WorldStrides Performing Arts is proud to sponsor a series of virtual sessions from some of today's most innovative and inspiring music educators. By combining real-world advice and thoughtful discussion, each free session aims to give you a sense of connection during these unprecedented times.

How to Ensure a Healthy Music Program this School Year

Aired Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Jeffery Redding 2019 GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year, Director of Choral Activites at University of Central Florida
Stephen Lawrence Orchestra Teacher, Atlanta Public Schools
Nina VanDerhoof Fine Arts Chairman, American Heritage School
Robin Reliford Head of Health & Safety, WorldStrides

For music educators and their administrators: We’ll be diving into some of the unique challenges you're facing this school year. Administrators and music educators both want the same thing – a safe and happy school year for all of your students. Whether you're looking to re-energize the music program in your school, discuss safe ways to rehearse in-person, or even plan a concert or trip for your ensemble, we hope you’ll join us to discuss strategies for getting the most of out of this school year.

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Teacher's Lounge Recap

Missed one? Watch one of our past sessions

Incorporating Multiculturalism into your Music Program

Aired Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Rollo Dilworth Professor of Choral Music Education & Vice Dean, Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University
Gary Seighman Director of Choral Activities, Trinity University
Steven Davis Professor of Music and Director of Bands and Wind Ensembles, UMKC

If you’re looking to invest some time this summer at approaching your classroom differently next school year, or simply looking for new ideas to provide a more inclusive and diverse music program to students, you won’t want to miss this session. We’ll discuss ways to recruit more diversity to your ensembles, incorporate repertoire that is representative of other cultures, and provide inspiration for creating students who are thoughtful citizens of the world.

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Celebrating Women in Music

Aired Thursday, April 15, 2021

Jessica Nápoles Interim Chair of the Division of Conducting and Ensembles, University of North Texas
Sharon Lavery Conductor of USC Thornton Symphony, Chamber Orchestra and Winds
Jayoung Hong Award-winning Pianist
Angela Woo Director of Instrumental Music, John Adams Middle School in Santa Monica, CA
Jennifer Floyd L.A.-Based String Educator and Performer

Open to both music teachers and students, our next session is an exploration of women who’ve transformed their love of music into a career. We’ll meet and do a live Q&A with a panel of some truly inspiring female thought-leaders.

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Playing in a Pandemic: A Band Director's Forum

Aired Tuesday, March 9, 2021

Mark Spede Director of Bands, Clemson University National President, CBDNA
James Weaver Director of Performing Arts and Sports, NFHS
Robert Ambrose Director of Bands, Georgia State University

A marching and wind band exclusive—from instrumentation and repertoire to rebuilding confidence and muscle memory, we’ll be discussing the unique challenges band directors are facing as well as some best practices for in-person rehearsals and performances.

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Planning a Trip: The Benefits of Starting Now

Aired Thursday, February 11, 2021

Jason Paulk Director of Choral Activities and Professor of Music, Eastern New Mexico University
Tyler Rogers Boy’s Choir Artistic Director, Sheridan Youth Choir

Whether it’s traveling to state and regional competitions, national festivals, or touring abroad, music programs thrive on sharing their music with the world. Hear from fellow teachers on best practices for setting up for success now, and leave feeling inspired to get back on the road with unique ideas for recruitment and gaining administrative approval.

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A Music Teacher's Guide to

Protecting Yourself from Burnout

Aired Wednesday, February 10, 2021

Lesley Moffat
 

Band Director Lesley Moffat authored the book I love my job but it’s killing me…and that was before 2020! Her wellness techniques and calming exercises will help keep you (and your students) mindful and centered.

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ROUNDTABLE

Best Practices for In-Person Rehearsals and Performances

Aired Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Gary Seighman Director of Choral Activities, Trinity University
Edith Copley Regents' Professor and Director of Choral Studies, Northern Arizona University
Kenneth Ozzello Director of Bands and Professor of Music, The University of Alabama
Joel Hartshorn Director of Bands, Western Albemarle High School
 

Whether you’re inching towards your first in-person rehearsals or looking for tips to safely pull off a spring concert, our panelists bring fresh perspective and share their guidance for getting back in the spotlight.

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We’re All Remote Teaching Experts Now…Right?

Aired Monday, February 8, 2021

Nina VanDerhoof Fine Arts Chairman, American Heritage School
Stephen Lawrence Orchestra Teacher, Atlanta Public Schools
Jeffery Ames Director of Choral Activities, Belmont University

For many of us, we can now say we have nearly a year of remote teaching under our belts. So, why does it always feel like there’s more to learn? Gain practical tips and unique ideas for keeping students inspired through the remainder of the school year.

