Switching Is Strategy: What Band Directors Can Do to Improve Retention and Ensemble Balance
Clinic Synopsis:
Switching instruments is one of the most powerful retention and ensemble-building strategies available to band directors. This session combines data from a survey of band directors with real-world classroom experience to explore when, why, and how instrument reassignment can strengthen both students and programs. Travis Weller, Kathleen Amabile, and Jared Daubert discuss ideas and perspectives for guiding successful instrument transitions in band programs.
Travis Weller
- Biographical Information
Travis Weller is the Assistant Chair for the Music Department at Messiah University. He oversees the music education program, conducts the Symphonic Winds, and teaches courses in the graduate program in conducting. He is the current International President for Phi Beta Mu. He is in frequent demand for honor bands and clinics throughout the East Cost, has published articles in several journals including The Instrumentalist and Teaching Music, and has numerous works and books published for band with several companies including Carl-Fischer and Wingert-Jones.
Kathleen Amabile - Biographical Information
Kathleen Amabile serves as Band Director for grades 5-12 in the Elk Lake School District in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, where she has taught since 2009. She directs all instrumental ensembles across the district, and serves as Fine Arts Department Chair. Throughout her tenure at Elk Lake, Kathleen has also taught K-6 general music, junior high chorus and general music, and music courses designed for students in special education programs, demonstrating a broad commitment to comprehensive and inclusive music education. Kathleen has presented at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) State Conference and the Midwest Clinic. Her articles, “There is Life After College: Thriving in Your First Years of Teaching” and “Why Keeping an Open Mind Can Lead to Your Dream Job,” were published on Band Directors Talk Shop in 2024. She was named a quarterfinalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award in both 2025 and 2026. Kathleen serves as the Band Fest Chair and High School Professional Development representative for PMEA District 9. Kathleen holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from West Chester University, a graduate degree in Education from Wilkes University, and a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from Messiah University. She has also served as an adjunct instructor of woodwinds and music education at Clarks Summit University and Marywood University. She resides in Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania with her husband, John.
Jared Daubert - Biographical Information
Jared Daubert is the Director of Bands & Orchestras at Cedar Crest Middle School. He is responsible for directing four concert bands, three orchestras, and a jazz band. In addition, he assists with the Cedar Crest High School Marching Band. Mr. Daubert began his teaching career in 2002 and has been teaching at Cedar Crest Middle School since 2016. He holds degrees from Lebanon Valley College and Messiah University.
Under his direction, the Cedar Middle School Falcon Ensemble was selected to play at the 2024 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Annual In-Service Conference in Erie, PA. Mr. Daubert’s ensembles have received superior ratings at PMEA Music Performance Assessments. He has served as a presenter at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 7 Professional Development Day and PMEA’s annual in-service conference. Additionally, he has served as host director for the LLMEA Middle School County Band, LLMEA High School County Band, PMEA District 7 Jazz Band, and PMEA District Band. He is also the treasurer for the Lancaster Lebanon Music Educators Association and Middle School Professional Development Representative for PMEA District 7.
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