Music Education Consultants Kids

Workshops & Presentations
Music Curriculum & Professional Development
Articles and Presentations
Consultants
About Marcia Neel
spacerContact Us

Past Workshops
View Upcoming Workshops

2010 Summer Mariachi I, II, and III Workshops
June 28-July 2, 2010
National Center for Music Education
Reston, Virginia
Presentation: Everything You Need to Know about Starting and/or Developing a Standards-based Mariachi Program in Your School
This summer, participate in a workshop on Mariachi teaching techniques being held at the National Music Education Center in Reston, VA, the week of June 28th then stay through the week-end for July 4th activities in nearby Washington DC. Participants will receive methods books, curriculum documents, video and audio recordings, information on purchasing instruments and uniforms plus lots, lots more. Learn to play the guitarron, vihuela, and mariachi guitar in authentic style. MENC members pay only $115 for the entire week of instruction thanks to the co-sponsorships of the]Wenger Corporation and Yamaha Corporation. Participants only pay for travel and housing ($76 per night includes complimentary breakfast at nearby new Hampton Inn) with an option for 3 graduate credits also available through VanderCook College. Lunch provided daily by Yamaha Corporation. Bring your own music stand and primary instrument-- violin, trumpet, or guitar. To get your scholarship (credit or non-credit), you must register by phone by calling VanderCook at 312-225-6288. To get additional information, visit our mariachi workshops page.

2010 Conn-Selmer Institute
June 6-9, 2010
Notre Dame University
Presentations: TBA

Presentation:
Interviewing Skills; Putting Your Best Foot Forward
What are today's administrators looking for and how can you best fill that need? Everything from creating the perfect resume to using positive body language to becoming a highly sought-after professional music educator will be covered.

Presentation:
Protecting Your Program in Tough Economic Times
You CAN keep your program from being cut! Learn what to do NOW to protect your program LATER.

Presentation: Everything They Never Taught You in College So Don't Be Afraid to Ask!
Early in one's career, music teachers often discover that the training received in college, albeit valuable, left out many topics. In this open and frank discussion, teachers who are new to the profession or those in a new position will participate in a ramped-up, streamlined session addressing a variety of the most relevant of those areas.

Sponsored by Wenger Corporation

2010 Iowa Bandmasters Association Conference
May 13, 2010; 1:15 PM
Des Moines Marriott Downtown

Presentation: How to Successfully Recruit and Retain Instrumental Music Students;
A Practical Guide for Recruitment and Retention Based on “bestpractices” from highly successful band directors, the Music AchievementCouncil has compiled several tools that cover every aspect ofrecruiting and retaining instrumental music students. Because it coversthe fundamentals in great detail, this information is great for newteachers, young teachers or experienced teachers. It not only providessample forms and letters that are ready-to-use, but also sharesretention ideas that can be implemented at any stage of the school year.
Sponsored by the Music Achievement Council

Presentation: Making an Advocate Out of Your Principal: Ten Things You Can Do Monday.
This informative, inspiring presentation was developed after a district-wide survey which asked principals what they appreciated most about their music educators and what one area that teachers could improve. Learn how the principals responded along with practical, proven ideas to build and maintain the teacher/administrator relationship. Your program can be the centerpiece of your school. Take advantage of these "Ten Things You Can Do on Monday" to build and maintain the teacher/administrator relationship.
Sponsored by Wenger Corp

2010 California Association for Music
Education State Conference

March 11, 2010
Sacramento Convention Center
Presentation: How to Successfully Recruit and Retain Instrumental Music Students; A Practical Guide for Recruitment and Retention Based on “best practices” from highly successful band directors, the Music Achievement Council has compiled several tools that cover every aspect of recruiting and retaining instrumental music students. Because it covers the fundamentals in great detail, this information is great for new teachers, young teachers or experienced teachers. It not only provides sample forms and letters that are ready-to-use, but also shares retention ideas that can be implemented at any stage of the school year . Sponsored by the Music Achievement Council.