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Off the Beaten Path:

Careers Behind the Music

Aired Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Amanda Back Talent Executive
Ali Dee Theodore Executive Music Producer
Aiyisha Obafemi Record label Chief Operating Officer
Kirt Mosier Composer, Conductor, Artistic Director
Sergio Cabral Songwriter and Producer

This session is an exploration of some exciting career fields in the arts. While we're not all destined to be a famed solo artist or in a renowned rock band, there are plenty of exciting careers in the performing arts. In this webinar, we sit down with three professionals who chose alternative futures in the field of music. We'll discuss what makes their field unique, how to get started in the industry, and how their love of music continues to fuel their passions.

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Director Check-In:

Assessing Successes and Challenges of the School Year Start

Aired October 7, 2020

Jeffery Redding 2019 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Recipient and Director of Choral Activities, University of Central Florida
Angela Woo Director of Instrumental Music, John Adams Middle School in Santa Monica, CA
Steve Davis Professor of Music and Director of Bands and Wind Ensembles, UMKC
Gary Seighman Director of Choral Activities, Trinity University
Nina VanDerhoof Fine Arts Chairman, American Heritage School in Plantation, Florida

As we continue to navigate the start of the school year, it’s helpful to hear from fellow music educators. Maybe your plans are going smoothly. Maybe you’ve wanted to give up already. Maybe even your best-laid plans needed some adjusting. You’re certainly not alone! In August, our Teacher’s Lounge welcomed fellow teachers who shared their best inspiration and their own plans for the start of the school year. Now most of us are one or two months into the school year, and it’s time to re-evaluate. Join us for a candid discussion—what’s working and what’s not? Where have you had to pivot? What have we learned? What’s next?

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A behind-the-scenes

Lesson in Film Scores

Aired September 17, 2020

Jason Seber Kansas City Cymphone Associate Conductor

Music can take a film scene from powerful to timeless. Do you know the process for coordinating those scores with the movie? Kansas City Symphony Associate Conductor Jason Seber takes us behind-the-scenes on films like Star Wars while showing how to take this concept and develop your own lesson on film scores for your classroom. Students will enjoy seeing the process and imagining a career in this important art form.

This session could not be recorded due to the proprietary nature of the content. However, you're welcome to access the Webinar Handout resource for additional information.

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How to Recruit and Retain in 2020

Aired August 21, 2020

Jeffery Redding 2019 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Recipient and Director of Choral Activities, University of Central Florida
Jennifer Floyd L.A. Based String Educator & Performer

This school year presents many challenges, and many music directors are anxious about retaining students to their music program as well as their ability to recruit new interest. Join us to discuss building relationships with students in a virtual world, creating a music program of dedicated students, and driving new recruits to your classroom in our new normal.

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In your music program

Celebrating Diversity & Inclusion

Aired August 20, 2020

Rollo Dilworth Professor of Choral Music Education & Vice Dean, Boyer College of Music and Dance, Temple University
Lesley Moffat Director of Bands, Jackson High School
Malaika Serrano Vice President, Diversity and Inclusion, WorldStrides

Now more than ever, music directors are exploring ways to incorporate more lessons and pieces that celebrate diversity and inclusion. Our panelists help you navigate everything from hosting uncomfortable conversations with students, promoting connection and well-being, including social justice teachings, and choosing an appropriate repertoire.

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Pro tips For

Funding Your Music Classroom

Aired August 19, 2020

Colette Hebert Music teacher, DAR Project Founder
Arnekua Jackson Choral Director, Boynton Beach High School
Stephanie Kerr Content & Social Marketing Manager, WorldStrides
 

A spring of isolation left many music programs behind in their fundraising strategy. Our panelists will discuss unique and proven virtual fundraising ideas, plus a tutorial on getting grants for your classroom. Every attendee takes home our free COVID-approved fundraising guide!

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Teaching Band and Orchestra

In the New Normal

Aired August 18, 2020

Shawn Harrel Digital Media Technology Teacher & Band Assistant, Lee's Summit West High School
Steven Davis Professor of Music and Director of Bands and Wind Ensembles, UMKC
Angela Woo Director of Instrumental Music, John Adams Middle School in Santa Monica, CA
Stephen Lawrence Orchestra Teacher, Atlanta Public Schools

Whether you'll be teaching in-person or remotely, the band and orchestra classroom will look quite different this fall. Join our panelists for a discussion about teaching tactics, rehearsal strategies, instrument management, and a classroom how-to.

