Welcome To The

Division of Education

Updated May 18, 2012

CONN-SELMER VIP'S

THE LEADERS IN MUSIC EDUCATION

We are pleased to announce the establishment of the Conn-Selmer VIP initiative launched in the fall of 2011.  To date seventy-five of our nation's most revered music teachers have enjoyed a DAY AT CONN-SELMER highlighting the American-made manufacturing of woodwind and brass instruments, special sessions with product experts, and one-on-one meetings with all of the corporate staff.  This newly found project represents a major step forward in linking music education to the music industry world and, in doing so, it supports the creation of a synergistic partnership focused on benefitting the positive growth and development of MUSIC IN OUR SCHOOLS.

John Stoner, President/CEO of Conn-Selmer, Inc., commented, "We have truly enjoyed having these exemplary educators with us.  Initially we thought it was our goal to avail the teachers to the importance of the development of a mutual bridge-of-communication, but we are quickly discovering *we* are the ones learning more from our guests than we could ever measure; it is the ultimate win-win!  We look forward to inviting many more new people to our Conn-Selmer home."  

Jennifer Grice, Director of Education and Outreach, is serving as the VIP coordinator; she has created a winning blueprint bookending with an early morning launch "in the President's office," to the final dinner farewell's.  The SPECIAL DAY is packed with visitations, meetings, facility tours of the Bach and Selmer plants, and an ongoing dialogue concerning the various ways all parties can collectively support the future of music-learning and music-making. 

A recent VIP guest shared these thoughts, "I have been teaching for almost twenty years and, while I have been a loyal customer of Conn-Selmer products, I had absolutely no idea what was involved in the detailed production of these instruments; this has really opened my eyes. Conn-Selmer's commitment to music education is a critical and priceless contribution to the future of all school music programs."

For further information concerning the Conn-Selmer VIP Band Director Summit, simply contact:

Jennifer Grice

Director of Education & Outreach

jgrice@conn-selmer.com

859-351-2987 Cell

574-523-0651 Office

Conn-Selmer's mission is to be the worldwide musical instrument supplier of choice by providing superior products and customer satisfaction through every team members’ commitment to continuous improvement.  To that end, we pledge ourselves to excellence in every facet of music.

The WINNER of the iPad2 contest!

Spencer Strand, band director at Oconto Falls High School in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin! His name was drawn from all the participants in the contest and gets to choose between an iPad2 or a $500 gift certificate from Best Buy.

 

Spencer Strand received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in 2006. Prior to earning his bachelor's degree, he served in the United States Air Force (1996-2002) and earned Associate degrees in Avionic Systems and Information Systems. In his third year as band director at Oconto Falls High School, Mr. Strand has taught Symphonic Band, Pep Band, Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Guitar Ensemble, and Music Theory.

He is committed to excellence in instrumental music education, and enjoys getting students energized and excited about learning more about music.

Prior to teaching in Oconto Falls, he taught at Anadarko Middle School and High School in Anadarko, Oklahoma, where he taught Concert Band, Beginning Band, Intermediate Band, Jazz Band, Guitar Ensemble, Pep Band, and Marching Band.

While attending Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Mr. Strand played lead trumpet in Jazz A, principal trumpet in the Southwestern Oklahoma State University Wind Ensemble, and served as trumpet section leader for the Marching Bulldogs. He also enjoyed playing lead and solo trumpet for regional ensembles, including the Talk of the Town jazz orchestra, All that Jazz big band, and Tinker Air Force Base's Flying High jazz band.

In 2009, he was selected as Anadarko High School's Teacher of the Year and was a finalist for Southwestern Oklahoma Band Director Association's Band Director of the Year Award.

Congratulations Spencer!

NAMM and Conn-Selmer Collaborate to Support Music Education Leaders

At the 2012 NAMM Show, a Music Education Leadership Collaborative that began at the Conn-Selmer Institute in June 2011, reached the west coast via the generosity of NAMM and the Support Music Coalition. The vision and importance of creating a solution-oriented forum for collaboration was shared. This flattening of the music education leadership network gives those working in service to their music education departments the ability to effectively and efficiently collaborate with others in their roles across the country.

Music educator leaders from California and other western states shared their ideas about how to cultivate this collaboration. Quality professional development to help us grow as teacher-musician-leader-professionals and access to other music education leaders were among the most poignant perspectives received. The ability to brainstorm with others in regard to the prioritization of program needs, curriculum, assessment, teacher evaluation, and the immersion of common core standards through the musical lens are some of the responses garnered when asked... What would make your job more successful and/or efficient as a music education leader?

The group talked about finding the words and actions that will resonate with administrators in regard to value of music in education, and how we can design administrative professional development and “look -fors” to evidence what quality music teaching and learning looks like and sounds like. Teacher evaluation models developed specifically for music education was another area of solution-building explored as the NAfME position document was shared and discussed. http://www.menc.org/about/view/teacher-evaluation

These are important ideas to move forward through this collaborative, and work is underway to establish a linkedin group to flatten and cultivate our network of music education leaders. Planning for summer collaboration and professional development at the Conn-Selmer Institute 2012 is also in full swing. As we reflect upon the feedback we have received at NAMM 2012, CSI 2011, and the NAfME Music Supervisors Academy held in June 2011, the future is exciting and we flatten our network and grow our map of those who have a significant role in shaping the future of music un education.

CONN-SELMER PARTNERS

WITH YOUTH MUSIC EVENTS

The leading musical instrument producer Conn-Selmer, has forged a notable partnership with Youth Music of The World, to help young American’s perform in cities around the globe.

Conn-Selmer, which incorporates Steinway Pianos, is backing the organization that selects and sources musicians for some of the World’s leading festivals, parades and concert series.

Youth Music of The World provides life-changing educational programs in association with London’s New Year’s Day Parade & Festival, The London International Choral Festival, The Paris Parade Festival, The Night of the Kings Parade – Madrid, The Edinburgh Easter Festival and Rome New Year.

More than 5,000 gifted young Americans perform in Youth Music of The World events each year.

Participants not only perform in some of the world’s most prestigious venues in magnificent cities they also benefit from carefully crafted cultural and socially enlightening itineraries that have made the organizations work so pertinent.

Renowned educator Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, has recently become Youth Music’s Educational Consultant, to advise on relevant matters across the USA.

Bob Bone, Executive Director of Youth Music of The World has welcomed Conn-Selmer’s patronage and hailed it a significant enhancement for the organisation.

 “I am delighted that we have been able to forge such a significant partnership with a world leader in its field. This in turn will benefit thousands of young people across The United States of America.”