2010 NASSP National Conference
March 12-13, 2010
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, AZ

2010 Fort Worth Mariachi Extravaganza
February 26-27, 2010
Sponsored by Forth Worth ISD

2010 ASTA National Conference
February 17-20, 2010
Santa Clara, CA

Presentation: Educating The Whole Child While Involving More Students in Music—Mariachi Made Simplemente!
ASCD's Whole Child Initiative is grounded in the belief that efforts to improve education need to shift from reforming structures created by adults to transforming learning conditions so that each child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. Learn how you can achieve this end and increase the number of students in music by expanding course offerings through a standards-based Mariachi Program that is reasonable and accessible to all.

ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development) and AASA (American Association of School Administrators) are consistently seeking "opportunities" to help students excel and engaging children's heritage is one of the areas that will help make the learning process culturally relevant. According to a recent ASCD article, "A great example is Nevada's Clark County School District (CCSD). CCSD values culture in a deeply meaningful way with tremendous residual benefits. To engage Hispanic students, the CCSD Fine Arts Department developed an exemplary mariachi music program. The program is so popular, it now is in place at more than a dozen CCSD campuses." It was Marcia Neel who served as the Music Supervisor and organized the concept of developing the CCSD Mariachi Curriculum to guarantee its success in terms of involving thousands more students in music education programs.

In addition to this being a participatory session, Mrs. Neel will share the CCSD standards-based mariachi curriculum as well as her strategies for success to build a program that will be the source of pride for all involved.
Sponsored by Northeastern Music Publications

2010 Missouri Music Educators Association Convention
January 27-30, 2010
Location Tan-Tar-A Resort, Osage Beach, MO

Presentation: How to Successfully Recruit and Retain Instrumental Music Students; A Practical Guide for Recruitment and Retention Based on “best practices” from highly successful band directors, the Music Achievement Council has compiled several tools that cover every aspect of recruiting and retaining instrumental music students. Because it covers the fundamentals in great detail, this information is great for new teachers, young teachers or experienced teachers. It not only provides sample forms and letters that are ready-to-use, but also shares retention ideas that can be implemented at any stage of the school year.
Sponsored by the Music Achievement Council

2010 Indiana Music Educators Association State Convention
January 21-23, 2010
Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN

Presentation: How to Successfully Recruit and Retain Instrumental Music Students; A Practical Guide for Recruitment and Retention
Based on “best practices” from highly successful band directors, the Music Achievement Council has compiled several tools that cover every aspect of recruiting and retaining instrumental music students. Because it covers the fundamentals in great detail, this information is great for new teachers, young teachers or experienced teachers. It not only provides sample forms and letters that are ready-to-use, but also shares retention ideas that can be implemented at any stage of the school year.
Sponsored by the Music Achievement Council

2010 Oregon Music Educators Association State Conference
January 15-16, 2010
Eugene Hilton

Presentation: Making an Advocate Out of Your Principal: Ten Things You Can Do Monday.
This informative, inspiring presentation was developed after a district-wide survey which asked principals what they appreciated most about their music educators and what one area that teachers could improve. Learn how the principals responded along with practical, proven ideas to build and maintain the teacher/administrator relationship. Your program can be the centerpiece of your school. Take advantage of these "Ten Things You Can Do on Monday" to build and maintain the teacher/administrator relationship.

Presentation: Baking the Perfect Cookie
Have you ever tried to explain to your non-musically trained constituents what the perfect recipe is for a top-quality, comprehensive, sequential, standards-based music program? Based upon MENC’s Music Program Assessment, this session looks beyond the focus on performance and considers curriculum and scheduling, staffing, materials and equipment, and facilities. To help you reach your goals, easy-to-use checklists will be provided that administrators, parents and others can easily understand. This presentation will be broken into two separate sessions.
Sponsored by Wenger Corp

Presentation: How to Successfully Recruit and Retain Instrumental Music Students; A Practical Guide for Recruitment and Retention
Based on best practices from highly successful band directors, the Music Achievement Council has compiled several tools that cover every aspect of recruiting and retaining instrumental music students. Because it covers the fundamentals in great detail, this information is great for new teachers, young teachers or experienced teachers. It not only provides sample forms and letters that are ready-to-use, but also shares retention ideas that can be implemented at any stage of the school year.
Sponosred by the Music Achievement Council

