Voices in Motion: Modernizing the Choral Experience through A Cappella and Band Integration

The MMESI Choral Sessions at UT Arlington offer an engaging, hands-on exploration of how to integrate contemporary approaches into traditional choral programs. Led by Devlin DeCutler and Alexis Galindo, participants will dive into a cappella techniques and modern band applications designed to expand student engagement and musical versatility. Teachers will gain practical strategies for incorporating stylistic vocal techniques, contemporary repertoire, and instrumental collaboration within the choral setting. This immersive experience includes active music-making, student interaction, and real-world rehearsal techniques, equipping educators with innovative tools to enhance their programs and connect with today’s diverse learners.

  Orffin’ Around: Active Learning through Song, Games, and Repertoire

Looking to energize your program with fresh, engaging strategies? In this interactive session, participants will explore practical ways to incorporate elements of the Orff Schulwerk into the music classroom. Rosales will guide teachers in using Orff volumes, introduce games and activities to strengthen part-singing, and share creative repertoire to add variety and excitement to concert programming. Designed for immediate classroom application, this session supports directors in building musical independence, ensemble cohesion, and student engagement. Whether you’re new to Orff or seeking new ideas, you’ll leave with adaptable tools to elevate your choir’s musicianship and performance experience.

From Podium to Percussion: Practical Skills for Band Directors

This course serves as an opportunity for non-percussionist music directors to refresh and/or learn skills in the pedagogy of 6th-12th-grade percussion, with an emphasis on beginning percussion. Through this course, participants can expect to:

- Develop/Review a primary technique on the snare drum, keyboard percussion, timpani, and auxiliary instruments commonly found in the concert band setting.

- Learn common skills for repair and tuning. Identify the major sources for percussion retailers, manufacturers, and publishers.

- Review standard solo and ensemble repertoire to fit various instrumentation, personnel sizes, and grade levels. Review a common essential needs list of instruments and implements for beginning, middle, and high school percussion programs.

On the Podium: Practical Strategies for Teaching and Rehearsing Orchestra

Designed for orchestra directors at all levels, this session offers practical, hands-on strategies to strengthen teaching and rehearsal effectiveness from the podium. Led by John McKeever and Margaret Brown, with guest experts Silas Huff and Diane Wittry, participants will explore foundational and advanced conducting techniques, emphasizing clear, expressive communication from the podium.

The session will address rehearsal strategies for beginning through advanced ensembles, including pacing, error detection, and musical refinement. Special attention will be given to UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Contest preparation, equipping directors with targeted approaches to meet performance expectations with confidence.

Bring your instrument and be ready to actively engage in rehearsal simulations, apply techniques in real time, and explore transferable strategies that can immediately elevate your orchestra program.