Join Alfred Music composers Brian Balmages, Chris Bernotas, Robert Sheldon, Adrian B. Sims, Katie O'Hara LaBrie, JaRod Hall, and Bob Phillips as they share their perspectives on how creativity, discipline, and innovation in composing can inform and enhance rehearsal strategies and teaching methods. The conversation will focus on the creative process and how this can inform rehearsal preparation and lead toward the ultimate goal of having powerful musical experiences.
Moderator: Dr. Jenny Neff
Jenny Neff
- Biographical Information
Jenny L. Neff, Ed.D joined the University of Delaware’s instrumental music education faculty in Fall of 2024. Prior to this, she was Professor and Program Director for Music Education at The University of the Arts in Philadelphia. She brings 25 years of public-school teaching to higher education, with experience teaching music (primarily bands and orchestras) at all levels in Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
Dr. Neff has served as the Eastern Division Representative for NAfME’s Council for Band, and in roles of advocacy and professional development for PMEA. She serves as the Pennsylvania representative and is a member of the scholarship and grants committee for Women Band Directors International. She is an active presenter, clinician, guest conductor, writer, curriculum evaluator, and adjudicator.
Dr. Neff received her doctorate in educational leadership from Immaculata University, and her bachelor's and master's degrees in music education from Michigan State University, where he played in top ensembles. Her complete bio can be found at www.JennysCreativeEDge.com.