Conn-Selmer Institute Faculty
Learn about our world-class faculty who are certain to share priceless information in the most engaging and inspirational fashion. They will be presenting an exciting docket of 90+ new LIVE online clinic presentations focused on the most relevant content. Our Conn-Selmer Institute Connect clinicians are iconic leaders in the music education profession.
Conn-Selmer Institute Connect Faculty
Dr. Matthew Arau
Associate Professor of Music, Chair of the Music Education Department and Associate Director of Bands at the Lawrence University Conservatory of Music
Dr. Matthew Arau, Founder of Upbeat Global and a Conn-Selmer Education Clinician, is the Chair of the Music Education Department and Band Director at Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. Dr. Arau is also on the graduate faculty of the American Band College and VanderCook College of Music.
Dr. Stephen Benham
Professor of Music Education, Duquesne University
Dr. Benham teaches at Duquesne University. He's an acclaimed clinician, educator and author, with expertise in pedagogy, curriculum, assessment, and program development. He's lead author of the ASTA Curriculum and a consultant in the development of new programs around the world, including the US, Europe, Asia, Africa & the Caribbean.
Greg Bimm
Director of Bands at Marian Catholic High School
Greg Bimm has been Director of Bands at Marian Catholic High School since 1977. Under his direction, the Marian Band has become one of the premier high school band programs in the US. Mr. Bimm has performed as conductor, clinician, adjudicator, drill writer, or music arranger throughout the United States and Canada.
Reagan Brumley
Director of Performing Arts- Irving ISD, Conductor- Dallas Chamber Wind Ensemble
Reagan Brumley is the Director of Performing Arts in Irving ISD. Previously, he served as Director of Bands in Highland Park ISD where his ensembles were perennial State finalists in both the concert and marching arenas. Mr. Brumley serves on the Board of Directors of the Texas Bandmasters Association.
Dr. Mary Ellen Cavitt
Professor, Assoc VP, Dean
Mary Ellen Cavitt is Professor of Music Education, Associate Vice President for Academic Success, and Dean of University College at Texas State University. Dr. Cavitt received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in horn performance from The Juilliard School and Ph.D. in music education from The University of Texas at Austin.
Scott Chandler
Design, Program Coordinator-Choreographer for Blue Devils
Scott Chandler is Creative Director for the Blue Devils of Concord, CA / SOKA Renaissance Vanguard of Tokyo, Japan. He has designed and choreographed internationally in a variety of performance arenas. He is a Hall of Fame member for DCI and WGI. His book FWD March is available on Amazon.
Dr. Shelby R. Chipman
Professor of Music at Florida A&M University (FAMU)
A native of Miami, Shelby Chipman received Bachelors of Science in Computer Science and Music Education from Florida A&M University. Professor Chipman completed his master’s degree in music education at the University of Illinois, and received his Ph.D. in music education from the Florida State University (FSU) College of Music. Dr. Chipman currently serves as the President-elect of the Florida Music Education Association and served as the Collegiate Advisor of Florida National Association for Music Education (NAfME) of the Florida Music Education Association for eight years. Dr. Chipman has published numerous articles and completed research in the areas of instrumental conducting, at-risk student success, and the student teaching experience.
Dr. Joseph Clark
Director of Visual and Performing Arts, Spring TX Independent School District
Joe Clark is in his seventeenth year in education and his third year as the Director of Performing and Visual Arts in the Spring Independent School District of Houston, Texas. Mr. Clark remains an active clinician and adjudicator. He enjoys working with young teachers throughout Texas as a mentor.
Kelly Cline
Assistant Superintendent, Federal and State Compliance Spring ISD
Specialist in federal and state funding initiatives for districts.
Erin Cole Steele
Director of Educational Programs, Conn-Selmer
Erin Cole Steele is the Director of Educational Programs for Conn-Selmer Inc. Erin had a successful career as the band director at Tapp MS (Ga.) where her ensemble performed at The Midwest Clinic. Erin is an author for Teaching Music Through Performance and a contributing editor for Essential Elements.
