Beginning Band Building Blocks
Clinic Synopsis:
From posture to playing, first sounds to festivals, and all of the skills in between, the clinicians will present their building blocks of beginning band. Topics include establishing program priorities, introducing music theory, teaching playing fundamentals, & including beginners as a vital part of a positive band culture. Ideas can be used for heterogeneous or homogeneous classes of any size!
Megan Czerwieski
- Biographical Information
Megan Czerwieski is in her 20th year of teaching and her 12th year
as the head band director at Red Oak Middle School in Red Oak, TX. Under her
direction, the Red Oak Honors Band has received consistent Sweepstakes Awards
at UIL as well as comments from adjudicators on the high level of musicianship
exhibited by her students. The band has also been recognized as a National and
Commended Winner in the Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors recording
project. Mrs. Czerwieski holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from
Baylor University and a master’s degree in Music Education from the University
of Texas at Arlington. Her professional affiliations include the Texas Music
Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Texas Music
Adjudicators Association. She currently serves as the TMEA Region 20 Middle
School Band Chair and was recently inducted in the Alpha Chapter of Phi Beta Mu
International Bandmasters Fraternity. Mrs. Czerwieski lives in Waxahachie, TX
with her husband, John (a trombone player) and their rescue dogs, Daphne and
Dottie. In her spare time she is active in her church and serves on the board
of directors and plays horn in the Mansfield Wind Symphony. She enjoys reading,
watching movies, and playing with her dogs.
Chris Eaton - Biographical Information
Chris Eaton is in his 14th year teaching in Red Oak as the
assistant band director at Red Oak Middle School. He previously taught in
Jasper, TX. Chris completed both his master’s and bachelor’s degrees at Stephen
F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. While at SFA he performed in
many ensembles including Wind Ensemble, the Swingin' Axes Jazz Band, SFA
Trombone Choir, and the Orchestra of the Pines; he was also a graduate
assistant with duties including teaching members of the Trombone Studio and
managing Cole Concert Hall. He studied trombone with Dr. Deb Scott, and
conducting with Mr. Fred J. Allen and Mr. Gene Moon. Currently, Chris plays
trombone and serves as the Librarian and Webmaster of the Mansfield Wind
Symphony. Chris is married to Katie Eaton who is the Librarian at Red Oak
Middle School. They live in Waxahachie, TX with their son - Jackson, daughter -
Harper, dog - Rusty, and 10 chickens.
Victoria Mays - Biographical Information
Victoria Mays is in her 7th year teaching and her 4th year at Red
Oak Middle School as one of the assistant band directors. She previously taught
at Venus Middle School where her bands received sweepstakes for the first time
in program history. Victoria completed her bachelor’s degree at Texas Christian
University in Fort Worth, TX. While at TCU she performed in many ensembles
including the Wind Symphony and the TCU Horned Frog Marching Band. She studied
clarinet with Gary Whitman. Currently Victoria is working on her Masters Degree
in Band Studies at Sam Houston State University. She also plays clarinet in the
Mansfield Wind Symphony. Victoria, her husband, Tyler, and their dog, Buddy,
live in Midlothian, TX.
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