2010 Florida Music Educators Association State Conference
January 6-9, 2010
Tampa Convention Center

Presentation: Creating a Mariachi Program that Works: There is a Method to this Madness!
"I want to offer a mariachi program but know nothing about it. What doI do?" Mariachi is quickly becoming the fastest growing portion of acomprehensive music program.  Join your colleagues for a fun,interactive, and informative clinic to help you get your mariachiprogram started! Attendees will be provided with a proven method to get their programs started quickly and successfully.

2009 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association
(PMEA) Summer Conference

July 20-21, 2009
Penn State University
Conference Center Hotel
State College, PA

Presentation: KEYNOTE ADDRESS: Spreading Our Wings; Considering the Alternatives
Today's young people have a very special relationship with music
and more than at any other time, today's educators have unique
opportunities to tap into this enthusiasm and, subsequently, expand their own music programs.

Presentation: Creating a Mariachi Program that Works: There is a Method to this Madness!
Mariachi is quickly becoming the fastest growing portion of a comprehensive music program.  Join your colleagues for a fun, interactive, and informative clinic to help you get your mariachi program started!
Clinic Synopsis: "I want to offer a mariachi program but know nothing about it. What do I do?" Attendees will be provided with a proven method to get their programs started quickly and successfully.
What is the target audience for this clinic? This workshop is for educators who are interested in exploring the possibility of offering a comprehensive, standards-based Mariachi Education Program in their schools as well as for those who are already teaching Mariachi and looking for a standards-based curricular approach to use with their students.
What will the audience take away from this clinic? The clinicians will share their materials for creating a comprehensive Mariachi Program that is workable in a homogeneous or heterogeneous setting for any age group.
What is included in the handout? Sample Mariachi musical arrangements, lesson plans, as well as curriculum scopes and goals will be provided so that attendees may have the start-up materials needed to initiate a Mariachi Program in their home schools.
Is there anything else you would like attendees to know about this clinic? Attendees to this session are encouraged to bring guitars, trumpets, and violins to experience the music first-hand.

Colorado ASTA Summer Workshop
July 16-17, 2009
Cherry Creek High School
9300 E. Union St.
Greenwood Village, Co. 80111
Presentation: Creating a Mariachi Program that Works: There is a Method to this Madness!
Mariachi is quickly becoming the fastest growing portion of a comprehensive music program.  Join your colleagues for a fun, interactive, and informative clinic to help you get your mariachi program started!
Clinic Synopsis: "I want to offer a mariachi program but know nothing about it. What do I do?" Attendees will be provided with a proven method to get their programs started quickly and successfully.
What is the target audience for this clinic? This workshop is for educators who are interested in exploring the possibility of offering a comprehensive, standards-based Mariachi Education Program in their schools as well as for those who are already teaching Mariachi and looking for a standards-based curricular approach to use with their students.
What will the audience take away from this clinic? The clinicians will share their materials for creating a comprehensive Mariachi Program that is workable in a homogeneous or heterogeneous setting for any age group.
What is included in the handout? Sample Mariachi musical arrangements, lesson plans, as well as curriculum scopes and goals will be provided so that attendees may have the start-up materials needed to initiate a Mariachi Program in their home schools.
Is there anything else you would like attendees to know about this clinic? Attendees to this session are encouraged to bring guitars, trumpets, and violins to experience the music first-hand.
Sponsored by Northeastern Music Publications.

2009 Summer Mariachi I and Mariachi II Workshops
June 29-July 3, 2009

National Center for Music Education

Reston, Virginia
Presentation: Everything You Need to Know about Starting and/or Developing a Standards-based Mariachi
Program in Your School

This summer, participate in a workshop on Mariachi teaching techniques being held at the National Music Education Center in Reston, VA, the week of June 29th then stay through the week-end for July 4th activities in nearby Washington DC. Participants will receive free methods books, curriculum documents, video and audio recordings, information on purchasing instruments and uniforms plus lots, lots more. Learn to play the guitarron, vihuela, and mariachi guitar in authentic style. MENC members pay only $95 for the entire week of instruction thanks to the co-sponsorships of the Wenger Corporation and Yamaha Corporation. Participants only pay for travel and housing ($69 per night at nearby new Hampton Inn with an option for 3 graduate credits also available through VanderCook College. Bring your own primary instrument-- violin, trumpet, or guitar. To register and get additional information, visit our mariachi workshops page.

