Agenda
â”” Bedford
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8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
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Registration & Vendors |
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Capacity: 250
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser
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A1 • Keynote Speaker: One Person Makes a Difference |
| More than any other subject in school, the class/ensemble reflects the leader/teacher/conductor. It evidences the importance of the ONE PERSON "up front" who sets the tone for every aspect of the learning-growing-becoming environment. WHO WE ARE MAKES A DIFFERENCE. WHAT KIND OF DIFFERENCE WILL WE MAKE? |
| Tim Lautzenheiser is a trusted friend to anyone interested in working with young people in the pursuit of excellence. His own career involves ten years as a band director at Northern Michigan University, the University of Missouri, and New Mexico State University. In 1981 he created Attitude Concepts for Today, Inc., an organization designed to manage the requests for student leadership workshops, teacher seminars, and convention speaking engagements focusing on the critical importance of “the teacher as a leader/role model.” He presently serves as the Senior Vice President of Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc. Tim is a co-writer of Hal Leonard’s popular band method, " Essential Elements.” His books, published by GIA Publications, include The Art of Successful Teaching, The Joy of Inspired Teaching, Classic Leadership, Pathway to Success, and many others are best-sellers in the music profession. |
10:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
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Awards |
10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
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Networking & Vendors |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 80
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser
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B1 • "Essential Elements" Making Most of Rehearsal Time |
| Much of a music educator’s time is spent OFF THE PODIUM. This means we must maximize the ON THE PODIUM time to advance young artists to the highest level of their talents and skills. What are the key factors in creating a climate where our students take advantage of every precious minute of rehearsal time by being focused, committed, dedicated, and eager to explore their unlimited potential? |
| Tim Lautzenheiser is a trusted friend to anyone interested in working with young people in the pursuit of excellence. His own career involves ten years as a band director at Northern Michigan University, the University of Missouri, and New Mexico State University. In 1981 he created Attitude Concepts for Today, Inc., an organization designed to manage the requests for student leadership workshops, teacher seminars, and convention speaking engagements focusing on the critical importance of “the teacher as a leader/role model.” He presently serves as the Senior Vice President of Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc. Tim is a co-writer of Hal Leonard’s popular band method, " Essential Elements.” His books, published by GIA Publications, include The Art of Successful Teaching, The Joy of Inspired Teaching, Classic Leadership, Pathway to Success, and many others are best-sellers in the music profession. |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 50
Rachel Lutz
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B2 • The Transformative Power of Choir: Using Music to Welcome Newcomers |
| In this session, Rachel shares how choral music can be a powerful bridge between cultures, helping newcomer students feel seen, valued, and included. Drawing from her work with the Newcomer Choirs across Canada, she explores how music classrooms can become safe and welcoming spaces that challenge racism, support integration, and celebrate diversity. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the different immigration statuses their students may hold—such as refugee, permanent resident, or international student—and how these affect classroom experiences. Rachel will offer practical, age-appropriate strategies for both music and general classroom teachers to foster connection, respect, and belonging through everyday practices, performances, and curriculum choices. The session emphasizes how educators can use the arts to support community building and advocate for equity within their schools. |
| Rachel Manko Lutz is an award-winning educator, musician, and advocate. Raised in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Rachel lived in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Kingston, Ontario before returning to Nova Scotia in 2020. Since her return to the province, she has worked with newcomers, youth, the LGBTQ+ population, members of First Nations and other marginalized groups in major international and provincial organizations like L’Arche, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Community College, Acadia University, and Dalhousie University. Rachel is the conductor of the Halifax Newcomer Choir, and the founder and Executive Director of the Newcomer Choir Association - Canada, a ground-breaking initiative that uses choral singing as a tool to help newcomers to Canada learn English and integrate into their new community. Rachel holds a law degree and a Master of Education degree with a focus on social justice education. She has presented her research at conferences across Canada, including at Queen’s Law School, Teaching English as a Second Language British Columbia, and various small business symposia. |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Stacy Werner
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B3 • MusicPlay: Assess Without the Stress |
| Assess without the Stress Assessment in music starts with the end in mind. For example, what do you want Grade 1 students to know by the end of the year? In this session, we’ll explore realistic outcomes based on key music standards (beat, rhythm, pitch, timbre, tempo, dynamics, and form). You’ll learn quick, practical ideas and rubrics for assessing skills, concepts, creativity, and ensemble playing in the elementary music classroom. You will sing, move, play, create, and respond to music during the session – while also learning fun, simple ways to assess your students. |
