ISW Schedule
To customize a 2025 ISW Schedule for printing, visit this site: isw2025.ksmea.orgKMEA ISW Registration
1234A All-State Band Registration
All-State String Orchestra Registration
12A Band Registration
56A All-State Band Registration
All-State Mixed Choir Registration
All-State Treble Choir Registration
All-State Full Orchestra Registration
All-State Elementary Choir Registration
All-State Elementary Choir Rehearsal
All-State Mixed Choir Rehearsal
All-State Treble Choir Rehearsal
All-State Full Orchestra Rehearsal
All-State Jazz Band Rehearsal
1234A All-State Band Rehearsal
All-State String Orchestra Rehearsal
12A Honor Band Rehearsal
56A All-State Band Rehearsal
2025 ISW Opening Session
Membership Reception
Kansas City Kansas Community College Vocal Jazz Ensemble - The Standard
What Can I Do To Promote Music Education in Kansas? Become a MUSIC ADVOCATE!
Advocacy
12:00 - 12:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 102 Apple
Clinician: Kelly Knedler
You've been told that Music is being consolidated...Or even worse...Being cut from your district! Please join the KMEA Advocacy Chairpersons for a panel discussion on promoting Music Education in KS. This will be a question and answer session, which will help you become an Advocate for Music Ed!
Basic Sound for Theatre
Arts Integration, Band, Choir, Small Schools, Technology
12:00 - 12:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 101 Pear
Clinician: Jason Huffman
Basic introduction into audio for use in theatre. It will cover basic mic placement, basic EQ for voices, and basic sound console setup. If time allows, we can also discuss the applications of QLab and Audacity for rehearsals and productions.
Out Of Your Head and Into the Space: How Improv Games Can Make Us Better Musicians
Band, Choir, Orchestra
12:00 - 12:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 208 Walnut
Clinician: MacKenzie Wright
This hands-on workshop will demonstrate games from theatrical improvisation - as well as concepts from improv theory - to increase positivity in the rehearsal room and confidence of your student musicians!
Unleashing Potential: Fresh Strategies for Motivating Adolescent Musicians
Band, Choir, Orchestra, Professional Development, Secondary General Music
12:00 - 12:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 202 Cherry
Clinician: Madison Hines Schmoll
Join us for a dynamic session on innovative strategies for motivating adolescent musicians! We'll discuss new research on adolescent brain development, the mentor mindset, and discover how these insights can transform your approach to inspire and engage young musicians effectively.
Engaging Percussionists into your Daily Warm-up Routines: Hands-on Session
Band, Curriculum, Curriculum/Assessment, Instrumental, Percussion
12:00 - 12:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 207 Osage
Clinician: Michael Huestis
Michael Huestis will present a hands-on clinic to demonstrate strategies for creating warm-up routines that engage your percussion section during your band's daily drills. Solutions for creating warm-ups as stand-alone percussion drills or as part of your bands warm-ups will be discussed.
Drip, Fit, or Vogue...Whatever You Call It, Let's Talk About STYLE!
Band, Instrumental
12:00 - 12:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 206 Oak
Clinician: Matt Smith
What does it mean to play in a particular style? What decisions must we make as educators and musicians to best represent a musical genre or composer? We'll examine some of the styles frequently represented in the wind band repertoire and how to share and reinforce them with your ensembles.
Internet or InterNOT: Make Your Lessons POP!
Curriculum, Elementary, Elementary General Music, Technology
12:00 - 12:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 210 B & C Redbud
Clinician: Joseph Toy
School wi-fi strikes again! In this session, we'll explore resources and strategies to adapt your teaching to utilize less (or no) technology by creating a grab bag of low-tech activities to have at your disposal. How can we meet the same objectives as we had planned with different resources.
Protecting Young Ears: Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Student Musicians
Health & Wellness
12:00 - 12:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 205 Maple
Clinician: Adam G. White
This session will explore strategies to prevent noise-induced hearing loss among student musicians. Topics include the risks of hearing loss, safe practice habits, protective equipment, and educational programs to raise awareness. Join us to safeguard the hearing health of music students.
Washburn University Wind Ensemble
University of Kansas Treble Choir
Friends University Saxophone Quartet
Olathe Summit Trail Middle School Sabercat Jazz Ensemble
Tecumseh Shawnee Heights High School Choraliers
Personalizing the Voice Change: Individual Progress, Awareness, and Empowerment!
