In this session, the clinicians will discuss a recent project that brought five rural band teachers from two states together in a Virtual (Online) Professional Learning Community (VPLC) where they focussed on implementing Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) into their band programs. The clinicians will describe their rationale and process for developing a VPLC among small school music teachers and will provide practical advice for attendees seeking to form VPLCs of their own.
David Rolandson
- Biographical Information
David Rolandson is Associate Professor and Director of Bands at Minot State University where he conducts the Concert Band and teaches courses in conducting and music education. He earned a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Minnesota, a Master’s Degree in Wind Conducting from Central Washington University, and a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth.
Prior to his appointment at Minot State University, Dr. Rolandson was a band teacher in the Renton (WA) Public Schools. While in Renton, his ensembles frequently received high ratings at regional contests, and his high school students were often selected to perform at the annual Washington State Solo and Ensemble Contest. Dr. Rolandson was also an active member of the Washington Music Educators Association serving as the Soundview Region President from 2010-2012. In 2009, he received the Renton Area Chamber of Commerce “Ahead of the Class” award for teaching excellence.
Dr. Rolandson has presented at the NAfME National Music Research and Teacher Education Conference, the NAfME Northwest Region Conference, the Society for Music Teacher Education Symposium, the CIC Music Education Conference, and multiple state MEA Conferences. In addition, he has been published in the Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, Contributions to Music Education, and the Journal of Music Teacher Education. Dr. Rolandson currently serves as the North Dakota Music Educators Association Research Chair and Editor of the NDMEA Journal.
Lana Ross-Hekkel teaches 3rd-5th grade music in the Sidney Public School District in Northeast Montana. She has previously taught band, choir, and K-12 general music. Ms. Ross-Hekkel is in her 14th year of teaching and recently obtained her Masters in Music Education from Montana State University. She is proud to be attending this Midwest Clinic with her 8-year-old son, Corban, who is a hopeful saxophonist, and her partner, Codie, who is also a music educator.