Forum for Future Female Band Directors - Virtual Brochure

FORUM FOR FUTURE FEMALE

BAND DIRECTORS UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

MOORE MUSIC BUILDING, WATKINS HALL

SATURDAY: MARCH 19 10 AM - 3 PM

A forum to help connect you with other graduate/undergraduate female band directors in the state of Michigan as well as host insightful presentations from women who have just entered the field. We hope that this invaluable opportunity helps to build a stronger community of women who will know each other and be inspired with each other.

FORUM FOR FUTURE FEMALE

BAND DIRECTORS SCHEDULE 10:00 AM

Registration Check-in & Breakfast

10:15 AM

Meet & Greet

10:30 AM

College Director Panel

11:30 AM

Breakout Session & Discussion

12:15 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

K-12 Band Director Panel

2:15 PM

Full Group Discussion & Wrap-Up

3:00 PM

Depart

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BAND DIRECTORS MEET THE COLLEGE DIRECTOR PANEL KAYLA CORDELL (She/Her) Kayla Cordell has been the director of the Cornerstone University Symphonic Winds, and CU instructor for music education and conducting courses since 2018. She is also an adjunct music faculty member at Muskegon Community College. Cordell holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Cornerstone University ’06, and a Master of Music degree from Sam Houston State University through the American Band College ’12. In 2009, she received the Newaygo County Outstanding High School Educator Award, and the Outstanding Potential Award from the ASBDA (American School Band Directors Association) for early career accomplishments. During her first four years of teaching in White CONTACT ME Cloud, MI she wrote over $30,000 in grants to benefit her band program. In kayla.cordell@cornerstone.edu 2010, Kayla Cordell became the director of the Sparta High School Band in Sparta, Michigan. The teaching position included directing the 100-member marching band, concert band, wind ensemble, and jazz band. In addition to receiving Division I ratings at district and state festivals, she also helped organize national and international trips for her students. Cordell held various leadership positions in the MSBOA organization including hosting all-state auditions, honor bands, and serving on the MSBOA Festival Improvement Committee. Moving to higher education in 2018, Kayla Cordell organized Cornerstone University’s first HS Honor Band and gave instrumental clinics in various private and public high schools. In February of 2020, Cordell became the first female guest conductor of the 62nd annual Tri-County Honors Band.

The same month she gave a presentation titled Agency at the District Level during the New Directions in Music Education Conference hosted by Michigan State University. In 2022, Kayla Cordell was a featured special lecturer at Cornerstone University, and she premiered a composition for percussion ensemble titled Redirect.

ADVICE FOR FEMALE EDUCATORS "If your older female mentors are hard on you, know they are not trying to hold you back, but preparing you for the world they experienced. Be gracious when they give advice. You will have it better because of the challenges they walked through."

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BAND DIRECTORS MEET THE COLLEGE DIRECTOR PANEL SHANNON SHAKER (She/Her)

CONTACT ME

shake1sm@gmail.com

Shannon Shaker holds the position of Assistant Professor, Director of Bands at Grand Rapids Community College. She leads the Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble, and teaches applied clarinet, along with other music classes in the department. Shannon served as Director of Bands and Music Education at Frostburg State University in Frostburg, Maryland from 2018 - 2020. During her time at Frostburg State University, Shannon led the Wind Ensemble, Marching Bobcats, oversaw the music education curriculum, supervised student teachers, and taught music education and general education courses including: Conducting, Introduction to Music Education, Instrumental Methods, Secondary General Music Methods, Elementary Music Methods, Gender and Sexuality in Music, and Music Appreciation. Shannon served as a graduate teaching assistant at Arizona State University, where she earned a doctorate in wind conducting in 2020. Shannon completed a Master of Music degree in conducting from Central Michigan University in 2016. Before pursuing graduate studies, Shannon served as a music educator in Michigan and Colorado. Her teaching duties included: elementary music, high school band, music technology, and running First Notes, an El Sistema USA based youth orchestra in Avon, CO. Shannon earned her Bachelor of Music Education from Central Michigan University in 2009. Dr. Shaker is active in the professional music community. She is a member of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), College Music Society, National Association for Music Education, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE), and Women Band Director International (WBDI), where she has served as scholarship chair since 2019. She is also on the Strategic Planning Committee for the Maryland Music Educators Association, and served on a small-bands working group for the eastern division of CBDNA. Shannon is an active guest conductor, clinician, and presenter.

