We assert that deep engagement with issues related to social justice through artistic practice works in tandem with the process of preparing repertoire and supports committed, meaningful, experiences for our students. Through a series of case studies, we will explore how the rehearsal process provides a pedagogical gateway for dialogue and understanding of the world around us. Participants will leave with strategies and best practices for reimagining ensemble pedagogy through this lens.
Colleen Sears
- Biographical Information
Dr. Colleen Sears is a Professor of Music and Department of Music Chairperson at The College of New Jersey. She also leads curriculum development and interdisciplinary programming for TCNJ's Artivism Project, an initiative that explores social and environmental justice through artistic experience. Dr. Sears spent ten years as a public school music and continues to work with K-12 music educators and students through innovative artistic collaborations. Her scholarly work focuses on diversity, equity, and access in music education and the impact of grief and trauma on music teaching and learning. She has published in Music Educators Journal, Action Criticism and Theory for Music Education, and Music Education Research. She authored a book chapter entitled, “Put Your Big Girl Panties On: A Female Band Director’s Career in a Culture of Masculinity” which appears in Marginalized Voices in Music Education. She presents her work at conferences including New Directions in Music Education Conference, the MayDay Group Colloquium, the Society for Music Teacher Education Conference, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and the College Band Directors National Association Conferences. Dr. Sears guest lectures at institutions across the country, facilitates social justice initiatives with The Artivism Project, and coordinates professional development for music educators. She holds a Bachelor of Music from The College of New Jersey, a Master of Arts from the Eastman School of Music and a Doctor of Education in music education from Teachers College, Columbia University.
Dr. Eric Laprade is Director of Bands and Associate Professor of
Music at The College of New Jersey, where he conducts the wind ensemble and
concert band, and teaches courses in conducting, rehearsal techniques, and
instrumental literature. He also serves as Managing Director & Artistic
Partner, and Festival Wind Ensemble conductor of South Shore Conservatory’s
Summer Music Festival (Hingham, MA). Previously, Laprade served as the Visiting
Director of Wind Ensembles at The University of Utah and as Music Department
Chairperson and Instrumental Music Teacher for the Randolph, MA Public Schools.
He has conducted many of the nation’s premier wind bands, including The Eastman
Wind Ensemble, The United States Army Band, "Pershing's Own,"
University of Michigan Symphony Band, and Manhattan School of Music Wind
Ensemble. He holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in conducting and Catherine
Filene Shouse Arts Leadership Certificate from the Eastman School of Music, a
Master of Music in conducting from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor
of Music in music education and tuba performance from the Eastman School of
Music, where he was the recipient of the school’s prestigious Performer’s
Certificate. His primary teachers include Mark Davis Scatterday, Michael
Haithcock, and Malcolm W. Rowell, Jr.