The purpose of this session is to demonstrate ways to utilize technology in developing critical listening skills. We focus on increasing the participation while develop critical listening skills, analytical thinking, and decision making by the student musicians. The presenters will explain the use of the technology for planning, teaching in the classroom, student development and accountability, and how to integrate this strategy easily into any ensemble while continuing performance preparation.
Natalie Steele Royston
- Biographical Information
Natalie Steele Royston is an Associate Professor and Coordinator of Music Education at Iowa State University. She teaches courses in Music Education and supervises practicum and student teacher placements. Prior to her current appointment, Dr. Royston served for three years with the Iowa State University bands, most recently as Associate Director of Bands, Director of the Cyclone Marching Band (ISUCF'V'MB), director of the women's basketball Pep Band, and conductor of the Concert Band. Previously, she served for six years as Associate Director of Bands at Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas and taught in the public schools of Ohio for six years where her ensembles received consistent superior ratings at district and state events.
Dr. Royston received a Bachelor of Music Education degree and Master of Music degrees in Trombone Performance and Wind Conducting from Ohio University and a PhD in Music Education from the University of North Texas. Her biography is published in several recent editions of Who's Who Among America's Teachers. She has held memberships in Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Lambda, Tau Beta Sigma, Mu Phi Epsilon, Music Educators National Conference, the College Band Directors National Association, and the Iowa, Ohio, and Texas Music Educators’ Association.
Dr. Royston is an active clinician and researcher. She has presented at conferences and research symposiums across the country and is published in the Journal of Research in Music Education, the Journal of Music Teacher Education, Update: Applications of Research in Music Education, Research and Issues in Music Education, Contributions to Music Education, the Music Educators Journal, and the Instrumentalist.
Dr. Steven L. Smyth is the new interim Associate Director of Bands at New Mexico State University. He comes from a very successful tenure at Iowa State University where he directed the the Cyclone Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Men's Basketball Band, as well as teaching Marching Band Methods. Steven is a proud alumnus of Iowa State University where he earned his Bachelors Degree in Music Education. He also holds a Masters Degree in Wind Conducting Performance and Pedagogy from Oklahoma State University where he studied with Dr. Joseph Missal, and received his DMA in Conducting from the University of Kansas, studying with Dr. Paul Popiel.
While under his leadership, the Cyclone Marching Band at Iowa State won the coveted Sudler Trophy. The John Philip Sousa Foundation awards it every two years to only one exceptional college marching band. The honor recognizes a history and tradition of excellence and not just a single season. The award can only be won once by a university.
Dr. Smyth previously served as Associate Director of Bands at the University of Central Arkansas. He taught in the public schools of Iowa for several years, beginning at Lenox High School and then Dowling Catholic High School.
As an arranger and drill writer, Steven Smyth writes shows for competitive high school programs across the United States. He also maintains an active schedule as a clinician, adjudicator, and guest conductor across the United States, Europe, and Japan.
Dr. Smyth holds memberships in College Band Directors National Association, Iowa Bandmasters Association, Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association, Phi Beta Mu, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He also holds honorary memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.