Professional Development Sessions

  • Explore ways to unlock the music maker in every student! Learn how to lead beatmakers, songwriters, and composers effectively and authentically to create their own songs using music technology.

  • Join jazz educator Aaron Staebell as we dig into the basics of teaching jazz. Nothing is too basic for this session, including key definitions, concepts, and recommendations to help ANYONE be successful when teaching jazz! Move beyond your fear of the unknown and enter the fun & rewarding world of jazz.

    A two-part series!

  • An important part of any musician’s growth is the ability to improvise with confidence. Participants will learn a simplified version of John Zorn’s game piece “Cobra” and use the piece to discuss its social implications, working together, and our role as artists in society.

  • Fast talking, outwardly confident, the center of attention…many of us view people fitting​these descriptions as smart, capable, and confident (which can be very true). Around 50% of the population are introverts: folks who need time to think, prefer listening to speaking up, and find conversations to be draining. Introverts are just as smart and capable, but often are overlooked in today’s society. Learn how introverts work, and how to more effectively work with them, both as colleagues and students. 

  • Performing with an ensemble allows students to be part of something greater than themselves, and a great ensemble helps every individual member recognize that what they contribute matters. Join in conversation with choral educator Sarah Staebell to explore academic and social opportunities to build deeper connections within your program.

  • Music teachers often feel like they have to go it alone. Maintaining a network of friends who you can count on, for both professional advice & accountability, as well as an outlet for stress, can help ease the isolation and remind us that we are not alone. This clinic will provide ideas for developing, maintaining, and staying connected with your squad.

  • A few minutes daily is all it takes to develop deeper emotion, empathy, and expression with your students. Hear what is working in one high school music room at the start of rehearsal to foster listening skills, learn new music, and build community. Learn about ‘throwback third quarter’, ‘student choice fourth quarter’ and more.

  • A high-level look at details in music, featuring a pastiche of selections from a wide range of musical styles. Best for older high school, college, or professional audiences.

  • By utilizing Passionate Innovative Programming, a conductor can enrich the learning process and performing experience for ensemble musicians and audience members alike.  Join Dr. Rachel Lauber (instrumental) and Sarah Staebell (vocal) for a conversation about innovative concert programming happening at their school, and how it benefits students, faculty, and community.

  • ChatGPT has received negative attention for helping students achieve dishonest results. This is simply a case of AI falling into the wrong hands! Today, teachers will learn to use AI to save time, create lesson plans, and as a performance assessment tool. With the right inputs and goals, AI can be incredibly helpful. Have no fear!

  • Brighton CSD has a rich tradition of student-run a capella groups. Join Sarah Staebell and one of Brighton three student-run a capella groups to learn everything you need to know to begin one of these programs from the ground up. Gain insight into auditions, arrangements, fundraising, public performances, and more!

  • Do you not play the drumset but have students who wish you did? Join Aaron Staebell to learn the tricks of the trade, and help set you (and your students) up for success behind the drum set.

  • While jazz drummers traditionally draw inspiration from greats like Philly Joe Jones and Tony Williams, this session explores the immense rhythmic potential of another vital form of Black American Music: hip hop. We'll delve into the unique rhythmic vocabulary of hip hop drumming and its potential to enrich and expand jazz drumming practices.

  • In the race to high achievement, sometimes more difficult music gets prioritized. This session will highlight great music that falls into the intermediate range (NYSSMA Level II-IV). Join Bruce Bush and Aaron Staebell to learn about pieces you don't know, and to share some of your favorites!