This presentation focuses on the importance of sequencing literature to ensure both individual and ensemble growth. This is accomplished with the use of “Companion Guides,” teacher-created resources that support student learning. The guides facilitate collaborative learning, engagement, and differentiation. They also help students support each other in mastering parts and advancing toward clear performance goals.
Tiffany Hitz
- Biographical Information
Tiffany Hitz is Director of Middle School Bands at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax County, VA. She received her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and her Master of Music in Music Education from Boston University. In addition to teaching in Fairfax County, VA since 2001, Mrs. Hitz maintains an active schedule as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator throughout the United States.
Mrs. Hitz is a 2023 recipient of the Bandworld Legion of Honor from the John Philip Sousa Foundation, an award given to only eight band directors across the country annually. She is a two-time nominee for the Grammy Music Educator Award and was recognized by School Band and Orchestra Magazine as one of the Fifty Directors Who Make a Difference. She is an inducted member of Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity and American School Band Directors Association, and received the 2018 Outstanding Music Education Alumni Award from her alma mater, VCU School of the Arts.
A member of the National Band Association, Mrs. Hitz serves as the Virginia State Chair and on the organization’s Board of Directors as a Middle School Representative. Active as a member of the Virginia Music Educators Association, Mrs. Hitz serves as Chair of the Virginia Band and Orchestra Directors Association (VBODA) Adjudicator Training Committee and serves on the VBODA Selective Music List Committee. She is also a member of Women Band Directors International and has contributed to their official journal as both an author and as former Elementary Editor.
Tyler S. Grant is an internationally recognized composer, arranger, conductor, and clinician of music for concert bands, orchestras, and chamber ensembles of all levels. His music is featured regularly in performances by both region and all state honor ensembles and is also featured annually on Editor’s or Publisher’s Choice Repertoire Lists around the world. Since 2010, Tyler has regularly accepted commissions for new works and produced new publications for bands and orchestras each year. He credits his mentor Brian Balmages as pivotal to his success as a composer.
In addition to composing and arranging, Tyler enjoys conducting and clinic engagements with ensembles throughout the United States. He has served as a clinician with over 100 school instrumental music programs and honor groups across more than 15 states. Tyler was a contributing author for Alfred Music Publishing Company’s Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development series and has contributed interviews to numerous podcasts and articles, including School Band & Orchestra Magazine and The Instrumentalist.
Tyler is a graduate of the University of Alabama, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education. Before becoming a full-time composer and arranger, Tyler served as the Director of Bands at Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School from 2019-2023. He currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, and maintains an active composing and conducting schedule.