Practical Pedagogy: Level Up Your Rehearsals!
Clinic Synopsis:
As passionate educators, we believe successful band pedagogy starts with strategic planning and efficient rehearsals. Bell and Lewis will share strategies for a structured yearly approach that builds strong fundamentals, refines technique, and prepares students for success. We emphasize student accountability and engagement, and instrument-specific pedagogy. By constantly expanding our knowledge and refining our teaching, we strive to elevate both our students and our own musicianship.
Laura Bell
- Biographical Information
Mrs. Laura Bell is in her twenty-fourth year in teaching and her seventh year as the Director of Bands at Stafford MS in Frisco ISD. Under her direction the Stafford bands receive consistent first division ratings at UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contests and local festivals as well as Best in Class awards. Mrs. Bell was named the Stafford MS Teacher of the Year in 2022. In 2023, the Stafford MS Band was awarded the “Outstanding Band Program” award by the Texas Chapter of the American School Band Directors Association. Prior to coming to Frisco ISD, Mrs. Bell served as Director of Bands at Reynolds MS in Prosper for nine years. Under her leadership, the Reynolds Middle School band program in Prosper grew from 160 students when she arrived to over 500. She was named Reynolds Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2011.
Mrs. Bell is a graduate of the University of North Texas percussion department with a degree in Instrumental Music Studies. She has been an invited presenter at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, the Texas Bandmasters Association, the Midwest Clinic, and the Maine Music Educators Association Convention. She is an active clinician and adjudicator across the state of Texas. Her professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, and the American School Band Directors Association.
Katie Lewis - Biographical Information
Katie Lewis is in her sixteenth year as the Director of Bands at Maus Middle School in Frisco ISD. Bands under her direction have consistently received UIL "Sweepstakes" awards and have been named "Best in Class" at North Texas festivals.
The Maus Wind Ensemble was selected by the Foundation for Music Education as a National Winner in the Mark of Excellence National Honors Project in 2023, 2022, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2014 and Commended Winner in 2024, 2015 and 2013. Notably, the Wind Ensemble was named the 7th runner-up in the class CC 2018 TMEA Honor Band contest. She was named “Teacher of the Year” in 2022.
Mrs. Lewis earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of North Texas. While at North Texas, she performed with the Concert and Symphonic bands. Mrs. Lewis has presented at numerous music conferences including at TMEA, TBA, the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference, CEDFA, and Maine MEA. She has co-authored articles in the Bandmasters Review, Southwestern Musician Magazine, and Band Directors Talk Shop. Mrs. Lewis co-hosts a band director podcast entitled “Band BFFs” where she and her best friend provide literature selection and rehearsal strategies on popular band pieces.
Mrs. Lewis is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, American School Band Directors Association, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society.
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