Exploring Popular Music Pedagogy: Approaches, Repertoire, & Techniques

Session Description:
The 2023 PMEA D1 Workshop invites you to embark on a journey of musical exploration this fall. Our session, titled **"Popular Music Pedagogy: Approaches, Repertoire, & Techniques,"** promises to be a dynamic and enlightening experience for educators and music enthusiasts alike. Dive into the world of popular music and discover innovative ways to incorporate it into your K-12 music classroom.

Unlocking the Power of Popular Music:
Popular music is a vibrant and influential force in today's musical landscape. Its appeal is undeniable, making it a potent tool for engaging students and fostering a deeper appreciation for music. In this workshop, we will guide you through the process of effectively integrating popular music into your curriculum.

Learning Objectives:
1. Identifying Pedagogical Approaches: Embrace pedagogical approaches to popular music, such as encouraging student choice, utilizing iconic notation, and promoting public performances. Understand how these approaches can enhance the learning experience and ignite students' passion for music.

2. Selecting Repertoire with Purpose: Learn to choose repertoire for a popular music ensemble based on its educational and musical value. We will discuss criteria for selecting songs that are not only engaging but also provide valuable learning opportunities.

3. Mastering Techniques for Modern Band Ensembles: Explore essential techniques for teaching instruments commonly used in modern band ensembles. Whether it's guitar, keyboard, or drums, our experts will equip you with the skills and strategies to guide your students effectively.

Why Attend "Expanding the Horizon":
The 2023 PMEA D1 Workshop, themed "Expanding the Horizon," is your chance to expand your musical horizons and enrich your teaching toolkit. Our "Popular Music Pedagogy" session is just one of many exciting opportunities awaiting you at this year's event.

Date & Location:
Don't miss out on this enriching experience! Join us on November 4th at Seton Hill University and immerse yourself in the world of popular music pedagogy. Whether you're a seasoned educator or a new teacher looking to invigorate your music classroom, this workshop has something for everyone.

Register now and be a part of a transformative musical journey!

The 2024 All-State Audition Information for the Contemporary A Cappella Ensemble, Accompanist and At -Large Instruments (Band and Orchestra) along with Harp and the Jazz Ensemble have been posted on the PMEA website- 
https://www.pmea.net/pmeaall-stateinformation/ 

The Seton Hill University music department is pleased to offer two PMEA District Band and Orchestra clinics FREE to all high school students planning to audition for district band and orchestra this fall. SHU faculty will present students with strategies, demonstrations, and other helpful tips as they prepare for their auditions.

The clinics are open to all high school students, even if they are still unsure about auditioning for PMEA district ensembles. String clinics with take place on Monday, August 28th from 6:30-8:00pm. Winds and Percussion clinics will take place on Sunday, September 17th from 2:30-4:00pm. 

Both clinics will be held at the Seton Hill University Performing Arts Center (100 Harrison Ave. Greensburg PA 15601). For more information, email Dr. Chris Marra at [email protected]

Click to register!

Sincerely,

Christopher M. Marra, Ph.D. (he/him/his)
Associate Professor of Music
Director of Instrumental Activities
Coordinator of Music Auditions

Johnstonbaugh's Music Centers is pleased to host a clinic on September 16, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Upper St. Clair Highschool auditorium to prepare flute students for the upcoming PMEA District Band Audition Day on October 7. The event will be an intensive study of the required audition piece, the Schott Edition of Movement 1 of the Sonata for Flute and Piano by Paul Hindemith. Below is a schedule for the event:
 
9:30 AM – Check in.
 
10:00 AM – Group warm up with Katie Miller (Bachelors of Music, Westminster College, and Master of Music, Arizona State, both with concentration in flute). Katie is also a professional yoga instructor.
 
10:20 AM – Clinic with Kyle Harris (Bachelor of Music Education, Baldwin Wallace, and Master of Arts in Music Education, Eastman School of Music) on difficult passages, techniques, and playing cohesively with piano for the audition piece.
 
11:00 AM – Masterclass hosted by Dan Parasky (Bachelors in Flute Performance, Duquesne University, and Master of Music in Music Education, Boston College), adjunct faculty at Duquesne University (flute choir), Westminster College (applied flute) and owner of the Parasky Flute Studios, on Movement 1 of the Sonata for Flute and Piano by Hindemith (Schott Edition). The piece will be broken into 4 sections with 15-20 minute masterclass sessions for each section.
 
12:40 PM – Mock auditions with Katie, Kyle, and Dan as adjudicators. Adjudicators will give suggestions after each audition.
 
The event is open to any student planning to audition for flute on District Band Audition Day and there is no charge to participate.
Students can register for the event and apply to play in the masterclass and mock auditions at the link below:
https://www.johnstonbaughs.com/topic/flute-clinic
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