Assessment, Choral, Middle Level, Secondary Vocal Music
1:00 - 1:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 202 Cherry
Clinician: Sydney Williams
Telling students that their voices will change during puberty is one thing, but showing them is another. Learn efficient ways to track each student's voice change journey and cultivate their awareness of the process. Come get ideas for using students' data to inform your teaching practice!
Taking the Spot and Dots Into Full Color - Marking Music Parts to Help Increase Artistic Awareness
Band, Curriculum, Middle Level, Special Needs - Gifted, Technology
1:00 - 1:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 208 Walnut
Clinician: Allen Hisken
Resourcing AVID strategies and other techniques, this clinic will focus on adding color to performers' individual parts. This gives students more information to help them as a performer, listener, and/or leader. Modeling of process and tutorials will be included.
The Horn Whisperer: Secrets for Band Directors
Band, Middle Level, Technology
1:00 - 1:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 205 Maple
Clinician: Stacy L Lendt
This clinic will unlock the mystery of teaching the French horn, drawing on my KU master's project. Band directors will discover practical tools and techniques for teaching horn. Student horn players will be part of the presentation to demonstrate key concepts, enhancing directors' understanding.
Integrating Weight Lifting & Core Exercises in Music Classrooms for Enhanced Breathing & Engagement
Choir, Choral, Health & Wellness, Professional Development, Secondary Vocal Music
1:00 - 1:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 101 Pear
Clinician: Crystal E Buck
This clinic explores techniques to incorporate weight lifting form and methodology and core exercises in music education, promoting body awareness, core strength, and effective breathing. Participants will learn methods to reduce tension, improving performance and overall musicality.
Oh, no! I Have to Teach Choir!
Choir, Choral, Vocal
1:00 - 1:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 207 Osage
Clinician: Chad Pape
Band and Choir colleagues from Manhattan High school, Joel Gittle and Chad Pape, will present and take questions about instrumental specialists who are also teaching vocal music. Materials are intended to be practical and pragmatic. Come with your questions!
Reignite Your Passion: Overcoming Challenges and Staying Inspired as a Music Teacher
Collegiate, Elementary, Health & Wellness, New Teachers, Secondary General Music
1:00 - 1:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 210 B & C Redbud
Clinician: Abigail Bryant
In this session, we will explore the common challenges faced by music teachers and provide practical strategies to overcome burnout and frustration. Through inspiring stories and actionable steps, you'll rediscover your passion for teaching and learn how to stay motivated, when the journey is tough.
Getting the Job Every Time
Collegiate, Elementary, Middle Level, New Teachers, Professional Development
1:00 - 1:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 203 Birch
Clinician: Matt Allison
The purpose of this presentation is to inform prospective music education interview candidates about the best interview practices from the view of school district administrators. This presentation will coach prospective teachers for interviewing for a music education position.
Using Soundtrap.com to Encourage Creativity and Songwriting Skills in Elementary Students
Elementary General Music, Kansas Music Standards, Middle Level General Music, Secondary General Music, Technology
1:00 - 1:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 206 Oak
Clinician: Lindsay Unruh
We will walk through the online-based DAW to show how students can create their own unique music. Together as a session we will create a new song and learn how it can be a tool for shareholders to observe music outcomes.
How Do I Start a Tri-M Chapter At My School or Grow a Chapter I Already Have?
University of Kansas Symphony Orchestra
Lawrence Free State High School Chamber Choir
Benedictine College Percussion Ensemble
Music In Our Schools Month (MIOSM) Roundtable Discussion for All Teachers and Tri-M Students
Administration (P-12), Advocacy, Arts Integration, NAfME Collegiate, Tri-M
2:00 - 2:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 101 Pear
Clinician: Kristin Chisham
This roundtable discussion will consist of various teachers, college students, professional local musicians, and Tri-M students discussing ways to enhance and promote our MIOSM. All teachers from Early Elementary to Collegiate teachers are invited to come and share ideas with other fellow teachers.
Service Through Music: Life Lessons for our Students and our Communities
Band, Choir, Collegiate, Elementary, Orchestra
2:00 - 2:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 205 Maple
Clinician: John Cisetti
Service is a central duty of citizenship. This session explores the many ways that we use music to inspire and lift up the community and how doing so can have meaning and purpose for our students at all levels.
