Workshop Topics

MA ACDA Conference
(July 11–14)

This summer's conference of Massuchetts ACDA features the following two clincians: Dr. Hilary Apfelstadt and Dr. Rollo Dilworth-Temple. In addition to their interest sessions, the conference will include choral reading sessions and time to meet informally with colleagues. This event has its own independent schedule and includes evening sessions. A separate brochure with greater details is available from Mass. ACDA. The conference can be taken for PDPs or one graduate credit through Gordon College.

Growing Success: Building a String Program for Your School – Margaret Schmidt (July 12–14)

Topics include: strategies for teaching physical comfort for string instruments, ear training, music reading, standards and assessment, and methods and materials for developing basic to advanced string techniques. Participants should bring a string instrument of choice; no previous playing experience required.

The Literature's the Thing: Using the Best Repertoire Available for Your Band – David Rox  (July 14–16)

The programming of quality literature is central to the success of any performing group. This workshop will survey band literature at appropriate levels or middle and high school concert bands (mostly grades II-IV), and how directors can develop the ability to consistently employ quality literature with their groups. Score study, listening, and some performance (when possible) will be included. Participants are requested to bring an instrument to play.

Alexander Technique for Musicians – Heidi Clark (July 14–16)

Participants will gain greater ease and efficiency of movement through the introduction and application of F.M. Alexander's directions and principles. Topics will include learning how the human body is put together and how we breathe.

First Steps in Music for Infants and Toddlers – Dr. John Feierabend  (July 12–14)

With inappropriate or no music experiences in early years, children can loose their intuition for making accurate musical responses. This workshop will bridge from research to practice, discuss how the musical mind develops, and suggest activities for the development of music intelligences, music behavior, and expressive sensitivity in the first three years.

First Steps in Music for Preschool and Beyond – Dr. John Feierabend (July 14–16)

Early on, children acquire musical sensitivities that provide them with a lifetime of expressive singing and movement intuitions. This workshop presents insights and activities that foster those intuitions in ages 3–9 through folk songs, games, and classical music. GMU515A is recommended, but not required.

Multiple Intelligences in the Music Classroom – Lillie Feierabend (July 12–14)

Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences suggests that individuals do not have only one intelligence, but rather, possess a portfolio of intelligences. Music educators have always known that music is a separate intelligence, worthy of our focus, time, and commitment. What is becoming increasingly evident is that while developing our students’ music ability, we are also helping to strengthen and develop their other intelligences as well. This is accomplished not by compromising our musical goals and standards, but simply by manipulating the material that we are already teaching our students. This workshop will share strategies and techniques that highlight the profound impact Music development has on strengthening, reinforcing, and developing the Verbal Linguistic, Logical Mathematical, Bodily Kinesthetic, Visual Spatial, Interpersonal, and Intrapersonal intelligences.