Protecting Your Program: Tips to Survive and Thrive in the Modern World
Clinic Synopsis:
For years, band directors have struggled with developing, maintaining, and protecting their band programs. This clinic, by two veteran educators, is designed to provide insights into their methods and strategies to rebuild and create a robust program in the modern world. Music administrators and others will glean a perspective of current challenges and will be given an advocacy plan to help support and guide teachers, principals, and board members alike.
Alfred Watkins
- Biographical Information
Mr. Watkins is a highly decorated, nationally renowned director, clinician, educator, author, and cherished friend of the Rose Parade. He is the retired director of the acclaimed Lassiter High School Band in Georgia, participant of the 1988, 2001, 2005 and 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade. His Lassiter Bands were the 1998 and 2002 Bands of America Grand National Champions and won 125 of 132 marching band competitions entered. His concert bands have performed at the prestigious Midwest Clinic on five occasions and have received three major awards from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, who lists his Lassiter Bands as one of the historic high school bands in America. He is founder of the Cobb Wind Symphony and co-founder of the Minority Band Directors National Association
Darnella Davidson - Biographical Information
Darnella Davidson taught instrumental music with the Los
Angeles Unified School District for 38 years. Her legendary high school bands
performed in the Opening Ceremonies of the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics, at
professional National Football League games, on television, in film, print, and
with numerous celebrities including Rosemary Clooney, Vanessa Carlton, Debbie
Allen, George Lopez, and Pharrell Williams. Her competitive bands at San Pedro
and Los Angeles High Schools combined earned 30 consecutive LAUSD City Band
Championships and 8 SCSBOA Southern California Band Championships. Her concert
groups have performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theater, and Disneyland. Recognized
for her work as an educator, Mrs. Davidson has received commendations from
various civic leaders including President Bill Clinton. She is an SCSBOA
Honorary Life Member, CMEA Outstanding Teacher, GRAMMY Teacher Semi-Finalist,
and CMA Foundation Music Teacher of Excellence recipient. Darnella has been
recognized for her work on several television programs including The Kelly
Clarkson Show and The NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt and featured
in The Instrumentalist magazine. In retirement, Mrs. Davidson continues
her work as an adjudicator, conductor, Conn-Selmer clinician, and Associate
Director with the LAUSD All City Honor Band, which is an annual participant in
the Tournament of Roses Parade. She has served as a Los Angeles County Arts
Commissioner and currently serves on the boards of the Southern California
School Band and Orchestra Association and the Minority Band Directors National
Association.
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