We have all heard the pitch for summer professional development (PD) programs. “It will change your life.” “It will fire you up for another year of teaching.” “You will learn so much”, etc. Well, this is one that I attended and taught at for several years and it will do all those things, but it will also do something equally important, it will Recharge. Much of that is because of the mood set by the faculty but a big part is the location itself. Bethel University is in Mishahawka, Indiana and between the lush greenery and the open spaces, it’s an ideal place to decompress from a demanding school year. The sessions are held in various buildings around a lovely green space with plenty of places to sit and reflect, chat with others, and….. breathe. So now, on to Conn Selmer Institute (CSI) itself.
Why Professional Development Often Falls Short
Most music educators have been there. You attend a conference, sit through sessions, take notes, and return home inspired but unsure how to apply what you learned. The ideas fade. The connection is missing. The CSI faculty shares much more than knowledge; they share passion. For those of us who suffer from imposter syndrome (BTW, that’s all of us), hearing these master educators share their mistakes and failures shows how they gained their knowledge! Professional development should do much more than inform. It should inspire how you teach.
What Is CSI National?
Now in its 29th year, the CSI National Event is a four-day professional development experience held June 14 to 17, 2026 at Bethel University in Mishawaka, Indiana. It brings together music educators, college students, and fine arts administrators for an experience designed to recharge your energy, strengthen your teaching, and reconnect you to why you do this work. CSI creates “tracks” for new teachers, veteran teachers, college students, and arts administrators but unlike most PD events, attendees are allowed, nay encouraged, to dip in and out of other “tracks” when they see something of interest.
A few years ago, when I was commander of The U.S. Army Field Band, one of the finest bands in the world, I attended CSI and I enrolled in the administrator track because I was overseeing a massive music program. However, there was a beginning conducting class in the new teacher track taught by Larry Livingston. I arrived early to get a seat and said hello to Larry who asked me, “What are you doing here?” I replied I just wanted to learn. As it turns out, Larry taught us a simple technique that corrected a long-time flaw in my conducting (and my teaching of conducting).
What Makes CSI National Different?
From the moment you arrive, the experience feels different. The pace allows for reflection. The environment is built for conversation, not just presentation. CSI is different because throughout the four days, there is time to further discuss what was taught with peers and with faculty. No “death by PowerPoint” without the chance to reflect and have meaningful follow-up. You’re not moving from session to session with a crowd. You are engaging, asking questions, and working through ideas with people who understand your day-to-day reality. Learning does not end when a session does. It continues over meals, between sessions, and through meaningful conversations with faculty and peers who are invested in your growth.
The result is an experience that is not only informative, but lasting. Instead of leaving with a notebook full of ideas, you leave with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.
“This conference renewed my enthusiasm to return to my classroom.
No other event encourages community and connection like CSI.”
What You’ll Experience:
Practical, Applicable Learning
Sessions are built around strategies and resources you can use immediately. From rehearsal techniques to leadership and program development, the focus is on real-world application that translates directly to your next step, whether that is your first classroom or your next phase of leadership. This is applicable in all tracks. In my opinion, If you are a new department chair or are supervising other teachers and staff for the first time, try the administrator track. Most arts administrators are selected because they were great teachers and are then given zero training for their new job. The open discussion and sharing of lessons learned in the administrator track will help any veteran teacher or better yet, a young teacher who wants to be prepared for the future.
Meaningful Connection and Conversation
Some of the most valuable moments happen outside the sessions. CSI creates space for honest conversations about teaching, leadership, and growth with people who understand your challenges. Faculty don’t disappear after presenting. They sit with you, talk with you, share meals with you, and invest in your growth. Add them to your network!
Inspiration Through Performance
Live performances and musical experiences throughout the event serve as a powerful reminder of why this work matters. Because Conn Selmer has a huge artist-performer pool to draw from, you’ll hear the very best.
A Behind the Scenes Perspective
The Conn Selmer factory tour offers a rare opportunity to see the craftsmanship behind your instruments. If you have not taken this tour, do it! It’s a fascinating blend of old school craftsmanship passed down by the master builders of years past, with the most cutting-edge robotics. The machinery that cuts the holes in a bassoon is amazing and is the reason Selmer and LeBlanc bassoons have such consistent quality control. You will also see skilled artisans play-test every single instrument before it leaves the factory. You are encouraged to ask questions and it’s a tremendous learning experience
The Blue Devils Experience
A featured highlight of CSI National, this full day of immersive learning brings together world class clinicians for sessions designed for both educators and students, combining instruction, collaboration, and performance. You may have watched their performances at the DCI Nationals, but here you get up close to see the techniques and sectional work that make it possible.
Opportunities for Continued Growth
Optional graduate credit through VanderCook College of Music provides an additional pathway for those looking to extend their learning.
Four days. Real connection. Lasting impact.
You spend your year investing in your students and your program. CSI National is your time to step back, reflect, and invest in your own growth. In just four days, you can reset your perspective, strengthen your approach, and return with renewed energy and purpose.
“This event was exactly what I needed.
I left with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose.”
SBO+ Readers Get a Discount! SBO+ readers use the code SBO25 for an exclusive 25% discount on registration.
CSI National | June 14 to 17, 2026 | Bethel University
Learn more and register: csi.connselmer.com/national
Direct event URL: https://events.bizzabo.com/773892