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Teaching Choir

In the Time of COVID

Aired August 17, 2020

Jessica Nápoles Interim Chair of the Division of Conducting and Ensembles, University of North Texas
Anton Armstrong Professor of Music & Conductor of St. Olaf Choir, St. Olaf College

Join us for a deeper dive on teaching choir in our new normal. We'll discuss classroom setup suggestions, structuring virtual rehearsals, and teaching beyond the performance. Whether your plan includes remote or in-person instruction, you'll leave feeling inspired for the road ahead.

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Advocating for your music program:

How to Win with Admin

Aired June 25, 2020

Steve Venz Chief Program Officer/Chief Academic Officer at Little Kids Rock
Jennifer Floyd L.A. Based String Educator & Performer
Colette Hebert Music teacher, DAR Project Founder

While there continue to be many unknowns facing the performing arts, music teachers are getting creative in their upcoming school year plans. Our panelists will help you prepare to discuss your department needs with school administrators, rally support for your program within your school and community, and develop a roadmap for teaching music in this evolving situation.

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Using Music to Heal

Aired June 17, 2020

Jessica Nápoles Interim Chair of the Division of Conducting and Ensembles
Tesfa Wondemagegnehu Conductor of the Viking Chorus and Chapel Choir at St. Olaf College

As teachers of music, we're all too familiar with its healing powers. With so much going on in the world, many of us are looking for ways to help. Join panelists Jessica Nápoles and Tesfa Wondemagegnehu as they discuss ways we can help each other, our students, and our communities to heal through song.

Watch the replay Download Justice Choir Songbook
Overcoming Technology

A Guide for Music Teachers

Aired June 4, 2020

Kirt Mosier Artistic Director, Youth Symphony of Kansas City
Gary Seighman Director of Choral Activities, Trinity University
Shawn Harrel Digital Media Technology Teacher & Band Assistant, Lee's Summit West High School

Whether you're looking to finish out the school year with some new skills or sharpen your tech-savviness over the summer break, our panelists will give you practical tips for creating digital music, as well as rehearsing and teaching virtually, introduce you to tons of online tools and platforms, and leave you feeling inspired to tackle technology.

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Bridging the Gap

Choosing Your Choral Repertoire

Aired May 22, 2020

Dr. Lynne Gackle Director of Choral Activities at Baylor University and current ACDA President
Edith Copley Regents' Professor and Director of Choral Studies at Northen Arizona University

Should you select an easier repertoire moving into the new year? How will your choices be impacted if schools continue to run virtually? Let's discuss.

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Looking forward

Choosing Your Band & Orchestra Repertoire

Aired May 21, 2020

Jason Seber Kansas City Cymphone Associate Conductor
Kirt Mosier Artistic Director, Youth Symphony of Kansas City
Ken Ozzello Director of Bands and Professor of Music, The University of Alabama

So, you weren't able to perform or compete this spring? Let's discuss the impact of a spring with virtual learning, lack of performances, and potential need to rebound talent levels going into the new school year.

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Composing Music

A Guide to Getting Started

Aired May 20, 2020

Greg Gilpin ASCAP award-winning composer and arranger
 

Whether you're looking to get into composing yourself or teaching it to your students, you'll learn new techniques for getting started and broadening your skill set from seasoned Composer and Arranger, Greg Gilpin.

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Discussion

The Post-COVID Classroom

Aired May 19, 2020

Jeffery Redding 2019 GRAMMY Music Educator Award Recipient and Director of Choral Activities, University of Central Florida
Jeffery Ames Director of Choral Activities, Belmont University
Jessica Nápoles Interim Chair of the Division of Conducting and Ensembles, University of North Texas

How will your classroom standards and techniques evolve to meet new expectations post-COVID? Hear from GRAMMY-winning Jeffery Redding, Belmont University's Jeffery Ames, and University of North Texas's Jessica Napoles as they tackle this tough question.

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Discussion

Pro Tips for Keeping your Ensemble Engaged

Aired May 18, 2020

Jeffrey Grogan Professor of Music & Director of Orchestral Activites, Oklahoma City University
Kirt Mosier Artistic Director, Youth Symphony of Kansas City
Greg Gilpin ASCAP award-winning composer and arranger

Learn real-world tips for going the extra mile to keep your music students engaged and invested in your newly virtual classroom.

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