Session Descriptions
Saturday, October 26

Preliminary descriptions as of September 15 - Updated October 10
Session descriptions are subject to change without notice.

Session 6

Session 7

Session 8

Session 9

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Session 6: 8:30 - 9:30

Room: Richmond C
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Stuart Beatch
The Choral Conductor’s Guide to Commissioning
Commissioning new music is something that any choir can do, and there’s no better way to celebrate a special occasion for your group... but how do you get started? Who do you talk to? And how much money does it take? This session will lead choral conductors through a checklist of how to commission a new piece, and the important decisions they’ll need to make along the way.

Room: Richmond D
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Heidi Buhler
A New Approach to Musical Literacy (K-12) 
Have you ever wished that your students could simply read a score and hear the music in their minds in the same way that they hear a story when reading a book?  Traditional approaches to music literacy often begin with a pictogram of the sound (notation), which is then given a letter name, attributed to a button on an instrument which then produces a sound.  The challenge with this approach is that students can be "speaking" in music and have no idea what they are going to say pre-emptively .  In order to know what the music sounds like, they must first play it.  Music Learning Theory, developed by Edwin Gordon and further explored in Dr. Christopher Azzara's method books, offers an approach to music literacy that is supported by over 30 years of classroom research and has shown remarkable results. Channeling Suzuki, Dalcroze, Kodály, and Orff, this rote-first approach builds a solid foundation of aural and performing skills through singing, rhythmic movement, and tonal and rhythm pattern instruction before introducing notation and music theory. Come explore how this new approach might bring music alive to your students.

Room: Richmond E
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Nick Godsoe
Demystifying MusiCounts' School Music Funding Programs 
You may have heard of us, but a lot has changed in the past few years! MusiCounts is Canada's music education charity that invests directly in schools and communities across Canada. Over the past 28 years, we've allocated more than $18,000,000 to more than 1500 schools and community organizations across Canada. 
In this session we will explore MusiCounts' granting programs, and discuss the mechanics of the application process. If your program needs a boost, or you have a creative idea for a new music program you're considering implementing at your school, this session is for you. 
​Sponsored by: MusiCounts

Room: Richmond F
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Hussein Janmohamed
Creativity and Connection: Using Music to Retranslate Identity
This hands-on interactive workshop is designed for elementary and secondary teachers, both generalists and specialists. Participants will explore the intersection of identity and music in a pluralistic society like Canada. Dr. Hussein Janmohamed, a renowned teacher-artist, choral composer, conductor, and community connector, will lead participants through a collaborative music activity that fosters creativity, confidence and community. Teachers will learn to connect with music in new ways, collaboratively recreate an arrangement of a familiar children's song, and delve into themes related to culture, identity, and the role of music in bridging differences. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with practical strategies to implement this activity in their classrooms, adapting it to meet broader curricular outcomes and the diverse needs and abilities of their students.

Room: Grand Minoru Ballroom
Location: Conference Centre, North Foyer

Tyler Swick
Sensible Approaches to Classroom Social Media: Techniques for opening your classroom up to social media without compromising your students' privacy

​Room: Steveston A
Location: Conference Centre, East Foyer

Steve Kaldestad
Demystifying Jazz Soloing. Part 2: Using Melody
(Part 1: Rhythm being presented on Friday, Session 5)
By putting more emphasis on rhythm before discussing scales and theory, I will demonstrate fun ways to get every one of your students to take the leap of faith and start improvising. While scales and theory are obviously still important, approaching improv from a rhythm-first method is a great way to get more of your students over their fears of the unknown, and onto taking part in their own creativity.

​Room: Steveston B
Location: Conference Centre, East Foyer

Clinton Ryder
The Bottom Line: A Bassist's View View on Developing Your Rhythm Section
The rhythm section is the cornerstone of any ensemble. In this clinic, we'll delve into practical strategies for building a strong and cohesive rhythm section, guided by a professional bassist. Learn about the crucial roles of each instrument within the rhythm section, discover effective communication techniques among rhythm section players, and explore methods to foster collaboration and synergy among musicians.

​Room: Steveston C
Location: Conference Centre, East Foyer

Corey Smith
How to Drumline: Integrating Marching Arts Into Your Band Program
Do you want to start a drumline? Have you started a drumline but don’t know where to go now that you’ve got the equipment? How does drumline relate to your music program and connect to our BC curriculum? Where can I find other people doing drumline or clinicians to help support my drumline program? As an advocate for drumlines and the marching arts in BC, these are some of the most common questions I’ve been asked over the past years and this workshop is designed to answer these questions and more. We will be looking at how drumline is similar to concert/jazz band (rehearsal routine, content, competencies), but more importantly, how it is dissimilar. We will look at sample year plan structures, warm-up routines, repertoire suggestions, performance opportunities, show building concepts, and marching basics. Furthermore, we will be looking at how you can get involved in the drumline community through the Canadian Drumline Association while introducing you to some drumline professionals in the province/country, including Michael Beauclerc, the Executive Director of the Canadian Drumline Association. This workshop will be jam packed with resources and information to take home and will also allow time for a round table discussion about how to get involved in drumline or the marching arts in BC.  This session can be considered the theoretical companion to Michael Beauclerc’s practical “Developing Modern Drumlines” session, but neither is a prerequisite to the other and both are packed with different resources. No drumline experience necessary.
Sponsored by: Canadian Drumline Association

