22nd Annual Pre-Service Fine Arts Mini-Conference
Composing Balance: “Nurturing Practice, Passion & Well-Being”
Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
8:00 am – 1:00 pm
7:00 am Registration
7:45 am Teachers move to Porter Ballroom
8:00 am National Anthem - Samantha Murillo
8:05 am Welcome
Joe Luechauer, Music & Performing Arts Curriculum Supervisor, BCPS
Susan M. Cantrick, Director Applied Learning, BCPS
James Knapp, President & CEO Broward Education Foundation
Jacob Aronin, Director of Education, Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Donna Haynes-DeGraaf, Visual Arts Curriculum Supervisor, BCPS
8:30 am Keynote Address - “Finding Balance: In Art, In Teaching, In Life”
Dr. Chandler Wilson- Director of Bands and Assistant Professor at Stetson University
9:15 am Visual Arts moves to Abdo New River Room
Performing Arts remain in Porter Ballroom
9:30 am Curriculum Updates – “Need to Know”
10:15 am Performing Arts moves to breakout areas: Band/Orchestra - Porter Ballroom
Chorus – Harlow Classroom
Dance – Thomas Learning Suite A
Elementary Music – JM Family Studio
Theatre – Thomas Learning Suite B
10:30 am Breakout Sessions
12:30 pm Curriculum Supervisors available for questions
1:00 pm Adjourn
Keynote Speaker
Dr. Chandler Wilson
“Finding Balance: In Art, In Teaching, In Life”
Dr. Chandler L. Wilson is the Director of Bands and Assistant Professor at Stetson University, where he conducts the Stetson University Symphonic Band, directs the Hatter Band and Pep Band, and teaches courses in conducting. He also oversees the band operations within the School of Music. Prior to his appointment at Stetson, Dr. Wilson served as the Assistant Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Florida State University (2020–2024)
A native of Miami, Florida, Dr. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he served as University Band President and saxophone section leader. At FAMU, he was selected as student arranger and conductor for both the marching and symphonic bands and was one of the first student staff members for the renowned "Marching 100". He earned a Master of Arts in Wind Band Conducting from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Ph.D. in Music Education with an emphasis in Wind Band Conducting from Florida State University.
Dr. Wilson is an accomplished composer and arranger. His works have been featured by AllCounty/District Honor Bands, All-State Bands, and prestigious events such as the Music for All National Festival and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. His composition Legends of the Galaxy (A Cosmic Fanfare) was named one of the Top 100 Band Compositions in the American Band College/Band World Magazine/Western International Band Clinic Literature List in 2016
Before his tenure at Florida State, Dr Wilson served as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at Eastern Michigan University He also held high school teaching positions at Hollywood Hills High School and Cooper City High School in Florida. In addition, he served as associate conductor of the Broward Symphonic Band and assistant conductor for the Music Ambassadors Europe Music Tour in 2010 and 2012.
His mentors in conducting have included esteemed educators such as Prof. Richard Clary, Dr. Jack Stamp, Julian White, Dr. Shelby Chipman, Dr. Roby George, and Maestro Raffaele Ponti.
Dr. Wilson holds memberships in several professional organizations, including the College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Pi Kappa Lambda. He is also an honorary member of Sigma Alpha Iota, Tau Beta Sigma, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and a member of ASCAP. He is a recipient of the Florida Bandmasters Association Tom Bishop Award and has been recognized by Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers.
Dr. Wilson resides in the Sanford/Lake Mary area of Florida with his wife, Ashley, and their two children Addisyn (Addi) and Chandler Jr (CJ)
“Activity Safety and Awareness”
Raphaella
Petrosino, MS, LAT, ATC
Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital, U18 Sports Medicine, Board Certified and Florida State Licensed Athletic Trainer
This session will provide Band directors with information to help ensure a safe environment for their student performers by reviewing emergency action plans and emergency responses. Additionally, directors will be provided information on the importance of hydration to help prevent dehydration and heat illness. The last segments will provide an overview of signs and symptoms of heat illness and concussion and the appropriate actions to be taken in order to help ensure the student receives the most appropriate care.
Dr. Chandler Wilson
“Conducting In The Educational Setting: Director's Reassemble!”
How much do we retain from what we learned in our instrumental conducting classes? We discussed everything from the basics of posture, grip, hand independence, facial expressions, preparatory gestures, approvals, and disapprovals, and more. But when we get in front of our own ensembles, some of these things start to change, and we get in the way of our students and their ability to make music. This presentation will help us go back to the basics and reset ourselves for our ensembles.
Dr. Chandler L. Wilson is the Director of Bands and Assistant Professor at Stetson University, where he conducts the Stetson University Symphonic Band, directs the Hatter Band and Pep Band, and teaches courses in conducting. He also oversees the band operations within the School of Music. Prior to his appointment at Stetson, Dr. Wilson served as the Assistant Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Florida State University (2020–2024).
