The Capital District Regional Music Educators Symposium returns in 2024 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. 
 

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:

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The Orff Approach Part 1 - Speech and Rhythm

Stephanie Dykeman and BHVAOSA Executive Board Friends

This session will begin with a brief overview of the Orff Approach and continue with processing speech and rhythm activities as described in Keetman's "Elementaria." Perfect for new and veteran teachers alike, this workshop will detail instructional strategies using Keetman's Rhythm "Building Bricks" to develop fluency in reading notation and progress from whole group instruction to creative project-based work in small groups.
 

Jam Ups! Engaging Ensemble Pedagogy Through Contemporary Styles

Dr. David Bebe, Associate Music Director of CHIME and Chamber Music

This workshop will explore a new activity designed to energize, connect and motivate orchestra students while developing essential technique and musicianship. Ensemble directors can use Jam Ups to function as a warm-up, a means to reinforce pedagogical concepts, or simply a fun and creative way to rehearsal. This workshop is geared towards string teachers with an emphasis on progressive string skills and participants will have the opportunity to create Jam Ups for their own ensembles.

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Choral Warm-up Methods and Choral Conducting Techniques

Joseph Han, Choral Director/Vocal Area Coordinator, SUNY Schenectady

This workshop is designed to introduce various choral warm-up methods, explaining critical aspects of singing technique that help develop young singers in their choral rehearsals. Additionally, I will provide fundamentals of choral conducting skills that will help participants in their music rehearsals.​

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Teaching Class Piano

Arla Wilding, Adjunct Instructor of Voice and Piano, SUNY Schenectady

Ideas and suggestions for teaching class piano; developing techniques for maintaining interest and participation as a group; avoiding the pitfalls of teaching individual lessons in a class setting.

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A Crash Course in Percussion Education for Non-Percussionists

Troy Fichette, Greater Amsterdam School District

Best practices for teaching percussion students in a band classroom. Topics could include a review of percussion technique, tips for percussion lessons, warm-up ideas to keep percussionists engaged, part assignment tips, maintenance tips, general Q and A.

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Block II Session Choices:

 

The Orff Approach Part 2: “Behind the Bars” Ensemble Jam

Stephanie Dykeman and BHVAOSA Executive Board Friends

Attendees will play a range of barred instrument pieces from the “Music for Children” Volumes by Orff/Keetman and beyond.  Teachers will learn how differentiation is built into this instructional process as students can self-select parts to best fit their musical skills and learning needs. Mallet technique, instrumentation, resources and materials will be discussed. All are invited to join in and play along.
 

The Keys to Unlocking Your Brass Chops

Dr. Allyson Keyser, Professor of Music, SUNY Schenectady

Participants will learn some lesser-known techniques on how to make brass instruments work for you and not against you. Additional topics include tone production, range, and articulations. Feel free to bring your instruments to hear and feel instant results. Plan for an interactive experience.

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Music and ELLs

Sarah Cioffi, Academic Administrator, ENL/World Languages, Shenendehowa CSD 

This workshop will focus on strategies for creating an inclusive Music classroom for English Language Learners. Participants will learn best practices for welcoming ELLs to their classrooms, and methods for capitalizing on the strengths of multilingual learners. Participants will also understand the process of second language acquisition and how it relates to learning music.

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An Introduction to Guiding Student String Ensembles

Liz Silver, Violin/String Ensemble Director and Albany Symphony Violinist

Effectively programming an orchestra or ensemble with students of varying skill levels and teaching leadership and responsibility within sections. Conveying the proper ratio of detail work for play-throughs of large sections and the challenging skill of tuning multiple string instruments efficiently. How to work with sub-optimal instrument distribution and partner with and benefit from organizations in the region. 

 

Block III Session Choices:

 

The Orff Approach Part 3: Feel that Beat! (A Movement Curriculum Sequence)

Stephanie Dykeman and BHVAOSA Executive Board Friends

From whole group beat work and improvisation practice to partner work and everything in between, this workshop will give participants a solid foundation of movement songs and activities to build your curriculum and your students’ potential. If you’re wondering how to increase student engagement or your own comfort level as an instructor or just add to your tool-box and repertoire list, this session is for you!

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Supporting Your Oboe Students

Karen Hosmer, DMA, Professor of Music, SUNY Schenectady
This overview will include information on choosing oboes, reeds and NYSSMA solos. It will include tips for choosing students who should switch to oboe and information on helping students avoid early bad habits. Oboe problem solving will be discussed.

 

String Instrument Repair for the Orchestra Classroom: Quick Repairs and Tips

Jack Marshall, Music Teacher, Shenendehowa CSD

The goal of this hands-on presentation is to provide educators with some basic repair skills to address common problems that occur with our school instruments.  Participants will identify which repairs they can attempt themselves, learn which tools are necessary for instrument repair and how to find or construct them and discover additional resources on instrument repair. The skills developed through this session should give string teachers the confidence to attempt minor repairs themselves in order to stretch their repair budgets.​