Strategic Instrument Placement Without the Chaos: A Time-Saving, Data-Driven Method for Building Balanced Beginner Bands
Clinic Synopsis:
Instrument testing can be chaotic, time-consuming, and overwhelming. This clinic presents a streamlined, repeatable process for instrument placement that prioritizes efficiency, equity, and data-based decision making. Take control of instrumentation decisions without the pressure of long lines, negotiations, or limited parent turnout. Attendees will walk away with a ready-to-use, data-driven system that saves time, reduces stress, and helps build balanced beginner bands more efficiently.
David Alesco
- Biographical Information
David Alesco has taught middle school band for 10 years in Houston’s Title I schools, the past six of which he was the Head Band Director at Null Middle School in Sheldon ISD. As department chair, his data-driven approach has been a key factor in working closely with campus and district administration to optimize master-scheduling for Band across a variety of bell-schedules. His varsity and non-varsity ensembles have earned first divisions at UIL Concert and Sightreading Evaluation. David was concurrently the Artistic Director and conductor of the Houston Pride Band for seven seasons. A 2024 Midwest Clinic Reynolds Institute fellow, he is now a Graduate Teaching Assistant pursuing his Doctorate in Wind Conducting at the UMKC Conservatory, where he studies with Steve Davis. David earned his Masters in Music Education at the University of North Texas and Bachelors of Music Education at Michigan State University.
Ronnie Ross - Biographical Information
Ronnie Ross is in his 20th year as a Texas band director and currently serves as Director of Bands at Central Middle School in Galveston ISD on Galveston Island, Texas. His teaching career spans a variety of educational settings, beginning with nine years in Hudson ISD, a small-school band program in East Texas, followed by eight years in Sheldon ISD in East Houston, where he taught at C. E. King High School (6A) and Null Middle School. He also served as an Adjunct Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Stephen F. Austin State University for two years. While teaching at Null Middle School, Ronnie collaborated with colleague David Alesco (Lea) to develop a data-driven beginner instrument placement process designed to help directors balance instrumentation, streamline placement decisions, and improve student success. The process continues to evolve and has been successfully implemented across multiple campuses and districts. Now in his third year at Central Middle School, Ronnie works closely with colleagues in the Galveston ISD band vertical team to support student growth and program development. His professional interests include beginner band pedagogy, recruitment and retention, data-informed decision making, and practical solutions that help music educators make the most of their time and resources. Ronnie and his wife, Katelyn, are the proud parents of Savannah and Ronald.
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