A native of Miami, Florida, Dr. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Florida A&M University (FAMU), where he served as University Band President and saxophone section leader. At FAMU, he was selected as student arranger and conductor for both the marching and symphonic bands and was one of the first student staff members for the renowned "Marching 100" He earned a Master of Arts in Wind Band Conducting from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Ph D in Music Education with an emphasis in Wind Band Conducting from Florida State University
Dr Wilson is an accomplished composer and arranger His works have been featured by All-County/District Honor Bands, All-State Bands, and prestigious events such as the Music for All National Festival and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic His composition Legends of the Galaxy (A Cosmic Fanfare) was named one of the Top 100 Band Compositions in the American Band College/Band World Magazine/Western International Band Clinic Literature List in 2016
Before his tenure at Florida State, Dr. Wilson served as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at Eastern Michigan University. He also held high school teaching positions at Hollywood Hills High School and Cooper City High School in Florida. In addition, he served as associate conductor of the Broward Symphonic Band and assistant conductor for the Music Ambassadors Europe Music Tour in 2010 and 2012.
His mentors in conducting have included esteemed educators such as Prof. Richard Clary, Dr. Jack Stamp, Julian White, Dr. Shelby Chipman, Dr. Roby George, and Maestro Raffaele Ponti.
Dr. Wilson holds memberships in several professional organizations, including the College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, Florida Music Educators Association, Florida Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Pi Kappa Lambda. He is also an honorary member of Sigma Alpha Iota, Tau Beta Sigma, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and a member of ASCAP He is a recipient of the Florida Bandmasters Association Tom Bishop Award and has been recognized by Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers
Dr Wilson resides in the Sanford/Lake Mary area of Florida with his wife, Ashley, and their two children, Addisyn (Addi) and Chandler Jr (CJ)
Anjane Girwarr
“A Clear Tone Through a Clear Mind”
Tools to providing mental clarity to you and your students. Session participants will explore ways to sustain a calmer mind and implement these tools in their program for their students.
Anjane Girwarr is on her eleventh year as a musical theatre voice instructor for the University of Miami. As a seventh - year yoga instructor, she is the creator of Music that Moves, yoga designed for singers and music teachers. Anjane performs as a Magic City Opera artist and served as its executive director. She has performed in musicals throughout south Florida and in concerts with Andrea Bocelli with the Master Chorale of South Florida. She sings with one of her favorite conductors, her husband, Eric Firestone, director at Christ the King Lutheran, where she sings as a soloist and soprano section leader.
Rae Wilcoxson
“Dance Education Roundtable”
Please join us for a roundtable discussion on Dance Education
Rae Wilcoxson is a dynamic and multifaceted dance artist, educator, and choreographer whose work spans performance, instruction, and creative direction. A graduate of Indiana University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and a minor in Spanish and PreOptometry studies, Rae brings a unique blend of artistic excellence and academic rigor to every endeavor.
Currently, Rae is a company member with Dance NOW! Miami, a Community Engagement Artist with Miami City Ballet, and a dance teacher and coach at Studio 61 and Maria Verdeja School of the Arts. Rae’s performance credits include international and national stages such as Aaron Davis Hall in NYC with the Limón Company, Touhill Performing Arts Center in St. Louis, Compagnia Opus Ballet in Florence, Italy, and the Broward Center in Miami. Rae has also performed in commercial productions including wedding performances with Loren Allred and Jennifer Lopez, and musical theater showcases with Imagination Entertainment.
Rae’s teaching and choreography experience spans over nine years across Miami-Dade and Broward Counties, Indiana, and Tippecanoe County. Rae has served as an adjunct teacher and guest choreographer at Miami Arts Charter, a residency teacher at South Miami Middle School, and a private coach with The Company DTE. University choreography projects include original music and dance works for New Moves, Framing Figures, and SLIP, showcasing Rae’s interdisciplinary approach and creative vision.
Rae’s artistic toolkit includes music editing and composition, graphic design, costume design, and proficiency in saxophone and snare. Rae is certified in Aerial Yoga and NDI, and has a strong foundation in anatomy, statistics interpretation, and social media marketing. Rae is also a skilled visual artist, with talents in ink drawing and painting.
Rae’s work is rooted in a deep commitment to community, education, and the transformative power of the performing arts. Rae continues to inspire students and audiences alike through innovative choreography, passionate teaching, and vibrant performances.