2009 National Association of School Music Dealers (NASMD) Annual Convention
April 1-4, 2009
J.W. Marriott Starr Pass Resort
Tucson, AZ
Presentation:  Reaching Out to Your Music Educators; Sharing 24 Tips for Success
Inherently, the job of the music educator has always been multi-faceted but it is becoming even more and more complex due to the demands of today’s challenging educational environment. The Music Achievement Council has responded by updating its Tips for Success to provide music educators with helpful information on a variety of topics highly relevant to the contemporary setting.  These include Focusing on the Classroom, The Business Side of Teaching, Telling the Story, and Supporting Music Education. Clark County School District’s (Las Vegas) former School Board President and Secondary Music Supervisor share ideas on how dealers can help build programs.  Attendees will also be provided with copies of these newly-released materials so that they will be better positioned to assist local music educators in realizing their full potential.
Sponsored by the Music Achievement Council

2009 American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference
March 19-21, 2009
Mariott Marquis Hotel
Atlanta, GA
Presentation:  Saturday, March 21, 3:45 PM. Mariachi - Advanced Rhythms and Performance Techniques The vibrant music of the Mariachi genre exists in a variety of styles—some of which involve more complicated and intricate rhythms.  Attendees to this session will be provided with proven strategies to teach these more advanced styles including son forms, the huapango, and the joropo.
Sponsored by Northeastern Music Publications

2009 California Music Educators Association State Conference
March 12-14, 2009
Ontario Convention Center
Ontario, CA
Presentation: Friday, March 13, 4:00 PM in Room 104A. Advocacy for New Teacher. Your program can be the centerpiece of your school. Take advantage of these "Ten Things You Can Do on Monday" to build and maintain the teacher/administrator relationship.
Sponsored by Wenger Corporation for the California Music Educator's Association

2009 Biennial MENC Northwest Division Conference
February 13-15, 2009
Spokane Convention Center
Spokane, WA
Session 1:  Friday, February 13, 1:00 PM, Room #CC 102AB. The Interview Everything you need to know to land that job.  Panel presentation - followed by mock interviews throughout the rest of the session.
Session 2:  Saturday, February 14, 9:45 AM, Room #CC102AB. Making an Advocate Out of Your Principal: Ten Things You Can Do on Monday. This informative, inspiring presentation was developed after a district-wide survey which asked principals what they appreciated most about their music educators and what one area that teachers could improve. Learn how the principals responded along with practical, proven ideas to build and maintain the teacher/administrator relationship.
Session 3:  Saturday, February 13, 3:15 PM, Room #CC102CD. Everything They Never Taught You In College, But It's Okay to Ask! Early in one’s career, music teachers often discover that the training received in college, although valuable, left out many topics. In this open and frank discussion, teachers who are new to the profession or those in a new position will participate in a ramped-up, streamlined session addressing a variety of the most relevant of those areas.
Sponsored by Wenger Corporation

Texas Music Educators Association
February 11-14, 2009
Harry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX


Session 1: Thursday, February 12, 2:00 PM in Room #CC 206.
Making an Advocate Out of Your Principal: Ten Things You Can Do on Monday. This informative, inspiring presentation was developed after a district-wide survey which asked principals what they appreciated most about their music educators and what one area that teachers could improve. Learn how the principals responded along with practical, proven ideas to build and maintain the teacher/administrator relationship.Sponsored by Wenger Corporation.