Ray Cramer
Retired, Department Chair and Director of Bands Indiana University School of Music
Emeritus Professor of Music Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Emeritus Director of Bands/Wind Conducting 36 years at Indiana; 7 years public school prior to Indiana Emeritus Professor of Music The Musashino Academy of Music, Tokyo Wind Ensemble Concuctor
Dr. Chip Crotts
Director of Jazz Studies and Assistant Director of Bands, Georgia Institute of Technology
Dr. Chip Crotts is Director of Jazz Studies and Assistant Director of Bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Chip has performed and recorded for the Disney Company in Europe and the US.He maintains an active career of national touring shows, regional symphonies and local performances.
Dr. Paula Crider
Professor Emerita, The University of Texas
Paula Crider is an internationally recognized guest conductor, lecturer, clinician and adjudicator. She has taught at all levels, and enjoyed engagements in 47 states and 10 foreign countries. Dr. Crider is Past President of The American Bandmasters’ Association. She serves on the Senior Educational Staff of the Conn-Selmer DOE.
Darnella Davidson
Director of Bands, San Pedro High School (CA)
Darnella Davidson has taught in the Los Angeles USD for 37 years. Her high-profile bands at San Pedro (currently) and Los Angeles high schools combined have earned 30 consecutive LAUSD City Championships and 8 SCSBOA Championships. She is a GRAMMY Semi-Finalist and CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence recipient.
Dr. Dru Davison
Shelby County Schools Fine Arts Advisor, Performing Arts
Dr. Dru Davison is the Performing Arts Administrator for the Memphis-Shelby County Schools and teaches Creative Leadership at Lee University. Dr. Davison has served as a consultant for the USDOE, TDOE, Insight Education Group, and recently served as chair of the NAfME Council of Music Program Leaders.
Brian Dinkel
Blue Devils Front Ensemble Instructor
For over 12 years, Brian has been in demand as a performer, teacher, composer and arranger in Southern California. Brian has taught and designed for the Concord Blue Devils since 2010.. Since 2004, Brian has been teaching at Riverside City College the RCC Marching Tigers and for RCC Indoor Percussion.
Amanda Drinkwater
Conn Selmer Educational Clinician, Fine Arts Director Lewisville ISD
Amanda Drinkwater is in her eleventh year as Director of Bands and thirteenth year overall at Marcus High School. A pianist and brass specialist, Ms. Drinkwater received her academic training at Louisiana State University and the University of Kansas. She is in her twentieth year as a Texas music educator.
Julie Duty
Founder, Executive Director of United Sound, Inc
Julie completed her undergraduate degree at Arizona State University in 1998. She taught high school and middle school band and served as a mentor teacher for nine years in Arizona. Julie currently serves as the founder and executive director of United Sound, Inc. Julie also performs in the Tempe Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Dr. William Earvin
Educational Support Manager, Conn-Selmer, Inc.
Dr. Earvin is currently the Educational Support Manager for the Southeast Region at Conn-Selmer, Inc. in the Division of Education. With over twenty years as a successful music educator, Dr. Earvin brings a unique set of skills to Conn-Selmer including educational leadership, fine arts professional development, music sales and online content creation.
Dr. Scott Edgar
Associate Professor of Music, Lake Forest College
Scott is the author of Music Education and Social Emotional Learning: The Heart of Teaching Music and is an internationally sought-after clinician on the topic. He is Director of Practice and Research for ArtsEdSEL.
Kim Everett
Executive Administrator, Metropolitan Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble
Kim Everett has served as the executive administrative manager for the Metropolitan Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble since 2012. She is enjoying her recent retirement after 30 years of service as a senior project manager at Coca-Cola based in Atlanta.
Antonio Garcia
Director of Jazz Studies, Virginia Commonwealth University
Performed with Fitzgerald, Brubeck, Shearing, Tormé, Eckstine, Bellson. Conn-Selmer clinician, trombonist, pianist, scat-singer, Associate Jazz Editor for the ITA Journal, Secretary of The Midwest Clinic. Author, Cutting the Changes: Jazz Improvisation via Key Centers and Jazz Improvisation: Practical Approaches to Grading.
Philip Geiger
Co-Founder TonalEnergy, Inc.
During his forty-five year career, Philip Geiger has been active in a wide range of music education disciplines including teacher, music consultant and adjudicator. Philip is also the co-founder of TonalEnergy, Inc. which was launched in 2012.