| Stacy Werner is a music specialist with over 15 years of experience teaching choir, instrumental ensembles, piano, and classroom music. She currently teaches kindergarten to Grade 6 music in Alberta, Canada. In addition to her teaching role, Stacy serves as the Education Director for Musicplay Online, a platform dedicated to supporting music educators in enhancing their teaching practices. Stacy has led sessions across North America, equipping educators with practical tools and strategies that make teaching music easier for teachers and fun for students. She is also the author of the “Super Simple Music Centers” series, published by Themes and Variations. Stacy has completed training in both Orff and Kodály pedagogy at the University of Kentucky and the University of Alberta. Working closely with her mentor and mother, Denise Gagne, Stacy remains dedicated to growing as an educator and creating a dynamic musical learning environment for her students. Outside of teaching, Stacy enjoys cheering on her son and daughter at their hockey games. In her free time, she loves skiing, hiking, and practicing yoga. |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 60
Krista Vincent
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B4 • Be Sneaky! Tricks and Activities for Building Singing Skills With Upper Elementary |
| Tricks and activities for building singing skills with older beginners and upper elementary. Help your students (and maybe even yourself!) develop a love of singing together! Jump right in and actively teach singing skills, reaching even those students who are experiencing their first-ever school music classes. In this session, we will play with different approaches to classroom singing for the upper elementary grades, with the goal of increasing student engagement, vocal skills, and confidence. Learn tricks for being sneaky with lessons, injecting singing into everything we do! |
| Krista Vincent is a conductor and music educator in the Halifax area. Her love of singing began in her early years in Stephenville, NL, and has seen her progress from primary school chorister to conductor of her own ensembles. She has taught elementary music and choir since 2003, and has benefitted from years of involvement with the Nova Scotia Choral Federation and Orff Nova Scotia. Currently, she keeps active in the community by working with EnChor East Singers, serving as Mentorship Coordinator with the Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers’ Association, and regularly participating in conducting masterclasses and music education workshops. Krista aspires to provide an experience that challenges students to improve musically, while valuing the personal development and community connections of music education and choral involvement. She is eager to work with colleagues and hopes we can all share in the joy of singing together! |
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Capacity: 60
Jenny Trites
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B5 • Orff Processes and Possibilities |
| Imitate, explore, create. In this session we will apply this sequence to three different elementary music activities (movement, non pitched percussion, and pitched percussion). Add to your toolkit of creative tasks for students to increase their ownership of their own music making with whatever repertoire you are using in your classroom. |
| Jenny Trites is an Orff specialist based in HRCE. In addition to teaching, she is an active pianist, choral musician, and composer/sound designer. Jenny directs the Giubilo Honour Choir, co-directs the Fairview Orffestra, and is the accompanist for Soundtrax. |
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Lunch (Provided—$15) |
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Capacity: 80
Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser
|
C1 • Building a Culture of Excellence |
| When we view the fine music programs across the nation, they have one commonality; the students reside in a CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE. From the lay-of-the-land to the attention to musical detail, EXCELLENCE is the filter of everything, all things. Fueled by communication, it is the ongoing planting-nurturing-and-harvesting of trust relationships with a constant focus on THE WHY. |
| Tim Lautzenheiser is a trusted friend to anyone interested in working with young people in the pursuit of excellence. His own career involves ten years as a band director at Northern Michigan University, the University of Missouri, and New Mexico State University. In 1981 he created Attitude Concepts for Today, Inc., an organization designed to manage the requests for student leadership workshops, teacher seminars, and convention speaking engagements focusing on the critical importance of “the teacher as a leader/role model.” He presently serves as the Senior Vice President of Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc. Tim is a co-writer of Hal Leonard’s popular band method, " Essential Elements.” His books, published by GIA Publications, include The Art of Successful Teaching, The Joy of Inspired Teaching, Classic Leadership, Pathway to Success, and many others are best-sellers in the music profession. |
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Nick Fisher, B.Mus, B.Ed, M.Ed
John MacLeod, B.Mus, B.MusEd, M.Ed
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C2 • Jazz Band Jumpstart |
| Starting a student jazz band can be exciting but also a bit overwhelming. Jazz Band Jumpstart is designed specifically for music educators looking to build or refine a jazz program from the ground up. In coordination with Nova Scotia Honour we’ll deliver a hands-on clinic that not only shows you how to start up and effectively rehearse a jazz band or combo, but also connects you with resources and contacts to sustain your program throughout the school year. |
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Nick Fisher (B.Mus, B.Ed, M.Ed) is an active performer on saxophone and other woodwinds. He teaches music at Truro Middle School and is also the Program Director for Nova Scotia Honour Jazz. He is a member of the Halifax-based Back Alley Big Band and co-leads the Hubtown Big Band in Truro along with John MacLeod. Nick earned his Bachelor’s Degree in saxophone performance in the Jazz Studies program at St. FX and holds Bachelor’s and Master of Education degrees from Acadia University. He has recorded with such artists as Andru Branch, Kim Dunn, James Hill, Ann Janelle, and most recently on Brigid’s debut album for which he wrote the horn arrangements.