Rey Sunglao
Sound and Motion: A Workshop on Music and Movement for PreK to Grade 1
Join Rey Sunglao for a workshop designed for elementary music educators, where you will explore music and movement activities for PreK to Grade 1 music classrooms. Discover developmentally appropriate activities aligned with the student's cognitive, socioemotional, physical, and musical capacities. This hands-on session will provide practical tools and ideas in incorporating movements into your lessons and engage young learners.
Rey Sunglao is a PhD in Music Education student at Frost School of Music, University of Miami. He holds a double Master of Music in Music Education and Double Bass Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, where he received the Eastman Inclusive Excellence Award and was inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda. Rey earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education with Double Bass Principal from St. Scholastica’s College, Manila, Philippines, holding the very first double bass graduate and very first male valedictorian. He is also an alumnus of The Outstanding Students of the Philippines.
As a performer, Rey represented the Philippines at the 2017 Asian Youth Orchestra as principal double bassist, touring across Asia, the US, and Europe. He is a member of the Manila Symphony Orchestra, one of the oldest orchestras in Southeast Asia. As a music educator, Rey has taught undergraduate String Techniques, K-12 general music, and Pre-K Music and Movement. His research interests include sociocultural issues in music education, double bass pedagogy, and Philippine music education.
Dr. Kathleen Kerstetter
“Purposeful Play: Songs and Games for Upper Elementary”
Are you looking for new ways to keep the 'big kids" engaged throughout your music class? This session will focus on songs and games for Upper Elementary grades to keep engagement high and stress low.
Dr. Kathy Kerstetter teaches Pre K - 5 general music at Sheridan Park Elementary in Hollywood, Florida. She is the current the President of the South Florida Orff Chapter of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association. Previously, she served as the President of the Broward County Elementary Music Teachers Association. In 2023, she was selected for the Tribute to Teachers award from Local 10 (WPLG), and received the Janice Lancaster Professional Development Scholarship from FEMEA to complete her Orff Level III training.
Prior to her work with Broward County Public Schools, Dr Kerstetter’s work included founding and running the Creative Music Project, a summer camp project dedicated to teaching musical creativity in the Cayman Islands; university level instruction with FIU, University of Mount Olive, and Boston University; teaching middle school band with Palm Beach County Schools, and serving as the Education Chairperson for the Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra. She trained and taught Music Together classes for children and parents ages birth to age 5 at the Mailman Segal Center for Childhood Development Parenting Place through Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Kerstetter earned her Master’s in Music and Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Miami Frost School of Music. She has taught music to all ages and grade levels for more than two decades throughout South Florida. She has publications in Music Educators' Journal, General Music Today, Journal of Band Research, and is a contributing author for the book Pop Culture Pedagogy in the Music Classroom. In 2014, Teaching Music Magazine featured Dr. Kerstetter's original songwriting activities with elementary school children.
When Dr Kerstetter is not teaching music, you can find her helpng out as a band parent for the Cooper City Sound of Pride, or dancing to Jimmy Buffett.
Jennifer Laudia
“Devising Theatre: a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words”
We will engage in the creative process of devising original theatre pieces, using photography as the initial source of inspiration. Through analyzing images, exploring themes, and experimenting with storytelling techniques, your students will transform visual narratives into dynamic, collaborative performances.
Jen Laudia is the theatre teacher and director at NSU University School. Prior to working there, she was the founding teacher for P.S. 264’s Theatre program in Brooklyn, New York. At 264, she developed a collaborative and interdisciplinary kindergarten through fourth grade theatre curriculum. Ms. Laudia has worked for Lovewell Institute for the Creative Arts since 2007. She currently serves on the board of directors for Florida State Thespians, as well as Program Director for the Cappies Program. Ms. Laudia holds a B.A. in Theatre Studies from Suffolk University and an M.A. in Educational Theatre from NYU.
“No
Janet Gold
Wrong Answers; Exercises in Creativity”
Janet Gold has been inspiring minds in both art and education for over 40 years. Golds Creative Thinking Class, taught at the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, has been reworked into a two-hour workshop to engage, enlighten, and inspire creativity. This high energy workshop includes inspiring stories, and innovative exercises ranging from brainstorming and word games to deep introspective personal reflection. The fastpaced workshop is a mix of art, inspiration, education, and stand-up comedy. Essentially a boot camp for the brain. All materials provided. Bring your own coffee (caffeine; one of the 10 things that enhance creativity).
Janet Gold has been an artist and art educator in Broward County for over 40 years. She has a Masters Degree in both Education and Fine Art and has taught Kindergarten through College.
As an artist, Gold has participated in several international residencies, and won numerous awards, including the South Florida Cultural Consortium Fellowship, twice. In her long and illustrious career Gold has been a painter, pastelist, collage artist, writer, photographer, art judge, board member, playwright, and the Mayors wife. And now she teaches Creative Thinking Workshops.