What distinguishes exemplary band and orchestra directors extends far beyond musical expertise. Drawing from qualitative research and lived professional experience, this session explores how emotional intelligence, adaptability, and intentional leadership shape successful ensemble programs. Participants will examine practical strategies for building trust, navigating challenges, and cultivating student ownership while maintaining high musical expectations.
Susan Eckerle
- Biographical Information
Dr. Susan Eckerle is in her eighth year as Director of Bands at Thomas S. Wootton High School in Rockville, Maryland, where she conducts the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Winds, Patriot Winds, Jazz Band, and piano, and co-teaches the Marching Band. She also serves as preparatory director of the Montgomery County Public Schools Senior Honor Band. Her teaching is rooted in the belief that all students can achieve excellence when given meaningful opportunities and strong instructional support—a conviction shaped by her experience in diverse school systems in Hawaii, Mississippi, and Maryland.
District and state levels consistently award Wootton's ensembles with superior ratings, and professional conferences regularly feature them. The Wind Ensemble performed at the 2024 Maryland Music Educators Association Spring Conference, and Patriot Winds served as a demonstration ensemble at the 2022 MMEA Fall Conference. Wootton Bands are among the most represented programs in the Maryland All State and MCPS Honor Bands.
In 2025, the Wind Ensemble premiered Unwavering by Heather Hastings, commissioned by Women Band Directors International in honor of founder Gladys Wright. The Marching Band consistently places in the top three on the Maryland Marching Band Association circuits and performed on the 2025 China–U.S. Youth Marching Band Tour.
Dr. Eckerle received the MMEA Outstanding Music Educator Award (2023) and the Women Band Directors International Scroll of Excellence (2022). She serves as President-Elect of the Maryland Band Directors Association and Maryland State Chair for WBDI.
Carolyn Herman has been one of the Instrumental music teachers at Thomas S. Wootton High School in MCPS for the last 22 years, and she has taught her entire 32-year career in Montgomery County Public Schools. Wootton’s Orchestra program, led by Mrs. Herman, has grown from one orchestra of 25 students to three different string classes organized by ability and music difficulty, including 120 students. Mrs. Herman’s top orchestra has performed at many MMEA conferences in the past 22 years as well as at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in 2025 and 2006 and three different NAfME All-Eastern Conferences over the years. All three orchestra classes, as well as Wootton’s band classes, regularly attend the MCPS (Montgomery County Public Schools) Assessments and earn Superior ratings. Carolyn also enjoys volunteering to promote music education by working as the manager of the MMEA All State Senior Orchestra and as a member of the Montgomery County Music Educators Association.