Clinician Name: David Vandewalker
Clinic Title: It's All About the Clarity: Exploring Practical Ideas for Developing a Superior Ensemble Sound
Clinic Synopsis: It’s All About the Clarity:
Exploring Practical Ideas in Developing Superior Ensemble Sound
A practical, "how-to” session exploring concept-based instructional practices designed to develop a superior ensemble sound with resonance and clarity. The clinic will discuss time-tested tools, resources, and warm-ups to quantify abstract, subjective concepts thus making them more concrete for students.
What is the target audience for this clinic? Directors of any age and experience.
What will the audience take away from this clinic? Practical, relevant rehearsal techniques for developing ensemble skills in a concept-based approach to providing students with concrete ideas in how to produce abstract musical performances with resonance and clarity.
What is included in the handout? The handout will include the clinic framework and a guide to enhance note taking and post clinic follow-up and review.
Is there anything else you would like attendees to know about this clinic? The concepts presented are "real life" time-tested teaching strategies based on both research and practical experience that have been successfully implemented for over a decade.
Biographical Information: David W. Vandewalker is the Director of Bands at Harrison High School in the Cobb County Public Schools (GA). He serves GMEA as Chair for the State Music Selection Committee, the Board of Directors for the National Band Association, and has authored Boosters to the Rescue, 101 Ways to Harmonize the Madness for Music Educators and Foundations for Wind Band Clarity (Vision Publications). He is a seven-time recipient of the prestigious National Band Association’s National Citation of Excellence Award. Vandewalker has conducted ensembles in numerous state and national events which include: Georgia Music Educators Association Convention, Bands of America National Concert Band Festivals, the University of Georgia High School Honor Band Festivals, and the 1999 & 2007 Midwest Clinics.