The Right Music at the Right Time: Finding Music that Fits Your Beginning Band
Clinic Synopsis:
Finding music that fits a band at various points of its first year of development can be a challenge. The Homewood-Flossmoor High School Symphonic Band will perform excerpts from a list of tried-and-true pieces from band directors’ “performed twice” lists. In addition, we will discuss the features of these pieces that make them suitable for various points of student development, touch on solutions for small schools, and offer suggestions for planning effective first-year concert programs.
Mark Connor
- Biographical Information
Mark J. Connor (b. 1971) is a
composer, conductor, educator, and podcaster who has a passion for everything
band. His music is diverse, his interviews are inspiring, and his ability to
capture the listener’s attention for both means of expression is remarkable. As
a composer, Mark has written a collection of wind band literature ranging in
various levels, orchestral music, and chamber ensembles. His works have been
published by Alry Publications, Grand Mesa Music, and RWS Music Company. As an
educator for more than 20 years, Mark has had the fortune to teach students at
every level from elementary to postgraduate. Through reflection and continued
education, Mark adapts his philosophy of teaching to fulfill the needs of his diverse
students. Prior to his current position as head band director at Principia
School in St. Louis, he was a visiting assistant professor and adjunct
professor at several universities nationwide. Popularly known for his role as
the host of Everything Band, Mark enjoys producing this weekly podcast that
features interviews with leaders in the band community. He has a faithful
following for each episode and takes pride in delivering a motivational message
of gratitude, inspiration, and perseverance in regards to music, education, and
life.
Heather Hoefle - Biographical Information
Heather Archer Hoefle is an Indianapolis native who earned her Bachelor of Science in flute performance and audio technology from Indiana University, Bloomington; educational certification requirements from DePaul University; Master’s of Music Education from VanderCook College of Music and additional graduate study from VanderCook and Troy University. She has 30 years of experience as a music educator in Illinois, working as a band director in Chicago, Rockford, Byron, Harvey, Calumet City, Flossmoor, and at School District 153 in Homewood, Illinois. She is an award-winning composer with music published by the RWS Music Company and the Neil A. Kjos Music Company. Her pieces have been performed at state music education conferences around the country. She has also works as a commissioned composer, adjudicator, and band clinician. She has recently retired from teaching and resides with her husband in Wilmington, NC.
Sarah Whitlock - Biographical Information
Sarah Whitlock is in her 23rd year of teaching and has been the Director of Bands at Homewood-Flossmoor High School since 2009. As an undergraduate at Illinois State University, Mrs. Whitlock was an active performer and president of the Delta Omicron professional music fraternity. Upon graduation, Mrs. Whitlock taught band and choir at Bloom Township High School from 1999-2005. In 2005 she left Bloom to pursue her Masters in Wind Band Conducting from Central Michigan University. While at CMU, she taught undergraduate conducting, assisted with the Marching Chips, conducted the Symphony and University Bands, and developed the Graduate Chamber Winds Program. During her time at CMU, Mrs. Whitlock was awarded the College Band Directors Association Gender and Ethics Scholarship at the Hartt School of Music Conducting Symposium. Since Graduate School Mrs. Whitlock returned to Bloom Township District 206 as well as Argo Community High School. She has conducted several clinics in Michigan, Iowa, Indiana, and Illinois; has been a guest conductor for the South Suburban College Symphonic Band, and the South Inter-Conference Association Honor Band. Mrs. Whitlock marched with the Phantom Regiment for eight years, has instructed the Pioneer and Phantom Regiment brass lines, and was Brass Caption head for the Colts Drum and Bugle Corps. In the summer of 2021 Mrs Whitlock was awarded the Chicagoland Outstanding Music Educator Award.
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