Session Proposals

Dr. David Marvel is a musician and educator based in Oklahoma City. He teaches music theory, aural skills, and private brass lessons at Rose State College, where he also directs the Community Wind Band, Jazz Band, and Orchestra. He holds a BM and MM in Trumpet Performance from Appalachian State University, an MM in Music Theory from the University of Tennessee, and a DMA in Brass Pedagogy and Performance from the University of Oklahoma.

What happens when you blow between two empty soda cans? The outcome often surprises students and opens the door to deeper questions about how air and sound actually work. This session introduces low-prep, hands-on demonstrations that help students make meaningful connections between physical principles and wind instrument performance. One of the central ideas explored is Bernoulli’s principle and its role in air movement and sound production.

Through a series of simple, classroom-friendly activities, you will explore how air impacts embouchure, tone, and response. These demonstrations help students understand how directing and managing air more effectively can reduce tension and improve range, intonation, and endurance. Attendees will have the opportunity to try the demonstrations themselves and will leave with practical strategies to use immediately in rehearsal.

• Band - Secondary