The purpose of this clinic is to share brief daily routines, systems, and strategies for building bands that can rehearse with minimal technical intervention from the director. This presentation focuses on improving understanding and increasing processing speed in the areas of rhythm, note reading, and other basic theory concepts. A band that reads well can devote more time to sound, expression, and community.
Elizabeth Hering
- Biographical Information
Elizabeth Hering is the Director of Bands at McNary High School in
Salem-Keizer Public Schools (OR). Before that she was the Director of Bands at
Livonia Churchill HS in MI for 21 years. Elizabeth’s bands are recognized for
excellence. Notably, under her direction the McNary Wind Ensemble won the 6A
Oregon State Band Championship (2026) and the CVC League Championship (2023)
for the first time in the school’s history.
Elizabeth is an active guest conductor, clinician, and
adjudicator. She is a 3-time Finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award, a
4-time MSBOA Director of the Year, has received a Citation of Excellence from
the NBA, and is an Oregon Symphony Music Educator of the Year finalist.
Elizabeth’s professional focus is deepening the band student
experience with the goal of graduating life-long lovers of music who find
community and purpose in band participation. She also has an interest in
developing pedagogical structures that allow students to learn and practice
skills that make them better music readers.
While in Michigan, Elizabeth served on MSBOA District and State
level boards for 15 years. She was the second female D12 president in the 85
year history of MSBOA and was at the forefront of important projects that
impact Michigan to this day.
Elizabeth earned an MM from Northwestern University and a BM from
Willamette University. She lives in Salem with her husband and three children.
She enjoys hiking, cycling, and (as an above-the-knee amputee) three-track
skiing.