John MacLeod (B.Mus, B.MusEd, M.Ed) is a bassist and music educator based in Truro, Nova Scotia. He holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from St. Francis Xavier University, a Bachelor of Music Education from Memorial University, and a Master of Education from Western University. He currently serves as the band director at Cobequid Educational Centre in Truro. Outside the classroom, he is the founder and co-musical director of the HubTown Big Band—a vibrant ensemble showcasing some of Nova Scotia’s premier jazz talent. He has worked extensively with provincial music organizations, including the Nova Scotia Honour Jazz, Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble, Nova Scotia Junior Wind Ensemble, and the New Horizons Music Association. As a versatile and accomplished performer, John has appeared at festivals and venues across Atlantic Canada, continually engaging in diverse musical collaborations that span genres and generations. |
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Stacy Werner
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C3 • MusicPlay Percussion Party: Get Creative with Rhythm Instruments |
| Explore the exciting world of percussion instruments in this interactive session! Percussion instruments aren’t just for making noise; they’re tools for creativity, expression, and musical exploration. From sound effects to composing percussion pieces, participants will discover ways to incorporate rhythm instruments into their lessons. With a blend of classical and contemporary music, improvisation, and composition activities, this session will inspire educators to ignite a love for rhythm in their PreK to Grade 6 classrooms. |
| Stacy Werner is a music specialist with over 15 years of experience teaching choir, instrumental ensembles, piano, and classroom music. She currently teaches kindergarten to Grade 6 music in Alberta, Canada. In addition to her teaching role, Stacy serves as the Education Director for Musicplay Online, a platform dedicated to supporting music educators in enhancing their teaching practices. Stacy has led sessions across North America, equipping educators with practical tools and strategies that make teaching music easier for teachers and fun for students. She is also the author of the “Super Simple Music Centers” series, published by Themes and Variations. Stacy has completed training in both Orff and Kodály pedagogy at the University of Kentucky and the University of Alberta. Working closely with her mentor and mother, Denise Gagne, Stacy remains dedicated to growing as an educator and creating a dynamic musical learning environment for her students. Outside of teaching, Stacy enjoys cheering on her son and daughter at their hockey games. In her free time, she loves skiing, hiking, and practicing yoga. |
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Paula Danyluk
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C4 • Music Integration Across the Curriculum |
| Are you a Music teacher currently teaching other subjects, or are you looking to strengthen your Music program within your school? This hands-on session will provide practical ideas for meeting Music outcomes while simultaneously enhancing and supporting other areas of the curriculum. Discover strategies for creating inclusive learning experiences that foster academic success through the power of music integration. |
| Paula Danyluk-MacDonald graduated from Acadia University in Wolfville with her Bachelor of Music Education in 1988 and later completed a Masters in Administration in social justice from Mount St. Vincent in Halifax. Paula has a diverse background in education including teaching classroom and instrumental music from grades Primary through Twelve. She has taught in other subject areas such as grade 3, grades P-6 resource, fine arts appreciation (Jr. High and High School), music therapy, and EAL, and has over 20 years of administrative experience. Beyond the public-school setting, Paula has been the writer and artistic director for a maritime theatre company, has had music featured at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and has original songs in the Canadian Music Archive of Canada. Paula has appeared on the Comedy Network for the North American Improv Championships, worked for Mermaid Theatre, and has acted for both stage and television across the Maritimes. In 2016, Danyluk-MacDonald was named one of Canada's Outstanding Principals by the Learning Partnership of Canada for her instructional leadership support and her impact on staff and students. Paula uses her passion and expertise in the fine and performing arts to help students feel valued and successful. Paula was recently transitioned from being the Principal of Halifax Regional Arts to being the Arts Education Consultant for the NS EECD. Best. Gigs. Ever! |
