| Presenter's Short Biography | Ms. Kelley Johnson is an accomplished music educator, clinician, and instructional leader with extensive experience at the middle and elementary school levels. She is widely recognized for her ability to build strong, student-centered band programs that prioritize musical excellence, equity, and long-term ensemble growth.
Ms. Johnson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Bethune-Cookman University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction with a concentration in Music Education. Her professional work reflects a deep commitment to effective rehearsal pedagogy, ensemble development, and music literacy at the foundational and intermediate levels.
In addition to her classroom teaching, Ms. Johnson has served in numerous instructional leadership and service roles. She is a District Coordinator for Large Group Performance Evaluation (LGPE) and has coordinated district-level music initiatives, including Honor Band events, All-State preparation programs, and Beginner Jumpstart clinics. She is frequently invited to serve as a Middle School Honor Band Clinician, Guest Conductor, and consultant for school ensembles and district clinics. Ms. Johnson is also passionate about professional development and serves as a mentor for early-career music educators, guiding curriculum design, classroom management, and program sustainability.
Ms. Johnson maintains active membership in several professional organizations, including the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), National Band Association (NBA), Minority Band Directors National Association (MBDNA), Women Band Directors International (WBDI), and the Association for Black Women Band Directors (ABWBD). She is also a member of Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Inc., and Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity.
Through her work as a clinician, conductor, and mentor, Ms. Johnson continues to impact students and educators by fostering musical growth, confident leadership, and excellence in music education.
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| Session Description | The first nine weeks of school can feel overwhelming—especially for new band directors stepping into a middle school classroom for the first time. Expectations are high, time feels short, and everyone is wondering the same thing: How do I set my band up for success before the first concert even arrives?
This session provides a clear and realistic blueprint for navigating the critical first nine weeks with intention and confidence. Designed for new teachers, early-career middle school band directors, and collegiate music education students preparing to enter the profession, this clinic walks through a practical, week-by-week framework that helps directors establish routines, build strong relationships, and develop sound fundamentals from day one.
Participants will explore approachable strategies for classroom management, student engagement, parent communication, and assessment—without the pressure of perfection. Rather than focusing on one-off activities, this session highlights how small, consistent systems work together to create momentum, student buy-in, and a positive ensemble culture leading up to the first performance.
Attendees will leave with concrete tools, planning structures, and a renewed sense of clarity, knowing they don’t have to “figure it all out” on their own. Whether you are teaching your very first class or refining your approach, this session provides a supportive, replicable framework to help you build a middle school band program that feels organized, confident, and concert-ready—before the first downbeat.
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