Session 2
: Thursday, February 12, 6:30 PM in Room #CC 217.
Creating a Mariachi Program that Works: There is a Method to this Madness! The question most often asked is, "I would love to offer a mariachi program but I know very little about it. What can I do to get started?" Attendees will receive sample teaching materials and all the information needed to discover how easy it really is to introduce mariachi to beginning players. These materials will work in any homogeneous or heterogeneous setting via pull-out programs or daily classes. Sponsored by Northeastern Music Publications.

2009 Oregon Music Educators Association State Conference
January 16-18, 2009
Eugene Hilton and Hult Center for the Performing Arts
Eugene, OR
Presentations:
Keynote: The REAL Right Stuff: Preparing Our Students for Their Futures.
Music Educators hold the keys to a successful future for today’s students. Hear what school superintendents, principals, and arts leaders are learning about how producing logical, linear, analytical thinkers is now no longer enough.

CMENC Session: Everything They Never Taught You in College: But It’s OK to Ask.
Early in one’s career, music teachers often discover that the training received in college, although valuable, left out many topics. In this open and frank discussion, teachers who are new to the profession or those in a new position will participate in a ramped-up, streamlined session addressing a variety of the most relevant of those areas. Tips for Success provided by the Music Advisory Council.


Co-sponsored by Wenger Corporation for the Oregon Music Educators Association

Tempo Manitoba Music Conference
November 28, 2008
Fort Garry Hotel, 222 Broadway Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Sessions:
Keynote: The REAL Right Stuff: Preparing Our Students for Their Futures. Music Educators hold the keys to a successful future for today’s students. Hear what school superintendents, principals, and arts leaders are learning about how producing logical, linear, analytical thinkers is now no longer enough.
Session 1: Everything They Never Taught You in College: But It’s OK to Ask. Early in one’s career, music teachers often discover that the training received in college, although valuable, left out many topics. In this open and frank discussion, teachers who are new to the profession or those in a new position will participate in a ramped-up, streamlined session addressing a variety of the most relevant of those areas.
Session 2: Making an Advocate Out of Your Principal: Ten Things You Can Do on Monday. This informative, inspiring presentation was developed after a district-wide survey which asked principals what they appreciated most about their music educators and what one area that teachers could improve. Learn how the principals responded along with practical, proven ideas to build and maintain the teacher/administrator relationship.
Sponsored by Wenger Corporation for the Manitoba Music Educator's Association

2008 North Carolina Music Educators Association Conference
November 8-11, 2008
Benton Convention Center, Embassy Suites, Winston Marriott & Stevens Center
Winston-Salem, NC
Presentation:  Normal Routines to Creative Opportunities; 10 Easy Ideas for Becoming Central to Your School’s Personality!
These economic times can present challenges to even the most secure Music Departments so Advocacy has to put on a new face. It is the Music Educator who, with a few easy ideas and “random acts of kindness,” will be viewed as a school-wide leader by helping to promote pride and raise school spirit. The creative ideas presented at this session combine into a recipe that will raise the visibility of the Music Program and result in increased positive attention from the school’s student population, teaching staff, building administrators, and parents.
Sponsored by Wenger Corporation

Wisconsin State Music Conference
October 29 – November 1, 2008
Monona Terrace Convention Center, Madison, WI
Presentation: Mariachi in Your Classroom Music Program
This session is geared for the middle level general music program and focuses on making cultural connections through learning the history of mariachi and its specific performance practices. Attendees will be provided with four to six user-friendly lesson plans to use in this setting.
Sponsored by Wenger Corporation for the Wisconsin Music Educators Association

Texas Bandmasters Association
July 27-30, 2008
Harry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, San Antonio, TX
Presentation:
Creating a Mariachi Program that Works: There is a Method to this Madness! The question most often asked is, "I would love to offer a mariachi program but I know very little about it. What can I do to get started?" Attendees will receive sample teaching materials and all the information needed to discover how easy it really is to introduce mariachi to beginning players. These materials will work in any homogeneous or heterogeneous setting via pull-out programs or daily classes.
Sponsored by Wenger Corporation

Villanova University Summer Music Studies (3 Credit Hours)
July 14-18, 2008
Villanova University, Villanova, PA Workshop: (3 Credits)
Starting a Mariachi Program in Your School: Everything You Need to Know