Rick Ghinelli
Educational Support Manager for the southwest region of the U.S. in the Division of Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc.
Rick Ghinelli began at Spring ISD as a middle school band director. He continued his career in Spring ISD in a variety of administrative roles. In 2000, he became the Director of Performing and Visual Arts for Spring ISD. Now the Educational Support Manager for Conn-Selmer, Inc., he also coordinates events for the Music Administration Collaborative
Julie Giroux
Composer
Julie Giroux graduated from Louisiana State University in 1984, the year she began composing commercially. When she won her first Emmy Award, she was the first woman and youngest person to ever win that award. She has won it three times. She was the first female composer inducted into the American Bandmasters Association.
Chris Gleason
Band Director, Patrick Marsh MS, Sun Prairie, WI
Chris Gleason is an instrumental music educator at Patrick Marsh Middle School in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. He is the 2017 Wisconsin Middle School Teacher of the Year, 2017 National Teacher of the Year Finalist, 2019 Global Learning Fellow and CEO of Beyond The Notes Music Festival, Inc.
Jon Gomez
Conn-Selmer Clinician
Jon Gomez serves as a National Educational Consultant providing services as a conductor, clinician, presenter, and adjudicator. He is the former Band Director and Performing Arts Chair at Dobson High School, Arizona. Previously, he served as Director at Coronado High School and as the District Team Leader for Bands, Arizona.
Col. Lowell Graham
Conducting and Ensemble Area Coordinator, Director of Orchestral Activities UTEP
Lowell E. Graham is the Director of Orchestral Activities and Professor of Conducting at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and is the recipient of the “Abraham Chavez” Professorship in Music, serving as department chair from 2002-2014. He enjoys a distinguished career conducting ensembles in many musical media.
Corey L. Graves
Band Director, Roma Middle School
Corey Graves is in his fourteenth year of teaching. He is the head band director at Roma Middle School. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University and The Ohio State University, he is an active clinician, Midwest Clinic board member, and maintains professional affiliations with TMEA, TBA, and TMAA.
Randy Greenwell
Educational Support Manager, Conn-Selmer
Randy Greenwell is the former Director of Bands and Performing Arts Dept. Chair at Lawrence Central HS, Indianapolis IN. Randy’s marching bands were a consistent Bands of America Finalist, and a Two-Time National Champion. He is a DCI, BOA, and WGI adjudicator, and in 2018 was inducted into the Music for All/Bands of America Hall of Fame. Randy has been an Educational Support Manager for Conn-Selmer since 2017.
Chris Grifa
Director of Bands, Clay Middle School, Carmel, Indiana
He is passionate about the fundamentals of sound and teaching students effective practice. He has presented numerous sessions on both topics including at The Midwest Clinic and TMEA. His band performed at The Midwest Clinic in 2013.
Dr. Soo Han
Director of Orchestral Studies at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music
Dr. Soo Han, an active conductor, is also director of orchestral studies at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, a member of the Board of Directors of the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, an editor for Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements for Strings, and program coordinator and faculty member with Los Angeles Philharmonic’s summer YOLA program.
Robert T. Herrings, III
Director of Bands, Henry MS
Robert T. Herrings is in his seventeenth year of teaching and has been teaching at Artie Henry Middle School since 2004. A graduate of Baylor University, he is an active clinician and adjudicator, a member TMEA, TBA and TMAA. He also serves as the Region 32 MS Band Chair.
Wendy Higdon
Director of Bands, Creekside Middle School
Wendy Higdon is in frequent demand as a clinician and speaker, including recent sessions at The Midwest Clinic and the Australian National Band Conference where she was a keynote presenter. She is passionate about the beginner recruitment process.
Claire Howard
COO and Co-Owner Yoga for All Musicians
Claire Howard is a flutist and Kripalu yoga instructor with seven years of experience in musician-specific yoga. Claire graduated with a Master’s Degree in Flute Performance from Texas Tech University, and is proud to be a founder of Yoga for All Musicians, which offers 17+ musician-specific yoga classes each week.
