NYSBDA - New York State Band Directors Association

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day to all New York State Band Directors!

We hope you are enjoying this final, well-deserved pause before the downbeat of the new school year. We know for many of you, the 'labor' of love has already begun with weeks of band camp, planning, and preparation, and we recognize the immense dedication that requires.

As the sun sets on summer and the first day of classes approaches, we want to wish you a fantastic start to the 2025-2026 school year. May your first rehearsals be filled with energy, your students arrive eager to learn, and your administrative tasks be minimal!

Here's to a year of incredible music, growth, and community. The NYSBDA is proud to support you every step of the way.

08/14/2025

08/14/2025

Congratulations to the first-ever NYSBDA Elementary Honor Band on their successful performance yesterday! We had over 90 rising 5th and 6th-grade students from across the state perform at Ford Hall on the Ithaca College Campus.

It was a positive experience for the students, teachers, and families to witness the young talent in our band programs here in New York. We hope to see more students in the coming years and share the magic of music-making with our beginning band students!

08/13/2025

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!

Author Lindsey Williams invites you to celebrate the launch of her book, "Where the Valley Widens"! This powerful and inspiring novel-like account shares the story of a young music teacher's first 18 years in the profession. The book is an essential read for both new and veteran teachers, covering topics from NYSSMA and inclusion to professional development and commissioning new music.

A central theme of the book is the legacy of Lindsey's mentor and former NYSSMA Jazz Chair, Daniel Fabricius. His wisdom, which had a significant impact on the current NYSSMA Jazz curriculum, is celebrated throughout the book.

Join Lindsey at Theodore's Books for a FREE launch event featuring an interview with Daniel Williams, a Q&A, a short reading, and a chance to network and have your copy signed. There will be water, snacks, and a few freebies available. Books will be supplied by Theodore's Books.

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, August 20th
⏰ Time: 7:00 PM
📍 Location: Theodore's Books (17 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY, 11771)

Registration is required to attend. RSVP here: https://www.theodoresbooks.com/event/lindsey-williams-9798991456388

08/09/2025

Build a Thriving Band Culture with Erin Cole Steele

Are you looking to create a band program that goes beyond just playing notes—one that's truly built on high expectations, ownership, and joy?

Join us at Conn-Selmer Northeast 2025 for a valuable session with Erin Cole Steele, a veteran educator and Director of Education for Conn-Selmer. In her clinic, "Creating a Thriving Elementary & Middle Band Culture," Erin will share practical, real-world strategies from her 22 years of experience as a middle school band director.

You'll learn how to foster a positive and productive environment where students feel motivated and proud to be a part of the ensemble. This session will cover actionable topics, including:

-Recruitment ideas and daily routines.
-Building a success-oriented mindset.
-The importance of celebrating small wins.
-Empowering students to take ownership of their learning.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain a roadmap for long-term success. Register for Conn-Selmer Northeast 2025 and start building a culture where your students and program can genuinely thrive.

[LINK: https://events.bizzabo.com/662027/home]

08/08/2025

Elevate Your Teaching: The Power of Vertical Teams with Lindsey Williams

Ready to transform your teaching and collaborate with your colleagues in new and exciting ways? Join us at Conn-Selmer Northeast 2025 for an insightful session with educator Lindsey Williams.

In her clinic, "Band Besties: 1+1=3+," Lindsey will share the immense benefits of vertical team teaching. In today's dynamic educational landscape, collaboration across different grade levels can create powerful learning opportunities for both students and teachers. You’ll explore creative scheduling options that prioritize accessibility and differentiation, ensuring that every student can succeed.

This session isn't just a presentation—it's an interactive discussion. Lindsey will encourage active audience participation as you work together to find new ways to build a stronger, more cohesive music program from the ground up.

Don't miss this chance to discover how collaboration can multiply your impact. Register for Conn-Selmer Northeast 2025 and unlock the potential of your teaching team.

