A strong pedagogical, cultural, and musical foundation is crucial to the artistic development and success of young teachers. Mary Land and Scott Rush will present on the craft of teaching instruments and the mechanics of music including the fundamentals of teaching, the Teaching Inventory Database, the “why” behind effective rehearsal strategies, and the significance of meeting the needs of all students by creating a culture of connection and care.
Mary Land
- Biographical Information
Dr. Mary Land is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Music Education at Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She conducts the University Concert Band and teaches courses in instrumental music education. Prior to this position, she was Director of Bands and Instrumental Music Education at Young Harris College in Young Harris, Georgia. Before moving to higher education, Dr. Land was a public-school band director in Georgia for over twenty-five years where she developed an outstanding band program in Pickens County, Georgia. Bands under Mary Land’s direction have received invitations to perform at numerous music conferences and clinics.
Dr. Land earned her Educational Doctorate (Ed.D) from the University of Georgia, her Master of Music Education degree from Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois, and her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Georgia. She has served as the President of the Georgia Music Educators Association and the state of Georgia’s CNAfME chair. In Michigan, Dr. Land has served as the National Band Association state chair and the Michigan Music Education Association’s CNAfME chair. Dr. Land serves on the Board of Directors for the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. Dr. Land is also on the faculty of the prestigious Interlochen Arts Camp as the conductor of the Intermediate Wind Symphony. Dr. Land is the co-author of the newly published GIA instrumental music education textbook, Habits of a Successful Music Education Student.
Scott Rush is the team lead for the “Habits” series published by GIA and currently serves as the conductor of the Charleston Wind Symphony. He is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music and the University of South Carolina and is the former Director of Bands at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, SC. Under his direction, the Wando Symphonic Band performed at the 2007 Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic and were BOA Grand National Finalists. Mr. Rush is active as a conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the United States and Canada. He is the author and co-author of fifteen highly touted books, some of which include: Habits of A Successful Band Director, Habits of a Successful Musician, Habits of a Successful Beginner Band Musician, Habits of a Successful Middle School Musician, The Evolution of a Successful Band Director, Habits of a Successful Middle School Band Director, Habits of a Significant Band Director, Habits of a Successful Music Education Student and Pathway to Success for GIA Publications. In 2010, Mr. Rush was elected to the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. He currently serves as President of the Servant Leadership Association for Music (SLAM).