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Take Rt. 17E to Exit 131. Turn left at light at end of exit ramp. Turn left at 1st light onto Nininger Road. Turn right onto Dunderburg Road. Monroe-Woodbury High School is on the right.

From Newburgh

Take Rt. 32S into Central Valley. At the first light passed the Woodbury Commons, turn right onto Nininger Road. Turn right onto Dunderburg Road. Monroe-Woodbury High School is on the right.

From Points South

Take NYS Thruway (I-87) to Exit 16 (Harriman). Immediately after toll booths, take the first exit. At light, go straight through onto Nininger Road. Turn right onto Dunderburg Road. Monroe-Woodbury High School is on the right

How do I register?
Request administrative approval to attend the conference. Submit paperwork for getting a purchase order.
Clip or tear off the registration form and mail to: Michelle Monty, 95 Jordan Lane, Middletown, NY 10940

Dr. Paula Holcomb became Director of Bands at the State University of New York at Fredonia in 1999 after being Director of Bands for 20 years at Central College in Pella, Iowa. Under her direction at Central College, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and the Symphonic Band toured internationally to Canada, Europe, and Mexico and performed at Alice Tully Hall of New York City's Lincoln Center. At SUNY Fredonia, Dr. Holcomb oversees an extensive band program consisting of four concert bands while she conducts the Wind Ensemble and musicals. In addition, she initiated the Master of Music in Conducting degree program and teaches graduate and undergraduate conducting.

Highly sought after as an adjudicator and guest conductor, Dr. Holcomb has conducted bands and orchestras in 39 states, South America, Australia, Mexico, Europe, and Canada. She has presented Conducting Symposiums in Canada, South America, Australia and the United States. Dr. Holcomb is former assistant horn of the Des Moines Symphony and past president of the Iowa Music Educators Association. Recently, she was presented with the A. Frank Miller award from Kappa Kappa Psi, served on the Council and Artistic Planning Conference Committee for the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, serving on the board of the Conductors Guild and is currently Northeastern Division President-elect of the College Band Directors National Association

“What You Show Is What You Get - Conducting with Clarity and Expression to Enhance the Music”

This session will demonstrate conducting technique for all levels, both wind band and orchestral alike, illustrating how clear technique enhances musical expression.

This session is an opportunity for conductors to try different techniques with a live ensemble. In addition, specific conducting techniques will be shared which will serve to express all music. Please indicate “participant” or “observer” when registering. Due to time constraints, the first eight “participants” to register will have a conducting slot. Teachers are invited to bring their instruments to play along!

Gary Stith holds a BME from The Ohio State University and the MM in music education from the Eastman School of Music, as well as the Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from the State University College of New York at Buffalo. He taught instrumental music in the Holland and Williamsville Central Schools (NY) for a total of thirty years. From 1997-2001, he also served as adjunct instructor of music education at the State University of New York at Buffalo.

From 1979-93, his Williamsville East High School Wind Ensemble received consistent 6A and 6A+ NYSSMA Ratings, won nine superior “gold” ratings at national music festivals across the northeastern and midwestern U.S., and made various major convention appearances including the New York State Band Directors Association (NYSBDA) Symposium, the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Winter Conference, and the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Eastern Division Conference. Guest conductors, clinicians and performing artists with his Williamsville East musical ensembles included Frank L. Battisti, Warren Benson, Lt. Commander Lewis J. Buckley, James Croft, Ronald Daniels, Denis DiBlasio, Elliott DelBorgo, Frank Erickson, Frederick Fennell, Richard Floyd, Col. Arnald Gabriel, Col. Lowell Graham, Richard Grunow, Anthony Iannaccone, Christopher Izzo, Jeff Jarvis, Jerry Junkin, David Kuehn, David Mancini, Steven Mauk, W. Francis McBeth, Vaclav Nelhybel, Larry Rachleff, Alfred Reed, Carl St. Clair, Ronald P. Socciarelli, Marice W. Stith, Mallory Thompson, Fisher Tull, and Rodney Winther.

From 1993-2002, he served as Instructional Specialist for the Fine and Performing Arts for the Williamsville Central Schools, during which time he founded and conducted the Williamsville Concert (Community) Band and established the Williamsville National Commissioning Consortium for the commissioning of new works for wind ensemble. His ongoing commitment to the commissioning of wind compositions by significant composers has resulted in works by Samuel Adler, Alfred "Corky" Fabrizio, Mark Hijleh, Lowell Liebermann, Russell Peterson, Daniel Pinkham, Philip Rothman, Stephen Shewan, Augusta Read Thomas, and Dana Wilson. During his twenty-three year tenure, the Williamsville Central School Music Department was recognized statewide as recipient of the NYSSMA Presidential Citation Award, and nationally as recipient of the MENC Exemplary Program Award, both honors being awarded to Williamsville in their year of inception.