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Capacity: 60
Jenny Trites
|
C5 • Orff Processes and Possibilities |
| Imitate, explore, create. In this session we will apply this sequence to three different elementary music activities (movement, non pitched percussion, and pitched percussion). Add to your toolkit of creative tasks for students to increase their ownership of their own music making with whatever repertoire you are using in your classroom. |
| Jenny Trites is an Orff specialist based in HRCE. In addition to teaching, she is an active pianist, choral musician, and composer/sound designer. Jenny directs the Giubilo Honour Choir, co-directs the Fairview Orffestra, and is the accompanist for Soundtrax. |
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Grace Law
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C6 • Beyond First Position |
| A step-by-step approach to teaching shifting with clarity and confidence. Playing in higher positions doesn’t have to be scary—and teaching it doesn’t have to be either. This workshop will equip you with a clear roadmap to demystify shifting and help your students confidently play in higher positions sooner rather than later. The simple yet highly effective strategies you’ll learn will lay a strong foundation and empower your students to tackle any position that comes their way. |
| Grace is deeply dedicated to the success of both string teachers and their students. Her mission is simple: to make string teacher training easily accessible to everyone. To achieve this, she has developed a new pedagogy tailored specifically for teaching classroom strings. Her innovative training program is available online worldwide and her clear and simple approach has proven highly effective. Grace's numerous publications have also become essentials in a growing number of classrooms, including her Smart Bow Hold and Left Hand Handouts, Smart Scales for Strings, and Smart Bowing Exercises. Grace has presented and exhibited at music educator’s conferences across Canada and the United States including the OMEA (Ontario), BCMEA (British Columbia), UMEA (Utah), ASTA (American String Teachers Association), the Midwest Clinic, and Sistema Canada. She is an Eastman Artist, has appeared on Music Ed Insights and the Low 2 Show, and has articles featured in SBO+ Magazine and the Utah Music Educators Journal. Grace earned her music and teaching degrees from the University of Toronto. She has taught strings for over 30 years and currently teaches high school orchestra in Toronto. |
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
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Networking & Vendors |
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Capacity: 80
Gems Helen Bannerman
Stephanie Mizuik
Allison Penwell
Lyndsey Mitchell
David Burtt
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D1 • Concert Band Reading Session |
| Join five experienced and passionate Nova Scotia band teachers as they each take the podium to conduct pieces they believe every school band should experience. These selections represent the best of what concert band repertoire has to offer—music that’s educational, engaging, and truly rewarding for students. Whether it’s a hidden gem, a time-tested classic, or a fresh new favourite, each conductor will share why their chosen piece resonates in the classroom and on the stage. Come play, listen, and discover inspiring repertoire ideas for your own ensembles! |
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HHelen Bannerman is a music teacher at Dr. JH Gillis Regional High school in Antigonish. There she teaches grades 9-12 music and IB music 11/12 and has a robust extracurricular band program that offers Concert Band, Stage Band and Choir. The bands play at concerts, StFX convocation ceremonies, the town Remembrance Day services, New Glasgow Music Festival and travel to festivals and cities for even more musical experiences. Every year, she and her husband Brent put on a musical that features students and adult community members from ages 8-88! This is a fundraiser for the band program but it also serves a need for community music-making projects. Helen has been teaching in the SRCE for 24 years, 12 of them at Dr. J. She has served on NSMEA, NSBA and was part of the first cohort to complete the Acadia Masters program for music teachers in 2014.
