The past few days I attended the Art of Wind Band Teaching Symposium at the University of Minnesota. First off, I encourage all educators and conductors to attend any type of these symposiums/workshops. The information you learn and the people you meet is such a wonderful experience that it can really affect how you approach teaching and the art of music all together. This week I had the opportunity to work with a variety of musicians, and I was fortunate enough to work with the following group of conductors and educators: Craig Kirchhoff, Jack Stamp, Mallory Thompson, Elizabeth Jackson, Richard Floyd, Cheryl Floyd, Jerry Luckhardt, Marianne Ploger, and Laura Sindberg. It was great to get some feedback on my conducting, and I learned some new ways to approach the art form. One of the greatest things about experienced educators is their ability to not just identify weaknesses, but SAY the right words to address the weaknesses.
In the field of music, it can be very difficult at times to express the right words to your students and ensembles. Many of us can hear or see a problem, but we don't know what to do to address the problem. I took many notes on ideas I heard and ways to express teaching points. Combined with the variety of conductors I saw, I feel a lot more confident in not only my own conducting, but my ability to identify problems and how to address them. As I go forward in my musical career, this will greatly enhance my ability to critique myself as well as help others become more effective communicators on the podium.
Conducting is Communication. Communication is one of the most important aspects in all professions and relationships. Effective communication is so important in all aspects of our lives and a skill that should be continually developed. If we as musicians take the time to communicate effectively to both our fellow musicians and our audiences, then we can have a larger impact on the not only the musical performances, but in the development of enriching each others lives and the society we live in.
In the field of music, it can be very difficult at times to express the right words to your students and ensembles. Many of us can hear or see a problem, but we don't know what to do to address the problem. I took many notes on ideas I heard and ways to express teaching points. Combined with the variety of conductors I saw, I feel a lot more confident in not only my own conducting, but my ability to identify problems and how to address them. As I go forward in my musical career, this will greatly enhance my ability to critique myself as well as help others become more effective communicators on the podium.
Conducting is Communication. Communication is one of the most important aspects in all professions and relationships. Effective communication is so important in all aspects of our lives and a skill that should be continually developed. If we as musicians take the time to communicate effectively to both our fellow musicians and our audiences, then we can have a larger impact on the not only the musical performances, but in the development of enriching each others lives and the society we live in.
 with Mallory Thompson at the University of Minnesota, July 2014 |  Being silly with my baton with Jack Stamp at the University of Minnesota, July 2014 |  with Craig Kirchhoff at the University of Minnesota, July 2014 |
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