​Room: Steveston F
Location: Conference Centre, East Foyer

Marc Micu
The Spectrum of Sound: The Obscure Timbres and Pedagogical Potential within Muted Brass
Composers and performers have long used mutes to achieve new and unique timbres for brass instruments. The scope of this field is evolving at a rapid rate, and understanding brass mute technology and how it informs performers, teachers, and music students is often overlooked in schools. A modern brass instrument mute fits into or over the bell to manipulate the tone color and/or volume. Mutes are often used extensively in new music and can be compared to applying effect pedals to an electric guitar. Brass mutes not only benefit performers and composers but also offer pedagogical value such as enhancing timbral awareness, fostering creative expression and interpretation, and musical techniques of the mutes themselves.

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Session 7: 9:45 - 10:45

Room: Richmond C
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Glynis Dawson
Cultivating Culture in the Secondary Music Program
Culture is the heart and foundation of every music program. This session offers ensemble-based directors, both novice and experienced, an opportunity to explore how the philosophy of Servant Leadership may provide a framework to nurture a culture of community, collaboration, and leadership.

Room: Richmond D
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Sherryl Sewepagaham
Indigenous Choral Compositions for Choirs
Join Cree-Dene elementary music educator and choral composer, Sherryl Sewepagaham in a reading session of her selected choral compositions for SATB and SSA choirs. Sherryl will share the inspirations and cultural stories behind her compositions, Cree language pronunciation, instrumentation, and the cultural vocal singing style she encourages.

Room: Richmond E
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Nick Godsoe
The 2025 JUNO Awards in Vancouver: Celebrating Canadian Music & Industry in the Classroom
In this session, we will explore how to leverage the upcoming JUNO Awards in Vancouver as a unique opportunity to connect students with a national celebration of Canadian music, and the diversity of musical genres and practices that make up Canada’s music ecosystem. In exploring the mechanics of how the JUNO Awards function, teachers will be empowered to facilitate dialogue about the vast scope of non-performance career pathways that exist in Canada's music industry. 
​Sponsored by: MusiCounts

Room: Richmond F
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Michael Meroniuk
Democratizing Creativity
Democratizing Creativity explores the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in school music programs. This clinic raises critical questions: Can AI be a catalyst in revolutionizing music education, enhancing its accessibility and diversity? Or could it diminish the quintessential human touch in music that resonates and inspires us? The focus is on a balanced exploration of AI as both a tool for advancement and a subject of artistic debate.
Sponsored by: The New Sound

Room: Grand Minoru Ballroom
Location: Conference Centre, North Foyer

Tyler Swick
Creating Visual Alternatives to Music Notation: Creating boomwhacker videos and guides for other general musical instruments

​​​Room: Steveston A
Location: Conference Centre, East Foyer

Dr. Jared Burrows
The Guitarist in the Rhythm Section
Learn simple and effective concepts and techniques to help the guitarist in your ensemble have more fun and contribute more fully and effectively.  Technique, tones, equipment, voicings, comping, "Freddy Green" rhythm playing and more will be discussed and demonstrated. Please bring your questions and problems and we'll find solutions.

​​​Room: Steveston C
Location: Conference Centre, East Foyer

Camden McAllister
The Band Teacher’s Guide to the Percussion Section — How to avoid ignoring your percussionists and set them up for success!
Do you feel like you don’t know what to do with your percussionists?  Do you feel like you sometimes ignore them?  Do you feel like percussion-land is a mysterious place?  Look no further than this clinic for answers!
Topics to be covered include: traits and expectations to consider with beginning percussionists, how to set up a section, how to assign parts, including percussionists in band warm ups, modifications for struggling students, repertoire and gear considerations, and what to listen for when in rehearsal!

​Room: Steveston F
Location: Conference Centre, East Foyer

Sandro Massullo
Trouble Shooting Woodwind and Brass
Sandro will walk you through the various instruments and point out the most commonly seen repair issues and how to tackle them. At the end of the session we will go over suggested tools for the purpose of minor repairs in the classroom or out in the field.
Sponsored by: Massullo Music

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Session 8: 1:00 - 2:00

Room: Richmond C
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Hussein Janmohamed
Encountering Muslim Identities: Collaborative creation as a bridge
This hands-on interactive workshop is designed for elementary and secondary teachers, both generalists and specialists. Participants will explore the intersection of identity and music in a pluralistic society like Canada. Dr. Hussein Janmohamed, a renowned teacher-artist, choral composer, conductor, and community connector, will lead participants through a collaborative music activity that fosters creativity, confidence and community. Teachers will learn to connect with music in new ways, collaboratively recreate a Muslim cultural soundscape, and explore the role of music and sound in bridging differences. By the end of the workshop, participants will be equipped with practical strategies to implement similar activities in their classrooms and choirs, adapting them to meet broader curricular outcomes and the diverse needs and abilities of their students.