He is a frequent guest conductor of county and regional music festivals and community bands, and served as Camp Coordinator and Conductor of the Senior High Band at the Bristol Hills Music Camp from 1994-2004. He has served as a conductor of the Senior High Band at the Csehy Summer School of Music near Philadelphia since 2007. In addition, he served a total of fifteen years as adult choir director at the Eastern Hills and Orchard Park Wesleyan Churches, and the Yorkshire Free Methodist Church. His conducting teachers have included Frank L. Battisti, Frederick Fennell, Colonel Arnald Gabriel, Donald McGinnis, and Charles Peltz.

As a percussionist and timpanist, he has performed with the Columbus (Ohio), Amherst, and Orchard Park Symphony Orchestras, the Erie County Wind Ensemble, and toured with the American Wind Symphony Orchestra under Robert Austin Boudreau. He is a certified NYSSMA All-State percussion adjudicator, and a frequent percussion clinician. His former percussion teachers include John Beck (Eastman School of Music & the Rochester Philharmonic), Cloyd Duff (Cleveland Orchestra), James L. Moore (Ohio State University & Columbus Symphony), John Rowland (Buffalo Philharmonic), George Ward (Syracuse Symphony), and William Youhass (Fall Creek Marimbas).

He has authored articles on the topics of conducting, percussion and music education which have appeared in The Instrumentalist, National Band Association Journal, National Federation of State High School Associations Journal, NYSSMA School Music News, Flute Talk, the NYSBDA Band Stand, The Drum and Percussion Cookbook, published by Meredith Music, and The New Conductors Anthology. Most recently he served as Contributing Editor for a compilation entitled Classic Beginning Solos for the Complete Percussionist, published by Kendor Music, Inc.

He has served as a clinician at various conferences including the Western New York Conference Day for Music Teachers, NYSSMA Winter Conference, NYSBDA Symposium, and the MENC Eastern Division Conference. His most recent conference clinic sessions have been entitled “Practical Score Preparation Strategies for the Harried Band Director,” "Ways in Which Band Directors 'Sabotage' Their Percussion Sections!," and “Fatherly Advice for Young Music Teachers,” and he serves as host for an ongoing clinic series at the annual NYSBDA Symposiums entitled "Interviews with a Legend."

He was the Northeastern U.S. recipient of the 1976 American School Band Directors Association-Stanbury Award, the 1976 Holland (NY) Kiwanis “Citizen of the Year” Award, the 1993 “Outstanding Music Educator” Award at the World of Music Festival in Chicago, the 1998 NYSBDA “Outstanding Service Award,” and the 2003 Buffalo Philharmonic/Erie County Council of Music Coordinators “Award for Excellence in Music Education.”

Professor Stith has served as President of both the New York State Council of Administrators of Music Education (NYSCAME) and the New York State Band Directors Association, as well as Chairman of the Erie County Council of Music Coordinators (ECCMC).

Professor Stith maintains active memberships in MENC, NYSSMA, NYSBDA, COMTEP, ECMEA, ACB and CBDNA.

“2B or Not 2B: A ‘Hands On’ Snare Drum Clinic for Non-Percussionists”

Everyone will be an active participant in this “hands on” snare drum clinic! Topics to be addressed will include stick selection, solo festival preparation, and specific instructional strategies for teaching rudiments. Be sure to bring your sticks, drum pad, and stand!

In this lively session, Gary will share proven ideas and strategies for successfully organizing, developing, and motivating the “squirreliest” section in your band or orchestra!

Kenneth Trapp teaches K-6 general music and keyboard ensemble classes in Stratford CT. Previously, he taught general music, choral music, and
instrumental music at the middle school level. Mr. Trapp is a working board member of the Gordon Institute for Music Learning. He also teaches courses
in the application of Music Learning Theory.

Session 1

Many teachers ask themselves: “How can I help my students be better listeners and players; how can I as a teacher become better at harmonizing songs; where should I start?” This session will give effective and practical strategies to engage students of all ages in the process of developing the ability to comprehend harmony, tonality and meter.

“Making Connections Between Aural Skill Development and Reading Notation”

Many teachers fear that if they teach their students to harmonize and play instruments by ear that they will not be able to learn to read music notation. This session will show how developing the ear will actually help students to become stronger readers. By connecting activities used to develop the ear to music notation activities, students learn to read with comprehension. Packets will be given out to demonstrate a sequence of reading skill activities.

