The pandemic demonstrated the need for flexible and innovative approaches in teaching music. Dr. Timothy Oliver and Dr. Sarah Labovitz have modified multiple music courses to incorporate new instructional methods. Assessment data and reflective practices suggest adaptions allowed student learning to continue and, in some cases, expand by providing new growth opportunities. This session will provide participants practical ways to approach modifying instructional methods for music courses.
Timothy Oliver
- Biographical Information
Dr. Timothy Oliver is the Director of Bands and Coordinator of Wind and Percussion Studies at Arkansas State University, where he conducts the A-State Wind Ensemble, leads the master’s level wind conducting program, teaches courses in graduate and undergraduate conducting and music education, and administrates a comprehensive university band program. Ensembles at A-State have been recognized for their balanced approach in presenting both established and new repertoire. Since his appointment to A-State in 2007, Dr. Oliver has premiered or commissioned, either individually or through consortia, over 30 new works for wind ensembles and chamber winds. The A-State Wind Ensemble accepted invitations through juried selections to perform at the 2010, 2014, and 2020 Southwestern College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Conferences.
Dr. Oliver is also an active researcher with projects focusing on music performance and music education. He has received invitations to present at numerous professional conference venues, university residencies, and teacher in-service workshops. Publications featuring his research include the Journal of Band Research, Journal of Historical Research in Music Education, National Band Association Journal, Teaching Music, The Instrumentalist, and multiple state music education journals.
He enjoys a variety of activities outside of music, including cooking, vigorously cheering the Kansas City Chiefs for 30+ years, and completing home improvement projects, as well as spending time with his wife Rebecca and children Benjamin and Gwendolyn.
Sarah Labovitz is currently the Assistant Chairmen, Associate Director of Bands, and Coordinator of Music Education at Arkansas State University. She directs the Symphonic Winds, teaches undergraduate and graduate music education and conducting, and supervises student interns. Prior to her appointment at A-State, Dr. Labovitz served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Washburn University.
Dr. Labovitz is an active guest conductor and clinician as well as a contributing author to the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series. She has recently given multiple presentations at the NAfME National In-Service Conference, the Midwest Clinic, and the CBDNA National Conference. Her service to the profession includes time as the Collegiate Chair for the Arkansas Music Educators Association and President of the Arkansas Chapter of CBDNA. She currently is a member of CBDNA’s Music Education Committee, the Merrill Jones Composition Contest Committee, sponsored by the National Band Association, and was recently named a Music Education Consultant for the NAMM sponsored Music Achievement Council.
Her public-school experience includes serving as Director of Bands at Athens High School in Athens, OH and Director of Instrumental Music at Admiral King High School in Lorain, OH. She currently resides in Jonesboro with her husband, Dr. Charles Page, the junior high and assistant high school band director for Valley View School District and her two rescue labs, Rosie and Sadie.