listen to her look at our priorities as we teach. These
for skill-building, repertoire selection,
music, while learning the piece’s back “threads” of learning will be woven into
and more!
story; compose in the piece’s style; and the fabric of this session - “Combined
perform our newly-created compositions. the innate with the informed,” the “direct
Yes, we will compose our own pieces in correlation between the first rehearsal
No Rules, No Fear Jazz the style of her “…And Miles to Go.” Oh and the performance,” “choral architec-
ya, we’ll write haiku too. This unit will ture and prioritizing concepts for greatest
Tom Kamp be loved by your middle school students efficiency.” Pdfs with information and
Miles Davis said, “Do not fear mistakes, - and you. music will be sent to participants.
there are none.” With that as inspiration,
come learn a positive, proactive and
powerful way to teach jazz improvisation Choral Reading Session: Collabora-
at any level, with any group, in-person, tive Creativity with the Music of
hybrid, or remote. Even if you’ve never Z. Randall Stroope
tried to improvise, you can and should
learn how to teach it. Z. Randall Stroope
Break some rules you’ve been given about Composer, Z. Randall Stroope, will share
teaching jazz: change what you teach, several of his compositions in all voicings,
change how you teach, change how you and highlight a few interesting ideas
think about improvisation. about each in a fast-paced approach.
Participants will receive pdfs of music
Help your students be truly fearless and and recordings will be played for portions
creative in band. of each work.
14 Maine Motif | April 2021Intentional Choral Warm-Ups: Skill If You Build It, They Will Stay Stay Gold: Five Core Tenets for
Building & Accountability Building a Choral Program
Saleel Menon
Eric Posada Eric Posada
The future of a choral program can be
A rehearsal typically begins with a measured by the recruitment and reten- Inheriting a choral program is challeng-
warm-up that ranges from breathing and tion efforts of the community. Menon has ing. Success can be defined as creating a
vocalizing to stretching and movement. put together a playbook of some of the culture that fits one’s vision, core values,
We must ask ourselves: Have our warm- most successful techniques and consid- style, and students. No matter the level,
ups grown stale? Can these skills transfer erations for boosting the profile of choral it is important to stay true to one’s self
to our choral repertoire? Am I consistently programs and building singing commu- while building a program. To achieve this,
assessing and giving feedback? Through nities from feedback across an entire identify values that will permeate one’s
various warm-up exercises, Dr. Posada will district. Facilitating the High School program. Dr. Posada will focus on five
identify each targeted skill while diagnos- choral programs in one of the biggest core tenets that will build, motivate, and
ing issues and proposing solutions. districts in the state of Texas, Menon will innovate your program.
address some tried and true ideas for
This topic is crucial to the development of retention from K-12 in a variety of school Leading a choral program is much more
singers, choirs, and directors. Ironically, it populations. than pitches, rhythms, and sweepstakes
is also a subject that remains a collective trophies. Just as important is human
mystery. My primary objective is for mid- interaction, motivation, and innovation.
dle school and high school choral direc- Disrupting the stand and sing: In- Choral educators must find ways to moti-
tors to return to their home schools and terdisciplinary community-building vate their students daily, monthly, and an-
reinvent their current warm-up routine. concerts nually while staying true to themselves.
Warm-up exercises should be treated akin The task is not to force or coerce perfor-
to repertoire rehearsals via constant as- Rebecca DeWan mance but to create an environment in
sessment, immediate feedback, and effec- which musicians feel loved, appreciated,
tive solutions. Consequently, these exercis- The longer I taught, the more I valued and safe allowing their potential to be
es will build vocal technique, aural skills, creating community rather over having maximized. This, however, is impossible
musicianship, and awareness in singers a “perfect” performance. In this session, to achieve without a tangible, unwav-
that will transfer to the choral repertoire I explore two concert presentations that ering philosophy. Dr. Posada has led
and rehearsal. To achieve my goal, I will were designed explicitly to promote choirs at the elementary, middle school,
use the convention audience to provide community among students both in per- high school, two-year college, university,
tangible examples of my methodology. I formance and in the rehearsal process. community, church, and professional
shall use a varied collection of warm-ups First, an interdisciplinary evening of art, levels. He will address topics that include
from familiar exercises to specific drills drama, and song centered on the theme articulating a clear philosophy, building
that encourage voice building skills, chord of “Hope Through Adversity” presented a program centered around core values,
tuning, vowel unification, open/closed in a black-box theater. Second, a 20-min- creating innovative themed rehearsals,
vowels, dynamic contrast, consonants and ute soundscape that wove multiple participating in meaningful bonding
enunciation, simple and advanced kines- songs and separate choirs together with activities, learning each learner, selecting
thetic movements, and stretching. student-captured sounds. Participants engaging and meaningful repertoire, and
will learn about the two concerts from maximizing potential via positivity and
the conceptual, curricular, and logistical love.
