Your Journey Beyond the Notes: A Reflective Path to Cultural Inclusivity
Clinic Synopsis:
This interactive session guides band and orchestra directors through reflective practices for creating culturally inclusive rehearsals. Participants will explore and reflect upon power dynamics, brave versus safe spaces, the Cultural Proficiency Continuum, culture bearers, and cultural responsiveness. Bring your experiences, be ready to grow, and leave ready to transform your practice.
Tonia Asel Kaufman
- Biographical Information
Tonia Asel Kaufman is a high school band director in suburban Philadelphia, where she directs the Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Chamber Ensembles, and teaches AP Music Theory, and Blues, Jazz, and Modern Band. She serves on the National Association for Music Education Equity and Professional Learning Committees and is Institute for Composer Diversity Wind Band Co-coordinator. In the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, she is a Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator, District President, Strategic Planning Committee member, Mentor Teacher, and Citation of Excellence recipient. A frequent national presenter, Kaufman guest conducts in several states and leads ensembles on the American Music Abroad Bronze Tour to Europe. In 2025, she was inducted into the Cavalcade of Bands Hall of Fame. Her scholarly writing includes contributions to "Assessment in Music Education: Curricular Connections," (GIA) and "How to Release Music" (Oxford). She earned National Board Certification, Pennsylvania Principal Certification, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management, and is a certified life coach. She is pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Education at Temple University, and her research focuses on female band directors.
Scott Sheehan - Biographical Information
Scott R. Sheehan is a nationally recognized music educator, advocate, and leader committed to advancing music education.
at the local, state, and national levels. He serves as Director of Bands and Music Department Chair at Hollidaysburg Area Senior High School in Pennsylvania, where he directs the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Band, and Marching Band, and teaches courses including AP Music Theory, Songwriting, Introduction to Guitar, and Rock, Rap, and Revolution!
Mr. Sheehan is the Immediate Past President of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), following service as NAfME President and Eastern Division President. He has held numerous leadership roles within the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, including President from 2010-2012, and continues to support strategic planning, curriculum development, and leadership training. He is currently serving as chair of the Curriculum & Instruction Council.
An educational clinician for Conn-Selmer and Hal Leonard, Mr. Sheehan is an active guest conductor, presenter, and consultant nationwide. His honors include the PMEA James Stewart Distinguished Service Award, Phi Beta Mu Bandmaster of the Year, Penn State’s Outstanding Music Educator Award, and recognition as a finalist for the GRAMMY Music Educator Award. He also is a member of the American School Band Directors Association, the National Band Association, and the Servant Leadership Association for Music. He performs on the trumpet and flugelhorn with the Altoona Brass Collective and the Hollidaysburg Community Band.
Shawn Lee - Biographical Information
Mr. Shawn Lee is Director of Orchestras at Phoenixville Area Middle School and High Schools, and the K-12 Performing Arts District Coordinator for the Phoenixville Area School District in Chester County, PA, as well as Adjunct Professor and Director of Strings at Montgomery County Community College (MCCC) in Blue Bell, PA, where he directs the MCCC String Ensemble and is Instructor of Violin and Viola. Shawn is the Founding Director of both the Chamber Strings of Phoenixville Area Middle School as well as the MCCC Summer Strings Camp. He also conducts the Pit Orchestra for the musical productions at Phoenixville Area High School. Shawn has a marching arts background, and serves as a Tournament of Bands (TOB) judge with the National Judges Association (NJA). Shawn has the distinction of being the President of Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 12, which encompasses Chester, Delaware, and Philadelphia Counties in Pennsylvania.
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