As a recipient of the Take Note Grant, A Child’s Song had the privilege of attending the Modern Band Summit. Hosted by Music Will, the Summit was a 3-day event that featured hands-on professional development for music educators. ACS educators Jared Abrahamson and Evan Knapp attended with the goal of enriching their teaching methodologies and enhancing the studio’s curriculum.
The Summit Experience
The educational landscape at the Summit was varied with topics spanning educational techniques for all ages and abilities. Based on the Modern Band curriculum, sessions focused on:
- Social-emotional learning and songwriting
- Guitar workout techniques
- Modern Band programs in higher ed
- Sequencing improv
- Early childhood vocal improv
- Using Dungeons and Dragons to build songwriting
- Scaffolding student independence
- Music as a second language
- Scaffolding for bass
- Equitable practices for the music classroom
- Creativity and music making
- Hip-hop development
- Monitoring and measuring success
- Recovering and further prevention of burnout
- Finding more resources for educators and students
- Student success in the music industry
The conference was an immersive experience filled with actionable insights and hands-on learning. These sessions equipped me with valuable tools to better cater to the unique learning styles and strengths of every individual, whether I'm teaching one-on-one, in a group, or at a partner location for our community outreach programming. While my environment at ACS might differ from the traditional classroom, the strategies I've gathered will have a profound impact on my approach. It's more than just adopting new methods; it's about deepening our connections and understanding with each student. I'm excited to integrate these lessons, ensuring every interaction at ACS fosters genuine understanding and growth for all our students.
The Summit also featured a special keynote address by famed musician, Bootsy Collins. Mr. Collins discussed his love of music, his development as a musician, and the power of music to shape our communities. He introduced his “Funk Not Fight” campaign geared at stopping violence.
Key Takeaways
As Evan and Jared share their learning with the ACS team, we reflect on their enriching experience at the conference, as it’s crucial to distill the myriad of insights into actionable points. The following key takeaways not only highlight the essence of their learning but also pave the way for transformative teaching at ACS.
Modern Techniques: Enrich the classroom environment with lessons that build from one session to the next and put learners in the driver’s seat of their musical journey
Emphasis on Collaboration: Whether lessons are one-on-one between educator and student or in a group setting, having learners understand and develop a sense of collaboration can see quicker progress and a deeper understanding of music
Inclusivity in Music: We can’t always control what states of minds people will be in when they come into a space, but we can ensure that people are free to express themselves, make mistakes, and learn in a positive, supportive environment
During the Modern Band Summit, I found parallels between Music Will’s pedagogy and that of ACS. Both beautifully prioritize teaching students to first hear and feel the music, letting notation come organically afterward. At Music Will, the essence lies in fostering creativity and ownership. They inspire students to construct melodies using foundational elements like chords and rhythms, often in ensemble settings, breathing life into new songs. As we navigate the evolving landscape of education, it's imperative we recognize and adapt to the multifaceted needs of our students. This means understanding them not just academically, but emotionally and culturally. Addressing obstacles—be it funding shortages, legislative challenges, or even the very perception of our profession—is essential in our commitment to each student. Thankfully, we're not alone in this endeavor. A wealth of resources, from generous donors to instrumental benefactions, surround us. Yet, the most profound resource we possess is our collective strength and unity as educators. By supporting and looking out for one another, we amplify our capability to resonate change and leave an indelible mark on the world of education.
The Road Ahead
ACS is dedicated to providing modern, comprehensive, and inclusive music education to all students. The main outcome of the Modern Band Summit to be incorporated into our regular operations is the pursuit of continual professional development. As Jared and Evan have shared with us all of the wonderful things they have learned, it has opened up a new dialogue among our entire team on best practices, measurements of success, and the evolving landscape of education. We look forward to our newfound knowledge shaping our educational practices for years to come.
Thank you to Take Note Colorado, Music Will, and all of the presenters and participants at the Modern Band Summit for the opportunity to learn.
About The Modern Band Summit
The Modern Band Summit is a professional development conference like no other. For three days, music educators from all over the country come together to learn, teach, play music, and experience the modern band curriculum. Comprising hundreds of teachers, district and state arts administrators, university professors, artists, advocacy groups, instrument manufacturers, and other experts, it is a congregation of those passionate about the rising tide of culturally-responsive music education. Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned educator, the Modern Band Summit is the only conference you need to achieve your professional development goals! You will leave with hands-on experience, new tools, and innovative techniques to transform your classroom and impact even more students.
About Music Will
Music Will runs the largest nonprofit music program in the US public school system. Their teachers currently serve over 500,000 students in more than 600 cities and towns across the country.
They believe that music education is a right, not a privilege, and it should reflect the cultures of the students it serves.
That’s why, for two decades now, their programs have taught students such popular American genres as rock, pop, R&B, Latin, rap and country—alongside styles already taught in schools, such as classical and jazz.
Today, a national network of K-12 districts has adopted the Music Will program as their own.
More than 70 colleges and universities now teach their approach to their music education majors. Several state departments of education have partnered with Music Will to grow music education in the schools they serve.
Their mission of transforming lives by transforming music education has grown into a movement.
