ASBDA Region 3 Conference Reflections

The American School Band Directors Association Region 3 Conference was a memorable gathering filled with valuable sessions, inspiring conversations, and opportunities to celebrate the power of music education.

Special thanks to:

Willow Cooper for helping secure the King Alumni Building at the University of Kentucky—an ideal space that perfectly met the needs of our members.
Craig French, Wendy Reeves, and Aaron Rex for presenting meaningful and insightful sessions. Your expertise and willingness to share embody the true spirit of ASBDA.
Jason Brooks and the Governor’s School of the Arts for showcasing Kentucky’s unique program for high school sophomores and juniors across nine artistic disciplines. Experiencing this first-hand highlighted the incredible reach of music education.
Linda Pully for bringing attention to this wonderful opportunity, ensuring our membership could engage with such a transformative program.
Executive Director, Linda Fox Miller, for your tireless dedication to ASBDA and for organizing the silent auction, which supports important opportunities for members and young band directors.
Keith Farmer, ASBDA President, for attending both days of the conference and sharing in the experience. We look forward to supporting the 2026 National Convention in Cleveland, Ohio.

To all who attended, contributed, and supported—thank you for making this year’s Region 3 Conference a meaningful and impactful event!

#ASBDA #BandDirectors #MusicEducation #Region3Conference #ASBDAFoundation #MusicEdMatters

ASBDA Region 2 Conference Highlights

The American School Band Directors Association Region 2 Conference was filled with impactful sessions, meaningful discussions, and unforgettable moments!

Sessions included:

Mental health strategies for music educators
A powerful panel on navigating the male-dominated band world
Insightful reflections from visits to fellow band rooms
A fascinating history session featuring some of the true legends in the band world

Special thanks to:

Dr. Corey Pompey for conducting the La Crosse Concert Band and presenting “Observations”—a standout session!
Heather Simonson for presenting on mental health and bringing an array of fantastic fidget tools
Kathy Fenske for moderating the Q&A with legends Paula Crider and Linda Moorhouse
Monte Dunnum for guiding the conversation with some of the most respected names in band history
Mike Leckrone and Dr. Joe Hermann for joining via Zoom—offering both insight and surprises!

Deep gratitude to our generous sponsors:

Cappella Weddings and Events for the stunning venue
La Crosse Concert Band for sponsoring Dr. Pompey
Leithold Music for hosting a wonderful reception at The Freighthouse Restaurant
S.S.E. Music, Inc. for the delicious breakfast

#ASBDA #BandDirectors #MusicEducation #Region2Conference #CoreyPompey #BandLegends #MentalHealthInMusic #WomenInBand #MusicEdMatters

Region 2 Conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin, June 25-26, 2025.

Collage with photos of speakers speaking at the Region 4. Conference.

ASBDA Region 4 Conference Highlights

June 19-20th UNCSA Winston Salem

The American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) Region 4 Conference was an inspiring event filled with impactful sessions, meaningful outreach, and mentorship opportunities. Attendees enjoyed unforgettable moments of camaraderie with both fellow ASBDA members and the young band director attendees we are privileged to mentor.

The Region 4 Conference “Building Better Bands” brought together 38 dedicated ASBDA members, all united in their mission to support and shape the future of our profession. Throughout the clinic sessions, Piedmont Wind Symphony conducting symposium and concert, and social events, ASBDA members not only participated but also led sessions, built valuable connections, and mentored with more than 150 band directors from NC, SC, VA, PA, MD, and AL.

Many thanks to the sponsors whose generosity and support allowed all attendees to come free of charge!

Sessions included:

Kevin Geraldi (IL)- "What's the Score?" Musically Informed Rehearsal Strategies
Brent Harris (SC)- Handling Your Drill Designer with Care
Jennifer Isenhour (SC)- Building Blocks - Preparing Beginning Band for Success
Philip Riggs (NC)- Literature Selection for the High School Director
Tiffany Hitz (VA)- Common Sense Planning for Performance-Based Classes
Katie and Todd Ebert (NC)- Effective Models of Team Teaching and Vertical Alignment 6-12
Todd Dixon (TX/NC)- Communication and the Band Binder
Todd Dixon (TX/NC)- Daily Drill - Logically Building on Fundamentals to Produce Independent and Mature Musicians
Mark Norman (NC)- The Practice of Conducting
Mark Clodfelter (DE) and Phillip Riggs (NC)- The Sound of Tomorrow: AI
Phillip Riggs (NC), Don Peach (NC), and Alice Aldredge (SC)- Strategies for Longevity and Meaning in the Profession

Socials Included:

Director Coffee and Social at Footnote Coffee at Foothills Brewing
Dinner/Social at Cugino Forno and Incendiary Brewing
Post Conference Cook Out

Concert:

Piedmont Wind Symphony, Mark Norman, conductor

Special thanks to:

Phillip Riggs (ASBDA-NC) for his sessions, his help organizing, and the sponsorship of his organization the American Music Education Network (AMEN) that allowed for the housing for clinicians
Mark Norman (UNC-School of the Arts and Piedmont Wind Symphony) for hosting the event and performing with his ensemble
UNC-School of the Arts in Winston Salem, NC for hosting
Kevin Geraldi of the University of Illinois for being the keynote speaker
Susan Heiserman- Executive Directors of the North Carolina Music Educators for securing a $2,000 grant for the clinic and providing certificates for 10 hours CEU credits for attendees
Chris White (ASBDA-NC)- for securing a $1,000 grant from the North Carolina Bandmasters Association
Bank OZK- For providing the grant allowing the Piedmont Wind Symphony to perform
Region 4 ASBDA Member Presenters for presenting clinics and serving the profession
Region 4 ASBDA Attendees for not only being there but mentoring and socializing non members who attended the clinic