standpoints.
mainemea.org 15Student Engagement using Digital Making the Human Connection with
Tools Challenging Students Orchestra
Karla McClain Coty Raven Morris
It can be challenging to engage middle Why would they listen in April when we Level Up Your Orchestra: Gamifica-
schoolers when working on music skills, didn’t connect with them in September? tion in the Orchestra Classroom
especially in hybrid or virtual formats. Building community and character with
Digital tools including Blooket, Menti- this generation of students can be diffi- Jessica Rose Stephens
meter, and Google Jamboard will help all cult. Healthy classroom environments Using the innovative approach called
students engage in learning and prac- create the perfect setting for the daily gamification this session will walk partic-
tice their musical skills. Specifically, we “Sweepstakes experiences”. Morris will ipants through the step by step process to
will be focusing on music literacy and provide practical and simple motivation set out a pedagogical path, a sequence of
responding/connecting in this session. activities that can immediately be used in assignments, assessments and instruction
Participants will be able to try out these the classroom. through which students could move at
tools in this hands-on session. their own pace regardless of their tech-
nical ability, learning style, or location.
Gamification is the infusion of elements
Digital Badging for Music Reading
from computer and video games into
Sight-Reading 101: Teaching Your Skills in Chorus
the classroom in order to empower and
Singers to Read!
engage 21st century learners.
Tracy Williamson
Jack Bertrand
Having trouble finding time to teach ev-
Feeling caught in a never-ending cycle erything you need to teach in your limited
Understanding and Overcoming
of concert preparation? Are you ready to Chorus schedule? I created an engaging
Rhythmic Timing and Feel Issues
shake things up and teach your singers incentive program for my middle school
valuable reading skills? This session will students to encourage them to work on Curtis Madigan
give you the tools to teach music literacy their music reading skills outside of our
fundamentals for any age group. Partici- scheduled time together. Learn how it Curtis Madigan will break down some
pants will receive a digital handout with works and how to create and award digital of the most pertinent aspects of under-
several rhythm and pitch reading systems badges in your classes. standing feel and groove in this clinic.
and suggestions on how to build it into This intensive will focus on addressing
your rehearsal plan. why certain rhythms cause trouble and
how to solve rhythmic feel issues at their
core. The math and mechanics of rhythm
will be elucidated as they are essential to
Choir Teacher as Vocal Pedagogue
grasping musical timing.
Jessica McKiernan
For many of our singers, we are the only
voice teachers they will ever have, and Composition in Ensemble Class-
they will continue to sing well beyond rooms: A Bridge to the National
their time in our choirs. As such, this Standards
session seeks to provide education on John Ginocchio
things such as the vocal mechanism, vo-
cal health, breath, relieving tension, and Composition is regarded by many as the
beyond. We will explore how to empower most difficult standard to incorporate into
students to not only know more about the rehearsal classroom. This session
their voice, but also to continue to grow presents some techniques that may be
as singers and musicians beyond our used to help students experience composi-
classroom. tion in an instrumental ensemble setting.