Lynne A Jackson
Music Educator
Lynne Jackson has taught public school for 51 years. She has taught beginning band students each of those years. In addition to teaching beginners, Lynne also enjoys mentoring and encouraging young teachers. She also teaches graduate classes in Music Education at Southern Methodist University.
Dr. Shelley Jagow
Professor; Wright State University
Shelley Jagow is Director of Bands at Wright State University (Dayton, OH), a Conn-Selmer Music Education Clinician and Vandoren Regional Artist. Her books include: Developing the Complete Band Program (2nd ed.), Tuning for Wind Instruments, Intermediate Studies for Developing Artists on the Flute–Oboe–Clarinet–Saxophone–Bassoon, and The Londeix Lectures.
Elisa Janson Jones
Director of Operations, Conn-Selmer Institute
Elisa Janson Jones is the Director of Operations Conn-Selmer Institute, writer and producer of the Music Ed Mentor Podcast, founder of Music Educators Creating Online Learning Facebook Group, and conductor of her local community band.
Scott Johnson
Marching Clinician
Scott just finished 41 years with the Blue Devils drum and Bugle Corps. Scott is one of the most sought after Marching Percussion clinicians in the world today.
Dr. Nola Jones
Retired, Director of Educational Programs for Conn-Selmer Inc.
Dr. Nola Jones has been a music educator for over 25 years. She served as Director of Visual and Performing Arts for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools. Dr. Jones also helped structure and implement Music Makes Us, a public/private initiative. She is an active clinician, conductor, and adjudicator.
Young Kim
Director of Orchestras, Johns Creek High School
Under his direction, his groups performed six times at the state conference. He has taken two different high school orchestras to Midwest Clinic– once with the Centennial HS (2005) and twice with the Johns Creek HS (2012,2017). Young Kim was selected as the “2006 Georgia Music Educator of the Year.
Scott Laird
Fine Arts Chair, NC School of Science and Math
Scott Laird, serves on the faculty of The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics where he is Fine Arts Chair and Instructor of Music. Noted for his innovative approach to ensemble development and musicianship, Laird is a frequent conductor of honor orchestras and is a sought-after conference presenter.
Bobby Lambert
Director of Bands at Wando High School
Bobby Lambert is Director of Bands at Wando High School in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. He has led student leadership clinics around the country. He earned a B.S. in Music Education from Western Carolina University and an M.M. in Saxophone Performance from the University of Massachusetts.
Dr. Mary Land
Associate Professor of Music Education, Western Michigan University
Mary Land is Associate Professor of Music Education and conductor of the University Concert Band at Western Michigan University. Prior to this appointment, she was Director of Bands and Instrumental Music Education at Young Harris College in Young Harris, Georgia. Before those positions, Dr. Land was a public-school band director in Georgia. She received her Educational Doctorate from the University of Georgia. Dr. Land received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Georgia and her Master of Music Education degree from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois. Many professional awards and recognitions have been awarded Dr. Land during her career. She has recently been presented with The Distinguished Alumni Award from the Vandercook College of Music.
Tim Lautzenheiser
Vice President of Education, Conn-Selmer
Tim presently serves as Vice President of Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc. He served as a band director at: Northern Michigan University, the University of Missouri and New Mexico State University.
Dr. Charles Laux
Orchestra Director, Alpharetta High School
A string educator in his 25th year, Dr. Charles Laux is the Director of Orchestras at Alpharetta High School outside Atlanta, Georgia. He also serves as Essential Elements clinician, consultant, and contributor for the Hal Leonard Corporation and has presented over 150 educational sessions for conferences and school district in-services.
Kristen Lichtenthal
Music Educator
Kristen is a native of Orlando, FL. She earned her Bachelors of Music Education at the University of Central Florida and is the Music Specialist at Geneva Elementary (Geneva, FL). Kristen is a Tour Manager for the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps and a System Blue Educator.
Ollie Liddell
Director of Bands, Memphis Central Warriors Marching Band
After teaching in Mississippi and Memphis, Mr. Liddell became Director of Bands at Memphis Central High School. He is completing his Ph.D. in Music Education at University of Mississippi. Mr. Liddell serves on Shelby County Schools Fine Arts Leadership Council and is President of the West Tennessee SBO Association.
