The Capital District Regional Music Educators Symposium will return October 29th with a full slate of workshops covering topics in general music, band, chorus and string ensemble. Educators from local districts will join representatives from NYSSMA and SUNY Schenectady 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.

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Agenda:

8:30-9 a.m. - Registration

9-9:20 a.m. - Welcome and Overview

9:30-10:50 a.m. - Workshop I

10:55 a.m.-12:15 p.m. - Workshop II

12:15-1:20 p.m. - Break for Lunch (not provided)

1:30-2:50 p.m. - Workshop III

2:50-3 p.m. - Evaluation

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Block I Session Choices:

Musical Theatre Auditions Cut Selection and Preparation 

Daniel Galliher, Ravena Coeymans Selkirk CSD

In this workshop, participants will discuss musical theatre audition cut selection, in relation to high school productions and in relation to community theatre productions that students may audition for. This workshop will empower educators to more confidently guide their students as they select and prepare audition cuts for school and non-school productions. Topics will include how to select a cut from a larger work, how to select appropriate music, how to physically prepare the sheet music for an accompanist, and how to prepare the audition itself (connecting text to musical elements, etc.).

 

Teaching General Music: Lessons, Reflections, and What I Wish I Knew 

Diana Karl, North Colonie CSD /Lynette McGovern, Shenendehowa CSD 

Join us for an interactive workshop that combines practical general music lesson ideas with an honest conversation about the realities of teaching music. Participants will experience engaging, classroom-tested activities that can be adapted for a variety of grade levels and teaching settings. Along the way, we'll explore topics that many educators wish they had learned earlier in their careers—from classroom management and lesson pacing to building student confidence, fostering creativity, and maintaining work-life balance.

 

Whether you're a new teacher looking for guidance or a veteran educator eager to reflect and connect, this session offers a supportive space to share experiences, ask questions, and leave with both new teaching strategies and valuable professional insights. 

 

Big-bang-for-the-buck Fixes for Flute Playing 

Norman Thibideau, SCCC School of Music

Addresses these and other topics: Why am I playing so flat? Why can't I get any more high notes? To "sit up straight," sit balanced. Unexpected practice hacks and tweaks. 

 

Cello Again! A Refresher Course for String Educators 

David Bebe, North Colonie CSD

Join us for a session on all things cello! Explore some tips and techniques for helping your elementary , middle and high school cellists feel more comfortable and sound their best. Instruments will be on hand for interactive demonstrations and there will be opportunities to discuss the needs of your students and program.

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Block II Session Choices:

Brass Tips and Recruitment Strategies for Beginning Band 

Nicholas Soldani, Robert Krupanich, Jarrod Deering, Shenendehowa CSD

This workshop will serve to provide a toolbox of strategies to best help young brass players succeed. It is specifically targeted for young educators/ educators with a non brass background. Additionally, it will cover useful strategies for recruiting students into the band program and the instrument selection process. As one of the most important parts of any elementary band position, this is also targeted for educators who may be new to the position, or even more experienced teachers to gain additional ideas to consider. 

 

Moving in Rhythm: A Look into Movement Songs 

Tracey Puckhaber, Nourishing Minds Tutoring 

The presenter will explore different movement songs that she uses in her early childhood music therapy group, Twinkle Tunes. 

 

Choral Majors: Participation, Preparation, Perspective, and Best Practices 

Rae Jean Teeter Guilderland CSD, ret.

An overview of the NYSSMA Choral Majors experience including best practices/perspectives to ensure that participation is beneficial for both teachers and student participants. 

 

Ditch the Music, Let's Play! 

Gregory Verheyn, Queensbury CSD

What drew you into music? Most of us will say, we love how it sounds! This session explores practical and engaging strategies to get both you and your students learning, playing and interacting with music by ear. Through basic imitation, improvisation and collaboration, you and your students will build confidence, creativity and a deeper connection with music…all without relying on the printed page!

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Block III Session Choices:

Middle School General Music 

Brooke Greco, Sam Dole, Alexandra Zaga, North Colonie CSD

This presentation will focus on effective strategies and best practices for building an engaging, enriching Middle school Music Program. We will also present modifications for guitar and ukelele for all learners. 

 

Music Tech - Philosophies, Structures, Practices, and Soundtrap 

Andrew Cassell Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake CSD

An overview of philosophies, structures, and projects for my high school music technology class followed by a demonstration of Soundtrap. 

 

Orchestra Music Pot-Luck!! 

Kimberly Kondenar, Mohonasen CSD

Do you have a piece that just worked?! Come join local orchestra teachers from a variety of grade levels to share our favorite pieces. This session will serve not only as a reading session, but as a collaborative way for teachers to share some of their most favorite and successful pieces of orchestra literature. Each teacher is asked to please bring a couple pieces that they would like to share with other teachers from our area. We also ask that teachers please bring an instrument, so we can try these pieces on the spot! Snacks will be provided! 

 

Become a NYSSMA Adjudicator 

John Fatuzzo, NYSSMA/Guilderland CSD

Becoming a NYSSMA adjudicator is a great way to support student growth, learn new repertoire, give back, and network with other music teachers. This session will reveal how adjudicating NYSSMA Solo & Ensembles festivals can benefit your own teaching practices and students as well as provide attendees with the information they need to apply for and be successful at NYSSMA Adjudicator Orientation.

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