ADVICE FOR FEMALE EDUCATORS "Take advantage of and create opportunities to work with bands. Teach at a band camp, attend a conducting symposium, volunteer to teach lessons/sectionals at a local school. Reach out to teachers in the area and observe them. Work with concert, marching, and jazz bands."

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BAND DIRECTORS MEET THE COLLEGE DIRECTOR PANEL PAM KLENA (She/Her) Dr. Pam Klena is Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Oakland University where she conducts the Oakland University Symphonic Band, teaches elementary and secondary instrumental music education methods courses, and supervises student teachers. Dr. Klena holds the Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro where she served as a graduate teaching assistant and studied with Kevin M. Geraldi and John R. Locke. Dr. Klena earned the Master of Music degree from Central Michigan University where she studied conducting with John E. Williamson. During her time at Lee University, she traveled internationally promoting music education and leading masterclasses in countries such as Jordan, Brazil, and Kenya. She CONTACT ME pamelaklena@oakland.edu also was a founding member of a local beginning band program that afforded fifth-grade band students with free private lessons taught by college students.

Dr. Klena’s primary research interest is gender diversity among wind band conductors and is committed to furthering inclusivity in the field. Her dissertation entitled, Toward a More Inclusive Profession: A Qualitative Study of Female Wind Band Conductors, discusses nationally-recognized female wind band conductors in order to glean insights into their experiences and perspectives. Other research interests include audience engagement and recruitment in the 21st century. Pam is a recipient of the CBDNA Mike Moss Study Grant. Dr. Klena is also a proud member of the College Band Directors National Association, Women Band Directors International, National Association for Music Education, College Music Society, Conductors Guild, Sigma Alpha Iota, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Pi Kappa Lambda. Dr. Klena currently serves as President-Elect for Women Band Directors International and Oakland faculty advisor for OU NAfME Collegiate and Sigma Alpha Iota Nu Zeta Chapter which was charter in December 2021.

ADVICE FOR FEMALE EDUCATORS "Surround yourself with positive, empowering mentors. When you lose your 'why' on your journey (and you might), they can help you find your way."

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BAND DIRECTORS MEET THE COLLEGE DIRECTOR PANEL KATE FITZPATRICK

CONTACT ME

katefitz@umich.edu

Kate Fitzpatrick is Associate Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Michigan. Dr. Fitzpatrick is a 2020 winner of the Carol Hollenshead Inspire Award for Excellence in Promoting Equity and Social Change, awarded to University of Michigan faculty “whose sustained efforts have resulted in greater equity with regard to gender, race, class, age, disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation.” Before coming to U-M in the fall of 2008, Fitzpatrick served as assistant professor of music education and assistant director of bands at the University of Louisville, where she conducted the Symphonic Band, and is the former director of instrumental music at Northland High School in Columbus, Ohio, where she led the district’s largest band and orchestra program.Dean Fitzpatrick is an active and prolific researcher, specializing in arts equity, urban music education, culturally responsive pedagogy, academic motherhood, and mixed methods research. Her research has been published in the Journal of Research in Music Education, Research Studies in Music Education, the Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, Contributions to Music Education, the Music Educators Journal, the Journal of Mixed Methods Research, and the International Journal of Music Education, in addition to numerous book chapters. Her book, Urban Music Education: A Practical Guide for Teachers, was published in 2015 by Oxford University Press. Fitzpatrick has presented at numerous state, national, and international conferences, and currently serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Research in Music Education. She is the past national elected chair of the Social Sciences Special Research Interest Group for the National Association of Music Education, and also serves as a frequent clinician and guest conductor with bands across the United States. Fitzpatrick serves as a faculty expert affiliate to Poverty Solutions at the University of Michigan, which focuses on fostering research related to the prevention and alleviation of poverty, and also serves on the Advisory Board for the Save the Music Foundation.