Larry Livingston
Chair, Department of Conducting USCThorton School of Music
Mr. Livingston is the founding Music Director of the Illinois Chamber Orchestra, appears with ensembles worldwide, is a highly sought after clinician, and has a national reputation for inspiring presentations. Mr. Livingston was Director of Educational Initiatives for Guitar Center where he created and led ALL IN. He also chairs the Education Committee of the Quincy Jones Musiq Consortium.
Nolan Jager Loyde
Assistant Director of Fine Arts, Instrumental Music Round Rock ISD
Mr. Nolan Loyde received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from University of North Texas and Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University. Mr. Loyde is entering his ninth year of music education, and his third as Director of Bands for Cedar Ridge High School.
Tony Lymon
Creative Designer, Pacific Crest
Tony Lymon is co-music arranger/show designer for Petal High School marching band and Petal Indoor Percussion Theatre. He is Founder and Director of Eminence Indoor Percussion Ensemble. He currently serves as Creative Designer for Pacific Crest Drum and Bugle Corps. He owns Eidetic Creative, a multimedia designs solution business.
Gary Markham
Retired Supervisor of Instrumental Music, Cobb County School District
Mr. Markham is currently Retired Supervisor of Instrumental Music for the Cobb County School District in Marietta, GA. He is the former Director of Bands at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax County, Virginia. He has over four decades of experience in music education and serves internationally as a clinician, guest conductor, adjudicator, and consultant. The Cobb County Music program has been named one of the “BEST Communities for Music Education in America, eleven times. Mr. Markham’s leadership experience includes membership on several state and national music education executive boards including the Midwest Clinic Advisory Committee. He is currently the Senior Education Consultant and Chief Judge for Bands of America, Executive Director of the Music Administration Collaborative, Judge Education Director for Drum Corps International, and an author of “Band Expressions” published by Alfred Music
Chris Martin
Principal Trumpet New York Philharmonic, Co-Founder National Brass Symposium
Christopher Martin is the Principal Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, was Principal Trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for eleven seasons, and has enjoyed a distinctive career of more than twenty years as a soloist. Dedicated to music education, Mr. Martin serves on the faculty of The Juilliard School.
Freddy Martin
High School Band Director and Brass Specialist for Westminster Schools, Atlanta Georgia
Freddy Martin attended Jacksonville State University in Alabama where he received the Bachelor of Science in Music Education and has done post-graduate work at Georgia State University in Atlanta. He served as director of the South Cobb High School Band from 1969 to 1979 and is the founding director of the famed Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. Mr. Martin has served as a clinician and adjudicator in most of the US and in England. He has been an active adjudicator for Bands of America for more than twenty five years and has judged the Bands of America National and Regional Championships numerous times.
Michael Martin
Trumpet Boston Symphony Orchestra, Co-Founder National Brass Symposium
Michael Martin joined the trumpet section of the Boston Symphony and Boston Pops in October 2010. Prior, Michael was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Mr. Martin enjoyed a dynamic freelance career with diverse groups of ensembles and artists. He is co-Artistic Director of the National Brass Symposium.
John M. Meehan
Composer, Arranger, Clinician
John Meehan is the current brass arranger, and co-caption head, for the 19-time Drum Corps International champion Blue Devils, as well as a highly regarded wind arranger/composer, clinician, and adjudicator for marching bands. John is a member of the DCI, World Drum Corps, and Bugler's Hall of Fame.
Bob Morrison
CEO - Quadrant Research, Arts Ed NJ, Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning
An EMMY and Peabody Award-winning national arts education advocate. He is the CEO of Quadrant Research, Arts Ed NJ, and The Center for Arts Education and Social Emotional Learning. He is the founder of Music for All and was the first CEO of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.
Daniel Morrison
Director of Bands, Ronald Reagan High School
Daniel Morrison is the Director of Bands at Ronald Reagan High School. Under his direction, the band has performed at the Midwest Clinic, marched in the Macy's and Rose Parades, and was named champion at numerous BOA Regionals. Mr. Morrison was named the 2020 Texas Outstanding Young Bandmaster.
