Session Proposals

Mary Hill has been an Oklahoma public school educator since 2016 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from University of Oklahoma. Since 2022, she has served as the 5th–12th Grade Music Teacher at Waynoka Public School. Previously, she worked as an Assistant Band Director at Putnam City High School and Piedmont Schools, specializing in percussion instruction.

In 2021, Mary taught 1st–12th Grade Music at Timberlake Public School in Jet and Helena, Oklahoma. In 2024, she joined Northwestern Oklahoma State University as an Adjunct Percussion Instructor, teaching applied lessons and percussion methods. She also performs occasionally with the Enid Symphony Orchestra and other ensembles throughout the Oklahoma City metro area.

Mary has been involved with the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute for 11 summers, serving in a variety of roles, including Technical Director for the Summer 2026 season.

D.J. Handy, Director of Bands at Del City High School
E: [email protected]
P: 405.215.6798

Address:
6005 SE 88th St
Oklahoma City, OK
73135

D.J. holds a Bachelor’s degree in Instrumental Music Education from the University of Oklahoma, where he also completed a Master’s in Percussion Performance and a second Master’s in Instrumental Music Education.

He has cultivated a diverse teaching background, working with programs including El Sistema and Classen SAS High School before relocating to Texas. While in Texas, he served as an assistant director at Rockwall High School, Stephenville High School, and Pilot Point High School.

After returning to Oklahoma, D.J. served as a middle school director at Del City Middle School for one year before being appointed Director of Bands at Del City High School. He is currently in his second year in this role and will begin his third year leading the program in the upcoming school year.

This session explores practical and effective strategies for developing characteristic percussion tone and strong fundamental technique in programs with limited equipment budgets. Participants will learn how to maximize sound quality on entry-level, aging, or mismatched instruments through intentional technique instruction, proper instrument setup, thoughtful stick and mallet selection, and creative rehearsal strategies. Emphasis will be placed on teaching students to produce mature, characteristic sounds regardless of equipment limitations while fostering musicality, consistency, and confidence. Attendees will leave with immediately applicable exercises, troubleshooting techniques, and budget-conscious solutions for improving percussion sound in any classroom setting.

• Band - Middle School
• Band - Secondary