ADVICE FOR FEMALE EDUCATORS "Know your worth, prioritize that which is most important to you, build positive relationships, and never be afraid to be unapologetically yourself."

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BAND DIRECTORS MEET THE COLLEGE DIRECTOR PANEL COURTNEY SNYDER (She/Her)

CONTACT ME

cksnyder@umich.edu

Dr. Courtney Snyder is Associate Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Conducting at the University of Michigan where she conducts the Concert Band, teaches conducting, and conducts the Michigan Youth Symphonic Band. Previously, Snyder served as the Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. While in Omaha, she was Music Director for the Nebraska Wind Symphony. Bands under her direction have been selected to perform at state and regional conferences.

An active guest conductor and clinician, Snyder is a contributing author to the recently published book The Horizon Leans Forward… and is published in several journals including Music Educators Journal, The Instrumentalist, several volumes of Teaching Music Through Performance in Band, The Woman Conductor, School Band & Orchestra Magazine, and Association of Concert Bands Journal. She received the Tau Beta Sigma Paula Crider Outstanding Band Director Award, earned 2nd Place in the 2018 American Prize in Conducting, Band/Wind Ensemble Division Competition, was given a Citation of Excellence award by the National Band Association, and serves on the editorial board of The Woman Conductor. Prior to directing college ensembles, Snyder taught high school and middle school band and orchestra for six years in the Michigan public schools. She is a Conn-Selmer clinician and Immediate Past President of Women Band Directors International.

ADVICE FOR FEMALE EDUCATORS "Build a strong foundation by doing your best. Find trustworthy mentors and make friends with other women directors. Recognize that your job is not your identity. "

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BAND DIRECTORS MEET THE COLLEGE DIRECTOR PANEL MARY LAND (She/Her)

CONTACT ME

mary.land@wmich.edu

Dr. Mary Land is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Music Education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She conducts the University Concert Band and teaches courses in instrumental music education. Prior to this appointment, she was Director of Bands and Instrumental Music Education at Young Harris College in Young Harris, Georgia. Before moving to higher education, Dr. Land was a public-school band director in Georgia for over twenty-five years where she developed an outstanding band program in Pickens County, Georgia. Bands under Mary Land’s direction have received invitations to perform at many music conferences and clinics.

Dr. Land earned her Educational Doctorate (Ed.D) from the University of Georgia, her Master of Music Education degree from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois, and her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Georgia. She has served as the President of the Georgia Music Educators Association and the state of Georgia’s CNAfME chair. In Michigan, Dr. Land has served as the National Band Association state chair and the Michigan Music Education Association’s CNAfME chair. Dr. Land serves on the Board of Directors for the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic and is a member of the Zeta Chapter of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. Dr. Land is also on the faculty of the prestigious Interlochen Arts Camp as the conductor of the Intermediate Wind Symphony.

ADVICE FOR FEMALE EDUCATORS "You will be placed in a compromising position at some point in your life.

Decide now how you will react and not wait until the situation occurs. "

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BAND DIRECTORS K - 12 DIRECTOR PANEL JESSI BOUCHARD (She/Her) Jessi Bouchard is in her second year as the Band Director at Pioneer Middle School in Plymouth, MI. Prior to her time in Plymouth-Canton Schools, Jessi was Band Director at Seitz Middle School in Riverview, MI since 2016. She grew up in Farmington Hills, MI and graduated from Farmington High School in 2011. Jessi earned her Bachelors in Music Education from Michigan State University in 2015, and her Masters in Music Education from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2020.

Jessi has served on the MSBOA District 12 E-board since 2019 and is an active member in the organization. In her free time, Jessi is an avid sports fan. Her favorite teams are the Michigan State Football and Basketball teams, the Detroit Lions, and the Detroit Tigers. In her free time, she enjoys golfing with her husband, reading, crocheting, and playing with her golden retriever, Bailey.