16 Maine Motif | April 2021Making Musical Connections: String Demystifying the Sight-Reading
Orchestra for Special Learners Process
Brian J. Wagner-Yeung Timothy Kaiser
String orchestra is a vital part of a solid Although mastery of sight-reading skills is
music education experience. All students, an essential component of musicianship,
including students with special needs, our band, orchestra, and choir students
should have the opportunity to participate are often intimidated by the prospect
in a string orchestra. Nevertheless, special of sight-reading. This presentation will
adaptations and modifications are needed outline a year-long approach to teaching
to provide a structured and meaningful sight-reading fundamentals, including
experience for students with special strategies for incorporating sight-reading
needs. In this session, you will see basic practice into the daily rehearsal plan.
accommodations for students and instru- Whether you are preparing for an adjudi-
ments, adaptations to literacy using col- cated contest or simply looking to build a
or-coding and visual manipulations, and basic skill set, a focus on sight-reading will
how language development/social skills yield accomplished, independent musi-
can be enhanced through music-making. cians capable of performing a wide variety
of repertoire.
Music Theory, History and Creativity
Lessons for the Successful String Or-
chestra--The Hard to Reach Standards Tech Tools: Sight Reading & Accu-
(and Sub Plans) Just Got A Lot Easier rate Performance Assessment
Christopher Selby Jim Frankel
We know our string students could use Accuracy is essential for your students’
more instruction with music literacy, success. You want to help them improve
music theory, history and creativity. The their sight reading accuracy, and you also
challenge is figuring out how to incor- need to be able to reliably and accurate
porate these important lessons into our assess their performance proficiency.
rehearsals without sacrificing student Discover software tools that will build
performance or overwhelming the already these skills through aural training and
busy orchestra director. In this session, increasingly rigorous exercises, as well as
attendees will learn 1. Fingerboard map- automated assessment to help you target
ping strategies for teaching students how problem areas and increase your ensem-
all of the notes are organized on their ble’s confidence with new repertoire.
fingerboard; 2. Music writing activities
that teach kids how the notes on the staff
connect to the fingerboard; 3. Rhythmic
Method Book Magic
literacy lessons that teach students how to
mark their orchestra music to help them Sarah Ball
decipher difficult rhythms; 4. Music histo-
ry lessons that help students learn where We all know we need to build technique
string instruments come from and finally: through work in our method books, but
5. Attendees will learn a few easy and fun sometimes we dread the monotony and
ways to bring more creativity, composi- drill. Come to this session to learn how
tion and improvisation into the orchestra to take the mundane to magical through
classroom. games, competitions, and disguised repe-
tition.
mainemea.org 17Black Lives Matter: Operationalized It’s All About the CRIMP.
General Music Pk-5 in the Maine Music Classroom (Pt1) Culturally Responsive Instructional
Music Practices
Nate Menifield & Rebecca DeWan
Student Voices: Celebrating the “Black Lives Matter!” Last summer - as Anne Smith
Music and Culture of Your School’s this refrain echoed in streets across the
Families country - MMEA called on its members to This session is designed to provide infor-
support and amplify the voices of Black, mation and instruction on implementing
Christa Jones Culturally Responsive Instructional Prac-
Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
How can music teachers create a more Part one of this two-part session will ex- tices in the general music or choral class-
culturally responsive climate in diverse plore why this work is necessary, and what room. Authentic standards-based, music
classrooms? Consider a modern-day folk actionable steps Maine’s music educators lessons and activities will be presented
song collection, in collaboration with your can take. We will examine MMEA’s state- through hands-on, learner-centered
students and their families! Christa Jones ment of support to 1) define frequently experiences, that will engage students of
collaborated with parents and students used terminology; 2) establish a common varying abilities and backgrounds. Re-
to compile a songbook that celebrates the understanding of racism; and 3) consider sources and suggestions will be provided
many different cultures and backgrounds Maine’s unique needs as we continue this for engaging students in synchronous and
at their school. Benefits of this project collective effort. asynchronous learning.
included music-making and dialogue be-
tween parents and students, an increased
sense of community and self-pride within
the school, and a wealth of children’s Recorder Karate: Gone Virtual
songs from around the world, ready for
the music classroom. Ms. Jones is excited Caitlin Geishaker
to share her process with fellow music Very similar to sessions Mrs. Geishaker
teachers! has presented in previous years, with her
colleague, Justin Walton. This year, we
explore the different avenues to teaching,
assessing and playing recorders when in
Culturally Responsive Music Teach- person playing was not allowed/limit-
ing: Examining Music Curricular ed. Caitlin will share her virtual twist to
Content, Resources, and Methodolo- teaching recorder and the tools she used
gy through the Culturally Responsive through GoogleSuite to make it possible.