Mr. Dolgon is a certified MakeMusic! clinician. As such he has conducted workshops where he taught Finale, SmartMusic and SmartMusic Impact for school districts, county organizations, and state music education associations in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Prior to his retirement in June 2007, as a music educator, David Dolgon has taught music theory at Syosset High School since 1989. In addition, he has taught band for 25 years.

Dr. Timothy Newton (SUNY Oneonta)

Dr. Timothy Newton is Assistant Professor of Music at SUNY Oneonta where
he conducts the Chamber Singers, opera and musical theater productions
and teaches piano and music theory and coaches voice in the music
industry program. He is Music Director of the Catskill Choral Society
and is guest conducting the Cayuga Vocal Ensemble this fall. He has
conducted area all-county and all-state festivals and serves as a choral
conductor at the New York Summer Music Festival. He has conducted in
masterclasses with Helmuth Rilling, Jon Washburn, Margaret Hillis, Elmer
Iseler, and Vance George. While teaching at the American School in
England, Dr. Newton was a member of the London Symphony Chorus, the
Philharmonia Chorus and Chamber Chorus, the BBC Symphony Chorus and the
Chelsea Opera Group. He sang with the BBCSC in the 2007 Canary Islands
International Music Festival and with the Philharmonia Chorus this past
June at the Royal Festival Hall in London. His own choirs have toured
throughout the continental United States, England and Japan.
He has conducted choruses and orchestras at a number of colleges
including the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Grinnell College,
Dartmouth College, and the University of Illinois where he was
recognized three times for excellence in teaching. He taught middle
school and high school chorus at the Amercian School in England and at
Sewickely Academy near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Tim holds degrees from Ithaca College and the University of Illinois
with further studies at the Royal College of Music, the Eastman School
of Music, the Hart School School of Music, and the Oberlin Baroque
Performance Institute. Tim is the 2004 recipient of the Julius Herford
Prize in choral music research awarded by the American Choral Directors'
Association and the Nicholas Temperley Award in musicology from the
University of Illinois. He currently serves as Repertoire and Standards
Chair of Music in Worship for the New York ACDA and as Associate Editor
of The Choral Scholar, the official online publication of the National
Collegiate Choral Organization.

"Actions and Feet - Bridge Cutting and Other Tips"
Participants will learn simple methods of cutting and preparing bridges
for instruments. Actions and angles will be discussed as well as other
tips on violin inspection and more! A discussion and show-and-tell
period included. What to bring:
1. Two sheets each of 150grit, 100grit sandpaper
2. Large coffee mug
3. Roll of masking tape 1" wide

Session 2:

"Fix that Seam the Easy Way and Other Tips"
Participants will learn simple methods of seam repairs and crack repairs
using common school/household supplies. A discussion and show-and-tell
period included. What to bring:
1. Roll of masking tape 1" wide
2. Commercial grade of Hide Glue (Hardware store supply)
3. Old violin (recommended), if available

"Off the Printed Page: Exploring the Relationships Among Score Study, Gesture and Rehearsal” (part 1)/ "The Art of Arranging and Composing for Choirs” (part 2) – Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth, Gordon College

Part one will focus on ways to relate score study, conducting and rehearsal approaches as they apply to choral music. How can we find the essence of a piece of choral music efficiently and meaningfully? How does that translate to how we conduct and rehearse? Part two will explore practical applications of arranging and composing. Many of us arrange or compose for the choirs we conduct. How we create has an impact on how we teach and also how we guide students in their own creativity. This session aims to "demystify" the process and inspire new ways of thinking about possibilities for the music we create.

"Off the Printed Page: Exploring the Relationships Among Score Study,
Gesture and Rehearsal" (part 1)/ "The Art of Arranging and Composing for
Choirs" (part 2) - Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth, Gordon College

Part one will focus on ways to relate score study, conducting and
rehearsal approaches as they apply to choral music. How can we find the
essence of a piece of choral music efficiently and meaningfully? How
does that translate to how we conduct and rehearse? Part two will
explore practical applications of arranging and composing. Many of us
arrange or compose for the choirs we conduct. How we create has an
impact on how we teach and also how we guide students in their own
creativity. This session aims to "demystify" the process and inspire new
ways of thinking about possibilities for the music we create

Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth is an Assistant Professor of Music at Gordon
College and Artistic Director of the Farmington Valley Chorale in CT.
Formerly she has served as an adjunct faculty member at The Hartt
School, University of Hartford, Conn. and at the Ithaca College School
of Music in Ithaca, NY. In past summers she has been a member of the
faculty of the Masterworks Festival in Winona Lake, Ind. and the Csehy
Summer School of Music in Langhorne, Pa. Voth has also served as
Assistant Conductor of the New Haven Chorale in New Haven, Conn. She has
been active as a guest conductor for choral festivals and as an
adjudicator in the region, and also as a member of the executive board
of CT-ACDA.