Stephanie Mizuik serves as the Instrumental Music Director at Amherst Regional High School, bringing a lifetime of dedication and passion for music education to her community. A proud Amherst native, Stephanie has devoted her entire career to fostering musical growth in local schools. She began by teaching elementary music for a year before spending 14 years helping young musicians begin their instrumental journey at the junior high level. For the past 15 years, she has guided senior high students, helping them discover their potential and love for instrumental music. As the director of the county's only high school instrumental program, Stephanie has been a tireless advocate for keeping music education vibrant and accessible. Beyond her work in schools, she has faithfully served as the organist at Christ Church for 35 years, where she has lead both youth and adult choirs with the same dedication and artistry she brings to her teaching. Her enduring commitment to music has left an indelible mark on generations of students and her community.
Allison Penwell (B.Mus., B.Ed., M.Ed., NSCAD certificate) is a band director at Eastern Shore Consolidated School, teaching Band 7-12 and directing Musical Theater and Intermediate Band at Halifax Regional Arts. Passionate about arts education for rural and small schools, Allison has offered jazz, musical theater, creative collective, theater and honours programs in her schools working alongside fellow educators to ensure small/rural schools have equal opportunities in the arts. Her students have gone on to musical performance, sound recording, music education, music therapy and composition. She has presented at the NS Music Educators Conference and is passionate about creating safe communities within her band programs. A strong supporter of new music for bands and using music as an opportunity to elevate all voices, she has traveled with her bands throughout Canada and the United States.
Lyndsey Mitchell is a dedicated music educator who believes that music can and should be used as a vehicle for both individual and community development. She is committed to creating supportive, inclusive spaces where learners develop their technical and artistic abilities, engage in critical thinking, build confidence, and explore music as a means for self-expression and personal growth. Lyndsey studied flute at Acadia University, earning undergraduate (BMus ‘12, BEd ‘14) and graduate (MEd ‘19) degrees in music education. After graduating in 2014, she moved to northern Alberta, where she developed the wind and vocal music programs at Charles Spencer High School. During this time, she discovered an unexpected love for choir and musical theatre, routinely bringing ensembles to the Alberta Music Festival Association’s provincial festival and directing full-scale musical productions each year. While working in Grande Prairie, she received Swan City Rotary’s Excellence in Education award and served on the Fine Arts Advisory Committee for Grande Prairie Regional College (now Northwestern Polytechnic). Since returning to Nova Scotia in 2021, Lyndsey has been involved with Acadia University’s music programs, mentoring future music educators through its Bachelor of Education program, and, more recently, joining the Summer Music Academy as co-director. She is also the youth coordinator for Quick As A Wink Theatre Society and serves as a member-at-large for both the Nova Scotia Band Association and the Nova Scotia Music Education Council. Currently, she teaches music and computer programming at Horton High School in Greenwich, Nova Scotia. When she is not in a rehearsal, Lyndsey can be found tackling DIY projects around the house or spending quality time with her beloved rescue animals.
David Burtt has taught music in Halifax area schools for 29 years. In that time he has taught instrumental music from grade six to 12, general music, vocal music, and beginner guitar. David has BMus and BMus Ed degrees from Acadia University and his MEd from Mount Saint Vincent. He has guest conducted the Nova Scotia Junior Wind Ensemble and is on the executive of the NSBA. David continues to play with the 36 Canadian Brigade (NS) Band in Halifax after 34 years in the armed forces reserves. Outside of music, he is thrilled with his new hip and can’t wait to get back to playing hockey. |
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Capacity: 50
Nadine Hebert
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D2 • Choral Reading Session: French Language Songs for the Classroom |
| Nadine will share French and Acadian repertoire, explain its history, and describe the style of Acadian music. You will have the chance to sing and enjoy an authentic experience—with a true Acadian! You will leave the workshop with a choir repertoire specifically designed for elementary classroom and school choirs. |
| Nadine Hebert has been involved in the choral community for 20 years now. Grandniece of the founder of the Jeunes chanteurs d'Acadie, Sister Lorette Gallant, Nadine decided to perpetuate the family tradition by agreeing to direct the choir in 2005. It was only a few years later that she also took over the children's choir, Les Amis de la chanson. Holder of a Bachelor of Music degree from the Université de Moncton, she has always been passionate about singing. It is among other things by being a member of the vocal quartet Les Muses and the group Troiselle that Nadine has carved out a place for herself in the Acadian artistic community. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to take the choir on tour to Cuba, Louisiana and across Canada. Nadine is recognized for her deep passion for choral singing and for her ease in working with young singers. |