Jim Palmer
Orchestra Director and Fine Arts Department Chairman at Allatoona High School
James Palmer is Orchestra Director and Fine Arts Department Chairman at Allatoona High, Music Director for The Youth Orchestras of Greater Columbus and String Editor, Arranger and Clinician for Alfred Music. He also served as conductor with Florida West Coast SYO and Georgia YSO. He is Senior Conductor/Director of Florida State University Summer Music Camps.
Bob Phillips
Director of String Publications for Alfred Music
Bob Phillips is renowned both as an educator and an innovator in string education. With over twenty-seven years experience in a public school classroom, and as a teacher trainer, Bob brings a wealth of knowledge and a sense of humor to his presentations.
John Phillips
DCI Judge Administrator
John Phillips has shared his unique brand of music education around the globe. He teaches at FGCU and is a Conn-Selmer clinician. In demand as an expert on pageantry, Phillips serves as Judge Administrator for DCI. His collaborations with MFA include the National Festival; Summer Symposium; BOA Grand Nationals.
Rosie Miller Queen
member, WGI Board of Directors
Rosie has been active in the world of pageantry since 1983. For 16 years, she served as the director at Carmel High School, where she built the program from 2003-2019. Rosie serves on the advisory board for WGI and has been a WGI Board of Directors member since 2010.
Dr. Myra Rhoden
Director of Bands, Fayette County High School (GA)
Dr. Myra Rhoden is the Director of Bands at Fayette County High School (Georgia) and founder of the Athena Music and Leadership Camp. She is honored to have an active schedule as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the country.
Richard Saucedo
Senior Clinician, Conn-Selmer
Richard Saucedo is the Director of Bands Emeritus at Carmel HS. He is a 2015 Music for All Hall of Fame inductee. Mr. Saucedo is a freelance arranger/composer, having released over 300 marching band, concert band, orchestral, choral compositions. He is currently a composer for the Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation.
Christopher Schroeder
Executive Director Boston Music Project
Boston-based musician and educator, Chris is a catalyst for social change through arts education. With over a decade of arts leadership and teaching experience, he has successfully established creative youth development programs and influenced music ecosystems throughout the United States. He currently serves as Executive Director of Boston Music Project.
Daryl Silberman
Violinist, Violist, Orchestra Director, Mindful Educator
Daryl is an orchestra director at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, IL. “Ms. S” was named as one of “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” in 2011 by School Band and Orchestra magazine. In her free time she is an avid yogi (RYT200).
Mickey Smith Jr.
Motivational Speaker, Educator
Since 2005 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Recipient Mickey Smith, Jr. has grown multiple programs in Louisiana & Texas by over 500%! Mickey recently accepted a new role as music director for The Greene School in West Palm Beach, Florida where he will continue to serve students and educators alike.
Robert W. Smith
Composer, Arranger, Teacher
Robert W. Smith is one of the most popular and prolific composers in America today. He has over 600 publications in print. Mr. Smith’s credits include compositions and productions in all areas of the music field, have received worldwide critical acclaim, and become standards for developing bands throughout the world.
Walt Straiton
Educational Support Manager, Northeast Region Conn-Selmer, Inc
Walt Straiton brings a career combining education, business, entertainment, and performance to the Conn-Selmer team. He served as Director of Orchestras and Assistant Director of Marching Bands at Williamsport Area HS and Director of Orchestras at Messiah College (PA). Walt is an active guest conductor, adjudicator, and clinician.
Michael Sweeney
Director of Band Publications for Hal Leonard LLC
Michael Sweeney is currently Director of Band Publications for Hal Leonard LLC. He contributes as a composer and arranger in all instrumental areas.His works appear on state contest lists and are regularly performed throughout the world. He is also in demand as a clinician and conductor for honor bands and festivals.
Frank Tracz
Director of bands, Kansas State University
Frank Tracsz has been Director of Bands at Kansas State for the last 28 years and a CSI clinician for more than 15 years.
Frank Troyka
Retired Director of Bands and Coordinator of Fine Arts at Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas
Frank Troyka is the retired Director of Bands and Coordinator of Fine Arts at Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas. Frank is an active clinician, presenting across the US and worldwide. He frequently presents at faculty development workshops for public school music teachers. He was named 2019 Bandmaster of the Year by the TBA.
