Session Proposals

Presenter Information
Presenter NameRyan Diefenderfer
Presenter's PositionAssociate Band Director, Klein Cain High School, Houston, TX
Presenter's Short Biography

Mr. Ryan Diefenderfer is in his eleventh year of teaching band and orchestra. Over the course of the past ten years, Mr. Diefenderfer has served as the Director of Bands and Orchestras at Paradise Valley High School, Director of Bands and Orchestras at Greenway Middle School, and Adjunct Brass and Jazz Faculty Member at Paradise Valley Community College where he led the Brass Choir and Jazz Combo. Mr. Diefenderfer is the proud recipient of the 2021 Silver Apple Arizona Teaching Award and Quarterfinalist for the 2024 Grammy Award in Music Education. Most recently, Mr. Diefenderfer joined the faculty at Klein Cain High School in Houston, Texas as Associate Band Director.

Presenter's Address12646 Duchess Ln
Houston, Texas 77070
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Presenter's Phone(224) 383-4730
Presenter's EmailEmail hidden; Javascript is required.
Will there be additional presenters for your session?No
Session Information
Session TitleIncorporating Student-Centered Learning in the Large Ensemble Classroom for the Intermediate and Advanced
Session Description

One way that we can keep our band, orchestra, and choir students more engaged, motivated, and intrigued is through using student-centered learning practices. This session will explore intermediate and advanced models for incorporating student-centered ideas in our full ensemble music classrooms such as: small group compositions, the Orpheus model, the CCC Model, 20% time, project-based learning, personalized learning plans, student portfolios, problem-based learning, and more.

Session Focus
  • Band - Middle School
  • Band - Secondary
  • Orchestra - Middle School
  • Orchestra - Secondary
  • Collegiate
Is this a demonstration session?No
Sponsorship
Will your session be sponsored?No