Lens Black Lives Matter: Operationalized
in the Maine Music Classroom (Pt2)
Macy Bell
All teaching is culturally responsive. Nate Menifield & Rebecca DeWan
World Music Pedagogy in
The question is, to which culture are we How to initiate meaningful and lasting Elementary School Next?
responding? With intentional planning, change within our instructional practices
the music classroom can be a space in and classroom cultures can often feel like Karen Howard
which all students are represented in the a daunting and uncertain task. Part two of
curriculum. Culturally Responsive Music Participants will explore the foundations
this two-part session will aim to empower
Teaching does not require us to be experts of World Music Pedagogy as can be ap-
music educators by equipping them with
in every world culture. However, it does plied in the elementary music classroom.
tangible, practical tools to create more eq-
require vulnerability and a willingness to Diverse teaching strategies for researching
uitable learning spaces. In an interactive
reflect on our own implicit bias. With ac- appropriate repertoire, navigating mul-
format, participants will explore strategies
curate information, we can work diligent- tiple languages, and considerations of
for facilitating difficult conversations, as
ly toward creating classroom spaces that authenticity in performance practice will
well as consider specific steps to begin the
are safe for culturally, linguistically, and be discussed. Several examples of vetted
process of evaluating existing teaching
academically diverse learners. and global repertoire will be performed.
practices and music curricula.
18 Maine Motif | April 2021Trauma-Informed Music Education
Rebecca DeWan & Tammy Carusone
The impact of trauma is a silent force felt
in every community and every school
district. This session provides real-world
classroom strategies to make your class-
room more trauma-informed. Exposure to
trauma–such as violence, racism, or a pan-
demic–can impact students’ readiness to
learn. Music provides a unique opportu-
nity for trauma-informed practices. This
session will examine 1) the brain science Transitions: Where the Active Music Making in the Upper
of trauma exposure, 2) school policies Magic Happens Elementary and Middle School Gen-
and practices through a trauma-informed eral Music Classroom: Body Percus-
lens, and 3) the importance of self-care for sion, Drumming and Orff Ensembles
Katie Schisler
teachers.
When crafting a lesson for the music Laura Artesani
classroom we are excited about songs, This session will feature a demonstration
games, and activities we will share with video with examples of body percus-
“¡Bienvenidos a Todos!” - Support- our students, but are often stumped at sion, drumming and selections for Orff
ing English Language Learners in how to transition between them. This ensembles, played by Music Education
the General Music Classroom session will show ways to create seamless majors currently enrolled in the Second-
transitions with tried and true methods ary General Music Methods course at the
Christa Jones that are meaningful for the students and University of Maine. Effective resources
teacher. Strong transitions can be helpful for facilitating active music making at the
What strategies are general music teachers
in classroom management, practicing upper elementary/middle school levels
using to best meet the needs of our diverse
taught skills, and giving students “a-ha” will be highlighted. After the prerecorded
student populations, including those who
moments that make music feel ownership video, there will be an opportunity for a
are learning the English language? In this
of their learning. live conversation via zoom.
session, we will explore instructional strat-
egies for English Language Learners and
apply these strategies in a practical way
for use in the general music classroom. Music On a Cart: Teaching Music Minstrelsy, Blackface, and Problem-
This session will include active discussion Everywhere! atic Origins: How Racism Pervades
as well as hands-on application through the American Canon
songs and games. Let’s create a music class Stephanie Taylor
Jessica McKiernan
environment where we welcome, engage,
With today’s growing student popula- For some, the traditions of minstrelsy and
and affirm all of our unique students!