Mariachi Workshop Co-sponsored by Yamaha, MENC,
and Villanova University

(3 Credit Hours Available through Villanova University)
Starting a Mariachi Program in Your School: Everything You Need to Know
July 7-11, 2008
MENC: The National Association for Music Education
National Headquarters Building
1806 Robert Fulton Drive
Reston, VA 20191

Conn-Selmer Institute
June 8-10, 2008
Notre Dame University, South Bend, IN
Sessions:
•Focusing on the Classroom
•Supporting Music Education: Lessons from Schools
•Curriculum for Music Education
•The Interview Process
Sponsored by Conn-Selmer, FJM, Hal Leonard, Wenger, Disney Performing Arts Programs, MakeMusic , Hamilton Stands Inc., Pepper, Manhasset, Remo, Educational Tours, Inc.

Florida Gulf Coast University
May 9-10, 2008
The Bower School of Music, 10501 FGCU Boulevard South, Fort Myers, FL 33965, Academic 5, Room 112, Main Campus
Summit: Solutions for Music Education in Southwest Florida: Dialogues on Music in the Schools for the 21st Century
Sessions:
•Keynote
•Characteristics of Comprehensive and Successful Music Programs
•The Political Component of Music Education
•The Quality Music Program in the Context of the 21st Century School: Music as a Discipline
•Initiatives for the Future
In partnership with Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers, Piano Distributors, Cadence Music

MENC – The National Association for Music Education National Conference
April 9-12, 2008
Midwest Airlines Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Focus Session:
Let’s Play Mariachi!
. . .A Series of Round-robin Mini-Master Classes on Mariachi Instruments

61st MENC National Biennial In-Service Conference
April 9 - 13, 2008
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Preconference Focus Session Presentation (Wednesday, April 9, 2008 - 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Let's Play Mariachi! A Series of Round-Robin Mini-Master Classes on Mariachi Instruments

American String Teachers Association National Conference: February 27 - March 1, 2008
Hyatt Regency Albuquerque, Albuquerque, NM
Presentation:
Creating a Mariachi Program that Works: There is a Method to this Madness!

Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Clinic
February 14-16, 2008
Minneapolis Convention Center, Minneapolis, MN
Presentation:
Making an Advocate Out of Your Principal: This informative, inspiring presentation was developed after a district-wide survey that asked principals what they appreciated most about their music teacher and what was one area that teachers could improve. Learn how the principals responded, along with practical, proven advocacy ideas.
(Friday, February 15, 3:30 PM, Room L100E)
Sponsored by Wenger Corporation

Florida Music Educators Association State Conference
January 10-12, 2008
Tampa Convention Center, Tampa, Florida
Presentation:
Making an Advocate Out of Your Principal: This informative, inspiring presentation was developed after a district-wide survey that asked principals what they appreciated most about their music teacher and what was one area that teachers could improve. Learn how the principals responded, along with practical, proven advocacy ideas.

The Midwest Clinic: December 18 - 22, 2007
Hilton Chicago, Chicago, IL
http://www.midwestclinic.com/
Presentation:
Creating a Mariachi Program that Works: There is a Method to this Madness!

Society for Music Teacher Education Symposium:
September 14-16, 2007
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Presentation:
Unique Issues Related to Recruiting, Professional Development, and Retaining Music Educators in the Urban and Suburban (Growing) Setting

Americans for the Arts Annual Convention: June 1 -3, 2007
Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada
Presentation:
Super Session: Influencing Education Decision Makers

Conn-Selmer Institute: June 3 - 6, 2007
Notre Dame University, South Bend, IN
Presentations:
Curriculum Alignment -- What Comes First?
Preparing the Lesson -- What Do Supervisors Expect?

Duquesne University Summer Programs: June 25 - 29, 2007
Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
Workshop: (3 Credits)
Supervision of School Music Programs

Villanova University Summer Music Studies: July 23 - 27, 2007
Villanova University, Villanova, PA
Workshop: (3 Credits)
Starting a Mariachi Program in Your School -- Everything You Need to Know