Session Proposals
| Presenter Information | |
|---|---|
| Presenter Name | Dr. Michael Francis Smith |
| Presenter's Position | Retired Music Educator |
| Presenter's Short Biography | Michael Francis Smith is a composer, songwriter, author, and music educator with over 30 years of experience, including 23 years as a PK-12 Music Department Chair in Massachusetts. He is known for engaging every student in making music, so they continue singing, playing and creating music for life. His work builds on research emphasizing auditory readiness, playing by ear, and improvisation at every stage of engaging with notation. He has presented at the Midwest Band Clinic in Chicago and music educator conferences nationwide, working to broaden instrumental music education to welcome more students, styles, and ways of learning. Through his groundbreaking method, "Eleven Leaps to Literacy," Dr. Smith makes instrumental music accessible and engaging for every student. Discover more at mfsmithmusic.com. |
| Presenter's Address | 41 Rolling Hitch Road Centerville, Massachusetts 02632 Map It |
| Presenter's Phone | (774) 487-4832 |
| Presenter's Email | Email hidden; Javascript is required. |
| Will there be additional presenters for your session? | No |
| Session Information | |
| Session Title | Concert Band and Orchestra Meet Modern Band: Bridging Tradition and Innovation |
| Session Description | Modern Band is making a splash on the music education scene by engaging a whole new group of students. What can we learn from its success to engage more students in our traditional ensembles? This session explores how incorporating Modern Band approaches—playing by ear, improvising, creating, encouraging student choice, and exploring a wider range of genres—can enhance Concert Band, Orchestra, and other instrumental ensembles while balancing with our traditional repertoire. Discover practical strategies to engage more students, diversify your program, and bring fresh energy to your ensembles. |
| Session Focus |
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| Is this a demonstration session? | No |
| Sponsorship | |
| Will your session be sponsored? | No |