Empowering and Mentoring the Next Generation of Female Band Directors
Clinic Synopsis:
In the ever-changing wind band landscape, empowering and providing mentorship for the next generation of female band directors is imperative. Through a panel of experienced female band directors, we will discuss how to best support your students and provide exceptional mentorship.
Jerianne Larson
- Biographical Information
Jerianne Larson is pursuing a doctor of musical arts degree in wind conducting at the University of North Texas in Denton, where she currently serves as a Doctoral Conducting Associate for the Wind Studies program and conducts the concert band. She studies conducting under Eugene Migliaro Corporon, Dr. Andrew Trachsel, and Dr. Daniel Cook. Ms. Larson received her bachelor of music in music education degree from Westminster College (PA) where she studied with Dr. R. Tad Greig. She went on to earn her master of music degree in wind conducting from Messiah University, studying under Dr. Bradley Genevro. Ms. Larson began her teaching career in the California Area School District (PA) where she instructed high school and middle school instrumental ensembles. She continued her teaching career at Yough School District (PA) where she directed the high school concert bands and multiple jazz ensembles. During her time at Yough, the concert bands earned consistent Superior ratings at assessment and the top jazz ensemble was invited to perform at the state capitol. During her time in Pennsylvania, Ms. Larson had the privilege of being a guest conductor, performer, and clinician in the greater Pittsburgh area. She served as region/state coordinator for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. Her affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, and Texas Music Educators Association.
Amy Woody - Biographical Information
Amy Woody is currently serving as a Doctoral Conducting Associate for the UNT Wind Studies Program, and conducts the Concert Band. Prior to UNT, Ms. Woody served as the Director of Bands (2014-2021) and Associate Director of Bands (2007-2014) at John H. Guyer High School in Denton, TX. The Guyer Wind Ensemble was named a Commended Winner in the 2021 Mark of Excellence New Music Category, a 2018 Mark of Excellence National Winner, and a 2018 Western International Band Conference Invited Ensemble in Seattle, Washington.
Amy Woody has performed in the clarinet section of the Lone Star Wind Orchestra since the fall of 2008. In her time with the group she has enjoyed a variety of concert experiences that include performing at the International Midwest Band and Orchestra Conference, WASBE, TBA, Clarinetfest, the OU Clarinet Symposium as well as other professional engagements in the DFW Area. Ms. Woody’s past performance engagements include the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, Waco Symphony Orchestra, and the Oswego Opera Orchestra.
Ms. Woody is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music (Master of Music Clarinet Performance) and Baylor University (Bachelor’s of Music Education). She is a native north Texan and a graduate of Marcus High School in Flower Mound.
Christi Blahnik - Biographical Information
Christi Blahnik is obtaining her Master's Degree in
Wind Conducting at the University of Michigan. Before pursuing her graduate
studies, she served as the Director of Bands at The Performing Arts Signature
Academy at Damonte Ranch High School in Reno, NV. Prior to this appointment,
Ms. Blahnik served as the Director of Bands and Choirs at Douglas High School.
During her eight years of teaching, Ms. Blahnik contributed to the teaching
community through her service as the Northern Zone Audition Coordinator, WCSD
Honor Band Chair, WCSD Band Benchmark Curriculum Committee Co-Chair, NMEA
All-State Band Chair, and Vice-President of the Nevada Music Educators
Association, the latter of whom awarded Ms. Blahnik the 2018 NMEA New Music
Educator of the Year Award. She is also active as an adjudicator, clinician,
presenter, and performer. Ms. Blahnik has participated in several Wind
Conducting Workshops as a Conducting Fellow with notable conductors including
Loras Schissel, Robert Page, Emily Threinen, Craig Kirchhoff, Mallory Thompson,
Robert Halseth, Reed Chamberlin, Rodney Dorsey, Jamie Nix, Don McKinney, Matt
Dockendorf, Eugene Corporon, Andrew Trachsel, and Daniel Cook. Ms. Blahnik
holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education and a Bachelor of Music
Degree in Clarinet Performance from Duquesne University.
Julia Hartnett - Biographical Information
Julia Hartnett currently serves as head middle school band director, and assistant high school band director, in the Yough School District. In addition to her teaching duties, she also serves as Westmoreland County Music Educators Associations President. She regularly hosts district and region festivals as has presented clinics at local and state conferences.
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