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Clinician(s)

Ernest Mills

Ernest Mills

Sound Before Symbol: Building Musicianship in Beginner Band with Aural & Improv Activities

Clinic Synopsis:

Unlock beginner band students’ musical potential with a Sound Before Symbol approach! This session explores integrating aural skills and improvisation into beginner instruction. Through call-and-response, rhythm, and simple improvisation, students enhance listening, creativity, and expression from day one. Discover strategies to build musicianship, connect students to jazz and contemporary music, and foster confident, engaged players—before reading sheet music!

Ernest Mills - Biographical Information

Ernie Mills is a veteran music educator currently teaching at Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida. With a diverse career spanning elementary general music, band, choir, orchestra, modern band, and high school electives such as music technology, guitar, and the history of rock and roll, he has dedicated himself to fostering musical growth in students of all levels. He has served as a festival conductor for bands and choirs, commissioned new works for band and jazz ensemble, and presented at numerous conferences. As a trombonist, he has performed throughout the Northeast. Above all, Ernie believes that every child deserves a positive and meaningful musical experience in school.

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