The Capital District Regional Music Educators Symposium will return October 30th with a full slate of workshops covering topics in general music, band, chorus and string ensemble. Educators from local districts will join representatives from Empire State Youth Orchestra, SUNY Schenectady, and the Albany Symphony Orchestra to share their vast knowledge, expertise and experience with Capital Region’s music instructors. This conference also represents a unique opportunity for music educators with different specialties to network and exchange ideas across district to build connection and professional practice. Session descriptions can be found below:​

​

Block One Session Choices:

Music for All: Engaging All Learners in the Accessible Music Classroom

Brian J. Wagner-Yeung, New York State School Music Association

The music classroom can easily be an environment that provides multiple ways for all students to have access to high-quality music-making. While focusing on engaging students who have higher support needs, the same strategies can be used to enhance learning for everyone at the same time. By incorporating Universal Design for Learning (UDL), task analysis, assistive technology, multisensory learning, and a strength-based model - participants will see how ALL students can find success musically. Examples will include: music literacy, singing, musical theatre, and developing independence and lifelong learning.

 

Basic Band Instrument Repair Techniques

Patrick Lorini, North Colonie CSD, ret. 

An interactive session in which participants will learn practical techniques that all music teachers can use to keep instruments functional and in good working order. 

 

Enhancing your Vocal group, Classroom or Musical by Adding Drum Set and Percussion Instruments

Bob Halek, Music Professor of Drums and Percussion, SCCC, Skidmore College

This session will explain and show through performance how to: add drums or percussion to any group or class, use technique for best sound, choose and use the correct sticks/mallets/beaters to fit the song, control volume, arrange parts and decode drum notation.

 

Let’s Chat: Orchestra Teachers Roundtable

Kim Kondenar and Peter Cannistraci, Mohonasen

Do you ever wish you just had time to talk with other string teachers? Join us for an Orchestra teacher roundtable discussion where there is no set agenda. Orchestra teachers will have time to share their wisdom or ask questions of other professionals in their field.

​

Block Two Session Choices:

The Accessible Instrumental Classroom for All

Brian Wagner-Yeung, New York State Music Association

Instrumental music is a vital part of a solid music education experience, and all students should have the opportunity to participate. Nevertheless, specific adaptations are needed to provide an accessible and meaningful experience for students with diverse needs. In this session, you will see basic accommodations for students and instruments, adaptations to music literacy using color-coding, movement, and visual manipulations, and how language development/social skills/self-esteem/critical thinking can be enhanced through music-making.
 

Drum Set in the School Jazz Band

Bob Halek, Music Professor of Drums and Percussion, SCCC, Skidmore College

This session will explain and show how to: decode the drum set language through reading a chart or horn lead sheet, write a drum part so the performer has great success, perform the appropriate groove, play fills and solos, play the appropriate volume on the drums and why set up placement is important.

 

Teaching Vocal Jazz: A Comprehensive Introduction 

Tyler Thomas, Galway CSD

This workshop will address everything you need to know to begin your journey in vocal jazz education. With practical guidance for choral/vocal educators with little to no prior experience in jazz, we’ll cover the basics of ensemble vocal jazz, especially as it departs from traditional choral idioms, including repertoire selection, improv, theory, and accompanying skills, and amplification. We’ll also discuss preparation of NYSSMA vocal jazz solos, from how to approach the first and second chorus of the tune to the blues improv and sight-reading components.

 

Intro to Modern Band (2-12)

Susan Weisman, Scotia-Glenville CSD

This interactive workshop designed for general music, band chorus, and orchestra teachers to integrate the Modern Band Philosophy into their current curriculum.

 

Teaching Fiddle Tunes in Public School

Teresa Broadwell, Niskayuna CSD (ret.)

String Teachers will be introduced to traditional fiddle styles and given ideas about how to incorporate fiddle music into a string program at the elementary and middle school level.

​

Block Three Session Choices:

Physical Therapy Techniques for Performers 

Neha Golwala, DPT

This workshop will cover myofascial lines in the human body, music instruments and posture, myofascial line function while playing different instruments, connection of myofascial line dysfunction and pain in neck, shoulder, low back, and jaw, prevention strategies, and assessment and treatment strategies for general dysfunction.

 

Improvisation For Everyone

Keith Pray, Schenectady City Schools

People often assume to improvise in a musical way that a musician needs to have a lot of previous skill and experience. In this workshop we will learn how we can move past those beliefs and offer a way that includes everyone in the world of improvisation.

 

AI In the Music Classroom

Greg Clark and Bob Winans, Guilderland CSD

Teachers are artists in the classroom; countless decisions are made every day to best serve our students and programs. Delegate the not-so-creative tasks, like making sub plans, worksheets, vocabulary review, special accommodations, differentiation, etc. to Artificial Intelligence, and let your teaching artistry shine through. In this workshop we will review what AI is (and is not), specific AI-infused tools to use in school, and some best practices for approaching this burgeoning technology.

 

Turn up the Volumes! A Hands-on Mallet Jam Exploring "Music For Children" Pieces by Orff/Keetman

Stephanie Dykeman, Amsterdam Central Schools

Join us for a joyful, hands-on session where we’ll bring the pages of Orff & Keetman’s Music for Children to life—one mallet at a time! Whether you’re brand new to the volumes or a seasoned Orff enthusiast, this mallet jam is all about playing together, exploring beautiful pieces, and rediscovering the magic of barred instruments for the classroom! No pressure, just play!