
2023 MMC PRE-CONFERENCE INFORMATION
MMEA – Pre-Conference
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Presented by: Dr. Missy Strong
Additional fee for this session; fee does not include lunch
From Philosophy to Practice: On the Path to a More Equitable, Inclusive Music Classroom
Music, the Brain, and Culturally Responsive Learning
With a basic understanding of neuroscience and music processing, teachers can fine tune instruction to better meet student needs. Cultural Responsiveness can help inform the many decisions music teachers make daily, especially as they shed a deficit mindset in order to focus on the varied assets that students bring to music. Learn how looking at Culturally Responsive Teaching in Music through the lens of neuroscience helps teachers guide students to discover their innate musicality in powerful, long-lasting ways.
Intentional Movement to Diverse Styles of Music
Movement is integral to a more full realization of a student’s musicality. It can also help them better comprehend expression, form, and other musical concepts. When students develop movement competence in the early years, musical learning is even more powerful and continues into adulthood. Learn why movement is crucial in the elementary general classroom as well as how to boldly and joyfully include multiple genres of music, including Pop, Global, Classical, and Hip Hop, to the repertoire to meet students where they are and draw them into this crucial (and fun!) component of being musical.
Fostering Belonging in the Music Classroom
How can we create equitable, safe, brave spaces where students can joyfully engage and grow as musicians while also feeling cared for socially and emotionally? Hear what the research says about the importance of belonging in the elementary years as you gain practical ideas for forging authentic connections with and among students.
Folk Dance with a Twist: Adding Modern Music to the Mix
Make sure you have your dancing shoes as we get moving to some beloved folk dances using Pop, R & B, Disco, and Hip Hop music. Learn how adding different genres of music to the existing repertoire helps build fun, engagement, and buy-in to folk dancing which is already rich in authentic opportunities for musical learning. This session will feature tons of movement, all of which you can use in your classroom right away!
45th Annual MSBOA Conducting Symposium
9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Additional fee for this session; fee does not include lunch
Conducting Symposiums have been offered to Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) members since 1975. The Symposium is held as a pre-conference event. Participants are video recorded as they conduct traditional band and orchestral repertoire followed by live comments from respected and experienced conductors, including Dr. Gregory Cunningham from Oakland University. Our featured rehearsal ensembles this year are the Oakland University Wind Symphony and the MSBOA/MASTA Teacher Orchestra.
Participants gain valuable insight into the art of conducting. New teachers and seasoned professionals alike can benefit from this unique, hands-on program. Up to 20 wind and 15 string conductors will have time in front of an ensemble. Those interested in conducting can sign up when registering for the MMC as a “conductor” for either “band” or “strings” in the pre-conference registration. All others should register as “observer”. It is a first come, first serve registration process. Spots to conduct do fill up quickly
MSVMA Choral Conducting Symposium
9:00 am – 11:00 am
Additional fee for this session; fee does not include lunch
20-minute sessions with six participant conductors, focusing on conducting and rehearsal technique. This pre-conference event will allow participants to conduct traditional choral repertoire with a featured rehearsal ensemble, and receive live feedback and instruction from a guest clinician. Teachers have the opportunity to apply as either a Conductor or as an Observer (reduced fee). College students may apply as an Observer. Both new and experienced choral conductors can benefit from observing or conducting.
Technology Pre-Conference
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Additional fee for this session; fee does not include lunch
A selection of practical and hands-on sessions relevant to all levels of instruction and tech proficiency. Attendees are encouraged to BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and your real-world questions for some instant answers and creative networking solutions. Clock hours are available:
- Empowering Your Students - Addressing SEL (9:00 AM - 9:45 AM)
- Tech Resources for the Performance Classroom (9:00 AM - 9:45 AM)
- Finale 27 for Your Classroom Needs (10:00 AM - 10:45 AM)
- Editing Video with YouTube and TikTok (10:00 AM - 10:45 AM)
- Tech Q&A: MMC Technology Committee (11:00 AM - 11:45 AM)
- Technology in Your Class in a Post-Pandemic World (1:00 PM - 1:45 PM)
- Make and Take Session - Create Portfolios, Hyperdocs, Playlists, and More (1:00 pm - 3:00 pm)
- Do Your Students Know What You Think They Know? (2:00 pm - 2:45 pm)