Teaching on Empty: The Myth of Work-Life Balance
Clinic Synopsis:
In this practical session, participants explore how setting boundaries is not only essential for well-being, but critical to sustaining a long and impactful career. Through simple, actionable strategies, this session will empower directors to say "no" with confidence, learn to find their success, and define their role in ways that align with their values.
Miguel Guisasola
- Biographical Information
Miguel Guisasola is a band director and music educator currently serving at Flowery Branch High School in Flowery Branch, Georgia.
Mr. Guisasola holds a Bachelor of Music Education and a Master of Education from the University of Georgia, as well as an Education Specialist degree from Piedmont College, and is currently pursuing a Phd in Music Education from Auburn University.
Prior to his current position, Mr. Guisasola served as Band and Chorus Director at Henry County Middle School in McDonough, GA, as well as the Band Director at Kings Bridge Middle School in Athens, GA, and Band Director at East Jackson Comprehensive High School in Commerce, GA. Ensembles under his direction consistently earned superior ratings at district and state performance evaluations. He was recently named a District Teacher of the Year by the Georgia Music Educators Association. Mr. Guisasola resides in Hoschton, Georgia, with his wife, Allison, an occupational therapist in Gwinnett County Public Schools, and their three children: Sammy, Ian, and Sophie.
Katy Wilson-Fields - Biographical Information
Katy Wilson-Fields is the current Director of Bands at Lanier High School in Sugar Hill, GA. Previously, Mrs. Wilson-Fields served nine years as Director of Bands at West Hall High School in Oakwood, Georgia where she was named the 2023 Teacher of the Year. From 2010 until 2016, Mrs. Wilson-Fields served as the Director of Bands at Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, GA. Under her direction, the band grew from 20 students to more than 100 and the program expanded to include 3 concert bands, military marching band, jazz band, bugle corps, and chamber ensembles. In 2014, the RMA Marching Band represented Georgia in the Pearl Harbor Parade in Hawaii.
Mrs. Wilson-Fields holds a Master of Arts in Band Conducting from Sam Houston State University and Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Georgia. While at UGA, she studied trumpet with Fred Mills, founding member of the Canadian Brass. Her conducting teachers include Dr. John Lynch, Mr. Mark Cedel, Dr. Mitos Andaya, and Dr. Michael Robinson. While at UGA, she served as Battle Hymn Soloist, Section Leader, and Drum Major for the Redcoat Marching Band. She was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and the Georgia Brass Ensemble.
Mrs. Wilson-Fields graduated from Leadership Hall County in 2014 through the local Chamber of Commerce. Her professional affiliations include NAFME, GMEA, and Women Band Directors International. She resides in Gainesville, GA with her wife, Lydia, who owns a small business called Pipe Dream Prints, along with their two sons, Parker (6) and Miles (3).
William Kilgore - Biographical Information
William Kilgore has recently retired after thirty years in the profession and finished his career as the Director of Bands at Jackson County High School. Over his career, he has taught music on the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Mr. Kilgore is an active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator throughout the United States. For decades, Mr. Kilgore has helped marching bands, jazz bands, concert bands, praise bands, choirs, and individual musicians maximize their potential. Mr. Kilgore has earned several awards and honors throughout his career including “Teacher of the Year” at multiple schools and the 2024 GMEA District 14 Music Educator of the Year. Mr. Kilgore has been featured as “One of the Fifty Music Educators who make a Difference” in the School Band and Orchestra Magazine. He has been awarded multiple Citations of Excellence by the National Band Association and most recently received the NBA’s “Outstanding Jazz Educator Award.” Bands under his direction have performed at many prestigious events. Mr. Kilgore is a co-owner of Encore! Band Camps. Mr. Kilgore has served as Worship Leader for over thirty years and is currently serving Briarwood Baptist Church. William and his wife of thirty years, Ora, reside in Statham, Georgia and are proud of their three talented sons and daughter-in-law: Christian (Hannah), Micah, and Bill.
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