Day One clinics are presented by master teachers who have demonstrated a high degree of success in providing sound pedagogical methods for teaching beginning students, or in assisting more advanced students who may have developed bad habits detrimental to producing characteristic tone and/or habits detrimental to technical mastery. Day One clinics will take place in an intimate and personal space so that each attendee may enjoy a close view of demonstrated techniques.
Dena Laurel
- Biographical Information
Mrs. Dena Laurel is a music educator, clinician, conductor, and she currently serves as the Elementary Music and Arts Education Director at Roma ISD. She is a graduate of Baylor University and the Florida State University and holds both Bachelor's and Master's of Music Degrees in Horn Performance. Dena began teaching in Roma ISD (TX) in 1997 as French horn instructor and middle school band director, and from 2008-2024, Dena served as the director of bands at Roma High School. Under Mrs. Laurel’s direction, the Roma ISD bands have been awarded UIL and festival awards, BOA regional grand champions, and super regional class champions. The Roma High School Symphonic Winds have been awarded the 5A National Youth Wind Ensemble of Distinction Award, been named a Rio Grande Valley Program of Distinction, and performed at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City. The Roma bands have advanced to state finals numerous times at both the UIL Texas State Marching Contest and in the TMEA Honor Band process, placing as high as 2nd. Mrs. Laurel is a member of Phi Beta Mu, TBA, TMAA, and TMEA, and currently serves as the TMEA Region 15 President. Dena attributes her success to her horn teachers Karen and Dennis Houghton, Bill Bernatis, Michelle Stebleton, and Bill Capps. Dena resides in South Texas with her husband Abel, and is a proud mother to Nathan, pursuing his Master’s Degree in horn performance at University of North Texas and Brandon, an English major at Texas State University.