Session Proposals

Jennifer Shannon is a DMA candidate in Flute at the University of Oklahoma (OU), where she also directs their Summer Flute Camp. She holds degrees from the University of Houston and OU. Prior to moving to Oklahoma, Shannon previously taught music at Lee College and Lamar University, and performed with the Symphony of Southeast Texas and Southeast Texas Winds and Percussion. In 2026, she was selected to perform at the National Flute Convention in Portland, Oregon, and won the National Flute Association's Professional Flute Choir Competition on alto flute.

This clinic gives directors concrete tools to teach the Flute to Piccolo transition intentionally, creating confident doublers.

1. Attendees will be able to diagnose and correct common problems specific to piccolo, including headjoint placement, embouchure, aperture, intonation, and fingerings.
2. Attendees will be able to apply rehearsal strategies for balancing and blending piccolo within a high school concert band or ensemble setting.
3. Attendees will be able to identify and share practical tips and tricks with their students for switching between flute and piccolo within rehearsals and performances.
4. Attendees will be able to evaluate student readiness to begin piccolo using key benchmarks for flute proficiency and musical maturity.

Attendees will engage through a dedicated Q&A session following the presentation, where they can ask questions specific to their own students and programs. Additionally, live self-demonstration throughout the clinic will invite attendees to observe and reflect in real time, and the Keynote visuals (particularly close-up embouchure examples) will prompt discussion and deeper engagement with concepts that are difficult to observe from a distance.

• Band - Secondary