ADVICE FOR FEMALE EDUCATORS "Don't take yourself too seriously. You're going to make mistakes, learn from them rather than dwell on them. When in doubt, reach out to your mentors and colleagues! You don't have to go through your career by yourself."

REACH OUT TO ME: Pioneer Middle School Plymouth - Canton Community Schools Email Address: jessica.bouchard@pccsk12.com

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BAND DIRECTORS K - 12 DIRECTOR PANEL SARAH BUSSINEAU (She/Her) Sarah Bussineau is a music educator based in southeastern Michigan.

She is a graduate of Oakland University, where she earned a B.M. in Music Education with a specialization in Instrumental and General Music. In 2020, she won the Michigan Association of Teacher Educator's Secondary Grades Student Teacher of the Year award. Sarah is in her second year of teaching, and is currently the Director of Band and Orchestra at Armada Middle School. She is a clarinet player, and likes learning about music theory and singing. She is also looking forward to meeting everyone at the forum!

ADVICE FOR FEMALE EDUCATORS "Learn about other disciplines of music in addition to band. Many music teaching jobs include more than one musical discipline, including my current position where I teach band and orchestra. Even if you don't use the knowledge directly in a job, it will still make you a better musician."

REACH OUT TO ME: Armada Middle School Armada, MI Email Address: sbussineau@armadaschools.org

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BAND DIRECTORS K - 12 DIRECTOR PANEL JENNA DORNOFF (She/Her) My name is Jenna Dornoff and I am the Assistant Director of Bands and Elementary Music Teacher at Meridian Public Schools. I graduated from Western Michigan University where I earned a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education. My primary instruments are the flute and piccolo which I have played in a variety of ensembles throughout the past few years including the Western Michigan University Bronco Marching Band and the WMU Wind Symphony. This is my first year of teaching and I have the opportunity to work with students in grades 3-12. Throughout this first year, I have had so many awesome musical experiences as a Music Educator. Through events and experiences relating to marching band, Solo and Ensemble Festival, Band and Orchestra Festival, daily rehearsals, music conferences (like the Michigan Music Conference), and countless others, I enjoy getting to share my passion for music with others. It truly is a fantastic feeling to be a Band Director!

ADVICE FOR FEMALE EDUCATORS "Don’t hesitate to reach out to other band directors and teachers.

Many are happy to share advice and ideas, so don’t be afraid to ask."

REACH OUT TO ME: Meridian Public Schools Sanford, MI Email Address: jenna.dornoff@merps.org

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BAND DIRECTORS K - 12 DIRECTOR PANEL VICTORIA MILLER (She/Her) Mrs. Victoria Miller earned a Bachelors of Arts in music and Masters in Behavioral Educational Psychology from Wayne State University. She is a life-long resident of Detroit and has been happily married since 1971.

Victoria has been a member of Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association and served as President of District XV two times and treasurer six times. Mrs. Miller taught 27 years at Spain Middle School.

During her time there, the band received 1st Division ratings at District and State Festivals for several years. Victoria also taught 13 years at Martin Luther King Jr. Senior High School. During her time there, the band received several 1st Division ratings. She has performed in Novia Scotia, traveled four times on a Black Historical College tour, performed in China during the Olympic and at the Olympic Village in London, England and by the Windsor Castle four times during the Olympics. Mrs. Miller retired in 2014 so that younger band directors could have a job.

She has mentored band directors and tutored musicians in DPSCD since her retirement. Her educational goal has been to teach children through music how to believe in themselves and know how to work together.

The praise students receive from traveling and performing inspires them to build the confidence needed to become great performers. It also helps students see the world, appreciate living in America, and teaches them to strive for goals that seem impossible.

ADVICE FOR FEMALE EDUCATORS "Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible."

REACH OUT TO ME: Email Address: millervi@sbcglobal.net

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BAND DIRECTORS K - 12 DIRECTOR PANEL JESSICA ROBINS (She/Her) Jessica Robins is native to Detroit, Mi. and a graduate of the Detroit Public School system. Being born into a musical family made it easy for her to quickly discover her love for music. She started playing piano at 3 years old and began saxophone in her school band at the age of 7.

