Testimonials

"With a renowned faculty, amazing schedule of events, breathtakingly beautiful surroundings, and enthusiastic participants as eager to celebrate music education as they are dedicated to music education, the Conn-Selmer Institute is an remarkable event cherished by all those who experience it."

Dr. Peter Loel Boonshaft
Author, "Teaching Music with Passion" and "Teaching Music with Purpose"
Professor of Music, Hofstra University
2008 Conn-Selmer Institute Faculty


"Conn-Selmer Institute provides an unparalleled opportunity for music educators by giving them access to highly-regarded, nationally-known presenters/clinicians who take great personal satisfaction in mentoring the participating teachers and seeing them grow and succeed.

Years after they have attended CSI, “graduates” have told me that the CSI experience changed their perception of the profession overall and provided them with the energy and enthusiasm needed to charge "full steam ahead" into the classroom. One participant was named "New Teacher of Year" for her school district that very next school year and she fully credits her experience at CSI for her success."

Marcia M. Neel
President
Music Education Consultants, Inc.
2008 Conn-Selmer Institute Faculty


"Over the years I have attended many state conventions across the country. At those conventions I have heard many clinic sessions and workshops presented by outstanding musicians and music educators. These have been of the highest quality. However, there is nothing that can match the number and quality of presentations that are packed into the three full days and nights at Conn-Selmer Institute. The clinicians are national leaders and superb speakers who speak from their heart and their passion for music. In addition to the valuable information presented there is an enthusiasm and camaraderie that develops which is truly inspiring. "

David Circle
Immediate Past President, MENC
2008 Conn-Selmer Institute Faculty


"Thanks again for all your work in providing such an outstanding week of clinicians, experiences, and education at the recent Conn-Selmer Institute. This was my sixth or seventh time attending, and when you think it can’t possibly get better than the previous time…it does! Thanks to you for all your hard work, the work of your staff and all the behind-the-scenes people, for making this the ultimate music education experience! The amount of information and experiences disseminated during these four days is incredible!

I can hardly wait for the next one!

Thanks again, and God Bless!"

Dale
Class of 2008


"The Conn-Selmer Institute experience is about passion! Whether young or old, with teaching experience or without, or high school or middle school teacher, every participant demonstrates a passion for music education. People come to CSI because they are passionate about kids and music. People come to CSI to renew their passion; and people come to interact with other professionals who share this passion. The CSI experience is educational, musical, and inspirational, but most importantly it is about ones passion for our profession."

Joseph Manfredo
2008 Conn-Selmer Institute Faculty


"I always leave CSI recharged through the energy and enthusiasms of both faculty and participants. I consider it a privilege to be counted among some of the most talented, dedicated and knowledgeable Music Educators in our profession.

The CSI experience is unique. I have a profound admiration for the generosity of John Stoner and Conn/Selmer, and their dedication to providing both knowledge and encouragement to Music Educators. Of course, none of this would be possible without the inimitable leadership and vision of Tim Lautzenhiezer. Simply stated: no one does it better!

Thank you again for all you have done to make this an unqualified success.

Best wishes for continued success."

Paula Crider
2008 Conn-Selmer Institute Faculty


"The Conn-Selmer Institute taught me more about Music Teaching than any clinic, conference, class, etc. I have ever attended - and I was a clinician!!!! I learned so many new and innovative ways to do what I do that I can't wait to get in front of my bands and classes to try them out. If you were at the Institute, I know you'll be back. If you have never been, put the dates on your calendar and do what you have to in order to be there. You and your kids will benefit greatly from the experience!"

Dr. Frank Tracz
2008 Conn-Selmer Institute Faculty


"United Airlines cancelled my flight from Chicago and left me stranded until Monday morning. I arrived on campus around 10:00 a.m. and attended sessions through noon Wednesday. I was the one wearing the same clothes for two days because United Airlines also lost my luggage (they also cancelled my flight home, I took a bus to Ohare and United lost my luggage on the flight from Chicago to New York). Interestingly, when my luggage finally arrived in New York it was sporting a bright yellow tag with bold black letters proclaiming "A PERFECT DELIVERY" !

I thought you might appreciate the story because, despite all the trouble, the CSI week was totally worth every bit. I would do it all over again (this time with carry-on bags). Dr. Tim, David Circle, Peter Boonshaft, Bill Gourley, David Gregory, Synergy Brass, the food, everything and everyone - WOW!

Thank you to Conn-Selmer Institute for an inspirational and informative week. "

Don Castellow
Band Director
PS/MS 29 Bronx, New York, Class of 2008


"The Conn-Selmer Institute is a unique opportunity for emerging and experienced music educators to hone their skills as teachers, advocates and educational leaders. We commend Conn-Selmer as an industry leader in forging a path for music educators to better themselves whether it is at the start of their careers or as ongoing professional development. All of us are working to assure that music is part of a quality education for all children. We join many others in thanking Conn-Selmer for their great service and leadership in music education."

Mary Luehrsen
Executive Director
NAMM Foundation


“Two of our "newbie" teachers this year came from last year's CSI class and I have to tell you--they are FANTASTIC!!!! Just so that you know--the training that they get REALLY WORKS!!! One of them is being nominated for New Teacher of the Year--not just Music teacher--but from across ALL disciplines. That's really something considering that we hire over 2000 new teachers each year! Thanks again for making such a HUGE difference!!!”

Marcia M. Neel
Secondary Fine Arts
Curriculum and Professional Development Center


"The best kept secret in the music education world."

Kevynn Sandord
MS/HS Band Director
Noble, OK
Conn-Selmer Institute, Class of 2006


"Every session I attended contained practical, applicable information that I could relate to as a person and as an educator. You should attend next year!"

Julie Laur
General & Instrumental Music,
Keystone Schools
Conn-Selmer Institute, Class of 2006


"Go! You have to go!"

David Kum
Head of Arts,
Agincourt Collegiate Institute
Conn-Selmer Institute, Class of 2006


"This is a necessary part of your musical and educational development. You must attend to be prepared!"

Laura Muntyre
Band Director,
Eastmod Middle School
Conn-Selmer Institute, Class of 2006


"If you are looking for a way to rekindle that fire that got you into teaching, this is the place!"

Sara Studebaker
Band Director,
Sycamore Community Schools
Conn-Selmer Institute, Class of 2006


"Conn-Selmer Institute is the single best experience I have ever had in my career! The clinicians have a passion for what they do that I have never experienced before and that I still, unbeknownst to myself, want and need."

Barbara Springer
Band Director,
Lebanon Middle School
Conn-Selmer Institute, Class of 2006


"The staff are both challenging and encouraging. The camaraderie is excellent. I will definitely be a better music educator for attending CSI."

Wade Holbrook
Blackhawk Christian School
Conn-Selmer Institute, Class of 2006


"The Conn-Selmer Institute brings in cutting edge, seasoned educators and professionals to present topics that make teaching music more effective as well as introducing new trends and innovations for the classroom. All the presenters welcomed the sharing of information and were available throughout the conference to answer questions or offer advice."

Alice Keelin
Band Director
Crestview Middle School
Conn-Selmer Institute, Class of 2006


"It's fast paced, high energy and extremely informative. I learned a great deal and I feel more confident and excited about my career as a music educator."

Julia Bruckner
Student,
Drake University
Conn-Selmer Institute, Class of 2006


"I'm blown away at every session because there are so many things I can take away from them. It's really worth the cost….you can't afford NOT to go!"

Jeff Gorham
Student
Indiana State
Conn-Selmer Institute, Class of 2006