tion and changing situations due to the blackface in the United States may seem
COVID pandemic, it is not unusual for like a thing of the past, but music with
Sound System Basics for the Music any music teacher to lose their classroom racist roots continues to permeate the can-
Educator! and be put on a cart or in some other on. This session will address the history
less-than-functional space. of minstrelsy and blackface in the United
Jody Underwood This session will equip you with what you States and songs from those traditions
need to get started on a cart, how to navi- that are still performed to this day. Session
You eagerly walked into school, ready to
gate difficult relationships with colleagues attendees will walk away with guidelines
dispense all of your musical knowledge
whom you may be inconveniencing, and for determining if a piece’s origins are
to the students, as the principal hands
how to advocate with your administration problematic, tools for working through
you the keys to the “audio system”-your
for the best situation and budget for your internal struggles with these issues, and
responsibility now! Eeeek! Fear not: From
students. You will also walk away with a how to talk with musicians about some of
microphones to speakers, mixers to am-
few, easy to replicate music lessons that the darker chapters of the United State’s
plifiers - this session will get you prepared
will work in any imperfect space. musical history.
and confident!
mainemea.org 19Engaging All Learners: Tools & Tech- Hip-Hop on the Fly:
niques to Reach Different Types of General Music 6–12 Get your Classical Wings
Learners in the Music Classroom
Courtney Powers
Brian J. Wagner-Yeung Adaptive Guitar & Uke Learning Tool
Hip-Hop is one of the most listened to
Come see how activities and skills in the Gives Teachers Superpowers
gene of music in American but it is not
elementary and secondary general music Dan Mascola represented fully in state competitions
classroom can easily be adapted and and music education college prep courses.
differentiated to reach a wide range of By centralizing thousands resources,
Hip-Hop- how to listen and arrange it is a
learners, specifically focusing on students capturing student assessment through
clear 20/20 vision for the future of Music
with disabilities. You will see how: music built-in videos, and giving students choice
Education.
literacy, active listening, and composition through modern songs, adaptive learning
can be adapted. Such techniques include platform Moosiko helps guitar/ukule-
Participants will learn how to find samples
adaptive music literacy, color coding, le teachers focus more of their time on
that have classical music in them, then
incorporating multimodal teaching, and high-value instruction and less on tedious,
take that, find a flow and start to rhyme.
using manipulatives. You will leave with a boring tasks. This session dives into
Each group will have a song with a clas-
variety of resources/activities that can be classroom examples from teachers using
sical sample, look at ‘flow styles’ then the
incorporated into your own classroom. adaptive learning tools and techniques
creation begins. In their group partici-
to highlight the benefits for teachers,
pants will write a rap using the knowledge
students, and districts. Those that are
that they can obtain about said composer
seasoned guitar teachers, just inherited a
then participants will showcase their
I Just Learned a Folk Song! What guitar class, or teach uke in a general mu-
talents to the room.
Next? sic class will benefit from this session.
Christa Jones This future of education is in our students.
Using a genre of music that students
Adding new music to your toolbox can be Making More Music by Managing are more attracted to (not just hip hop,
exciting and challenging--whether you’ve Administrative Mayhem depending on where you live and what
found a tune while thumbing through a
your students are listening too) students
songbook, conducted a song collection, or
Wendy Bauer Reeves are more engaged and more willing to
just remembered a catchy nursery rhyme
Administrative Mayhem can steal the joy listen to new ideas. These tools from this
from your childhood. After conducting a
from teaching and derail your program. presentation can be used in any gene.
school-wide song collection, Christa Jones
devoted herself to finding fun, creative, Directors must bring the administrative
concerns of the job under control so that Participants will learn 2 visual techniques
and thoughtful ways to incorporate the
making music is the focus at work, and for students to learn the chord progres-
music of her students’ home cultures into
enjoying one’s life is the focus at home – sions fast, pick out melody lines and add
the music curriculum to provide a more
finding balance and harmony for mental in rhythms. Play through 3 songs as a
culturally responsive classroom expe-
health at both school and home. In this group and 10min mini breakout: partici-
rience for her students. In this session,
session, participants will use the link or pants will use the techniques just learned-
participants will explore lesson and song
QR code to download digital worksheets arrange a chorus of 4 preselected songs
development through the Orff Schulwerk
so that we can work together to set up then perform it. Participants will be able
approach and learn songs and games from
administrative templates that can be used to take these techniques and arrange in
around the world!
immediately. modern band, traditional band/orchestra
or chorus to arrange on the fly.
Participants will be actively engaged
though-out the session with activities,
hand-outs, whole group and small group
work. Participants will get to chat and
work with other educators as the active
presentation is going on.
20 Maine Motif | April 2021You can also read