Shana Tucker
Executive Director, Kidznotes
Cellist, singer-songwriter, and front-line advocate for arts education, Shana Tucker is an accomplished teaching artist with over 20 years’ experience with community engagement, workshops, lesson planning and artist residency facilitation. She is also the Executive Director of Kidznotes, a music for social change organization in Durham, NC. www.shanatucker.com
Thomas Turpin
Director of Bands, Westwood High School
Thomas Turpin is the current Director of Bands at Westwood HS in Austin, Texas. Prior, Mr. Turpin served as Assistant Director of Bands at John Paul Stevens HS. He is an active drill designer for marching organizations across the United States, an ensemble clinician, and a leadership consultant.
Marissa Turney
Director of Percussion, Mount Vernon High School
Marissa is currently the Director of Percussion at Mount Vernon High School in Fortville, Indiana. Formerly a Percussion educator in Carmel, Indiana and Orlando, Florida, Marissa has over 10 years of teaching experience with percussion students spanning a variety of ages and entry levels.
Ogechi Ukazu
DMA Wind Conducting, UT Austin
Ogechi Ukazu is a doctoral candidate at University of Texas at Austin. Prior, she acted as Visiting Instructor of Instrumental Music at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor and was a Band Director in both middle and high schools in the Houston area. Ms. Ukazu is also an avid presenter on music education advocacy.
Dr. David W. Vandewalker
Performing Arts Coordinator (retired)/Fulton County Schools
Conn-Selmer clinician, Dr. David W. Vandewalker, is a distinguished conductor, pedagogue, arts administrator, author, booster club consultant, and instructional coach/mentor with a passion for the next generation of leader-educators. He serves on the NBA Board of Directors, Sudler Flag Selection Committee, and is a member of the American Bandmasters Association.
Sean Vega
Director, Institutional Sales at Conn Selmer, Inc
Sean Vega is the Founder, Program Director and designer for the WGI Independent World Class Champion RCC Indoor Percussion. He served as percussion staff of the Concord Blue Devils from 1998-2007. He has been a board member or Southern California Percussion Alliance, steering committee member of WGI and is an active clinician around the world.
Albert Vela
Curriculum and Media Specialist, TonalEnergy
Albert Vela has been involved in many facets of music education over his 12 years of teaching, including Assistant Director and Marching Band Director at Oak Ridge High School, a Brass Instructor with the Blue Devils, and the Curriculum and Media Specialist at TonalEnergy.
Lindsey Vento
Designer and Coordinator
Lindsey is a designer, choreographer, coordinator, and adjudicator in the pageantry arts. She is active as a designer and coordinator for nationally recognized band programs, as well as the current Artistic Director for the Academy DBC. Lindsey is an adjudicator with Bands of America and and Educational Consultant with Conn-Selmer.
Alfred Watkins
Educator, Conductor, Clinician, Lecturer
Alfred L. Watkins is Conductor of the Cobb Wind Symphony and former Director of Bands at Lassiter HS 31 years. Bands under Watkins’ direction have performed at Midwest Band Clinic on five occasions, is the 2-time BOA National Championship, won 9 BOA Regionals and won 150 of 160 contests entered.
Jeff Young
CEO Dynamic Marching, Carmel HS Visual Caption Head
CEO of Dynamic Marching. Visual caption head for the Carmel Marching Band. B.S. from Notre Dame and a Masters Degree from IU. He judges and writes drill, and he frequently teaches clinics on marching and body movement. Jeff hosts a podcast, That Band Life, with Bobby Lambert.
Kyle Young
Associate Director of Bands - Carmel High School
Kyle Young is an Associate Director of Bands at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana. He co-conducts 7 concert bands, 6 jazz bands and is an Assistant Director of the Carmel Marching Band. Kyle is an adjudicator for BOA, DCI and serves as an Artist Clinician for the Vandoren company.
Timmey Zachery
Director of Bands, Prairie View A&M University
Dr. Timmey Zachery is Director of Bands at Prairie View A&M University. Prior, he was Professor of Music and Assistant Band Director at Norfolk State University. Dr. Zachery briefly served in the United States Navy Band and is an avid performer who performs with a varied collection of ensembles.