[LINK: https://events.bizzabo.com/662027/home]

08/08/2025

Transform Your Rehearsals with the Warm-Up Web!

Looking to make your warm-up time more than just scales and long tones? Join us at Conn-Selmer Northeast 2025 for an innovative session with Dr. Jennifer Greene, Director of the Wind Symphony at Binghamton University.

In her clinic, "The Warm-Up Web: Connecting Concepts and Creating Community," Dr. Greene will demonstrate how to utilize warm-ups to integrate musical concepts, social-emotional learning, and creative expression. You’ll learn how to go beyond notation and immerse your students in musical ideas that build connections and foster a sense of belonging.

This hands-on session will provide you with a toolkit of non-notated ensemble warm-ups, resources to link fundamentals directly to your literature, and examples of student-created arrangements. You’ll even get the chance to create your own arrangement of a familiar tune.

Dr. Greene's extensive experience as a music educator and published researcher makes this a can't-miss event. Don't miss this opportunity to revolutionize your rehearsal routine and create a more engaged and connected ensemble. Bring your instrument or be ready to vocalize!

[LINK: https://events.bizzabo.com/662027/home]

08/07/2025

Don't Miss Camille Thurman at Conn-Selmer Northeast 2025!

Prepare for an unforgettable performance! We are thrilled to welcome the extraordinary saxophonist, vocalist, and composer Camille Thurman to Conn-Selmer Northeast 2025.

A true standard-bearer of the jazz tradition, Camille Thurman is making a profound impact on the global jazz community. She made history as the first woman in 30 years to tour full-time with the world-renowned Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. A Downbeat Magazine Critics Poll nominee, she is celebrated for her powerful and captivating blend of tradition and innovation.

Join us for a dynamic performance featuring Camille Thurman and the Darrell Green Quartet. This is a rare opportunity to experience the artistry of a musician hailed as one of the leading voices of her generation.

Be a part of this incredible musical experience. Register for Conn-Selmer Northeast 2025 and witness a performance that will inspire you.

[LINK: https://events.bizzabo.com/662027/home]

08/06/2025

The Magic of Singing With Your Band

Want to unlock a new level of sound and musicianship in your ensemble? Join us at Conn-Selmer Northeast 2025 for an enlightening clinic with Dr. Andy Pease, Director of Instrumental Music at Hartwick College.

In his session, "The Magic of Singing With Your Band," Dr. Pease will demonstrate how this simple yet powerful technique can revolutionize your rehearsals. Singing with your band offers immediate and profound benefits, including improved intonation, strengthened articulation, and enhanced listening skills for your students.

As an award-winning conductor and composer, Dr. Pease will provide practical, easy-to-implement strategies that can be used with any level of band. You'll learn how to seamlessly integrate singing into your daily routine, bringing more musicality and expression to your ensemble.

Don't miss this opportunity to transform the way your students listen and perform. Register for Conn-Selmer Northeast 2025 today!

[LINK: https://events.bizzabo.com/662027/home]

08/05/2025

Rehearsal Detective: A Clinic with Dr. Shelley Jagow

What happened in your rehearsal? Who did it? And most importantly, how can you fix it?

Join us at Conn-Selmer Northeast 2025 for an engaging session with Professor of Music Dr. Shelley Jagow. In her clinic, "Music CLUE: Rehearsal Detective – Who Did It? How to Fix It?," she will transform your approach to problem-solving in the rehearsal room.

As an accomplished author, conductor, and artist clinician, "Dr. J" will share her strategies for becoming a musical detective. You'll learn to identify everyday ensemble "mysteries" and discover practical rehearsal tips to solve them. This session will help you pinpoint the source of performance errors and provide you with the tools to implement practical solutions.

Don't miss this opportunity to sharpen your rehearsal skills and become the expert detective your ensemble needs. Register for Conn-Selmer Northeast 2025 today!

[LINK: https://events.bizzabo.com/662027/home]