A Practical Approach to All-State Double Bass Excerpts
Chamber, Kansas Music Standards, KASTA, Orchestra, Strings
2:00 - 2:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 206 Oak
Clinician: Taygun Ozakinci
A pedagogical approach to double bass playing; proper technique; a guide to practicing; exploration of stylistic differences between classical excerpts to prepare for district and state auditions.
The Choral Art of Text, Melody, and Harmony
Choral, Elementary, Middle Level Choir, Secondary Vocal Music
2:00 - 2:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 208 Walnut
Clinician: Greg Gilpin
Knowing and understanding selected repertoire is important to both teacher and student. A quality text sets the tone and foundation for all other vocal and interpretive teaching.Through selected portions of choral works, Greg Gilpin will present ideas he uses as a composer, conductor and editor.
Adulting for New Music Teachers
Collegiate, Health & Wellness, New Teachers
2:00 - 2:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 201 Peach
Clinician: Laura Bock
There's more to starting your first job than just the music! This session will cover the basics of how to navigate benefits selection (medical insurance, retirement, etc.) and student loan forgiveness. I will also discuss recommended wellness practices during the first few years of teaching.
Elementary Composing Made Easier!
Elementary General Music
2:00 - 2:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 210 B & C Redbud
Clinician: Hannah Gabel
Composing can be complicated. How can we make it easier on ourselves and our students? In this session, we will explore ways to get your elementary students creating new musical ideas through manipulatives and scaffolded approaches.
The First 10 Weeks: Setting Beginning Strings up for Success
Elementary, Instrumental, New Teachers, Orchestra, Strings
2:00 - 2:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 207 Osage
Clinician: Hope Ragan
30 minute classes twice a week to teach beginning strings - how do you set them up to be successful on their instrument? This session will go through the first 10 weeks and how you can keep them engaged and excited while focusing on the fundamentals they need to keep playing through high school.
Rural & Urban Teacher Q & A Session
Elementary, Instrumental, New Teachers, Small Schools, Vocal
2:00 - 2:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 202 Cherry
Clinician: Anne Neal
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to teach in an urban or rural setting? This session will feature a panel of experienced teachers who will answer your questions and share some of their experiences about working in urban and rural schools.
Exploring Self-Regulated Learning and Individual Music Practice
Instrumental, Research
2:00 - 2:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 203 Birch
Clinician: Peter Weinert
We want our students to be self-regulated learners, but what does that mean in the context of individual music practice? This session will explore the research-based characteristics of effective self-regulated practice, along with methods to support individual student learning.
KSHSAA 101
KSHSAA
2:00 - 2:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 102 Apple
Clinician: Megan Hagaman
This session is an introduction to KSHSAA services and programs. Aimed at directors in their first five years of teaching, KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Megan Hagaman will cover Music Festival Information including an introduction to the Music Festival Manager Program.
Overland Park Blue Valley High School Wind Ensemble
Friends University Singing Quakers
Topeka Seaman High School Viking Jazz Ensemble 1
Amplify Your Impact: NAfME Updates and Opportunities
Advocacy
3:00 - 3:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 207 Osage
Clinician: Martha Gabel
Stay informed and engaged with the latest developments from the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). This session highlights key initiatives including the Music Teacher Profession Initiative, equity and advocacy resources, and the strategic plan driving NAfME’s vision. Discover the wide range of online professional development opportunities available, understand the value and benefits of membership, and learn how your membership dollars are making an impact. Whether you’re looking to deepen your involvement or explore new ways to advocate for music education, this session will energize and empower you to amplify your impact as a music educator.
The Grand Staff-Every Voice Matters
Advocacy, Choir, New Teachers, Secondary Vocal Music, DEIA
3:00 - 3:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 205 Maple
Clinician: Shelly Cole
Kansas teachers and their non-binary and transgender students speak about their vocal journey in choir and offer insights to what they wish their teachers knew about them including vocal challenges, costuming, and programing.
What do music teachers look for in other music teachers?
Assessment, Research
3:00 - 3:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 208 Walnut
Clinician: Will Biggs
This clinic will dive into the results of a recent research study examining the perceptions of the effectiveness of music educators. The discussion will include how we can help our fellow music educators become better music teachers.