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Paula Danyluk
|
D3 • Dance in the Music Classroom |
| Looking to give students more opportunities to experience music through movement and express themselves artistically? This engaging session on Teaching Dance for Understanding offers practical, hands-on activities that students of all ages will love. Come ready to move—wear comfortable clothes as we bust a move together! |
| Paula Danyluk-MacDonald graduated from Acadia University in Wolfville with her Bachelor of Music Education in 1988 and later completed a Masters in Administration in social justice from Mount St. Vincent in Halifax. Paula has a diverse background in education including teaching classroom and instrumental music from grades Primary through Twelve. She has taught in other subject areas such as grade 3, grades P-6 resource, fine arts appreciation (Jr. High and High School), music therapy, and EAL, and has over 20 years of administrative experience. Beyond the public-school setting, Paula has been the writer and artistic director for a maritime theatre company, has had music featured at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and has original songs in the Canadian Music Archive of Canada. Paula has appeared on the Comedy Network for the North American Improv Championships, worked for Mermaid Theatre, and has acted for both stage and television across the Maritimes. In 2016, Danyluk-MacDonald was named one of Canada's Outstanding Principals by the Learning Partnership of Canada for her instructional leadership support and her impact on staff and students. Paula uses her passion and expertise in the fine and performing arts to help students feel valued and successful. Paula was recently transitioned from being the Principal of Halifax Regional Arts to being the Arts Education Consultant for the NS EECD. Best. Gigs. Ever! |
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Capacity: 60
Krista Vincent
|
D4 • Be Sneaky! Tricks and Activities for Building Singing Skills With Upper Elementary |
| Tricks and activities for building singing skills with older beginners and upper elementary. Help your students (and maybe even yourself!) develop a love of singing together! Jump right in and actively teach singing skills, reaching even those students who are experiencing their first-ever school music classes. In this session, we will play with different approaches to classroom singing for the upper elementary grades, with the goal of increasing student engagement, vocal skills, and confidence. Learn tricks for being sneaky with lessons, injecting singing into everything we do! |
| Krista Vincent is a conductor and music educator in the Halifax area. Her love of singing began in her early years in Stephenville, NL, and has seen her progress from primary school chorister to conductor of her own ensembles. She has taught elementary music and choir since 2003, and has benefitted from years of involvement with the Nova Scotia Choral Federation and Orff Nova Scotia. Currently, she keeps active in the community by working with EnChor East Singers, serving as Mentorship Coordinator with the Nova Scotia Registered Music Teachers’ Association, and regularly participating in conducting masterclasses and music education workshops. Krista aspires to provide an experience that challenges students to improve musically, while valuing the personal development and community connections of music education and choral involvement. She is eager to work with colleagues and hopes we can all share in the joy of singing together! |
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Capacity: 30
Grace Law
|
D5 • Exploring String Repertoire on Secondary Instruments |
| Step out of your comfort zone. Bring a secondary instrument to this interactive reading session. Together, we’ll explore carefully selected repertoire from Grades 1 through 3 (don’t worry if 3 is beyond your ability). We’ll focus on pieces that are both pedagogically valuable and enjoyable to play. Embrace the experience of being a learner again, improve your playing skills, and get fresh new repertoire ideas. Come ready to play, laugh, and learn in a low-pressure, fun environment! |
| Grace is deeply dedicated to the success of both string teachers and their students. Her mission is simple: to make string teacher training easily accessible to everyone. To achieve this, she has developed a new pedagogy tailored specifically for teaching classroom strings. Her innovative training program is available online worldwide and her clear and simple approach has proven highly effective. Grace’s numerous publications have also become essentials in a growing number of classrooms, including her Smart Bow Hold and Left Hand Handouts, Smart Scales for Strings, and Smart Bowing Exercises. Grace has presented and exhibited at music educator’s conferences across Canada and the United States including the OMEA (Ontario), BCMEA (British Columbia), UMEA (Utah), ASTA (American String Teachers Association), the Midwest Clinic, and Sistema Canada. She is an Eastman Artist, has appeared on Music Ed Insights and the Low 2 Show, and has articles featured in SBO+ Magazine and the Utah Music Educators Journal. Grace earned her music and teaching degrees from the University of Toronto. She has taught strings for over 30 years and currently teaches high school orchestra in Toronto. For more information about Grace and her work, visit smartstringteacher.com |
