From the basics of teaching strings to refining your pedagogical string knowledge, this four-hour immersive session will provide non-string specialists with the information, tools, and resources needed to teach any string player. This informational and practical session will focus on the foundational principles of string playing and teaching. Instrument position, tone production, articulation, bowings, and fingerings will be presented. Participants will select a primary string instrument to learn during this hands-on workshop. The Midwest Clinic and SBO+ partner, the American String Teachers Association, alongside other sponsors have come together to offer this exciting opportunity for the fifth year, the day before the 77th Midwest Clinic begins.
Those interested will be able to add registration for this event at the end of their Midwest Clinic Conference Registration. Due to limited seating, only Teachers and College Student attendees to the Midwest Clinic are eligible to register. Early registration is recommended, as this session always reaches capacity. Registration Fees are $100 for Directors and $50 for College Students, in addition to the conference registration fees.Â
Sessions include:
– Fundamentals of String Instruments: Position, Posture, Bow Hold, Left-hand FrameÂ
– Principles of Tone Production: Point of Contact, Angle, Speed, and Weight
– Articulations: Sequencing and Musical Applications
– Bowings: Basic Bowing RulesÂ
-Guidelines For Choosing Fingerings: Understanding Finger Patterns and Positions
String Teaching Simplified will be led by an all-star panel of clinicians, including:Â
– David F. Eccles, Orchestra Program and Upper School Orchestra Director at The Lovett School in Atlanta, Georgia.
– Heather Lofdahl, Assistant Professor of Music Education at The Ohio State University and director of their string education program.Â
– Rebecca MacLeod, Professor of Music Education at the University of North Carolina Greensboro, director of the string education program and conductor of the UNCG Sinfonia. She currently serves as President for the American String Teachers Association.Â
– David Pope, Associate Professor of Music Education and Chair of Professional Studies at Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Music. He is also the senior conductor and camp director for the Baldwin Wallace University String Orchestra Camp and serves as a string clinician for Alfred Music.Â
GenNEXT: Support for the Next Generation of Music Educators
GenNEXT is the Midwest Clinic’s newest program, created for those enrolled in music education degree programs or in their first five years of teaching, including career-switchers. Designed to provide new music educators with resources to support them as they begin their professional careers, GenNEXT launches at the 2023 Midwest Clinic with a dedicated track of events and clinics.
GenNEXT 2023 Midwest Clinic Sessions include:
– Side by Side: Building and Sustaining an Effective Community in the Music StudioÂ
– Habits of Success for the Emerging Music Educator: College Student Through the First Years of Teaching
– Extending Your Reach: The “Quilted” Career
– From Application to Accepted: Preparing for Graduate Conducting Studies
– Become the Hero of Your Own Story
– Leading from the Podium: Creating an Environment Where Students Want to Be!
– Finding Success at a Title 1 Middle School as a Sole Director
– There is Life after College! Navigating Interviews, Accepting Your First “Big Kid” Job and Thriving in Your First Few Years of Teaching!
– It’s All About Culture
-Empowering and Mentoring the Next Generation of Female Band Directors
-Student Empowerment in Music Ensembles: Integrating Social-Emotional Learning and Trauma-Informed Pedagogy
– Choosing Help Over Hurt: Successful Habits for Teaching Band in Underserved Communities
-Fundamental Processes for Sustained Success in Your Middle School Band Program
To make attendance at the Midwest Clinic more accessible for early-career music educators, limited scholarships are available to cover the cost of conference registration for GenNEXT attendees. Applicants must be enrolled in a degree program for or working in music education with under 5 years of experience. To apply, visit the Midwest Clinic website. Applications due November 1, 2023.
SBO+: As someone who has attended Midwest since 1981, if you’ve never been, it belongs on your bucket list. You will be amazed at the quantity and quality of sessions, concerts, and opportunities to make friends and network. You may earn one or two graduate credits from VanderCook College of Music while attending the conference. Educators from all states may also be able to receive credit for attendance.Â