If You Build It, They Will Come: Building Better Bands in Small Schools
Band, New Teachers, Small Schools
3:00 - 3:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 101 Pear
Clinician: Chris Sprague
Drawing on 30 years of experience in creating successful ensembles in small schools Chris will share the keys to creating and sustaining successful band programs. Classroom management, recruitment, and many other topics will be discussed. Bring your questions and be ready to share your ideas.
Coping with the Cracks: How to Celebrate Adolescent Changing Voices in Choir
Choir, Choral, Middle Level Choir, Secondary Vocal Music, Vocal
3:00 - 3:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 203 Birch
Clinician: Melissa Grady, Zack Devin
In this interactive session we will discuss the physiology of adolescent voice change. We will find ways to celebrate and accommodate the most awkward aspects of this developmental milestone within the choral classroom.
Focused Fun! Boosting Engagement, Recruitment, and Retention in Your Choir
Choir, KCDA, Middle Level, Secondary Vocal Music
3:00 - 3:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 102 Apple
Clinician: Ryan Main
This interactive session will provide take-and-use strategies for choirs of any age, covering practical, classroom-tested methods that make rehearsals so engaging that your students won't realize how hard they're working! Attendees will leave with a tools to enhance rehearsals and boost recruitment.
Improving the Sounds of Your Ensemble Recordings
Choral, Higher Education (SMTE), Instrumental, NAfME Collegiate, Technology
3:00 - 3:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 202 Cherry
Clinician: Frank Perez
This session will demonstrate basic strategies for digitally recording your performance ensembles (band, choir, orchestra). It will cover microphone placement techniques, discuss the various types of microphones, software, hardware, stand-alone recorders and teaching strategies.
Tales from the Music Classroom: Cultivating a Student-Centered Environment
Collegiate, Mentoring, New Teachers, Professional Development, Standards
3:00 - 3:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 201 Peach
Clinician: Ann Cameron Haenfler
Classroom organization and expectations strongly influence student behaviors in the music room. We will share our experiences in creating a positive, student-centered classroom that promotes relationships and fosters learning, while consistently integrating the National Core Music Standards.
Analyzing String Instrument Playing Skills to Improve Repertoire Selection
Curriculum/Assessment, KASTA, Orchestra, Professional Development, Strings
3:00 - 3:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 206 Oak
Clinician: Blair Williams
That's a really difficult grade 2! Using several string pedagogy resources, we will analyze and evaluate string playing skills and repertoire at a variety of grade levels to fully dissect the skills needed to perform the works. Come collaborate and participate in our exciting analysis group quiz!
Racial Equity in the Music Classroom: Empowering Teachers as Agents of Change
Elementary General Music, Multicultural Music, Secondary General Music, DEIA
3:00 - 3:50 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 210 B & C Redbud
Clinician: Abigail Bryant
This session explores the vital role teachers play in fostering racial equity in the music classroom. Participants will learn how to critically examine their teaching practices, curriculum choices, and classroom environments to create more inclusive and culturally responsive music experience.
Wichita Wind Symphony
Lansing High School Women's Ensemble
Collegiate thru 5th year Teacher Mingle Moment
Mentoring, Collegiate
4:00 - 4:30 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 101 Pear
Collegiate NAfME members, come meet with new teachers and ask questions about what is to come. New teachers, come meet colleagues who have been in the trenches for a little longer than you and ask for advice. Our KMEA Mentoring Team will facilitate a fun meet and greet, including COOKIES and PRIZES. This session is sponsored by Credit Union of America.
Exhibits Open
KASTA State Solo Competition Warm-up
KASTA State Solo Competition
KASTA
4:00 - 8:00 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Century II 207 Osage
The KASTA State Solo Competition seeks to recognize exceptional talent in our state at three levels: the Preparatory Division (Grades
8 and below), Jr Division (Grades 9-12) and Sr Division (enrolled at the college/university undergraduate or graduate level and 29 years old or younger).
KMEA All-State Elementary Choir
KMEA President's Concert
Late Night Jazz: Thursday Jam Session
Jazz
9:30 - 10:30 PM — Thu. Feb 27
Hyatt Ballrooms E-H
Clinician: Nick Schroeder
This is an interactive clinic that will allow students and/or teachers to work with professional musicians in a jam session setting. Students will learn basic jam session etiquette, play with professional musicians and learn basic jazz repertoire and language.