Workshop Presenters
Heidi Clark is a graduate of Boston University's Opera Institute and holds degrees from Dartmouth College, Indiana University, and the Hartt School. Musical theater credits include Marion in The Music Man, Polly in The Boyfriend, Lalume in Kismet, Laurey in Oklahoma, and Desiree in A Little Night Music. She has a private studio teaching voice and the Alexander Technique and has taught voice at Gordon College since 2001. Heidi lives in Hamilton with her husband and three young sons.
John Feierabend is considered one of the leading authorities on music and movement development in early childhood. He is a professor of music and the director of the Music Education Division at The Hartt School of the University of Hartford and is a past president of the Organization of American Kodaly Educators (OAKE). Dr. Feierabend makes frequent presentations both in the US and abroad and is the author of over sixty books, articles, CDs, DVDs, and videos.
Lillie Feierabend is known for her work with young children and for instilling a love of music within them. This is her ninth year at the University of Hartford Magnet School and her twelfth year as a director for the Connecticut Children’s Chorus. She received the 1998 Teacher of the Year Award from Canton Schools (CT) for her innovative and inclusive music programs. In 2008 Lillie received both the Teacher of the Year Award from the University of Hartford Magnet School and the Outstanding Elementary Music Educator Award from the Connecticut Music Educators Association (CMEA).
Lillie is a frequent clinician at local, state, and national conferences, speaking on many aspects of early childhood music. In addition, she teaches courses at Silver Lake College in Manitowoc, Wisconsin and The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. Lillie is president of Kodaly Educators of Southern New England and a member of MENC, OAKE, and ACDA, serving as National Children’s Honor Choir Chair for the 2010 Conference.
David Rox is Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Gordon College. For almost thirty years he has conducted the Gordon College Wind Ensemble and has toured with them in France, Great Britain, Italy, and Canada. He also has experience directing ensembles at all levels as a clinician and festival conductor. Dr. Rox is a past president of the New England College Band Association and Musical Advisor to the Northshore Youth Wind Ensemble.
Margaret Schmidt is an associate professor of string education at Arizona State University. She taught elementary and junior high strings for four years in the public schools of Minnesota, New Mexico, and Illinois. She currently teaches undergraduate and graduate music education courses and directs the ASU String Project.