Interviewed by Tim Lautzenheiser
“A CONVERSATION WITH…" is an annual favorite of The Midwest Clinic schedule-of-events. Each December a revered member of our band/orchestra community sits center stage and treats the audience to a one-of-a-kind personalized sharing. This year's spotlight-of-acknowledgement is being focused on Dr. Paula Crider. Paula (PC) is Professor Emerita at The University of Texas, where she was twice awarded for distinguished teaching. Her list of accolades, awards, recognitions, achievements, and contributions is endless. Maestro Crider stands at the summit of our profession. You will be boldly reminded of the importance you play in the lives of your students and your entire community. Best of all, it will be delivered from the mind-heart-and-soul of an exemplary role model: Dr. Paula Crider.
Paula Crider
- Biographical Information
Following a distinguished 33 year teaching career, Professor Paula A. Crider continues to share
her passion for meaningful music-making through an active schedule as guest conductor,
lecturer, clinician, consultant and adjudicator. She has enjoyed engagements in 47 states,
Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Singapore, Italy, Germany, Spain, Hong Kong,
Taiwan Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. Prior to her appointment at the
University of Texas, Professor Crider taught in the public schools at all levels, and holds the
unique distinction of having been the first female in the state of Texas to serve as Director of
Bands at a Class 5-A high school. Under her direction, the Crockett High School Bands
enjoyed both state and national recognition for musical excellence on the concert stage, and
were twice named Texas 5A State Marching Champions. The Crockett High School Band was
awarded the prestigious Sudler Order of Merit, and was named to the Sudler Roll of Honor of
Historic Bands in 1992.
A tenured full professor at The University of Texas, Professor Crider served on the Graduate
Conducting Faculty, conducted the Symphony Band, and was director of the acclaimed
University of Texas Longhorn Band. During her 17 year tenure, she was twice awarded the
“Eyes of Texas” award for distinguished teaching. She continues to serve as visiting guest
professor and conductor at universities throughout the country. In addition to degrees from The
University of Southern Mississippi, and The University of Texas, she was awarded the Doctor of
Music Education Honoris Causa from the Vandercook College of Music.
Professor Crider is a champion of public school music programs, and has guest conducted
more than 40 All-State Bands. Maintaining an active schedule as guest conductor and
clinician, she has inspired thousands of young musicians and has presented teacher
workshops throughout the United States and abroad. She is Senior Educational Consultant for
the Conn-Selmer Steinway Corporation where it is her mission to provide support and
encouragement to teachers of music throughout the world. She has published numerous
articles for professional journals, is co-author for the Hal Leonard “Masterworks Studies,” and
author of The Conductor’s Legacy, Conductors on Conducting for Wind Band. She is currently
completing Beyond the Notes, Thoughts on Making Meaningful Music, slated for publication
by GIA,December, 2023.
Professor Crider currently serves as Music Director for the London New Year’s Day Parade.
She is founding coordinator for the conducting component of the National Band Association
Young Conductor/Young Composer/Mentor Competition, and serves on the Board of Directors
for the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. She is a leader in her profession,
having served as President of both the National Band Association, and the American
Bandmasters Association, the first female to hold these leadership roles. She passionately
pursues encouragement and mentorship of young ladies who pursue careers in music
education.
Tim Lautzenheiser
Tim Lautzenheiser began his
teaching career at Northern Michigan University. He then moved to the
University of Missouri, and from there to New Mexico State University.
During that time, Tim developed highly acclaimed groups in both
instrumental and vocal music. Following his tenure in the college band
directing world, he spent three years with McCormick’s Enterprises working as
Executive Director of Bands of America. In 1981, Tim created Attitude Concepts
for Today, Inc., an organization designed to manage the many requests for
teacher in-service workshops, student leadership seminars, and convention
speaking engagements focusing on the area of effective leadership training. After
thirty-plus years of clinic presentations, some three million students have
experienced one of his popular sessions. Tim presently serves as Vice President
of Education for Conn-Selmer, Inc. He is a nationally recognized voice touting
the importance of arts education for every child. His books, produced by G.I.A.
Publications, Inc., continue to be bestsellers in the educational community. He
is also co-author of the popular band method, Essential Elements, as well as
the Senior Educational Consultant for Hal Leonard, Inc. Tim is also the Senior
Educational Advisor for Music for All, and NAMM (The National Association of
Music Merchants). He holds degrees from Ball State University and the
University of Alabama; in 1995 he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate from the
VanderCook College of Music. He continues to teach as an adjunct faculty member
at: Ball State University, Indiana-Purdue/Ft. Wayne University, and Butler
University. In addition, he is a member of the Midwest Clinic Board of
Directors and the Western International Band Clinic/American Band College Board
of Directors. He is presently the Chair of the National Association for Music
Education Music Honor Society (Tri-M).