Room: Richmond D
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Frances Roberts
Solfa, Songs & Stories for the Awkward Years
An interactive session involving some singing and dancing geared to upper elementary - junior high years. Suggestions for SAB repertoire. Connecting SOLFA - sight reading/ ear training and song. Keeping the joy and play in choir from upper elementary to high school.

Room: Richmond F
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Brandon Peters
Indigenous Drumming and Singing
(Repeated Session - Also being presented on Saturday, Session 9)
We will learn 5 public domain songs, 4 Salish and one from the prairies.
*If you have a drum, please bring it as we will only have a small collection of drums available to borrow.

Room: Grand Minoru Ballroom
Location: Conference Centre, North Foyer

Tyler Swick 
Different Ways to Play Boomwhackers: Why do we all play them the same? 5 different approaches to to playing boomwhackers

​Room: Steveston A
Location: Conference Centre, East Foyer

Geeta Das
Know Your Role
Strengthening your band through understanding the role of each member of the jazz orchestra, including doubles and unconventional jazz band instruments."

​Room: Steveston B
Location: Conference Centre, East Foyer

Clinton Ryder
The Jazz Combo Secret: Cracking the Code to Ensemble Success
Unlock the secrets to creating a cohesive and dynamic jazz combo. This session will address the key elements to achieving ensemble success, including principles of effective communication, balance, and collaboration among jazz combo members. Learn practical strategies for guiding your students through the foundations of jazz improvisation, arrangement, and group interaction.

​Room: Steveston F
Location: Conference Centre, East Foyer

Sabrina Brooks
FUNdraising: How to get your community invested and BAND together for you and your students
The first half of this workshop will be a case-study model in which I share the various successes our district has had with fundraising, in particular how we were able to raise over $60,000 last year for our trips by framing the band competitions we were headed to as a source of civic pride. We will be looking at everything from sponsorship, traditional and non-traditional fundraisers, to how to motivate teens & parents to take things on. At the end of the case-study of my district's successes I will open to the floor for the second half of the workshop to a collective brainstorming and sharing session between all educators in the room so we can all learn & grow from each other in our FUNdraising efforts. The results of this discussion will be cataloged and shared to all BCMEA members to financially improve all BC music programs.

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Session 9: 2:15 - 3:15

Room: Richmond C
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Matthew Martin
Another Opening, Another Show! Putting on an elementary music production
(Repeat session - Also presented on Friday, Session 5)
Putting on a musical production at the elementary school level can feel absolutely daunting and out of reach. In this session, Matthew Martin will take you through the process of putting on a show. From show selection and performance rights, to casting, rehearsing, staging, costuming, technology, and everything up to the final bows, Matthew will take a step by step approach to putting on a successful show. 
Sponsored by: BCMEA

Room: Richmond D
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Heidi Buhler
Rhythm Cup Explorations
Created by Wendy Stevens, this is an entire unit plan prepared for general music teachers in both the Elementary and Middle School levels that focuses on rhythm and pure creativity! Join me in experiencing the entire unit from start to finish that you can easily use or hand to a TOC starting tomorrow. Complete with lesson plans, formal assessments, and accompanying video playlists. https://composecreate.com/product/rhythm-cup-explorations/

Room: Richmond E
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Melissa Goodchild
Motivation for Music Students and Teachers
Come down a research rabbit hole and explore motivation in music students and teachers. Find out what you can do to encourage curiosity, intrinsic motivation, and help prevent burnout in your students and yourself.

Room: Richmond F
Location: West Tower, Second Floor

Brandon Peters
Indigenous Drumming and Singing
(Repeated Session - Also being presented on Saturday, Session 8)
We will learn 5 public domain songs, 4 Salish and one from the prairies.
*If you have a drum, please bring it as we will only have a small collection of drums available to borrow.

​Room: Steveston A
Location: Conference Centre, East Foyer

Dr. Jared Burrows
Improvising Jazz Lines Using the Melody
One of the simplest and most effective ways to begin improvising jazz lines or to improve the things you are already playing is by using the melody of the song.  This workshop will show you some ways to do just that. Please come prepared to sing and try new things.

​Room: Steveston C
Location: Conference Centre, East Foyer

Michael Beauclerc
Developing Modern Drumlines (hands on)
Your school has some equipment and basic grooves. Fantastic! Now let's work on drumline-specific pedagogy, and developmental exercises to advance your ensembles skills and repertoire.
Sponsored by: Yamaha Canada Music

​Room: Steveston F
Location: Conference Centre, East Foyer

Ben Litzcke
Conducting Tips for Music Teachers
This workshop aims to give teachers more tools to communicate non-verbally with their students. We will discuss technical skills as well as broader concepts about the purpose and musicality of our conducting. This will be an interactive, hands-on workshop, and participants are encouraged to bring a baton and all their questions. 
Topics covered will include:
- conducting patterns and baton technique
- showing style, phrase, and emotion
- what to do with the left hand
- communicating with the face and body