Approximately 20% of Americans experience some level or type of hearing loss, and many of these individuals are musicians. The presenters, who have 30 years of combined experience, are also Deaf and Hard of Hearing. This session will provide participants with information and resources on available technologies for the Deaf/HH students for music application. Participants will also be provided with best practices and rehearsal strategies that can be applied to the music various ensemble settings.
Edward Ercilla
- Biographical Information
Mr. Edward J. Ercilla is a graduate of Florida
State University where he earned his Masters in Music Education (M.M.E) and
Bachelors in Music Education (B.M.E). He is currently working towards his Ph.D.
in Music Education form the University of Miami Frost School of Music. Prior to
his Ph.D. studies, Mr. Ercilla has served as an Instrumental Music Educator in
the K-12 setting for twenty years. During the span of his career, he has taught
Band, Orchestra, Marching Band, Indoor Winds, Jazz Ensemble, Music Theory, and
General Music. Mr. Ercilla also, serves as an Instructor for Doral College
where he currently teaches Music Appreciation for the Humanities Department.
Mr. Ercilla is a deaf music educator and has been wearing Behind-the Ear
Hearing Aids (BTE) from a very early age. Mr. Ercilla’s other interests include
working with Special Learners in a music setting and presenting those
experiences in local, state, and national conferences.
Mr. Adam Chitta is in his 13th year as an assistant band director at Wood Middle School in the North East Independent School District in San Antonio, Texas. Throughout his time at Wood, he has been teaching the beginner brass classes, co-teaching the advanced ensembles, along with assisting the orchestra program. He has been wearing behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids since he was diagnosed with a moderate to severe hearing loss at seven years old. Mr. Chitta has presented at the Cambridge University Press Accessibility Champions Virtual Talk, plus various state conferences. He is the founder and owner of The Chitta Sound, LLC, which focuses on improving access and outreach for deaf and hard of hearing students through educational consultations and professional development training to ensure an equitable music education experience.