Stay The Course: A Navigation Guide for the Head Director
Clinic Synopsis:
Set sail with experienced directors as they educate prospective and current head band and orchestra directors about how to effectively chart their course and steer toward success! Using maritime metaphors, Johnson and McBryde will teach on goal setting and planning, delegation and systems, rehearsal strategies, mentorship, working with parents and administrators, staff dynamics, and achieving work-life balance.
Darla McBryde
- Biographical Information
A native of Fort Worth, Texas, Darla McBryde was named Director of Bands at Timber Creek High School in Keller in May of 2014. Prior to her time at Timber Creek, she served as an assistant band director at both Keller and Flower Mound High Schools. Ms. McBryde's concert ensembles have earned 17 consecutive first division ratings at Texas UIL Concert & Sight-reading Contests, and her ensembles have earned superior ratings and “Best in Class” awards at festivals throughout the country. Highlights of her career include two Midwest Band and Orchestra appearances, in 2003 as Assistant Director of the Flower Mound High School Wind Ensemble, and in 2012 with her very own Keller Chamber Winds in 2012. In addition, the 2016 Timber Creek High School Wind Symphony was selected to perform at the 38th Western International Band Clinic in Seattle, WA last November. Ms. McBryde holds a Masters Degree in instrumental conducting from Stephen F. Austin State University where she studied with Fred J. Allen. She earned her Bachelors Degree in music education from Baylor University where she studied bassoon with Dr. Kent Moore and conducting with Michael Haithcock. Ms. McBryde has been the recipient of several school and district level awards including, the Timber Creek High School Fine Arts Teacher of the Year, the Keller ISD Fine Arts Teacher of the Month, the “Principal’s Shining Star” award, and the Lewisville Independent School District’s “Golden Apple” award. A dedicated and passionate educator, Ms. McBryde believes in teaching students about expressing gratitude, developing a growth mindset, building on strengths, taking ownership, persisting through difficulty, possessing grit, failing forward, and building positive habits. She believes in the power of band, and knows that band is the best place for all kids!
Kathy Johnson - Biographical Information
Kathy Johnson is in her 11th year at Argyle High School and 37th year of teaching. Her responsibilities include directing the Argyle High School Marching Band, the Wind Ensemble, teaching the beginner flute class, and overseeing the overall band program in both middle school and high school. Under her direction, the Argyle High School Band was chosen for the 2009 American School Band Director Association Outstanding Band Program Award and the 2014 Texas Exemplary High School Band award. Argyle High School Wind Ensemble was 1st runner up for the 2014 and 2016 TMEA 4A State Honor Band, earned the title of TMEA 3A State Honor Band in 2009, performed at The Midwest Clinic in 2007, and has earned the distinction of being the Texas State Marching Band Champion 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014 and was runner-up in 2016. Prior to teaching at Argyle High School, Mrs. Johnson taught in the Lewisville Independent School District for 20 years where her students earned many awards and honors including performing at The Midwest Clinic in 2001. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Johnson is a founding member and has played flute in the Dallas Wind Symphony for the past 32 years. Kathy Johnson is an active clinician and adjudicator in the Dallas/Ft. Worth metroplex and is a Yamaha Educator Artist. Mrs. Johnson is a contributor in the development of the Tonal Energy Tuner application for iPad, iPhone, and Android devices; one of the most widely used applications in the world. In addition, Mrs. Johnson is co-author of the new Musical Mastery Supplemental Band Method. Kathy Johnson earned both her Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Music Education at The University of North Texas. Her professional affiliations include the American Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, where she serves on the board representing Texas Small Schools, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association where she serves as a Region Representative, Women Band Directors International, The Association of Texas Small School Bands, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association.
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