Session Proposals

Megan Perkins is currently in her fourteenth year of teaching and eleventh year serving as Assistant Band Director for Stillwater Public Schools. She conducts the SJHS 8th Grade Symphonic Band, teaches beginning clarinet, saxophone, and double reed classes, and assists with 7th grade and high school bands. Under her direction, SJHS ensembles have consistently earned the OSSAA Outstanding Achievement Award at concert contest. The Stillwater JH Symphonic Band was named as an OkMEA Honor Band in 2017, 2020, and 2025. The band has also attended the North Texas Festival of Distinction in North Richland Hills, Texas since 2022, receiving straight superior ratings each year.

Ms. Perkins earned her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from the University of Oklahoma in 2011, where she studied with Dr. Michael Raiber, Dr. William Wakefield, and Dr. David Etheridge. She later earned her Master's degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri in 2023.

Beyond her work in Stillwater, Megan is passionate about supporting students and directors as a clinician and presenter at both state and national levels. She has presented at The Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, The Oklahoma Music Educators Association Convention, The Oklahoma Bandmasters Association Convention, and has traveled through Oklahoma, Texas, and Arkansas to present a summer series with SAIED Music. Each summer, she serves as a conductor at the University of Arkansas Summer Music Camp, and has guest conducted numerous honor bands throughout Oklahoma.

In addition to her teaching responsibilities, Megan teaches private clarinet lessons and has had numerous students selected to All-Region and All-State Bands. She also enjoys regularly performing with the Stillwater Community Band. Megan was named the 2016-2017 OkMEA Young Music Educator of the Year and was also awarded the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Young Bandmaster Award in 2017. She holds National Board certification in secondary music, is the Secretary of the Beta Chapter of Phi Beta Mu, and is an active member of NAfME and North Central Director’s Association.

We're just going to have clarinet class. You're welcome to come watch!

This session will feature a live demonstration group and function as an interactive model class, offering a real-time look into the rehearsal process with beginning clarinet students. Participants will observe and engage with practical, in-the-moment problem-solving strategies that are immediately transferable to their own classrooms, regardless of program size or setting.

Throughout the session, we will model the daily pedagogical approaches we use to build strong fundamentals, address common challenges, and foster musical growth from the very beginning. Attendees can expect a dynamic and transparent rehearsal experience that highlights both the successes and the adjustments that occur in authentic teaching moments.

Designed to be both informative and energizing, this session aims to provide concrete tools, fresh ideas, and renewed confidence for anyone working with beginning clarinetists.

• Band - Middle School