As a composer, Voth's works have been published by Colla Voce, ECS
Publishing and Oxford University Press. In past years she has been
commissioned to compose for the Central Bucks West High School Choir in
Doylestown, Pa., the New Haven Chorale in New Haven, Conn., the
Children's Aid Society Chorus of New York City, and the Greater
Middletown Chorale in Middletown, Conn. She remains active as a pianist,
organist and collaborative artist. Most recently she completed her
doctoral degree (DMA) at The Hartt School, University of Hartford, with
other degrees from Westminster Choir College of Rider University, NJ,
and Wheaton College, IL.

“Where’s the Beat??? Finding the Groove of Your Classroom, Ensemble, and Life” - Dr. Paula Holcomb, SUNY at Fredonia

“2B or Not 2B: A ‘Hands On’ Snare Drum Clinic for Non-Percussionists” – Mr. Gary Stith, Houghton College

“SmartMusic and SmartMusic Impact I” – Mr. David Dolgon, SmartMusic Representative

This presentation will be a demonstration of the use of SmartMusic and SmartMusic Impact in the music curriculum. This demonstration will include the Exercise Wizard – 50,000 exercises, teaching improvisation, Play-by-Ear, NYSSMA manual solos, band literature (1000) titles, SmartMusic Impact (grade book) for assessment, accountability and management.

“Engaging Students in the Development of Aural Skills” – Mr. Ken Trapp, Stratford Academy

“What You Show Is What You Get - Conducting with Clarity and Expression to Enhance the Music” – Dr. Paula Holcomb, SUNY at Fredonia

This session will demonstrate conducting technique for all levels, both wind band and orchestral alike, illustrating how clear technique enhances musical expression.

“Actions and Feet - Bridge Cutting and Other Tips” – Mr. Brian Epp, Artisan Violin Restorations

Participants will learn simple methods of cutting and preparing bridges for instruments. Actions and angles will be discussed as well as other tips on violin inspection and more! A discussion and show-and-tell period included. What to bring (optional):

1. Two sheets each of 150grit, 100grit sandpaper
2. Large coffee mug
3. Roll of masking tape 1” wide

"Off the Printed Page: Exploring the Relationships Among Score Study, Gesture and Rehearsal” (part 1)/ "The Art of Arranging and Composing for Choirs” (part 2) – Dr. Ellen Gilson Voth, Gordon College

“Ways in Which Band Directors ‘Sabotage’ their Percussion Sections” – Mr. Gary Stith, Houghton College

In this lively session, Gary will share proven ideas and strategies for successfully organizing, developing, and motivating the “squirreliest” section in your band or orchestra!

“SmartMusic and SmartMusic Impact II” – Mr. David Dolgon, SmartMusic Representative

This presentation is a continuation of the use of SmartMusic and SmartMusic Impact in the music curriculum. This demonstration will include the Exercise Wizard – 50,000 exercises, teaching improvisation, Play-by-Ear, NYSSMA manual solos, band literature (1000) titles, SmartMusic Impact (grade book) for assessment, accountability and management.

“Making Connections Between Aural Skill Development and Reading Notation” – Mr. Ken Trapp, Stratford Academy

“Conducting Symposium – What You Show is What You Get” – Dr. Paula Holcomb, SUNY at Fredonia

This session is an opportunity for conductors to try different techniques with a live ensemble. Specific conducting techniques will be shared which will serve to express all music. Please indicate “participant” or “observer” when registering. Please bring your own score (Solitary Dancer, Benson; English Folk Song Suite [any mvt.], Vaughan Williams; Pastorale, Boccherini/arr. Stone). Only the first eight “participants” to register will have a conducting slot. Teachers are invited to bring their instruments to play along!

“Fix that Seam the Easy Way and Other Tips” – Mr. Brian Epp, Artisan Violin Restorations

Participants will learn simple methods of seam repairs and crack repairs using common school/household supplies. A discussion and show-and-tell period included. What to bring (optional):

1. Roll of masking tape 1” wide
2. Commercial grade of Hide Glue (Hardware store supply)
3. Old violin (recommended), if available

“Right and Left Brain Singing: Applying Hand-Sign Solfege and Dalcroze Eurhythmics in Choral Rehearsals” – Dr. Timothy Newton (SUNY at Oneonta)

Table of Contents

O.C.M.E.A CONFERENCE DAY 2008

November 4, 2008

Don't forget to vote!

DIRECTIONS TO MONROE-WOODBURY HIGH SCHOOL

From Middletown

From Newburgh

From Points South