On July 10th-12th, 2024, over 400 music educators descended on Fort Collins, Colorado at the 13th annual Modern Band Summit to make music, learn, and share with each other. There were over 60 sessions on how to reach your students with culturally responsive, student-driven music making, as well as keynotes from Isaac Slade from the Fray, NAfME Past President Scott Sheehan, and others. Here are some of the highlights and takeaways from presenters of many of the breakout sessions:
“Music listening IS music learning: guiding your students to find and share music can help them tap into music for emotional support and discover what kind of musician they want to be.” Giuliana Conti, Seattle WA
“Songwriting is a series of choices that reflect an artist’s many “parts”. Just like an artist has no bad parts, there are no bad songs – so long as the choices we make remain true to who we are.” – Andrew DeMuro, Chicago, IL
“Hip-hop is something even your littlest learners can enjoy and grow with musically.” – Amanda Gonzalez, New York, NY
“Give students the space and time to show you what they can do musically—support and grow their skills from there.” Martina Vasil, Lexington, KY
“To get your horn players started with ear training, start by having them learn the melody; this will serve as their road map to adding in fun parts into modern band arrangements.” – Ashley Shabankareh, New Orleans, LA
“We can teach all music… from mariachi to Mozart” Ramon Rivera, Mount Vernon,WA
“With every instrument, breathing is key. Incorporating breathing exercises into your class exercises, such as breathing in and out for four counts as you play a repeated pattern.” Skye Claire Hale, NY, NY
“If you keep filling the holes in the boat, no one will know the boat is sinking, so taking care of yourself is what’s best for you, your family, and your students.” -Rachel Davis, Denver CO
“Bilingual Music Centers (UDL) cultivate playing skills and share teacher power and vulnerability with elementary students through lifting up non-dominant languages and cultures so your kids can jam with confidence.” Lorene Phillips NY, NY
“Ska is a fun to play Jamaican born genre that focuses on the offbeat, and one of the many varied genres to your modern band repertoire to expand your players’ toolkits!” – Ian Stillmunks, St. Francis MN
“Teach the choreography for an entire song without stopping in one rehearsal – this provides a challenge for students who quickly grasp choreography and allows them to help their peers who may need extra encouragement. You can always revisit later to fine-tune.” – Jennifer Holmes, Woodland ME
“Wind instruments can play more than just the melody; consider supporting the bass line, chordal structure, or rhythm to bring a new dimension to any ensemble.” – Brittany Bauman, NH
“Early songwriting skills can begin by improvising melodies and fitting lyrics rhythmically on a beat through games and other engaging activities.” – Julie and Tony Corallo, Los Angeles CA
“Designing quality arrangements for traditional band and orchestra musicians within a Modern Band setting helps to create inclusion and access to all students who have a desire to perform in an ensemble.” – Andrew Dolgon and Jon Lijoi, New York NY
“When students lead their own rehearsals, they learn so much more than just music!” -Robert Packer M.M.Ed., San Antonio, Tx
“Have the students choose the warm-ups (sections of songs, etc.) that will get them excited and ready to play.” – Anne Fennell, San Diego, CA
“Running sound doesn’t have to be scary. The gear you’re already comfortable with is the blueprint for navigating everything else. You won’t blow it up, we promise!” – Steve Underhill and Laura del Rosso, NY, NY
“Playing riffs with your students that they know and love is a great way to increase their success, confidence, and happiness.” – Scott Burstein, Los Angeles CA
“Writing songs together can build community while encouraging individual voices” – Jon Feulner, MN
“Empower your vocalists to confidently improvise and jam with the band by giving them the same tools you would any other instrument: notes, scales, patterns, and accessible patterns!” – Laura Ferguson, Brooklyn NY
“You don’t need permission to brag! Let the world know all about the great things happening in your classroom! If you don’t tell everyone, who will?” – Rebecca Sensor, DuBois PA
“Technology is made to serve US, not the other way around! It’s okay to move at your own pace.” – Mary Claxton, Greeley, CO
Mark your calendars to make sure you join us next year at the 14th annual Modern Band Summit, July 9-11 in Fort Collins, Colorado!
MusicWill.org
Dr. Scott Burstein is the director of program advocacy and expansion for Music Will.