Saxophone quickly became her main instrument. Due to her curiosity and musical proclivity, she played many instruments before graduating high school. Robins attended Michigan State University with an Eli Broad Education Scholarship, was a member of the Urban Educator’s Cohort, and graduated earning a Bachelor of Music with a major in music education. Immediately after graduating, Robins accepted the position of director of bands at Mumford High School in Detroit, Mi. In 2020, the Mumford band was nationally recognized by Vans Gives a Band and was awarded funding and new equipment for the program.

While teaching, Robins continued her education and earned a Master of Divinity at Moody Theological Seminary with a major in pastor studies.

She actively participates in live music and founded Auditory Art, LLC which focuses on music education and performance.

ADVICE FOR FEMALE EDUCATORS "Do it afraid. Never let fear stop you from reaching your goals."

REACH OUT TO ME: Mumford High School Detroit, MI Email Address: jesrobins@gmail.com

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BAND DIRECTORS K - 12 DIRECTOR PANEL SHANNON WEST (She/Her) Shannon West is the director of bands at Quincy Community Schools in Quincy, MI. Originally from St. Clair Shores, MI, she recently graduated from Central Michigan University with a Bachelors in Music Education, and is now in her first year of teaching. Along with traditional band experience, Shannon also has experience as a color guard coach and as a member of the CMU Jazz Lab I. Her current position includes teaching beginning sixth grade band through high school band, and has the potential to add a high school choir program. Her first outing with the bands included successful performances at MSBOA Band Festival! She is hopeful that with time, the Quincy band program will build on their success to become a pillar of our community. Outside of the classroom, Shannon enjoys playing video games and camping (only when the weather cooperates!).

ADVICE FOR FEMALE EDUCATORS "Make sure you have people you can go to for assistance and advice.

Asking for help is crucial!"

REACH OUT TO ME: Quincy Community Schools Quincy, MI Email Address: wests@quincyschools.org

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BAND DIRECTORS K - 12 DIRECTOR PANEL GRACE WOLFE (She/Her) Grace Wolfe is the Director of Bands and Orchestra at Greenville High School in Greenville, Michigan. Ms. Wolfe's ensembles at GHS include the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, JV Band, Orchestra, and the Yellow Jacket Marching Band. Prior to her appointment at GHS, Ms. Wolfe was the Associate Band Director at Seaholm High School and Derby Middle School in Birmingham, Michigan. Ensembles under Ms. Wolfe's instruction have had the opportunity to perform in Chicago, Disney World, Mackinac Island, and Italy. Ms. Wolfe has a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education and Trombone Performance from the University of Michigan where she studied with David Jackson, and has a Master's Degree in Wind Conducting from Northwestern University where she studied with Dr. Mallory Thompson. She is the state of Michigan chair for Women Band Directors International (WBDI), and a member of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) Commissioning Committee. Ms. Wolfe has presented at the Michigan Music Conference and the Florida Music Educators Association Professional Development Conference.

ADVICE FOR FEMALE EDUCATORS "Be confident and remember to acknowledge your own abilities! Really strive to balance your professional and personal life, and find the people that inspire you to be the best person AND musician/educator that you can be!"

REACH OUT TO ME: Greenville High School Greenville, MI Email Address: wolfeg@gpsmi.us

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BAND DIRECTORS FREE MEMBERSHIP

Women Band Directors International (WBDI) proudly supports the Forum for Future Female Band Directors and offers one year of free membership to all attendees.

Click HERE or Scan the QR Code Below to Join:

Women Band Directors International (WBDI) represents women band directors of all pedagogical levels and years of experience from college students to retired directors.

It is the only international organization for women band directors featured toward promoting women, providing support and community, and mentoring women in the band field.

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BAND DIRECTORS OUR SPONSORS WOMEN BAND DIRECTORS INTERNATIONAL

CONN-SELMER: DIVISION OF EDUCATION

NATIONAL BAND ASSOCIATION

MARSHALL MUSIC COMPANY

THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN: BAND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

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